Create The Perfect Parisian Café Setup — From Home
Darby and I recently popped into a café that’s themed to be exactly as they are in Paris. Now, we’ve never actually been to France, but the destination is definitely on our bucket list! We imagine a Parisian café to be the most perfect experience, and this faux experience certainly came very close to how we imagine the actual thing to be — minus a view of the Eiffel Tower!
There are a few key elements that made the café distinctly French-feeling. The ambiance was a big part of that, and of course, the next most crucial items are the food and the company you keep!
See what the café setup was like:
How dreamy!
Coffee and biscotti? Yes, please!
This was the perfect outing with Darby!
Take me back!
After visiting this place, we were inspired to create a list of items that you’ll need to stage the Parisian vibe wherever you are.
This is exactly what we plan on using to make our afternoons all the more chic until we make it to Paris in person:
1. Great-Smelling Candle
Paris Soy Wax Candle, $20, 42Pressed
A heavily scented candle should definitely help set the mood. Try to find a scent that reminds you of your favorite perfume (or better yet—the city itself like the one featured above!). With that scent in the air, there's no way you won't enjoy the space you're setting up.
2. Matches
Vintage Style Glass Holder and Long Matches, $29.95, Amazon
There's something about long matches that just feel extra fancy, don't you think? We recommend having these handy to really immerse yourself in the experience. There's nothing quite like the sound of striking a match.
3. Fresh Hydrangeas
The coffee spot we popped into had fresh hydrangeas on every table, and it was just a lovely little addition. Come to find out, there is a flower known as the "French Hydrangea," and despite the name, they actually originated in Japan. But hey, they still have a very "French" flair.
4. Hot Beverage
The next item you'll need is a warm beverage of your choice. Are you sipping on a café au lait or chocolat chaud (hot chocolate!), perhaps? It's up to you! There's no going wrong — as long as it's delicious.
5. Midnight In Paris Soundtrack
Of course, your little setup won't be complete without a soundscape. Choose something with a Parisian feel by going with older French songs or something like the Midnight in Paris soundtrack — because who doesn't love that movie?
6. Dessert
Croissant , biscotti, macaroon — you get the idea! Choose a treat to go along with your drink, and make sure it's extra yummy!
7. Great Conversation
Last, but certainly not least, you'll want to make sure you've got some great company with you — just as you would if traveling. If you're spending the afternoon solo, make sure you've got a great book or magazine handy. Make sure this time is spent doing something more worthwhile than looking at your phone screen, and it'll make the moment even better!
Here's a few photos we got of our own little recreation, just for more inspiration:
The candle, matches and flowers make us feel so fancy!
Plus, they're so pretty!
You can even create this blissful setup for yourself at work! Why not treat yourself?!
Want to stage a Parisian picnic in the springtime? We've got a guide to show you how it's done. Read it next here!
--Labels and Lacquer girls
Images: Photo by Maria Lazurenko on Unsplash (1); Photo by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash (1); L & L Originals (8); Courtesy Brands (2); Wix (2)