8 Dining Essentials That Will Transform Your Kitchen Into A French Cafe
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Whether you identify as a Francophile, wish your diet could consist entirely of wine and cheese or are just really craving a European vacation right now, turning your kitchen into a full-blown French dining experience can make mealtime feel a little (or a lot) more special.
And it's actually not that difficult with a few well-placed pieces. Namely, a few classics from Lenox, which is celebrating the anniversary of its quintessentially Parisian and loved-by-many French Perle collection with a new everyday pattern: French Perle Scallop. It's chic enough to belong on your fanciest holiday tablescapes, but versatile enough to subtly level-up your average Tuesday lunch in a way that only French dinnerware can.
Keep scrolling for a few French Perle Scallop staples — along with some other dining essentials to help really transform your dining area into a whole bon appétit moment.
1. Lenox French Perle Scallop 4-Piece Place Setting, $69.95
Image Credit: Lenox
The easiest way to add some French style to your table? Swap your plates and bowls for a tea-stained, country-esque place setting with subtle scallop detailing.
2. Bodum Chambord French Press, $40
Image Credit: Bodum
What's a brunch spread without an actual French press? This classic one brews eight cups of coffee that pair perfectly with a plate of pastries.
3. Casafina Simple Ceramic Olive Oil Cruet, $44
Image Credit: Casafina
Sure, you could pour olive oil straight from the bottle, but this white ceramic cruet makes even the most basic baguette-plus-olive-oil combo feel extra fancy.
4. Lenox French Perle Scallop Serving Bowl, $79.95
Image Credit: Lenox
Instead of scarfing down your food, taking the time to actually serve a dish can make mealtime feel like me-time. And when this dish is not in use? Don't hide it away in your cabinet. Instead, use it as minimalist decor on a shelf or as a statement fruit basket.
5. Pottery Barn Rae Round Marble Pedestal Bistro Dining Table, $499
Image Credit: Pottery Barn
To really lean into the café vibe, consider adding a bistro table to your eating area. Don't want to travel to France for every meal? No worries — it can double as a cute side table on off-hours.
6. La Vie Rustic: Cooking & Living in the French Style Cookbook, $23.49
Image Credit: Amazon
French fries are great and all, but every once in awhile you may want to try out some for-real French dishes, like the ones in this James Beard Award–winning author's cookbook.
7. Lenox French Perle Scallop 4-Piece Accent Plate Set, $59.95
Image Credit: Lenox
If you're not ready to commit to fully swapping out all your dinnerware, these minimalistic-yet-elegant accent plates easily blend in to any tablescape, while subtly giving it an elevated feel.
8. Ikea Jasning Bread Basket, $9.99
Image Credit: IKEA
Last, but certainly not least, add a simple basket to your countertop — partially for looks, and partially to hold all the delicious breads you're now inspired to bake...or buy.