Christmas...that magical time of year...always anticipated...always fleeting & loved...This year is no exception...we celebrated Thanksgiving early...Spent the last few weeks of November & the first week of December in France...As usual France was full of Christmas spirit...Paris was full of holiday lights & decorations...the countryside was charming & inspiring with old world Christmas spirit...The Christmas & antique markets did not disappoint...I have been very fortunate to spend a lot of time in France...which is always special...Christmas in France is truly magical...the food is always fabulous & everyone is in a celebratory mood...I found many French treasures at the many antique markets...the carved antique figural pediment, in the top foto..was originally from a cafe in Paris...now adorns my mantle...a very special find was an antique French Tian or Confit bowl, that was used to make Cassoulet in southern France...these are very collectible...I have had several over the years...this one is very special as it came from a home of a dear French friend...it had been passed down for generations...it is a butterscotch color...I was thrilled to find this rare one...it is the centerpiece of my Christmas dining table this year...will fill with fresh pears...We visited several Christmas markets in the countryside & all were filled with holiday items...homemade candies...hot mulled wine...Christmas gifts...Always a treat...was sad to leave France...sera de retour bientôt...happy to be home to celebrate Christmas with family & friends here on the west coast...where the Christmas spirit & decorations are everywhere...Sharing with you a small glimpse into the past few weeks...my time in France & my home ready for Pere Noël...
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| The Eiffel... |
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| Notre Dame...Paris |
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| Lille Christmas Market... |
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| Historic Pezenas...France |
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| Antiquing southern France... |
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| Paris... |
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| Au revoir...France |
Merry Christmas...Joyeux Noel!
