Everyday Kitchen Gifts with a French Flair

It’s no secret how much I love all things French. It’s just little things that the French do that elevates the everyday. And maybe now more than ever, if we can celebrate the little moments of life with a few small French items, maybe that’ s just what we need.

Today, I have a few ideas for everyday kitchen items that when paired with something vintage, that is also useful, well that’s where the magic of gift giving comes in. And long after the kitchen staple is gone, there will be something lasting that has many more uses.

French Dish Soap with a Small Tray

When we are staying in France and we have a kitchen, the first thing I’ll do is buy a bottle of dish soap at the grocery store. The regular markets and places like Monoprix have many options for soaps made in Provence. And they smell heavenly. Fer à Cheval is the brand I look for and they also carry it at one of my favorite shops in Paris, Merci.

You can pair it with a small vintage (or new) tray to set beside the sink. Add a natural dish brush and I promise it will make doing the dishes a little more enjoyable. It turns something ordinary into a lovely daily ritual.

Salted French Butter and a Small Sauce Pitcher

French butter is now available in the regular grocery stores. I buy it at ShopRite and you will find it in the cheese section. They also have butter made in Italy. French butter is simple, but luxurious at the same time. Isn’t that just so French?

You could pair it with a glass butter dish or a beautiful vintage sauce pitcher. I find them in the flea markets all over France. They are perfect for many things or just set them on a shelf.

French Sea Salt & a Small Pot

Everyone uses salt. A little box of Le Saunier de Camargue Fleur de Sel can be given just as is, or you could add a glass salt jar or a Staub cocotte to hold the salt next to someone’s range. I keep mine in the box with the cork lid on a trivet with bottles of olive oils, vinegars and a pot of Herbes de Provence.

A Jar of Dijon Mustard or Cornichons

A jar of Dijon mustard in a crock is perfect for making our favorite vinaigrette You could pair it with a small porcelain spoon or a bottle of olive oil and vinegar. Add a shallot and you have the makings of a vinigarette.

Olive Oil or a Bottle of Vinegar

Our favorite olive oil is a bit of a splurge, and we only use it for making viniagarettes. We never cook with it, but will add a drizzle to the top of a soup, or on this melon salad, where you taste each ingredient, including the aged sherry vinegar and olive oil.

A French Chocolate Bar, Butter & a Baguette

One of our favorite afternoon snacks when we want a little treat and a reminder of France is a piece of baguette, some good French salted butter and a square or two of a chocolate bar. The French call this snack a Le Goûter. You can read more in this post.