During the years we lived in Paris, I was lucky to take weekly classes with local chefs at Le Cordon Bleu. The French maintain simple, crispy kitchens and utilize the very best, freshest ingredients. Here are a few fun, helpful and inexpensive ideas to present your kitchen a few of that French flair. — Mary Ann from classic•casual•house
Contemporary Coffee Makers – $249
Okay, this may not seem very cheap, but if you prefer superb java it will help save you money in the long run. 1 coffee capsule is about $.55 — compare that to Starbucks. If you like a nice café au lait in the afternoon or a after-dinner espresso, then this won’t disappoint. It is less costly than many fancier espresso machines, the design is slick and it comes in many colours too.
shop.parisiensalon.com
Porcelain Latte Bowls – $35
These enchanting”Bistro de Paris” porcelain bowls are great for oatmeal, soups, ice cream, steaming lattés or chocolat chaud. Très Français! The collection of four comes packed in a vintage-style tin. My daughter succeeded about them for Christmas.
Anthropologie
Chef’s Vital Apron – $28
Here’s a cute and practical apron to wear while preparing votre dîner.
Cost Plus World Market
Multicolor Stacking Mugs or Espresso Cups Sets of 6 – $12.99
You will feel as if you are sipping your coffee at a café with those cups — we certainly do! They take up little storage with stainless steel racks and will go in the dishwasher.
Contemporary Milk Frothers – $99
Make perfect cold or hot milk froth in only a couple seconds. You will want to make cappuccinos for all your visitors!
IKEA
LÄMPLIG Chopping Board – $9.99
We have this wooden cutting board on the counter beside the stove. What a great price! Looks good as it ages too.
Sur La Table
Provençal Bee Glass – $8.95
These hardy glasses are enjoyable to serve wine for a casual dinner. Embellished with bees, they are from the glass maker in France.
Anthropologie
Covered Butter Dish – $24
Serve room temperature butter to your baguette inside this rather, vintage-looking dish.
Williams-Sonoma
Silpat Silicone Cookie Sheet Liner – $24.95
A staple! All the French patisserie chefs utilize these flexible, nonstick (does not have to be greased), reusable liners — they are great for cookies, biscuits or croissants.
Crate&Barrel
Small French Wire Whisk – $7.95
This can be an indispensable tool for whipping up fresh salad dressings or eggs for omelets.
Target
12″ Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – $18.99
You will want to have an economical, heavy skillet to sear and cook meats such as beef au poivre. This is just another French kitchen staple.
Anthropologie
Horta Champagne Glass – $12
How elegant will you feel sipping champagne from this detailed but reasonably-priced flute?
shop.parisiensalon.com
Madame/Monsieur Napkin Rings – $38
At our next dinner party, I will use these for to get a”boy-girl-boy-girl” seating arrangement. Cute!
Pottery Barn
Striped Fringe Napkins, Set of 4 – $49
The French save on paper products, and just how elegant is to utilize these monogrammed napkins every day? Comes with free monogramming — I need these!
Crate&Barrel
Large Rectangle Slate Board – $24.95
A cheese course after the dish and before a candy dessert is customary in France. You can serve gourmet cakes with style on those slate cutting boards.
Anthropologie
Laguiole Cheese Knives – $32
Laguiole is a famed French cutlery company dating back to 1829. We have some pieces much like those and use them all the time for cheese and appetizers.
Crate&Barrel
French Rolling Pin – $9.95
What better way to roll out your tart pastry?
Williams-Sonoma
Nonstick Rectangular Tart Pan – $27
I use this pan to make lemon tarts out of a recipe that I discovered in Paris. You might also impress your friends with a few gorgeous fruit tarts. The ruffled sides make for simple removal.
Williams-Sonoma Home
De Buyer French Steel Crepe Pan | Williams Sonoma – $24.95
This makes a fun gift for the crêpe lover! My son enjoys his filled with Nutella and chopped bananas.
Brook Farm General Store
French Market Basket – $40
This classic managed basket is much like the one that I got in Provence. Add some panache to your grocery shopping! Can not you just see new flowers peeking on one side of the bag and a baguette on the opposite? Trés posh .
Next: More ways to Become French flair