Un simple déjeuner hivernal
January and February are the months that seem to move at idle speed. This in-between season is quite tricky as there is not much to do in the kitchen garden. Even life in Paris seems quite dull (and let’s not talk about those strikes…)
These first two months of the year are actually perfect to rest at home after a busy holiday season. You can buy seeds, plants and plan both the garden and potager but also test new baking recipes…. During this season I also tend to spend more of my weekends in Paris so I can see my friends and catch up with them.
To say the truth I don’t feel like going out after work when it is dark and cold outside! It is a great time too to plan new projects at work. So when the whole family gathers in the countryside, we like to keep things simple. One tradition we love is to invite friends or family for our traditional Galette des Rois (King’s cake). It is a lovely moment where we are together without feeling the pressure of big festive parties.
The table setting you see here is the one I do for this type of « low-profile winter lunch », which is a reflection of our state of mind. It combines rustic simplicity with a little bit of poetry and a few pops of color announcing Spring.
Last year, I had chosen mimosa flowers to compliment the table. They were beautiful paired with a strong blue tablecloth, but this year I’ve opted for oeillets du fleuriste with a rich pink color. I’ve also tried to bring a touch of modernity with black and dark blue candles as well as colorful Italian glassware. I also love gingham which is a pattern I use a lot. Here, those gingham napkins are great as they look vintage and modern at the same time.
This black and white contrast is perfect for a modern look and that the blue/pink association is perfect for a country feel.
If you want to keep things low maintenance, I would advise not to use too many evergreens or branches to keep the whole table-setting minimal. And take a little time for yourself, cook simple things even if you entertain at home as the rest of the year will be full of events to take care of!
