Paris Fete des Meres

I've been looking around town for signs of French Mother's day (les fetes des meres). At BHV I got up so close and personal to this sign I knocked over a stack of Nina Ricci perfume boxes. Ooops.

These are called 'Les Delices de Nina'. Click and watch a fun video.

At the time I didn't notice this box had a PARIS MAP on it. Now that I'm stricken with serious Map-o-mania, I regret not scooping it up for research purposes... Mille Merci dear PBers for signing on for the new map letters!!

It's predictable to give mom chocolates and/or flowers. In Paris you give your maman edible mini flower pots filled with praline.

Naturally there are plenty of gorgeous roses waiting to greet mom.

A queen maman in black and white stripes.

Angelina has a giant chocolate vase full of chocolate flowers.

Last Monday Solli took me to a 'Dior' tea at the Mandarin Oriental hotel. The tiny exquisite mignardises are based on new Dior perfume scents.

The tea will be on till June 6. Do eat lunch before going (!)
I forgot....fatal error.

The day before we went to the newest, hottest patisserie in town up in Montmartre - Gilles Marchal, formerly much revered top chef at La Maison du Chocolat, has opened his own divine shop. *This is a Must-Visit. And just a short walk from Metro Abbesses. 9 rue Ravignon 75018

His décor theme is the madeleine.

With traditional scallop-shaped madeleines as well as the oval cakes we love so well.

Miam miam

We didn't go hungry :)

Before stopping in we visited the Spring annual Perigord a Montmartre around Sacre Coeur. No shortage of home-grown strawberries and just 2 euros a pop.

We bought a couple big boxes of berries too. You can not eat too many strawberries in France when they are in season.

Love this Mother's day chocolate heart melting in a sunny window.
Today I saw a new mom and dad helping their toddler walk.
HAPPY FRENCH MOTHER'S DAY to all moms out there.

Dior and La fête des Mères

 And for maman this weekend. What are you planning?

 Why not run over to Eric Chauvin for some pretty fleurs?

 22, rue Jean Nicot 75007

 Pick out exactly the rose you want in the courtyard.

 Ah, the perfect pale pink bouquet pour maman tres rafinee.

 A quick Metro up to Printemps to get maman.

 Miss Dior Cherie by Christian Dior.

Pourquoi pas?

 You'll be so inspired by the windows.

 The perfect grosgrain pale pink ribbow.

 Pink ribbons everywhere.

 As if you were stepping into Christian Dior's atelier..

 Imagine you're the sorcerer's apprentice checking the new designs.

 For Miss Dior Cherie new bottle...dring...dring

It's Natalie Portman...she wants to come by.

 Would maman like perfect pink suede slippers to go with her bouquet?

 Plus Pierre Herme's newest macaron, Jardin Parfume

I ate mine yesterday...exquise

 Une aquarelle pour maman?

 et une petite chien aussi.

Mais maman will NEVER eat Carte D'Or ice cream!

What were you thinking chouchou?

Call Amorino for a 'tulip' gelato delivered a la porte.

Nice to dream a little isn't it?

Bon Week-End all Parisbreakfast mamans et enfants!

Fetes des Meres!

Fetes Des Meres, watercolor, 9" x 11"

If you live in the US this Sunday is Fetes Des Meres day or Mother's Day.You are probably rushing around and getting on lines to buy some dragees (candy-coated almonds) for Mum (if you live in Paris that is). These pretty cornets of dragees. Dragees are given on every celebratory occasion - weddings, babtisms, you name it. And usually in pastel colors. Bon Marche had jar after big jar of brilliantly colored dragee as well as the pretty pastels. I spoted these BLUE dragee in a gift shop in the Marais..

Blue food used to be a no-no.And they come ready wrapped as favors for a kid's party.
Then there is always the ever present macaron - the perfect gift for anyone at all. Pierre Herme sent out an email,
"Have you called your mother?"
Aquarelle.com sent one,
"Fete des Meres: c'est maintenant ou jamais !" (Mother's Day: It's now or never! Buy a bouquet!) Of course if you're not in Paris you don't have to lift a finger. Been there, done that already. Here's an interesting story about a strong mum.
BONJOUR LES MERES!