I know Tammy from Twitter, but I feel like I’ve known Tammy forever. We grew up very close to each other and somehow never met. She’s lived the life I was meant to – having lived in Paris for the last 17 years (and yes, she still lives there – there are people who really truly live that life, amazing, isn’t it?)
She’s a fantastic writer with a scorching sense of humor, so I invited her to join us at Tchochkes. I hope you enjoy her writing as much as I do.
Growing up in Southern California in my youth, winter meant ditching our shorts and flip flops in favor of warmer clothing – say a Hollister sweatshirt and American Eagle jeans. The holidays, its essence and spirit, was embodied in the statuesque iconic tree in the lobby of South Coast Plaza. The exquisite shops from Tiffany to Chanel to Marni made SCP a lieu of luxury and consumerism outrageously outfitted for the most extravagant holiday of the year: Christmas.
Then I grew up and something happened on my way to some yet unknown destiny in my life. I met and fell in love (banal enough) with a young Frenchman (not so banal at the University of Southern California in the 80′s) and we married. Eventually, we transported ourselves back to his native country, France, 17 years ago. The culture shock was rather shocking in many aspects. But I was too busy with children, work, and the quotidian to bemoan the comforts of the country I left behind (well I did, but to a limited extent.) I embraced the beauty, the finesse, the culture, and the glamour of Paris. After a few years, I knew I could never go home in the same way again. I had become a mutant Parisienne. For me, Christmas had morphed into Noel.
Each Christmas, the boulevards in the central shopping districts of Paris are decked out to fill tourists and Parisians alike with wonder and excitement. The crowds attack the pavements and jostle to view the magnificent windows of the “grands magasins” (department stores) such as Printemps and Galaries Lafayette. Magic and refinement are the bywords of the season. Families make a special afternoon outing just to enjoy the annual Christmas feast for the eyes.
Unlike South Coast Plaza, the boutiques are not confined to a delimited space but spread out between historical monuments that are tourist attractions in their own rights. Discreet boutiques to international brands such as Ralph Lauren, Hediard, and Lancel are ensconced within landmarks as the Church of Saint Madeleine, where Christmas concerts are performed (Mozart’s Requiem is a staple) and the Opera Garnier, where the Paris National Ballet currently presents the Diaghilev Russian ballet masterpieces.
Along the boulevard de la Madeleine in this cosmopolitan Paris is a haven of home design, Zara Home, of Spanish origin. It is housed within an 18th century circular edifice topped with a cupola of stained glass, with 340 m2 of space filled with eye-catching merchandise. Its mouldings, cornices, coffered ceilings, including original colored prints, lamps, mirrors and fireplaces were restored with meticulous detail by the Zara group.
Here you will find here attractive design items at surprisingly affordable prices to decorate your home in contemporary, country, or traditional style according to your taste, space, and whims. Tablecloths, cushions, table runners, bed linens, children’s accessories set my creative juices flowing with decorative ideas for this holiday and years to come. The table decorations especially caught my interest; being a Julia Child worshipper, I could picture dainty salmon soufflés served in individual ramequins, duck a l’orange presented in plain white porcelain plates set against gold or red hostess plates, and a decade-old Bordeaux glowing in the gold rimmed glasses. Gold trimmed cutlery and candle holders add warmth and elegance in anticipation of a sensational meal. Most items are priced within the 10 to 25 euro range.
My brief 3-hour experience inside Zara Home was a revelation to the senses. Arms laden and head spinning, I headed out the door to a sharp whiff of cold against my face. I looked around dazedly at the crowds, then braced myself for my next challenge: remembering where I had parked the car.
Bises (aka air kisses), from Paris with love. Tammy
Zara Home
2 boulevard de la Madeleine 75009 PARIS
01 58 18 38 20
Photos : Inditex
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
just beautiful. i think i’m one of the few in israel who actually misses the whole christmas holiday spirit — it’s just so festive and happy!
You know Nikki, I feel the same way about Thanksgiving in Europe. All my stateside friends were going into a tailspin over their pumpkin pies… And me? Only one farm-bred turkey (with its head and feathers) that the butcher presented to me, staring at me in the face. “Well, looks like it’s just you and me this season, right babe?”
Tammy, You write beautifully. It is so wonderful and amazing to see how other areas of the United States and world celebrate Christmas. I have lived in California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Washington D.C. and have gone from missing snow, to prayng it doesn’t snow, to hoping for snow on Christmas day. When I lived in Misasa, Japan (northern part of the main island of Honshu), we averaged 180 inches of snow per year. It looked like Christmas on the air base and parts of the city, but it didn’t really feel like Christmas. That is until the day friends invited me to their home for Christmas dinner. The decorations, singing, food, friendship, and gift exchange made it all come together. I would love to see Europe this time of year – maybe someday. Merry Christmas – or rather, “Joyeux Noël”
Michael, your words are so touching… Isn’t it amazing the distance you and I have gone since we first knew each other in 5th grade in California some 30+ years ago? Joyeux Noël to you too, dear friend.