French ponderings.....

French ponderings.....
Dreaming of France in The Land Down Under.......

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Sunday, December 30, 2012

Christmas recap/La récapitulation de Noël

 
Well, that's Christmas for another year!  For us, it was full on and wonderful, spending quality time with our grown children, something that doesn't happen often unfortunately, due to the fact that  they live on opposite sides of  Australia.
 
Last post I  shared some shots of some  inspiring Christmas tables, so thought this time around  I would share how our  decorations  were displayed......

To start with.....the stairs... inspired, isn't it!! Bet no-one has ever thought to do that before!!
 
 
 
 
Now for the tree....I purchased a new one this year, rather big but I like it. Over the last 20 odd years our tree has been quite ...mmm... how do I say....TRASHY!  The more decorations and tinsel the better! The kids just loved it like that.. this year my 22 year old requested the new tree be decorated exactly the same as always... so... here it is! (I tried to reel it all in a bit though)


 
 
 
 
Here is my  'pièce de résistance', I should take up christmas decorating as a profession, don't you think????????
 
 
 
 
 
 I know, it is a long way off those glamorous table settings in previous post..but.....well....it's  'ours', and a lovely time was had. Roast pork and lamb, a delicious ham, roasted vegetables, tomato and onion pie, peas and a cheese and coliflower bake, all topped with gravy and then followed by a scrumptious  christmas pudding and custard. Yummy and traditional...who could ask for more??!
 
Hope you  all had a wonderful christmas and I wish  you a very happy and healthy 2013. I'm looking forward to throwing myself back into my 'french' world again..perhaps I might start tracking down more french experiences here in Oz....stay tuned!
 
 
 
A bientôt! Gigi
 
ps... I promise I won't take up decorating as my day job! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Monday, December 10, 2012

Christmas inspirations/ Les inspirations de Noël

Glam but cozy
Rather grand :)




 
 
Serene but fun





I love the idea of a beautiful christmas table...though by the time christmas day arrives..I'm usually too tired to even THINK about something different..and I certainly haven't brained stormed prior....but this year I have help!  Creative help at that!
 
 Are you having the' same old same old' this year...or  being more adventurous?
 
 
A bienôt, Gigi

Friday, December 7, 2012

French Christmas Decorations/ Les décorations de Noël

Champs Elysees
Coco Chanel window, Paris
 
 
 
 










A Nice christmas, french mediterranean





Traditional Christmas 'santons'
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notre Dame de Paris

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Gigi

 

Monday, December 3, 2012

It's nearly Christmas!/ C'est presque Noël!

Christmas is sneaking up on us...we've hit December!

My christmas work at L'Occitane is keeping me very busy,  therefore  posts have been rather scant..



 
So, this month I am going to share  short snapshots of  a French Christmas, enjoy!

 
Gallery Lafayette, Paris.



Gallery Lafayette would have to be the most beautiful department store I have ever seen! If you  have an opportunity to go there....go early!!  It  is EXTREMELY busy...especially when they are in sale mode..

It is a gorgeous building any time..but at christmas the  masters surpass themselves in the festive  decorating ring...in fact they have a special 'unveiling' of their christmas windows...usually including a celeb! I must say that their windows are 'themed' and pretty well  'out there'!  Such as 2011....a Rockin' Xmas.



Disney has made an appearance this year..........








Below is one of the window displays at Le Bon Marche, another beautiful old department store..the oldest  in Paris I think, and the most prestigious. The display is  of Paris, of course! Love it :)



Tis the season to be jolly :)


A bientôt, Gigi.