This has been a challenging year for us all, and Thanksgiving 2020 will probably look a little different for most families across the country. However, it is still fun to set a beautiful table – regardless of how large or small your gathering may be – and below we have compiled some lovely and inspirational tablescapes from around the web. What are your plans this Thanksgiving?
On Friday, we’re looking forward to getting a jump start on Christmas shopping, and we will be posting our favorite Black Friday sales! Also, the ultimate shopping guide for absolutely everyone on your list can be referenced via The Glam Pad’s 2020 Christmas with the Tastemakers Gift Guide.
Thanksgiving 2020 may look a little different for most American families – ours included. So for those who may be gathering al fresco, today we have selected 10 delightful and inspiring fall tablescapes to suit the occasion. Fortunately the weather here has been so lovely, perfect for a special outdoor gathering! What are you doing to celebrate this Thanksgiving?
Back by popular request… Our “Christmas with the Tastemakers Gift Guide” featuring some the nation’s top interior designers and purveyors of good taste!Last year’s inaugural Tastemakers Gift Guide was one of The Glam Pad’s most popular posts of the year, and I am delighted to announce it will be an annual tradition. Today, 20+ designers and tastemakers are sharing every brilliant idea and chic suggestion you could possibly need for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, children, pets, him, her, and yourself!
This year we will begin in reverse alphabetical order. Our contributing designers and tastemakers are listed below, please click the arrow to the right of their names to read their holiday tips. Merry, merry!
My sister, Kari’s, precious shop, JoJo Mommy, is my go to for all of the children that I love to buy for! Everything from treats and toys to dapper boys looks and glamorous girl dresses can be found in her darling shop or on-line. I always add one of the darling books she stocks to a gift for a child.
For the older ones, I love these Loog Guitars. What a fun way to help a teen learn something cool!
GIFTS FOR PETS
We get stopped on the streets asking about the Swiss Dog Collar that my husband ordered for our dog.
GIFTS FOR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
Toad Fish Outfitters makes the coolest non-tip koozies that my husband loves! They would make such a great guy gift!
This versatile and classic mint julep cup from our hostess gift line, Hôtesse. Use it as a vase with holiday greenery for a pop of color in your powder room or fill a collection of these cups with toppings for a Bloody Mary bar. The possibilities are endless.
BEST STOCKING STUFFERS
Ina Garten’s favorite (and now my favorite) pepper grinder.
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
The Lil Robe from Weezie‘s new children’s line, Lil Weezie. You won’t find a softer robe! I adore the beautiful piped edges that comes in solid colors, gingham and stripes.
My family and I are planning a trip over the holidays to Blackberry Mountain, the wellness focused sister property to Blackberry Mountain.
GIFTS FOR TEACHERS AND NEIGHBORS
We always make these Southern Garlic Cheese Grits on Christmas morning but I also love the curried rice and lemon-dill rice throughout the year. These are perfect for neighbors and teachers!
Flowers are always my first choice to gift the host/hostess to show my appreciation. Through out most of the year, I like to send big, beautiful pink and white Long Stem Roses – 12 pink and 12 white, I have done this for years, In the spring, I change things up and send white and pink Peonies.
BEST STOCKING STUFFERS
Splits of Dom Perignon and Cristal.
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
I always find out what is the latest, most popular children’s book and give this book if that is not available or they already have a copy, I always go with the classic – Where The Wild Things Are, this is always a right choice for young children.
GIFTS FOR PETS
Chanel Dog Bowls
GIFTS FOR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
Pay their American Express, Visa or Mastercard bill, whatever the total may be.
GIFTS FOR TEACHERS AND NEIGHBORS
A Strawberry Cheese Cake from Junior’s Cheescakes, I send them to all my friends too. And for all the people I love, a signed copy of my new book, Romance & Rhododendrons.
For hostess gifts, I like to give items that come from my home in Millbrook, Clove Brook Farm. A carton of farm fresh eggs, or a jar of jam that I’ve made (particularly strawberry-rhubarb). It’s a small and personal gift that always seems to be appreciated.
BEST STOCKING STUFFERS
Something I learned from my mom is that the best stocking stuffers come from a trip to the local pharmacy! Our stockings are always filled with practical things everyone needs throughout the year like replacement shaving cartridges, travel size hand lotion, lip balm, and all things for a well stocked medicine cabinet.
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
Legos!! They were a childhood favorite of mine, and never seem to fail as a gift kids love. I really enjoy the creativity a gift like that inspires. You can build anything!
GIFTS FOR PETS
Every year I buy my dogs, Fanny and Lyon, new collars – but let’s face it all they really care about is something for their bellies, so I keep my freezer stocked with marrow bones and bully sticks that become a holiday treat.
GIFTS FOR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
It’s important to think about what your partner really loves when looking for a gift. This year I’ve purchased a Cooper Beech tree for Anthony, his favorite tree, which will be planted before the snow comes. It’s an early gift, but he’ll be able to look out the window at it on Christmas, and it hopefully ensures he’ll stay around permanently to watch it grow!
GIFTS FOR TEACHERS AND NEIGHBORS
I have beehives here at Clove Brook Farm, and one of my favorite small gifts to give is a jar of honey. I think of it as liquid gold! If you don’t have your own bees, buying some from a local supplier makes for a lovely gift.
WHAT IS AT THE TOP OF YOUR PERSONAL WISHLIST?
My personal wish list includes a luxury item that I’ve been coveting for a while – a set of faux bois patterned sheets from D. Porthault, in blue. There’s nothing like climbing into a set of crisp, beautiful sheets, at the end of the day.
Remember, gift wrapping is as important as the gift you give. Take some time to be well stocked with interesting paper, ribbon and tags. Give yourself time to get the job done right. I start at least a week ahead, and sometimes longer. No one wants to spend Christmas Eve in a wrapping panic!
We will soon be announcing a surprise holiday retail experience, so please stay turned to my Instagram for info!!
I love sending flowers or plants the day after a dinner. Foliage Garden has wonderful plants: Maiden Hair Fern, Tree Peony, Lily of the Valley, Daffodils or Paperwhites, always in a mossy terracotta pot, are some of my favorites. I also love my trays from The Lacquer Company–a small one in a bright color always delights.
A day of pleasure spent together: the spa, a show, a great meal. Somewhat hard to do now but here’s to hoping! (Also recommended — massage cream and soap.) I also love art — a beautiful drawing or painting or sculpture.
GIFTS FOR TEACHERS AND NEIGHBORS
I love esoteric useful things like wooden spoons or a great kitchen gadget like a lemon press or ginger grater.
Everyone’s dying to know how smart their dog is! At Dognition.com they’ll assess his/her capacity for reasoning, memory, cunning, and communication.
GIFTS FOR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
Loves to give gifts, but personally, he’s not into “things” so it’s always a big challenge.
~ designed and stitched by me…a needlepoint belt with his “favorite things”
~ portrait of our cat
GIFTS FOR TEACHERS AND NEIGHBORS
~ Stargazing for all. Simply point your iPhone or iPad at the sky to identify stars, constellations, satellites, and more! Skyview app
~a winter’s supply of chopped wood
~ Graeter’s ice cream…divine! and the most creative flavors
~ spa gift certificate
WHAT IS AT THE TOP OF YOUR PERSONAL WISHLIST?
~ Good health…and something I’ve been thinking about (and then forgetting about) for years…a Monica Rich Kosann gold chain with charm links for all my sundry medallion, charms and what nots.
Amazon has loads of out of print coffee table books – one on a subject I know interests the host is a personal and unexpected choice.
If that seems a bit pretentious for a party gift, a fun set of cocktail napkins from Gatopard that the host might not choose for themselves.
If I’m going away for the weekend, something to remind the host of New York is always nice – William Poll dips when I arrive or a pretty frozen package of my pigs in a blanket, and perhaps a bottle of whatever we finished sent to the house after I’ve left 😉
BEST STOCKING STUFFERS
My mother always led by example that stockings are not just for foil covered chocolates! But those are definitely a necessary dose of charm. A dream stocking should have a favorite beauty product like YSL Touche Eclat or Tom Ford Lipstick, a set of notecards or menu cards from Bernard Maisner or Dempsey Carroll, a favorite Dyptique candle (Tubereuse or Mimosa), a gift card to a favorite restaurant or specialty food store, and maybe a small tin of caviar hidden in the refrigerator for Christmas breakfast!
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
Anything that their parents won’t let them have!
GIFTS FOR PETS
The simplest, chicest, MM approved dog leash that all pups should have!
GIFTS FOR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
Something simple and luxurious that they wouldn’t otherwise stock themselves… Any Mr. Martini could certainly use a pair of new cashmere socks or an Hermes tie (in YOUR favorite color).
GIFTS FOR TEACHERS AND NEIGHBORS
It’s my belief that teachers deserve a Christmas treat more than most! A generous gift card to one of your favorite restaurants is a great way to ensure they’ll have some fun… Similarly, for neighbors, I would invite them over for a home cooked meal – with babysitters provided if there are children! That’s something I don’t think neighbors do often enough in this day and age.
~Wicker basket filled with fresh fruit and tied with a velvet ribbon
WHAT IS AT THE TOP OF YOUR PERSONAL WISHLIST?
Time. Time is so precious and there never seems to be enough. I would love more time with friends and family, time for hobbies, and time to work on Lycette. Of course I wouldn’t mind a market basket from Le Mas de Poiriers, a lesson on how to play mahjong, and a new set of pajamas from P-Jamas.
Anything homemade or home baked is always my favorite thing to bring, especially around the holidays! Your favorite batch of brownies or holiday cookies or even homemade holiday cinnamon potpourri. I will usually tie a beautiful festive bow around whatever I bring and attach a couple of holiday cookie cutters or a special ornament to make it extra special
This one is easy, as it’s one of the best parts of my Christmas! We have a bustling full house of 10 adults plus children and everyone stays in pajamas and fluffy slippers during the wee hours of the day. Our family starts the excitement off each Christmas morning the same way every year… with warm cinnamon buns followed by mimosas and coffee for the adults and fresh squeezed orange juice for the little ones. The kids run to see what Santa left them while we play Christmas music and get cozy. Then, we all gather around and open stockings together…both adults and children get stockings in our family! They are usually over stuffed, extra large stockings with a combination of delicious treats, small bits and bobs and clever little gifts sure to make anyone smile.
My favorite picks for stocking stuffers this year:
~A copy of either one of my two books happens to be just the perfect size to fit into a stocking ?
~For adults: A sprinkling of things such as festive chocolates, aloe vera infused socks, cable organizers, velvet headbands, air pod covers, vitamins, a bow tie, nail polish, razor blades, leather gloves, lip gloss or chapstick, makeup or face wipes, and of course their favorite treats such as protein bars or beef jerky
My daughter Valentina was gifted a personalized book that is called “Where’s Valentina?” which is sort of like a Where’s Waldo book. The best part is that you can choose what the character looks like so it is similar to the child! I have gifted this book to so many little ones I love and it’s a hit every time:
10 mm off-white pearl earrings are classic and wow
I also adore a gift that is an experience. Each year my husband gifts me an experience and it’s my favorite gift to look forward to and I never can guess what it will be. He usually will plan it all out and put a lot of effort into the excursion and then creates a homemade brochure that he prints out and wraps for me to open. It’s always a surprise, fully planned by him, and could be anything- one year it was dance lessons together and another it was two ski passes.
GIFTS FOR TEACHERS AND NEIGHBORS
Teachers- With so many virtual meetings and courses, I think a good, strong light ring will go a long way!
Neighbors- A pie. Either homemade or bakery bought will do!
WHAT IS AT THE TOP OF YOUR PERSONAL WISHLIST?
~I have the smaller carry on version of this monogrammed suitcase but I love it so much I’m hoping Santa brings me the larger version.
~I love hosting, and often have a friend or two for a casual dinner after work and will invite them into the kitchen with a glass of wine while I cook and chat. I have my eye on this new apron by Gretchen Scott.
I love to exercise and run outside and my zipper pockets to hold everything just aren’t cutting it. Have this running belt on my wish list.
~ Another great gift is a classic candle. Depending when we’re gifting it we will give a holiday scent or one of our favorite classics like this one from Diptyque.
~ For a gift that is a little more outside the box, we choose a coffee table book that covers something the recipient is interested in. We like this particular book, especially because it’s neutral and would work in any home.
With five children aged 17-25 they still receive red and gold wrapped solid chocolate Santas and festive holiday candy. Phone chargers and small fun LEGO sets and always a little cash ?
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
For young Children I love to give a beautiful classic storybook wrapped with festive holiday paper tied with a ribbon and a small stuffed animal. For my older Children it is usually photo books that I put together from a family trip, event or milestone, college gear, clothes and fun family games we usually play over the holiday.
GIFTS FOR PETS
For my sweet old Adler we have given him a wicker dog bed with cozy ticking striped custom cushion and always some treats and a new toy.
GIFTS FOR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
For my husband I usually give him a beautiful cashmere sweater and a fun family photo in a beautiful frame. I also write a lovely note of gratitude for being our rock.
GIFTS FOR TEACHERS AND NEIGHBORS
For teachers and neighbors I will give homemade hot fudge sauce made from my mom’s recipe or holiday flower bulb kits in a clay pot tied in a beautiful ribbon and our family holiday card.
WHAT IS AT THE TOP OF YOUR PERSONAL WISHLIST?
My husband always gives me my favorite perfume and something special for either the house or my closet. A special charm for my charm bracelet, vintage handbag or piece of art…. always something with sentiment and he knows I’ve had my eye on.
When I travel and visit museums, historic houses, and gardens, I buy various boxes of gift cards at the gift shop on-site, as they are usually unique to the venue, and one can never have enough notecards! But this year, during Covid and lack of international travel, my go-to gift will be my new interior design book, Holly Holden’s Pearls of Palm Beach, inscribed in pink ink!
BEST STOCKING STUFFERS
For those who love truffles, a yummy stocking stuffer for the “cooks” in our family will be a bottle of Truffle Zest – it’s divine and enhances just about anything you sprinkle it on! From eggs to vegetables, meat, noodles, even popcorn, I have become obsessed with this product in my kitchen. “Sabatino Truffles” is the largest truffle importer in the USA, and I am grateful to have been introduced to them when they became a marvelous sponsor for my weekly e-newsletter, Mummy’s Monday Manners & Lovely Living. Staying home more often during Covid, my cooking can use a bit of shaking up!
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
For our eight grandchildren, who are under the age of eleven, Stuart and I enjoy giving a gift that we can appreciate with them, from a fishing rod and tackle box to a portable horse grooming organizer filled with horse brushes. For the older ones, a paint set which will include an easel, brushes, paints, and some additional canvas or paint boards to paint en plein air. Along with each of these gifts, will be a promise to go to a specific destination to utilize with them together!
GIFTS FOR PETS
When a friend has a new dog or cat, I like to have an L.L.Bean medium canvas boat-tote with a zipper, with the pet’s name embroidered. It is perfect when the pet travels with the owner or off to a pet resort while the owner is away!
GIFTS FOR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
To commission a bespoke piece of artwork, I believe, is a meaningful gift! From a rendering of my husband’s garden to a painting of some aspect of our house Fox Hall, these are relevant to both of us. An artist’s interpretation of a photograph can also capture a special moment shared on our travels. This year I am having a bronze sculpture commissioned for our garden for Stuart… shhh, he doesn’t know! Etsy is a splendid place to find outstanding artists who can achieve whatever you wish to create.
GIFTS FOR TEACHERS AND NEIGHBORS
Each year I try to make a dozen of my pecan pies and deliver to our dear friends and neighbors the day before Christmas. (This is becoming more of a challenge to do when our entire family visits us every other year!) My secret recipe has a hint of Grand Marnier and orange peel, and it can be enjoyed during the Christmas holidays or frozen for a dinner party later the next year!
WHAT IS AT THE TOP OF YOUR PERSONAL WISHLIST?
Nothing makes me happier, with the present-day of digital photographs, than to receive a tangible photograph of our family members, printed out in a 5”x7” format, that I can frame and add to my beloved collection of silver frames that grace our piano!
A case of wine, peonies, champagne, of course… and HELLO! magazine. Everyone loves it and most people are too embarrassed to buy it.
BEST STOCKING STUFFERS
Cash money, honey. No ifs ands or buts.
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
See above
GIFTS FOR PETS
The last thing any of my friends’ pets need is a gift… They are all so so so spoiled, mine included! But if you must, hit Canine Styles on Lexington Avenue in NYC… or at least their website.
We’re Jewish, but my very chic Mother in Law always finds the best stocking stuffer-esque gifts. We’ve gotten everything from engraved makeup brushes and fabric shavers to UV phone sanitizers and quip toothbrushes. I’d take a page out of her book any day.
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
Elle got a toy kitchen for her first Hanukkah. It’s a gift that stands the test of time! She’s four and still plays with it. This year I got Jennings and Elle children’s chairs from Pierrot, a lovely British artisan brand.
The best gift we ever gave each other was a Jura E8. Worth every penny! Make sure you get the glass milk container to make lattes! I also like getting Michael pieces from Sid Mashburn (it’s selfish though as it gives me the excuse to pop into Ann’s shop and she’s an all-time favorite).
GIFTS FOR TEACHERS AND NEIGHBORS
There’s always something elegant about a tin of Louis Sherry chocolates, and afterwards it’s the perfect place to store trinkets on your desk. I also think a myrtle topiary is lovely and easy to top off with a bow, for a lot of look and minimal effort.
WHAT IS AT THE TOP OF YOUR PERSONAL WISHLIST?
I just got myself an early Hanukkah gift: this Aurelia Demark diamond bow pendant. It’s the most beautiful thing I own. Next on my list is a wool rug for our formal living room though truly wishing for a fabulous trip somewhere…anywhere (!) in 2021.
~ scented candles (D. Porthault has six delicious scents)
~ diffusers (D. Porthault has a new diffuser called Madeleine Rose in honor of D. Porthault’s 100th Anniversary, our founder Madeleine Porthault, and Madeleine’s first print — a tea rose — hand painted on white linen.)
~ penuche fudge, home made from my Mother’s recipe (wrapped and stacked atop one of D. Porthault’s new little laminated trays).
BEST STOCKING STUFFERS
~ handkerchiefs
~ sachets
~ cocktail napkins and guest towels in assorted, happy prints (we can never have enough!)
~ D. Porthault travel accessories (with a note, “For future adventures…”)
~ tiny treasures always discovered at E.A.T. Gifts on Madison Avenue
~ and we have to remember the walnut at the top and the clementine in the toe!
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
~ an art easel, crayons and reams of paper
~ building blocks
~ costumes
~ terry robes
~ D. Porthault stuffed bunny
~ always a personalized needlepoint ornament
~ and always a book
GIFTS FOR PETS
~ yet another plush doggie bed and our puppy’s favorite toy — a stuffed hedgehog (even though we already have about a dozen around the house!)
GIFTS FOR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
~ an album, visually cataloguing – by subject, size, year and location — my husband’s collection of vintage movie posters
~ books (history = his favorite)
GIFTS FOR TEACHERS AND NEIGHBORS
~ a D. Porthault boudoir pillow and lavender sachet with a card saying, “Thank you for being there.”
WHAT IS AT THE TOP OF YOUR PERSONAL WISHLIST?
~ a new dress! But I’ll patiently wait to wear it.
~ and of course a book (history = my favorite too)
~ but mostly, to be surrounded again by all of my family
Christophe Robin single use hair masks: This may only apply to the blondes in your life but the checkout aisle at Sephora is my favorite place to pick up tiny stocking stuffers
A very warm hello from your Home & Style Editor! If we haven’t yet met, it is my pleasure, and I am so delighted to have recently joined Andrea here at The Glam Pad.
Does it seem that we blinked in March and awoke in November? Of all the socially distant holidays, birthdays, bar mitzvahs, and weddings this year, perhaps the occasion that might seem the most disrupted is Thanksgiving. At my family’s home “the more, the merrier” is our modus operanda, but much like everyone else, our celebration will be a little different this time. Some things will stay the same (my mum’s cranberry sour cream jello salad, for example, and the fact that I’m always running about an hour behind on the turkey), but no matter the size of of your Thanksgiving table this year, there’s no reason it should be any less festive!
On that note, I’ve put together a collection of pieces to gift or to dress your table in style. And, while I’ve resisted the urge to compile a list of must-have entertaining items for those looking to lighten the mood this season, extendable forks and 2020-sized wine glasses are always good for a laugh during these times! Happy tablescaping!
Placemats in two different options: for a traditional harvest theme, I’ve selected these Tory Burch Raffia placemats, and for an sophisticated option that is sure to ruffle feathers (in a good way), consider these Pheasant Feather Chargers from the Avenue.
An 1800s silver show-stopper of a serving dome to unveil your bird in most dramatic fashion. I adore the acorn and leaf detail on this English-made, one-of-a-kind piece, complete with a detailed family crest that deserves much further inquiry.
Charming wicker cornucopias under $8/apiece that are worthy of any Grandmillenial Thanksgiving table. Pilgrim style, after all, is having a bit of a moment. These would make adorable placecard holders. Speaking of placecards…
These elegant placecards from Mr. P’s. If you are the host/ess, I also love the idea of giving your guests their very own pack as a gift of Thanksgiving to continue the art of hospitality at their next gathering.
Candles, candles, candles. I adore these shimmering pure beeswax candlesticks from La Petite Abeille (that have yet to drip on my table!) and these tiny tapers in fall colors. This cozy-scented one in beautiful Murano glass makes a wonderful hostess gift. After all, what is Thanksgiving dinner without dad jokes by candlelight?
A pumpkin-shaped cocquette that is decidedly not a single-season piece. When it comes to cookware, I prefer to avoid purchasing pieces that can only be used once a year, but this enamelware piece can be brought out as soon as the leaves begin to turn. Use it for pumpkin soup, chili, mulled cider, stock, and on and on.
The perfect gold flatware under $15! This is THE find for which yours truly is most excited: I have been searching high and low the perfect gold cutlery for years, and stumbled across this set unwittingly. Simple, elegant, yet not too modern for traditional tastes, dare I say these could almost, almost, almost pass for Christofle?
One of my favorite Grandmillennials is artist Riley Sheehey who I enjoy following on Instagram. With a whimsical and playful outlook, Riley finds inspiration from the past through vintage floral wallpaper, antique botanical prints, block print textiles, and more. I have prints from her botanical series and simply love them! Riley has engaged in numerous product collaborations, and the latest is Riley Sheehey for Moda Domus.
For this collection, Riley incorporated her signature soft pastel florals to design hand painted tableware such as scallop-edged and shell-shaped plates, table linens embroidered in Morocco, and glasses and plates hand-painted by Italian artisans. She channels the charm of southern summers, inspired by old block-printed textiles, hand-painted Spanish and Portuguese antiques, and William Morris botanicals.
One of my favorite illustrations by Riley Sheehey via @cestriley
“My favorite part of this collaboration is that during a global pandemic, Moda has managed to bring together artists and artisans from all over the world to create pieces (the textiles are embroidered in Morocco, the glasses and plates are hand-painted by Italian artisans, and I am designing and hand-painting collateral in Virginia), making the world feel a little smaller,” Riley said via Instagram. “In a time when so many things are quickly and mass-produced, to me, this collection, full of hand-painted elements, is a celebration of the art of ‘slow living.’ Working on these designs with Moda has undoubtedly been a highlight of my career, and I am so grateful for the opportunity.”
We could all use a little escape these days… 2020 has been quite a year. Since the world around us is locking down again I asked my friend Norma Thiessen – founder of My Beautiful Paris: A personal guide for your fun and stylish Parisian adventure – to take us on a virtual holiday to the City of Love. Because Paris is always a good idea, n’est-ce pas? Norma’s website is a treasure trove of all the best places to eat, stay, visit, and shop when in Paris. She even offers custom itineraries for travelers to Paris and other areas in Europe, from putting together something as simple as suggesting accommodations to planning entire trips down to every detail. The Glam Pad is delighted to welcome Norma today as we take a pre-covid trip back in time to Paris… Enjoy!
Who wants to go to Paris? I do! I do! Me too please!
But, we can’t.
Wait a minute! We can do the next best thing and go virtually. So, get ready for what they call… a little armchair travel! (It’s the best I’ve got. I’ll make it fun. Promise!)
I will take you to a few of the most spectacular places. We’ll stay at one of the most iconic hotels in the world (pack your Sunday best!). We’ll walk through a dreamy garden (you’ll need your trainers); pick up a few specialty items from my preferred boutiques in all of Paris like mint tea flavoured mouthwash from my favourite perfumer (who doesn’t like fancy mouthwash?), a vase, a coffee cup, or whatever suits your fancy from my favourite Parisian ceramic makers; and of course we’ll grace at least one of the grand museums with our presence, all before sipping an aperitif at a classic Parisian café (pack a scarf – we’ll be sitting outside!).
Are you ready? Are you packed yet? Leave no shoe un-stuffed!
Let’s go to Paris.
You are going to LOVE me when you find out where we’re staying. Seriously.
Drumroll please… let’s check in to the Hôtel Ritz Paris! Ahhhh! I know. I know. I’m so excited I can hardly stand it. Would you like the Imperial Suite, the Windsor Suite or… how about the Chanel Suite? Your choice. Even their standard suites are exceptional.
During our stay we’ll be sure to pay a visit to Bar Hemingway. This awesome little bar is nestled in the back corner of the hotel, named after famed author Ernest Hemingway, for whom it was a favourite drink spot. As a quick aside, the history of Hôtel Ritz Paris is quite fascinating. I treated my niece to a stay at the Hôtel Ritz Paris last Christmas on the condition that she read The Hôtel on Place Vendômeby Tilar J. Mazzeo, A Moveable Feast, by Ernest Hemingway, and Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin. It was important to me that she be able to appreciate where she was staying. I think it did the trick.
By the way, do not fret if your French is rusty. A friendly “Bonjour” will get you far. Plus, the staff at the Hôtel Ritz Paris speak 28 different languages –27 more than I speak.
I’m sorry to tear you away from hotel heaven, but we’ll be back!
A five-minute walk from our hotel will take us to the Jardin des Tuileries. (When I speak about this garden, I always instantly hold my hands to my heart. It has such an effect on me.)
The moment we enter the garden through the massive wrought iron gates, you will hear a subtle crackling of crushed stone under your feet. It’s such a soothing sound.
The crushed gravel walkways will take you around the large fountains and through tree-lined paths and pretty gardens to many of the loveliest views in Paris. By the way, Jardin des Tuileries is just as picturesque and magical in the winter than it is in the summer.
When I visit the garden on my own I usually bring a book and a baguette avec jambon et fromage. I will sit in one of the green metal chairs for hours, reading and people-watching… but we don’t have hours, so let’s continue. Off we go!
I adore Renoir’s L’enfant au chat. This charming painting hangs on a wall at the Musée d’Orsay. The sweet affection between Renoir’s two subjects cheers me right up!
Another favourite art piece of mine is La Petite Danseuse de 14 ans by Edgar Degas. (If you haven’t read The Painted Girlsby Cathy Marie Buchanan, do. It’s a riveting story about Degas and his dancers and will bring you a whole new appreciation for the artist.)
After the museum, I hope you’re in the mood for a little shopping, or a lot of shopping, because you’re in for a treat.
Buly 1803 and Astier de Villatte are the prettiest boutiques in Paris. At least in my opinion they are. The first time I entered both establishments I was immediately taken.
In Buly 1803 you can order an engraved toothbrush, pick up their popular mint tea flavoured mouthwash or yummy toothpaste, and snap up a monogrammed soap. Oh, and I haven’t even mentioned the floor tiles yet! Just standing in this boutique alone will give you great satisfaction.
Astier de Villatte. This rustic piece of heaven holds my heart… and the most wonderful handmade pottery I have ever seen. Their simplicity is what makes them so desirable. These little pieces of art (cups, saucers, mugs, plates, bowls, vases, etc.) are mostly in white. Besides their dreamy dishes, they also offer beautifully scented candles. During one visit, I picked one up named Commune de Paris, lifted the lid and the scent was of Paris! How can a candle smell like Paris? Well, it just does! Or perhaps it is just me. I bring one home every time I visit.
Sorry about all your shopping bags. Why is everyone looking at me? Ok, fine my fault.
It’s been a long, yet wonderful, day and my feet are throbbing. (I miss that sensation!) We’ve earned an aperitif, I’d say! Shall we shlep our shopping bags to Le Nemours? (That is more of an instruction than it is a question.)
Le Nemours is situated in a fabulous spot between Palais Royal, with her magical gardens, and the Musée du Louvre. Though this cafe is constantly bustling, getting a table never seems to be a problem. There might have been times when I’ve sat here for too long. Slumped over. Clinging on to the table. “H-h-h-heeeeeey! Jusht one mer!” I’m kidding. I would never.
The beauty about coming to the end of our day is that we get to saunter along the pretty rue Saint-Honoré back to Hôtel Ritz Paris, run a hot steaming bath, slip into our comfy PJ’s, crawl under the covers and lay our head on our very own embroidered pillow. (Yes, Hôtel Ritz Paris embroiders your initials onto your pillow. I know, I know. How wonderful is that.)
Bonne nuit mes amis! I hope you enjoyed your day as much as I have.
Norma Thiessen lives in Toronto, Canada. She adores all things French: the people; food; history; architecture; countryside and culture. But most of all, she adores Paris. Norma writes about why she loves the city so much on her website – www.mybeautifulparis.com. You can also follow her on Instagram @mybeautifulpari. And click here for Norma’s in-depth tour of Hôtel Ritz Paris.
