Christmas holiday magic in Paris is back again this year full steam ahead. The city is awash with mesmerizing lights, enchanting store windows, designer Christmas trees, and a unique ice sculpture show on the Champs Elysees. Since there is such an abundance of visual treats, I am devoting the next two weeks to Christmas time in Paris.
Printemps has outdone itself this year with its Russian fairy tale motif. Eleven storefronts are transformed into stylized dachas and five of them, dedicated to fashion, are inspired by Faberge eggs in an oversized version revealing a mannequin wearing an evening gown and a crystal headdress inspired by the crowns of tsarinas. The other windows feature a reception with an opulent banquet, a folkloric ball with dancers and musicians, a ride inspired by a carousel and a game of hide-and-seek with giant matryoshka dolls that open and close.
Inside the store are Russian influenced gift ideas including caviar, vodka, pierogi, traditional cakes, Goldken chocolates in the form of gold ingots, and Russian tea by Mariage Frères.
Printemps
64 Blvd. Haussmann,9th arr.
Metro: Havre Caumartin
Open Monday - Saturday, Sunday December 13th & 20th
Tel. 01 42 82 57 87
http://departmentstoreparis.printemps.com/index.aspx
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte’s professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 3 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
These are gorgeous....Happy Christmas Richard, xv.
Posted by: Vicki Archer | December 07, 2009 at 10:38 AM
What a treat. I can't get enough of these "jewel box" displays. I hope you post more holiday windows. Happy holidays, Richard!
Posted by: Boomermuse | December 07, 2009 at 05:03 PM
Oh, Richard. You made my DAY!
Fantastic windows that stirred my creativity.
Posted by: Pauline | December 07, 2009 at 05:18 PM
Thanks for keeping me in touch with Paris XMAS windows. Beautiful!
Posted by: Larry | December 07, 2009 at 05:20 PM
Enchanting! Look forward to the next two weeks!
Posted by: judy | December 07, 2009 at 07:42 PM
I must get up to Printemps. Beautiful!
Posted by: lynn | December 07, 2009 at 07:55 PM