Parisian Serendipity

Every time I bring a group to Paris, I’m reminded of why I love sharing this city so much.

Paris has been part of my life since my early twenties, and even after all these years, there’s always something new to discover. Seeing it through the eyes of our guests brings a different kind of joy: a place I’ve walked past so many times, a favorite shop, or a familiar neighborhood suddenly feels new again. Their excitement takes me back to my own experience when I first arrived years ago.

A September Tour in Paris

This September, Robin and I welcomed another lovely group for a week of antiques, flowers, and adventures together. From our first day treasure hunting at Chatou to our final stroll through my neighborhood, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, there was so much to enjoy and so many memories to bring home.

Scroll down to see the highlights of our tour in the video below!

Treasure Hunting at Chatou

Our visit to the Foire de Chatou was such a wonderful way to begin our time together. There’s something about walking into a French antique fair that makes you want to explore every corner. You never know what you might find!

It was so much fun watching everyone discover pieces they loved, imagining where their treasures would go at home. Of course, we made time for a French lunch amidst all the shopping. The French know how to make a day of antiquing even better!

Discovering French Artisan Brands

One of the joys of these tours is introducing guests to some of my favorite artisan ateliers.

The tour guests always love the chance to slow down, taking the time to choose something special while getting to know the people behind the beauty. Hearing the stories about the pieces and the craft makes these visits all the more memorable.

Baking in Versailles

After touring the magnificent gardents in Versailles, we joined my dear friend Molly J. Wilk for a baking demonstration. It’s always such a treat to spend time with Molly and share her love of French baking with our guests. Because our visit fell on my birthday, Molly graciously made me a birthday cake! It was such a thoughtful gesture and made the day feel extra special. Being in France surrounded by friends and our lovely group made for a birthday I’ll always remember.

Flowering at L’Arrosoir

Our floral workshop at my dear friend Adrienne Ryser’s shop, L’Arrosoir, was a favorite moment of the week for all.

Surrounded by flowers, the guests learned to make their own French hand-tied bouquets. I loved watching everyone choose their stems and create something a little different. Seeing the whole group together proudly holding their finished bouquets made me so happy!

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

The Moments in Between

As much as I love the places we visit, it’s often the moments in between that stay with me: conversations over a meal, laughter along the way, and a stroll through the neighborhood I call my second home.

Each group brings something different to the week. People arrive from different places, often knowing very little about one another, and leave with new friendships and plans to see each other again. Watching those connections form is one of my favorite parts of hosting these tours.

I came home feeling grateful for our guests, for the friends who welcomed us, and for the chance to share a place I love so dearly. And somehow, after all these years, I came home loving Paris a little more.

If you’d like to join us, stay tuned! We’ll be announcing next year’s tour dates very soon. Visit our French Tours page to learn more, and sign up for our email list to be the first to know.

À bientôt,
Sandra

Paniers Français

Whenever I’m in France, I’m always drawn to the baskets. The beautiful textures and little imperfections tell stories of handcrafting and use from years past, making each one special. Whether you’re drawn to their rustic charm or appreciate their versatility — from foraging flowers to timeless décor — these baskets offer both beauty and functionality.

If you plan to start a collection or you’re curious about the old baskets you already own, read on to become a true connoisseur.

Materials & Styles

Old French baskets were made with different materials, woven with rattan, willow, grass, straw, wood, or wire, with leather or porcelain added for special purposes. The style of weave depends on the use, with sticks added for strength and stability, and different patterns of twisting, wrapping, and braiding for decorative charm.

Wicker Patinas

Most of the wicker baskets we find are typically woven with willow rods and sometimes rattan, left in their natural brown color. Fun fact: rattan is stiffer than willow and needs to be steamed before bending! Did you know that peeled willow gives baskets a lighter blonde color? We especially love baskets that have remnants of old decorative paint or markings. No matter the color, the aged patinas make each one unique!

Wooden Baskets

Splint baskets are made by weaving flat strips of shaved wood. Sturdy splint baskets are perfect for picnics and apple picking!

Wooden baskets that are not woven are often called caddies or trugs. These baskets are all unique, with markings on the wood from years of use, and different handles made with wire, strips of metal, or bent wood.

Wire Baskets

Wire baskets are made with different coil gauges (thickness). Finer wire is best for detailed loops and scrolls, while heavier coils are best for sturdiness. Wire baskets with open weaves are best for air circulation.

Uses

☙ Champagne Harvesting Baskets: Traditionally used for gathering champagne grapes, these large baskets are ideal for harvest time. Wooden runners can often be found on the base for the basket to stand on the ground once filled with grapes. Some even have leather straps to be carried like a backpack!

☙ Double Bustle Baskets: These small baskets with 2 sections are also known as champignon (mushroom) baskets, used to collect mushrooms or berries.

☙ Wooden Berry Baskets: With a shallow wooden base and tall handle, these are used for foraging berries, and are also perfect for gathering flowers, herbs, or small fruit.

☙ Market Baskets: Ideal for shopping trips, these classic baskets are easy to carry groceries or farmer’s market finds.

☙ Covered Picnic Baskets: These wonderful baskets usually have 2 split lids, hinged at the center. Pie baskets have wooden supports so freshly made pies will sit straight in the basket!

☙ Fishing Creels: Fisherman used wicker creels as a coolers, lining them with moss to keep the catch chilled. For heavier fish, a large collapsible wire mesh basket was used.

☙ Bread Baskets: Designed for carrying and serving bread, from baguettes to boules. Traditional baskets used to proof and cool loaves of bread in French boulangeries (bakeries) had linen linings hand-sewn into the basket.

☙ Wire Harvest Baskets: These versatile baskets have an open wire weave and are used for foraging flowers and vegetables as well as carrying shellfish.

☙ Wine Bottle Baskets: Wine bottle carriers are specifically designed to safely transport wine bottles, often used during wine tastings or picnics. Wine cradles are used for pouring wine at the table.

☙ Laundry Baskets: These tall baskets have 2 handles and an open weave, making them lightweight for carrying clothing and linens.

☙ Egg Baskets / Salad Baskets: Traditionally used to collect and transport eggs, these baskets have open designs for airflow to keep eggs safe and fresh. The round styles are also called salad baskets, used for washing lettuce and vegetables.

☙ Winnowing Baskets: Shallow tightly woven winnowing baskets were used to separate wheat from the chaff by a person known as a vanneur (winnower).

☙ Hanging Baskets: Baskets that hang on walls can be used to hold plants, letters, and other household items.

Antique paniers Français (French baskets) are a beloved staple at Les Fleurs! If you’re a fellow basket enthusiast, we’d love to see how you style your collection! Share your photos with us on Instagram @lesfleursandover!

XOXO,
Sandra and the Fleurettes

The Journey: Sourcing Artisan Goods in France

There are certain places in Provence that feel like a little secret, tucked away and waiting to be discovered. Monique Montgaillard’s pottery studio is one of those places.

I had heard about a truly special artisanal potter in a remote village near Avignon and decided to make my way into the hills of Provence to visit her the last time I was in France. The drive along winding hills through the scenic Provençal countryside was beautiful, but nothing prepared me for what I found when I arrived.

The Atelier: Rêves d’Argile (Dreams of Clay)

Monique’s home and studio are one and the same, in a cottage hidden in a nook on an unmarked dirt road. Stepping inside felt like entering a potter’s haven. Her handmade ceramics filled every corner—stacked on shelves, gathered on tables and lining the windowsills in the afternoon light. There was an abundance of bowls, vases and small dishes everywhere I looked, each one more beautiful than the next.

I immediately noticed that there was something ancient and elemental about her work, an earthiness that no glossy, factory-made ceramic could ever replicate. I wanted to take it all in…and, of course, bring everything home!

The Inspiration & Process

Monique walked me through her process: For her designs, she finds inspiration from nature, the plants in her home garden, and antique items. First, each design is hand sculpted using black clay and a volcanic ash slip. Some pieces are formed using antique molds found in brocantes, telling stories of French kitchens from long ago. Next, each one is stamped with one of her delicate patterns. Finally, a white majolica glaze (which she crafts herself!) is applied and the pieces are placed in the kiln. The glazing and firing process may be repeated up to four times to create that gorgeous, almost translucent white enamel finish with visible hints of the contrasting black clay underneath. Even pieces with the same design have slight variations and imperfections, making each one a work of art.

The Collection: Rêves d’Argile Chez Les Fleurs

I’m so excited to share our curated collection of Monique’s Rêves d’Argile tableware at Les Fleurs. Each piece carries a little of the beauty, artistry, and timeless charm of her Provençal studio.

If you find yourself near Avignon, her remote yet charming studio is truly worth discovering. And if Provence isn’t in your plans just yet, come visit us at the shop and see the beautiful pieces we brought home. I have a feeling you’ll love them as much as I do.

À bientôt,
Sandra

Let the flowers tell the story…

There’s something so special about the garden in the summertime. It seems to change almost overnight, and every morning there’s something new waiting to be picked. One of my favorite things to do is grab my clippers, wander through the garden, and see what catches my eye. I never have a plan… I simply gather whatever is blooming and let the flowers tell the story.

A floral arrangement to welcome guests

This arrangement came together just like that. I had a few flowers left over from the shop and thought they’d pair beautifully with whatever I could gather from the garden. We had family staying with us for the weekend, and I wanted to make the kitchen feel especially welcoming. There’s something about fresh flowers on the island that instantly makes a house feel like home.

Floral Arranging Video

I’ve included the step-by-step video tutorial below so you can follow along and create this arrangement with me. I hope you’ll have as much fun making it as I did.

The Recipe

Container

• One 12-inch glass vase

Flowers & Foliage

• 3 sprigs of lilac foliage

• 5 stems of spirea foliage

• 3 stems of baptisia foliage

• 3 stems of sage

• 3 stems of weigela foliage

• 5 stems of butterfly bush

• 5 stems of light pink foxglove

• 7 stems of purple hydrangea

• 3 stems of pink phlox

• 3 stems of blue delphinium

• 3 stems of light pink butterfly snaps

• 5 stems of pale yellow zinnias

• 3 stems of light pink garden roses

• 3 stems of white ranunculus

• 2 stems of light pink ranunculus

• 5 stems of lavender scabiosa

The Method

1. Fill your vase with room-temperature water and flower food.

2. Begin by creating the framework with your foliage. Add the lilac, spirea, baptisia, sage, and weigela, placing each stem at a slightly different height and angle. This creates a loose, natural foundation for the arrangement.

3. Add the butterfly bush throughout the greenery, allowing a few stems to extend beyond the foliage to create movement and soften the outline.

4. Place the foxglove toward the back and center of the arrangement. Vary the heights and let a few stems gently lean outward to create a relaxed, garden-inspired shape.

5. Next, add the hydrangeas. These larger blooms become the heart of the arrangement. Group them loosely rather than spacing them evenly, leaving small pockets of air so the design feels light and natural.

6. Tuck the phlox and delphinium around the hydrangeas, weaving them throughout the arrangement to add beautiful color and texture.

7. Add the butterfly snaps at varying heights, allowing them to dance through the bouquet and create even more movement.

8. Nestle the pale yellow zinnias throughout the arrangement in small clusters, then add the garden roses, letting them peek out naturally from between the other flowers.

9. Tuck the white and light pink ranunculus into any open spaces, placing them at different heights to soften the arrangement and add another layer of delicate texture.

10. Finish with the lavender scabiosa. These airy blooms are the perfect finishing touch, adding movement and giving the arrangement that freshly gathered, just-picked-from-the-garden look.

11. Step back every few stems and turn the vase as you work, making small adjustments until it feels balanced from every angle. Remember, the beauty of a garden-style arrangement is that it doesn’t need to be perfect. A little movement and a touch of wildness are exactly what make it so beautiful.

I hope this inspires you to grow a few flowers of your own. You don’t need a large cutting garden—even just a handful of blooms can become something beautiful. And I promise, there’s nothing quite like creating an arrangement from flowers you’ve grown yourself. It may just become one of your favorite parts of summer, too.

Happy arranging,

Sandra 🌿

On July 14, 1789 a large number of French citizens, fed up with the oppression of the French monarchy, stormed the Bastille prison in Paris and set off the French Revolution. Bastille Day is an annual celebration of liberty and democracy in France.

Join us in the spirit of Bastille Day on

July 14th

and enjoy 14% off online!*

*Sale excludes flowers, plants, gift certificates, subscriptions, and digital products.

"Myrtle, with its dark, glossy leaves and sweet, fragrant blossoms, has forever been the living emblem of enduring love."

Topiaries

I’ve always been drawn to topiaries. Perhaps it’s their sculptural beauty, or the way they instantly transport me to the gardens of France.

Brimfield Antique Show Pitstop

Every May, I make my annual trip to the Brimfield Antique Show in Western Massachusetts. Having grown up nearby, going to Brimfield has become a tradition I look forward to every spring. I still love wandering through the fields searching for old garden pieces, weathered urns, antique furniture, and little treasures that feel collected over time.

One of my favorite places to stop each year is Lamoureux Greenhouses, a quaint topiary nursery, tucked not too far away from the fair.

Touring the Nursery

Last week, after spending the morning antiquing in the rain, I made my way to the nursery to pick out a few myrtle topiaries for the shop. Rows and rows of beautifully sculpted topiaries filled the greenhouses, some perfectly round, others tall and whimsical—each one shaped so carefully by hand. What I didn’t expect was to meet Ryan, the head gardener, responsible for caring for over 5,000 topiaries which they ship all over the country.

As we walked through the nursery together, Ryan shared some of his best tips for keeping topiaries healthy and thriving. What I loved most was how simple and approachable he made it all feel.

“Most people overcomplicate them,” he told me. “It really comes down to watering and trimming.”

Topiary Tips and Tricks

One of the easiest ways to know when a topiary needs water, he explained, is simply by lifting the pot. If it feels light, it’s time to water. The time between waterings changes depending on the season, the heat, and where the plant is living.

He showed me how he trims them by gently turning the plant in his hand while carefully shaping it from every angle. Surprisingly, one of his favorite tools is a pair of dog grooming shears because they allow for soft, precise trimming without damaging the shape.

I watched as he patiently clipped away, almost like an artist sculpting.

Ryan also shared how important it is to remove the tiny clover that often grows at the base of the pots. He explained how trimming and training the lower leaves over time helps create that beautiful rounded shape so many of us love.

Pro Tips for Topiary Care

• Lift the pot — if it feels light, it’s time to water.

• Myrtle topiaries prefer bright light and consistent moisture.

• Frequent light trimming keeps the shape full and sculpted.

• Gently rotate the plant while trimming to shape it evenly.

• Fertilize every 2–4 weeks during the growing season.

• Stake taller topiaries to help maintain their shape.

• Myrtle topiaries enjoy spending summers outdoors.

• Bring indoors before temperatures dip too cold.

• Topiaries thrive with patience, consistency, and regular care.

Did you know the myrtle plant has spiritual meaning in ancient mythology and religion, symbolizing love, peace, and prosperity? It is also said that myrtle encourages us to slow down and connect with the harmonious cycles of life, death and rebirth.

In a world that moves so quickly, it reminded me that beautiful things often take time… one careful trim at a time.

Bientôt,
Sandra

P.S. to learn more about Lamoureux Greenhouses, visit their website at lamoureuxgreenhouses.com

Let me be in a garden, and I am a happy girl.

Growing up Amongst the Flowers

My love of gardens began when I was young, following my mother to my grandmother’s home by the lake. We visited often, and while my brothers would run straight to the water, I would quietly slip away to her garden.

There was always something growing… but springtime was my favorite. The tulips and daffodils felt like magic to me—soft, hopeful, and full of life after a long winter.

I remember cutting just a few stems each time we visited, gathering them in my small hands, and making a simple little bouquet for my mom. Nothing fancy… just flowers from the garden, given with love.

Simple Moments in the Garden

I didn’t realize it then, but those small moments stayed with me. And now, all these years later, I find myself in my own garden, doing the very same thing.

This week, I felt that same familiar inspiration when I wandered out to see what was beginning to bloom and what was quietly waiting. I gathered what I could and created a soft spring bouquet, very much in the spirit of those early days.

Floral Arranging Video

I’ve shared a little video below along with a simple “recipe” if you’d like to make your own bouquet at home, perhaps for your mother, someone you love, or even just for yourself. Sometimes the most meaningful arrangements are the simplest ones… gathered slowly, and given from the heart.

Mother’s Day Arrangement Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 3” pin flower frog

• 1 small piece of coated chicken wire

• 1 6” compote-style container

• 3 stems white flowering pear branches

• 3 stems green black cherry branches

• 3 stems autumn olive foliage

• 3 stems pale pink hellebore

• 3 stems white “Ice Baby” daffodils

• 3 stems white bleeding hearts

• 3 stems parrot “Pink Vision” tulips

• 2 stems white tulips

• 3 stems white and yellow “Gardenia” daffodils

• 3 tiny white “Polar Hunter” daffodils

• 2 pale peach parrot tulips

• 3 stems blush “Angelique” tulips

ARRANGING STEPS

1. Begin by placing your flower frog and a small piece of chicken wire into your container to help support the stems.

2. Fill with fresh water.

3. Start with your flowering branches, placing them at a soft angle so they gently spill over the sides while also giving your arrangement height and movement. Think loose and natural… nothing too structured.

4. Next, add in your pale pink hellebore, tucking them in where your eye naturally wants a bit of softness and color.

5.  Layer in the bleeding hearts, letting them weave in and out of the branches to fill those quiet spaces.

6. From there, begin adding the daffodils at varying heights, allowing them to feel a bit airy and light.

7. Now bring in your tulips, starting with the parrot varieties…angling them so they move gracefully through the arrangement rather than standing straight up. 

8. Continue adding the remaining daffodils and tulips, stepping back every so often to make sure everything feels balanced, but still a little wild and effortless.

Nothing needs to be perfect… in fact, the beauty is in the imperfection. Happy flowering!

Wishing you a beautiful, flower-filled Mother’s Day.

With all my heart,
Sandra

May Day began as an ancient European spring festival observed on the first of May—the halfway point between the spring equinox and summer solstice.

Traditionally, it’s a day to celebrate springtime with customs like dancing around a maypole and gathering flowers. More recently, many countries recognize May 1st as International Workers' Day, celebrating worker solidarity.

In France, it’s customary to celebrate spring on the first of May with the cheery French tradition known as La Fête du Muguet.

Fête du Muguet

Here’s a quick French lesson: “fête” means party or celebration, and “muguet” is the French word for lily of the valley. Essentially, the French celebrate May Day by gifting lily of the valley bouquets to their loved ones. Every year on May 1st, the tradition continues when lily of the valley flowers are sold tax-free on the street!

The History of the Tradition

Why lilies of the valley, and why May 1st? The tradition to give flowers dates back centuries ago to May 1, 1560, when the knight Louis Girard gifted a bouquet of lilies of the valley to King Charles IX. Ever since, the king would give lilies of the valley to the ladies of his court for luck and prosperity in the coming year. 

Today, from the busy paved streets of Paris to the markets in Provence, you can find small vendors on the sides of the road sharing prosperity and good luck to everyone with lilies of the valley bouquets. Springtime at Les Fleurs is also a favorite time to send flowers to loved ones.

En Provence

I still remember remember celebrating La Fête du Muguet during a Provence tour back in 2019, during our stay at the Château de Moissac-Bellevue, when the owners gifted each member of the group with a bouquet of lilies of the valley. It was unforgettable!

Names for Lily of the Valley

You may have heard these bell-shaped flowers referred to as “May bells,” “Mary’s tears,” “Our Lady’s tears,” or “Muguet” in French. No matter what you call them, a lily of the valley by any other name smells as sweet!

We wish you all a happy May Day and a flowerful spring.

xoxo,
Sandra and The Fleurettes

A Birthday Treasure

Last September, during a day of antiquing in Paris, I found a charming old greenhouse, or should I say, it found me.

It’s always been a dream of mine to have a greenhouse in my garden, and when I saw this charming vieille serre hidden under a tent, I fell for it immediately. It was actually my birthday, which made finding it feel like a special gift!

Old Greenhouse (Une Vieille Serre)

The French word for greenhouse, serre, comes from the word serrer, meaning to close or tighten. It makes sense, since a greenhouse is a structure where plants are “closed in” to protect them from extreme weather outside.

Also inside every old greenhouse are stories of its history, with aging iron, clouding glass, and remnants of vines and moss…

Stories from the Garden

One of the things I love most about finding antiques in France is imagining where they’ve been and how they were once used.

I learned that this old greenhouse came from an old château where it was used to shelter herbs and help them begin to grow. You can imagine how much that made me love it even more.

I’m always so drawn to pieces like that… things with a story, things that have been used and loved, and things that still carry a little bit of their past with them.

This greenhouse had so much charm, and knowing it once held herbs at a château made it feel even more magical to me. I just had to bring it back…

A New Home

Now the little glass and iron greenhouse is looking right at home inside the shop at Les Fleurs—filled with tulips, daffodils, and muscari in handcrafted pots, accompanied by vintage copper watering cans and garden tools. I honestly couldn’t love it more. It feels like such a sweet little piece of spring… and such a lovely memory from France brought home.

For now, I’m so happy to see it here in the shop, bringing a little life and beauty to this season. But I have to say… I’m already dreaming of the day when I bring it to my garden and use it the very same way. Some pieces just stay with you, and this one definitely has.

It is said that an old greenhouse is like a time capsule, holding stories of a different time and place; it’s also a space for new growth.

Joyeux printemps! (happy spring)

Sandra 🤍

A Parisian Surprise

During my recent trip to Paris, I was greeted with a wonderful surprise—it snowed… and it wasn’t just a dusting! Usually, winters in Paris are not quite as cold as they are back home in New England, but this January, Paris had other plans.

Paris in White

Snow in Paris isn’t an every-year occurrence. You might hear of a light sprinkle now and then, but never in all my years traveling to France have I seen the city truly blanketed in white as it was this year. In fact, a friend later told me they hadn’t seen snow like this in nearly 15 years.

I first saw the snow after a quick rendezvous in the 8th arrondissement, when I stepped outside into what felt like a winter wonderland! Because Paris isn’t used to snowfall, much of the city’s transportation went into a bit of a tailspin. So, I decided to walk home to the Left Bank, and I’m so glad I did.

A Winter Wonderland

The scene was magical. People were out everywhere, savoring this rare and fleeting moment. I took it all in as I walked, marveling at the beauty of the city I love so much, now softened and transformed, covered in white.

What struck me most was the pure, unfiltered joy that filled the streets. Children were making snowmen, tossing snowballs, and laughing without a care. There was a shared sense of wonder, as if the entire city had paused together to enjoy something magical. I caught myself smiling the whole way home, thinking I had never believed Paris could look any more beautiful! But somehow, it did.

I hope you enjoy my photos as much as I enjoyed experiencing this unforgettable moment.

Bisous,
Sandra 🤍

From sharing our love of flowers through inspiring presentations and hands-on workshops, to hosting gatherings that brought beauty and connection to life, 2025 truly felt magical.

Milestones

This past year we celebrated several meaningful milestones including the exciting unveiling of a container filled with French treasures and our very first French Fête at the shop, surrounded by fellow Francophiles.

We also hosted two unforgettable trips to France—our Antique Buying Tour as well as our first Parisian Experience Tour—each one filled with discovery, laughter, and lifelong memories.

In the Media

We loved bringing floral artistry to your screens with not one, but two segments on WBZ‑TV and were deeply honored to be featured in publications we admire so much, including Northshore Magazine and Yankee Magazine, just to name a few. See our media page for other Les Fleurs press features.

I also had the pleasure of being featured on the Classic & Curious Podcast, sharing stories, inspiration, and a lifelong love of all things French.

And to top it off, our Parisian apartment was featured on Homeworthy, which felt incredibly special.

Book Happenings & Workshops

Behind the scenes, so much creative work was blooming as I began Book #2 with my publisher, Rizzoli. Traveling through Provence and Burgundy shooting photos was an experience that filled my heart and creative soul.

2025 brought the first French Blooms wall calender (for 2026), which is still available on our website!

French Blooms book signings and floral demonstrations continued in 2025 at the Talbot County Garden Symposium in Maryland and the Sasqua Garden Club in Southport Connecticut, to name a few.

I was thrilled to be invited to teach floral masterclasses at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston during their Art in Bloom event, and then at the Cal-a-vie Spa in Vista, California during their Garden Week.

We also hosted beautiful local gatherings with Studio Carta and Ivy Paperie.

And on a very personal note, one of the most joyful moments of the year was when our oldest son got engaged to his love! A reminder that while business milestones matter, it’s family and love that ground everything we do.

Am I forgetting things? Most likely. But that’s the beauty of a full, meaningful year—it overflows.

Thank you for supporting us throughout the year, for showing up, cheering us on, and believing in what we create. Here’s to the blooms, the beauty, and the incredible community that makes it all possible—YOU!

What a journey it’s been… and we’re so excited for what’s to come in 2026.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Sandra & the Les Fleurs family

christmas traditions

The holidays have always held a special place in my heart, from the traditions passed down through my family to the little rituals I’ve created over the years as a shopkeeper, mother, and designer. Many of you have asked how I decorate and celebrate Christmas at home so I thought I would share a few of my own Christmas traditions…

holiday decorating

When do you start decorating for the holidays, especially as a busy shopkeeper?

If you know me, you know the shop is always decorated early. We start changing over the store long before December, with all the Fleurettes helping out to get the shop ready for our annual Holiday Open House in early November.

My home is usually last on the list, but my goal is always the same: get it done before the boys come home from college and where they live. Nothing makes me happier than having the house ready for them, warm and inviting.

the scent of christmas

What fragrances say “Christmas” to you?

Fresh greens at the shop, simmering citrus on the stove, beeswax candles, and paperwhites blooming… honestly, all of it.

During the holidays, I try to bring as many natural elements as possible into my home, including fresh garland strung throughout the house, and fresh pine and eucalyptus wreaths I make each year to hang on my kitchen windows. Nothing says Christmas like the scent of fresh-cut evergreen, beginning at the entryway and continuing throughout the house.

Family Limoncello

Is there a French holiday tradition you follow at home?

Although France has my heart in many ways, Christmas is when my Italian roots shine brightest. Each year we make my nono’s (grandfather’s) limoncello recipe. We start on Thanksgiving night by peeling the lemons, then we have a bottling party the week before Christmas. This year I think we’re up to 75 bottles! We give them to loved ones and friends, sharing a bit of our heritage, truly made from the heart.

Maybe that’s my French side too…celebrating with good food, good drink, and good friends.

Traditional Italian Christmas Eve

What’s one Christmas tradition from your childhood that you still carry with you today?

As a child, the Italian side of my family always celebrated Christmas Eve with the Feast of the Seven Fishes. It’s a sacred tradition I continue with my family, and it is—without question—my favorite night of the year. Everyone gathers at our home, and we laugh, sing, dance, and cook into the wee hours. It’s loud, joyful, and full of love…just the way it should be.

Continuing this ritual brings me right back to my childhood, watching my mom, aunts, grandmother, and grandfather in the kitchen, feeling that warmth only family can give.

christmas morning

What does Christmas morning look like in your home?

Christmas morning is always a slow, cozy, stay-in-your-pj’s kind of day. After our big night of celebrating, we usually wake up late, make a big brunch, and open gifts with the fire roaring. It’s exactly the kind of New England Christmas I always dreamed of having with my family.

traditions at les fleurs

What is your favorite holiday tradition with your customers or community?

That would have to be our annual Holiday Open House! The preparation is a team effort and a bonding experience with all the Fleurettes, and the outcome is always worth the work.

I love seeing familiar faces returning year after year for our Open House, whether looking to design a table centerpiece, put together a special gift basket, or decorate a tree with glass ornaments and ribbon. Hearing stories and watching people walk through the shop with that spark of joy remind me exactly why I do what I do. It’s more than retail; it’s about connection.

What is your favorite way to slow down and savor the season, even during the busiest weeks?

Even when the shop is bustling and life is full, I try to carve out little pockets of calm with a quiet cup of tea in the morning before the shop opens, a bit of yoga when I wake up and again before bed, or a good book on the couch, “unplugging” at the end of the day. It is these tiny rituals that keep me grounded so I can give my best to everyone around me.

Traditions make Christmas memorable, but the simple act of being together is what matters most. We’re all so busy going in different directions but at Christmastime, everyone comes home. For me, that will always be the greatest gift. 

I hope the rituals you continue, or new ones you create, help to add warmth and many blessings this holiday season.

XOXO,
Sandra

P.S. Feel free to tell us about your own holiday traditions in the comments below. I’d love to hear about them!

A Creative Friendship Born in the Most Unexpected Moment

It’s funny how the universe works.

Have you ever met someone and felt an instant connection, and wondered if it was just a coincidence, or maybe karma that brought you together? That’s what happened with watercolor artist and illustrator, Ann Kissane Engelhart.

I first “met” Ann many years ago during the lockdown, when her artwork suddenly appeared on my phone. Maybe I was scrolling too much on one of those long days… or maybe it was a little nudge from the universe. All I know is that I instantly felt that familiar spark. It was my admiration for her talent and our shared world of artistry that pulled me right in; I loved her work from the very first glance.

A New Collaboration

After the holidays last year, I kept thinking about her. I had long imagined collaborating with an artist whose work felt both French and deeply poetic, someone who could capture the charm of the garden world I adore. So, I finally reached out… and I’m so glad I did.

For our first collaboration, we created the new French Garden Collection—a limited series of hand-painted ceramic ornaments designed exclusively for Les Fleurs, which we began carrying in our shop this holiday season. Every ornament is hand-painted by Ann with such intention and care, making each piece truly one of a kind. What’s nice about the flat profile is that they can also be hung on a mantle or window, displayed like little works of art!

The Iconic French Greenhouse

One particular design stands out for me: the French greenhouse. It reminds me of the many châteaux I’ve visited over the years—with old glass windows, timeworn ironwork, and that sense of history tucked among the trees. I loved it so much that we even incorporated a greenhouse into our Les Fleurs logo, and sprinkled it throughout our branding. It just felt right… almost like a little piece of my heart captured in her artwork. And yes…I’ll definitely be hanging one on my own tree this year.

A Little More About Ann

In one of our conversations, Ann shared more about her creative path. Here’s a bit of her story…

• She has wanted to be an artist for as long as she can remember.

• She studied Fine Arts and painting at Queens College (CUNY), continued both undergrad and graduate work there, and later completed post-graduate illustration studies at the School of Visual Arts in New York.

• She has taught art at every level—from elementary school to high school, and even taught watercolor painting at St. John’s University. Today she offers workshops and teaches in her home studio on Long Island.

• She is currently working on her 12th illustrated children’s book.

• She paints on porcelain and vintage ceramics using a French brand of paint which becomes permanent when fired. She began making ornaments two years ago and created this French garden-inspired collection exclusively for Les Fleurs.

It has been such a joy to collaborate with Ann. What began as a quiet moment during lockdown—a simple scroll—turned into something really special.

Merci, Ann, for bringing this little bit of French magic to life for all of us to enjoy.

À bientôt,
Sandra

P.S. to learn more about Ann and her work, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.

Setting the Table

There’s a particular calm that settles over the house when you’re setting a Christmas table—right before everyone arrives, when everything is still and waiting. That’s the feeling I wanted to capture with this tablescape design—something soft, wintery, and a little nostalgic.

florals

Of course, the floral centerpiece is always my starting point. For this table, I gathered winter-white blooms such as roses, anemones, and a few stems of delphinium, and mixed them with bits of evergreen. Red berry branches trail across the table, adding a hint of holiday color without overwhelming the soft palette.

heirloom pieces

An embroidered tablecloth brings texture to the table with a sense of heritage. If you have special linens passed down from your mother or grandmother, this is the perfect moment to bring them out, adding subtle memories to the celebration.

The vintage French ironstone plates might be my favorite detail. Their faded red toile transfer designs bring a gentle warmth to the winter whites, and they feel right at home on the embroidered tablecloth.

finishing touches

The finishing touches include tall taper candles to add height and draw the eye upward. Silver and crystal pieces scattered throughout the table aren’t there to make a statement; they simply blend in and bring a little shimmer when hit by the light. Finally, at each place setting, a tiny glass tree brings a playful moment which guests always seem to notice.

The Video

See how my table came together in the video below.

I hope this brings some inspiration when setting your table for Christmas or a special winter gathering. Have fun adding your own creative touches and your favorite heirlooms. When all is ready, enjoy the beauty, and most of all, the company at the table!

XOXO,
Sandra

P.S. if you recreate this table, feel free to share it with us, or tag us on Instagram @lesfleursandover!

Our Holiday Gift Guide Is Here!

As the festive season draws near, we’re delighted to share one of our favorite traditions: gathering a thoughtful collection of gifts for the creative spirits, garden lovers, kitchen enthusiasts, and devoted Francophiles in your life.

Below, discover our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide—a curated selection designed to spark joy, celebrate craftsmanship, and bring a touch of French charm to your holiday gifting.

1. Pour La Fleuriste - the Floral Designer

For the friend who always has fresh stems on their table or loves experimenting with arrangements, we’ve assembled a few essentials that feel both timeless and inspiring.
Start with a vintage flower frog: it’s a beautiful and practical tool that helps to create airy floral displays. Pair it with forged iron floral shears, an essential tool every designer appreciates. Our hydrangea and wild herb luxury hand cream is the perfect pampering gift to protect and hydrate the hands of a floral designer! Enriched with shea butter and lavender and packaged in a matching gift box, it’s a lovely gift for anyone who deserves a little treat. Because inspiration fuels creativity, tuck in the new French Blooms 2026 Wall Calendar, bringing the beauty of Parisian florals to brighten their studio all year long. Each featured monthly arrangement includes a “floral recipe” to inspire those wishing to recreate a similar bouquet at home!

2. Pour La Jardinière - the Gardener

Whether they tend a sprawling potager or a collection of potted herbs on a windowsill, these garden-themed treasures are sure to delight.
Our new collection of artisan garden ornaments brings a whimsical, nature-loving touch to the Christmas tree, with hand-painted designs and the artist’s signature on the back. To keep their plants glowing through winter, include a charming plant spritzer. This plant care essential can also be used throughout the year to add moisture to leaves and soil in both indoor and outdoor planters. For cleansing after a long day digging in the dirt, add a petite bar of Senteurs de France savon de Marseille, a nourishing, moisturizing, and beautifully scented soap with a natural Provence almond fragrance. (See related items on the product page for additional fragrances!) And finally, the book, Mindful Gardening: Find Peace and Calm in Your Outdoor Space, offers a curated selection of quotes and photography, as well as suggestions on nurturing an outdoor space—perfect for garden inspiration during the winter months!

3. Pour La Cuisine – the French Kitchen

For the home cook who’s always perfecting a recipe or hosting with flair, we’ve selected a few culinary favorites. The cookbook, The Baker's Appendix: The Essential Kitchen Companion, is the ultimate baking reference and makes a beautiful addition to their kitchen shelf. The Laguiole charcuterie utensils serving set adds elegance and practicality to cheese boards and holiday feasts. Tuck in a natural linen tea towel with a festive holiday watercolor print, and finish with a jar of L'Abeille Occitane miel de Provence (French honey) to add a sweet touch of France throughout the year.

4. Pour Le Francophile

For those forever dreaming of Parisian cafés, these gifts echo the essence of France.
An Antoinette Poisson domino paper notebook, crafted in their Paris atelier, makes a thoughtful keepsake for jotting down notes, sketches, or itinerary ideas for their next trip to Paris. Add a sparkling glass Eiffel Tower ornament adorned with gold glitter to grace their holiday tree decor with a bit of Parisian magic. Round out the set with an Alix D. Reynis handcrafted Limoges porcelain tumbler cup which makes a lovely vase to display a few blooms or sprigs of greenery. Lastly, revive the elegance of 19th-century frescoes with a luxurious linen and velvet throw pillow by En Fil d’Indienne, designed in collaboration with Ananbô panoramic murals—a small addition to any decor with a story!

Let Us Help Make Your Season Merry

We hope this guide sparks inspiration as you begin your holiday gifting. If you’d like help building a customized gift basket or pairing pieces together, we’re always here to assist—stop by the shop or give us a call!

Warmest wishes,
Sandra & The Fleurettes

P.S. For some more holiday preparation ideas, see the links to a few of our previous blogs below.

Holiday Decor Ideas

With our shop filled with autumn florals and tabletop items from France, I was inspired to style a French tablescape—on a vintage farm table, of course!

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or family gathering, here are a few table-setting ideas to add warmth and embrace the essence of the season. Think warm, earthy tones, with a variety of tableware, napkins and candles. Mix and match coordinating pieces for your own unique design.

Read on for ideas on how to recreate a similar fall tablescape at home…

1. French Ironstone Terre de Fer

I’m always searching for antique pottery in France, and French ironstone terre de fer is one of my favorites. The old-world craftsmanship and charming designs with botanical motifs, landscapes, and birds make these pieces truly unique. Learn more about terre de fer in this blog post.

While I used one plate style on this table, you could add interest “mixing and matching” plates with different patterns. Use a collection of plates, platters, and tureens in coordinating colors to add a whimsical feel to the table.

2. Antique French Silverware

Throughout the brocantes in France you can always find an assortment of vintage and antique silver-plated forks, knives and spoons. My favorites are those with monogram engravings, telling a story from long ago. To verify if a utensil was made in France, look for makers’ marks on the front “bowl” or blade, where French silversmiths often pressed their hallmarks and the silver content. No matter the pattern, mixing silverware is a fun way to add interest to your place settings.

3. Linen Napkins

The natural look of linen underneath silver flatware can add a rustic French-country feel to a place setting. For this table, I chose linen napkins with fall leaves and botanical designs in a warm color palette. A mix of linens in solid neutrals or bright fall colors would also work. Napkins are an easy way to get creative, tying them with twine or using fall-themed napkin rings!

4. Taper Candles

Candles always add a warm glow to a table. As you can see, I used a variety of taper candles with different shapes and textures, in similar tones of rust and orange.

5. Limoges Porcelain

For contrast to make the warm fall colors pop, I added a crisp white element to the table. While vintage white ironstone pieces would have been beautiful, I decided to use candle holders and bowls in white porcelain, handcrafted by French artisan Alix D. Reynis. The simple designs of these pieces make them perfect for any occasion, decor, and color scheme.

6. Glassware

To add a glass component to the table, I chose vintage goblets from France with a frosted texture and an art deco bubble-glass base. For a more formal design, mix and match multiple glasses for water and wine at each place setting. Using tinted or clear glass stemware to reflect the candle flames will enhance the glow at the table.

7. Floral Centerpieces

Of course, being a florist, I had to add lots of blooms! Whether a gorgeous statement piece or simple scattered blooms, flowers always add the finishing touch to a table. For this long table, I created multiple floral centerpieces featuring our locally-sourced dahlias and hydrangeas from my garden!

If this inspired you to style a similar fall tablescape, tag us on Instagram @lesfleursandover—we’d love to see your design!

XOXO,
Sandra

More fall decorating inspiration in the blog…

When I was in Provence this past July, I had the pleasure of visiting Moulin Castelas, an olive grove nestled along the southern slopes of the Alpilles. You may wonder why I’m telling you about it now. Well, it’s because the fall season is actually the best time to visit!

“When you are born in Provence, you cannot live without the scents of the garrigue, the breath of the Mistral, the caress of the Sun and the magic of the olive tree, this ancient tree, with its undulating grace, which shapes the landscape.”

Catherine and Jean-Benoît Hugues, olive growers in Baux de Provence

Artisan Craftsmanship

From mid-October to late November, the olives are harvested and turned into oil. It’s the best time to visit because you can watch the entire process unfold. There’s a fascinating, almost hypnotic rhythm—from the moment the olives are picked, cleaned, and crushed, to the pièce de resistance, when the golden oil flows into the stainless steel tanks.

A Bit of History

The story of Castelas began in 1997, when the owners Catherine and Jean-Benoît Hugues fell in love with a grove of old olive trees. Today, Domaine Castelas spans over 110 hectares and produces oils under the prestigious AOP Vallée des Baux de Provence.

AOP stands for Appellation d’Origine Protégée, a French certification that guarantees the product is locally grown and crafted according to traditional methods. In other words, you're tasting the real deal: olive oil that’s deeply rooted in the land where it originated.

The Tasting

After viewing the process of making the oil, the visit would not be complete without an olive oil tasting, and trust me, it’s worth lingering for the experience. I was amazed at how different each of the oils tasted. There are bold, tapenade-like blends and light, fruity ones which could be drizzled over ice cream!

Beyond the tasting room is their boutique, where they offer much more than a vast variety of olive oils. They also sell several lines of bath & body products made with their Provence olive oil, and kitchen items made from olive wood, both of which we carry on our website!

If you're looking for an authentic, sensory-rich experience in Provence this fall, put Moulin Castelas on your list. It’s a beautiful place to witness craftsmanship in action and taste the fruit of it too. To learn more about it, and even get some olive oil recipes, see their website, or follow them on Facebook.

À bientôt,
Sandra

Shop Provence Olive Oil & Olive Wood Products at Les Fleurs

In an atelier tucked away in a quiet Parisian courtyard, Cécile Viarouge tenderly arranges a set of timeworn ceramic plates. Each one is delicately floral, softly faded, and deeply storied. Through her work as an antique dealer and decorator under the name Blanche Patine (White Patina), Cécile has not only revived interest in 19th-century French ironstone (terre de fer), but she’s also become one of its most devoted guardians.

With her first book, Terre de Fer: Collections de Céramiques Françaises, Cécile opens the doors to her universe. When she first began researching ironstone out of personal curiosity, she quickly realized how little had been documented. Books were scarce, reference materials even more so. So, she created her own book—a visual archive and a love letter in one—so that all she’s learned over the years would continue to live on.

A Chat with Cécile

We sat down with Cécile to talk about how her passion for terre de fer began, and why these humble handmade ceramics still matter today.

Can you share how you became an antique dealer?  

I studied art history and came from the art market world. I used to work in a gallery. I’ve always had a deep love for objects just as they are, for their stories, their memories, knowing who made them, where they come from, and trying to understand all those things.

What drew you to terre de fer specifically?

It all started about ten years ago. I’m also a painter, so I have a genuine love for the decoration on these ironstone pieces, the floral motifs, as well as the raw, natural feel of the ceramic. I’m also drawn to their imperfections: the little misalignments in the design, the faded prints… Those flaws completely charmed me.

At the time, no one was interested in ironstone. When I first began, I was one of the first to really speak about these pieces. Where I found them, people were throwing them away. There was truly no interest in them. But I completely fell in love and decided to become their “maman,” to care for them and share them with the world.

If people were throwing them away, what made you think these pieces were going to come back? We’ve certainly noticed an increased interest in transferware pieces over the last couple of years.

There’s definitely a kind of global trend happening now, it’s incredible. Hundreds of antique dealers are now drawn to these pieces. But there’s a mix of approaches, and that’s what makes it beautiful. Each of us brings our own sensibility to it. People now come to me specifically for my sensibility, my little eye for these pieces. I’ve become something of a decorator over time.

Can you tell us a bit more about the French ironstone manufacturers?

In my shop, I focus exclusively on French ceramics. Initially, this type of ceramic originated from England, but by the end of the 18th century, French manufacturers had begun producing it for a wider audience. It became everyday tableware, used both for simple meals and more elaborate ones.

Everyone owned some, from working-class families to the bourgeoisie and even the aristocracy. At the time, all French manufacturers were producing ironstone to suit different markets and customers.

You can see it in the quality of the glaze, the clay, the details in the design, and, of course, the manufacturer itself. For instance, pieces from Gien or Creil & Montereau were mainly intended for the bourgeois class, while pieces from Saint-Amand were more accessible and affordable. So not all ironstone is necessarily of great elegance or rarity.

Is there a motif or manufacturer in particular that you love?

I really can’t choose, and I get asked that a lot lately. People will say, “If there were an earthquake and you could only keep one piece, which one would you save?” But it’s impossible. I genuinely believe each piece is a little treasure.

That said, I do have a real fondness for certain manufacturers, like Jules Vieillard, or the houses of Gien, Creil & Montereau, Choisy-le-Roi, and Salins.

It’s easier for me to say which ones I feel less drawn to. For example, Saint-Amand often has a whiter base and slightly less refined patterns. Same with Sarreguemines. But as for a single motif I love most? I just can’t narrow it down.

We thank Cécile for taking the time to share a bit of her knowledge and passion for French ironstone with us. If you’d like to learn more about Blanche Patine, visit their website or follow them on Instagram.

At Les Fleurs, we share the same love for this style of antique French pottery and are always searching for new and different pieces whenever we’re in France. If you’re looking for something unique to add to your summer tabletop, take a look to see what’s in store at Les Fleurs.

À bientôt,
Sandra