The French have a love affair with style. Note the square base, the etching going up to the rim. The stylish designs are a feast for the eyes and soul, especially if you are invited to dinner where you can see the details of small beauty in the everyday tableware.
There is a glass for every purpose under heaven in their cupboards. Can you taste a strawberry parfait in this one?
When in doubt serve champagne. Champagne is one drink in France you can serve anytime of the day or evening. I like that. It doesn’t have to be for a special reason. This beauty is a Louis sixteen style champagne glass. I found six of them in a dusty box at a flea market. Dust not longer claims them.
This hand painted glass seems to sing, "Good morning would you like a glass of juice?"
A rare eighteen century (1700s) wine glass. The base of wine glasses this old are often wider than the rim. Slightly uneven in shape, and lightweight. This one is filled purposefully with memory tokens as to remind me to be careful with it… hopefully it will last another two hundred years with memories of my family.
A deep rose colored apertif glass… rose colored before serving, and after the color is reflected in our cheeks. It doesn’t have to be filled to set my heart racing.
A French antique bistro glass is etched for a "fete" holiday. Celebrating the moment, creating an atmosphere, living ambiance… Meal time is a ritual in France. Food and wine hold sacred spots. Paper cups are a rarity unless at a picnic or at fast food joint. I love France for that reason alone, (even if I have to wash every glass by hand!)
As evening falls the stars come out, the dinner sounds are heard, the raising of the glass, the toast, the welcome… the sharing of the moment. Raise your glass to the stars and trust it will be filled with the joy of life.
Photos: French antique wine glasses from the cupboard that came out to take a bow.
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