Things to love, read, wear & inspire
Christmas traditions, a film to watch this season (that I watch every year), gold heels to buy now, a timeless pair of pearl earrings and French home scents...
Hello friends,
With just a few days to go until Christmas, we are in full festive throttle over here, and are currently menu planning (and cracker making), as this year we are hosting over three consecutive days: Victor’s mum’s family on the 24th (as the French celebrate with a dinner on Christmas Eve), our mums and a friend on the 25th & Victor’s Dad’s family on the 26th. It’s going to be hectic, but I love to host and with Victor’s family taking care of most of the menu on Sunday evening, I’m focusing on my shopping list for a traditional British Christmas lunch on the 25th, as it doesn’t feel like Christmas to me unless I eat turkey and all the trimmings (cranberry sauce, pigs in blankets, brussels sprouts and mince pies with brandy butter for dessert, in case you’re unsure of what they might be). All things that are decidedly un-French, as Victor keeps reminding me (he turns his nose up a little each time I mention them), but I don’t want to forgo my traditions even though I live in France. So we will be doing a French and English Christmas, with a bit of American thrown in too, in the shape of my grandma’s stuffing and candied yams that will be made by my mum.
Call me old-fashioned, but I love traditions and at this time of year I start conjuring up all the nostalgic feelings of being back in the UK; reminiscing about the things we used to do when I was growing up (if you read my newsletter that went out yesterday, you’ll know that we even had a tradition when it came to tree decorating, which I’m carrying on). I love living in France, but I don’t think the French do Christmas quite like the Brits (perhaps a little controversial, but true), so I’m trying to incorporate as many of my traditions as possible to make me feel a little less nostalgic for the past. I’m also hoping to create new traditions with Victor. Being in a bi-cultural (tri if you count American) relationship, there are undoubtedly things that we can create together that are inspired by both of our countries (let me know if you have any ideas in the comment section!) And with that said, I’m wishing you a very merry Christmas, happy holidays and fun festive season - if and however you might be celebrating. I know this time can bring up a lot of emotions, so I hope whatever you get up to in the next week that you enjoy yourselves, eat some nice food and get some rest! Sending lots of love and festive cheer!
A bientôt, Marissa xxÂ
Things to love, read, watch, wear & inspire:
~ If you watch one festive film this holiday season, I highly recommend The Family Stone - I watch it every Christmas and it cropped up at dinner last week with friends and we were all raving about it.
~ I just received these festive gold heels that I plan on wearing over those three days of hosting!
~ I was invited to the press night of Dirty Dancing the musical last week. I’m a die-hard Dirty Dancing fan and have watched the film countless times, so I was excited, but also a little hesitant to watch a musical version. But I ended up loving it. It’s on for two more nights in Paris.
~ I went to the launch of Ma Vie à Paris - a guide to Paris by Astier de Villatte founders, Ivan Pericoli et Benoît Astier de Villatte, which would make a great gift.
~ It’s candle season and I’ve been kindly sent a few recently, including this ‘podium’ candle by new Parisian candle brand Mamène.
~ Another item I love style-wise this time of year are tights - polka dot, red (the colour of the season), and I also love these Shimmery tights that are perfect for holiday parties and then New Year’s eve if you have something fun planned.
~ I was sent this limited edition Trudon Christmas candle in my favourite fragrance created by the brand, Gabriel, which is getting me in the festive mood.
~ If you’re not into festive jumpers, this fair Isle jumper is a great alternative, and I’ll be creating an edit in the next Insider, which will go out next week.
~ I was sent this gorgeous silk pyjama set from French lingerie brand, Simone Pérèle (camisole & pants) that I’m looking forward to wearing it over the holidays!
Recently in The Insider:
An edit of chic Christmas decorations
Parisian chic at home: how to effortlessly Frenchify your interiors
Affordable Paris hotels for design-lovers
lovely to have spent Xmas with you. Mooxx