Why should it not be beautiful: 21 French finds for your life
- Aimee Boudreaux MacIver
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Besides New Orleans, the other place in the world where I just feel like myself is France. Some falsely characterize France as fussy or fancy, but I see an instinct to combine beauty, quality, and pragmatism in all things. It's an aesthetic that deeply resonates with me (so do the Beaujolais and the pain au chocolat). Here are some of my favorite finds to add a little joie de vivre to the every day:
This charming cookbook of monastery soups was first given to me by a French nun (my personal favorite is the Normandy carrot soup—but add some cayenne).
Opinel knife: This handsome tool comes from a heritage brand in France and folds up to just four inches. Opinel offers a wide collection of many other beautiful, durable knives.
We use Le Parfait glass jars for packing leftovers, homemade granola, and lunches, including jar salads; they are a great upgrade and make everything look prettier. I really love the screw-on lids that don’t rust.
This oil diffuser has a minimalist design, excellent sillage, and smells like a field in Provence. The fragrance oil is all natural, which makes a huge difference if you often suffer fragrance-triggered headaches like I do. We keep a few of these tucked around the house and apartment.
A bamboo drying rack captures that French aesthetic of never having to choose between practical and pretty.
My purse is always stocked with Panier des Sens hand cream that has a great texture and comes in multiple natural scents (I love the Provence and lavender versions); I always ask for a new tube in my Christmas sibling gift exchange.
All summer in Paris, you'll see French women carrying woven basket bags; this leather basket bag is a gorgeous iteration.
I love the simple, rustic flavor these organic herbes de Provence add to chicken, vegetables, pork, eggs, soups, and stews—and they smell incredible!
This stylish, super high-quality French press makes excellent coffee, keeps it hot for hours, and is impeccably constructed. We have two: one at home and one at our apartment.
Duralex picardie glasses are a French bistro staple that we use for water, soft drinks, cocktails, wine, everything. They come in tons of sizes; I recommend a set of the 12.6 oz for water, tea, and soft drinks, and a set of the 5.6 oz for wine, cocktails, and liquor. We also use stacks of these at parties instead of disposable cups.
French linen sheets have a pleasant texture that’s breathable and dreamy for summer.
How cute is this Bonjour/ Au revoir door mat?
Use a French linen proofing cloth for baking. It’s thicker than a normal dishcloth/tea towel to better insulate your dough.
I like the energetic lines of this French-blue canvas wall art that adds a little life to walls.
You don’t have to go across the ocean to bring home a few bottles of this inexpensive French pharmacy body wash staple.
Few things are more charming than the enamel house numbers you see all over France. Along with using them outside your house, you can also post them above doorways or use them as decor to commemorate significant dates or places.
Bois de Balincourt by Maison Marie Louis eau de parfum is one of my favorite fragrances—earthy and woodsy, with lots of sandalwood and vetiver. It's a clean, all-natural formulation inspired by an ancient French forest.
Brass outlet covers are one of those small upgrades that makes a shockingly significant impact and helps you pretend you're living in an apartment in le sixième.
I stash these French hair pins in bags and pockets for a quick hairstyle that’s much more chic than a scrunchie (or a pencil, like the ones I used in high school to hold my hair).
We have several of these French blue striped tablecloths (that also come in a variety of colors and designs); for an excellent price, they are heavyweight and high-quality, and launder well.
Minimalist canvas totes are a French staple for running errands.
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