REVEAL: La Box Holiday Edition
Et voilà ! All the winter boxes have been delivered and it is now my pleasure to reveal what’s inside La Box Holiday Edition!
La Box included 4 products with taste, scent, texture and craftsmanship carefully handpicked to transport you to a Noël en Provence.
What does Christmas look like in Provence, you may ask? Well, there are many traditions around the holidays. My family is a blend of Northern French (also called ‘Ch’tis’) and Italians (who all ended up in Provence at some point) so our celebration of Christmas is a blend of traditions. We follow some Provençal holiday rituals, but not all. For example, we plant seeds on Sainte Barbe (Dec 4th) and watch it grow through the holiday season. We build the Nativity scene with handcrafted santons from the region. We display (and eat most of) the 13 Desserts on Christmas’ Eve (and on Christmas Day). We also eat foie gras with fig jam on toasted bread, but that is most of French people…
Okay, without further ado…
Beeswax Candlesticks by Apis Cera
With Apis Cera, former web-designer turned bee lover Charles makes 100% pure embossed beeswax candles and organic honey soaps. They are entirely hand-made in his workshop in Provence. The Apis Cera products aim to offer comfort, warmth and well-being.
The chandelles en cire d’abeilles (beeswax candlesticks) bring an elegant Provençal touch to your dinner table, night stand, console, or mantel. They are perfect for the holidays and beyond. Be ready to awaken your senses (and those of your guests!) with the natural magic that emanates from the Lucienne tappers. The honey scent is divine.
Curious about founder Charles van Valkenburg’s journey and vision for his company? Check out our exclusive interview here.
photo credits: Jamie Beck (left) and Apis Cera (center and right)
Calissons by le Roy René
Also known as the macarons of Provence (that’s how people in Provence proudly call it), le calisson is a subtle mixture of finely crushed sweet almonds, candied melon and orange peel, all on a bed of wafers and covered with royal ice. Listed as a living heritage of the city of Aix-en-Provence, the history of the calisson goes back to the time of King René in the 15th century. Legend has it that the King's confectioner made this delicacy to delight Queen Jeanne on her wedding day. She named these delicacies "di calin soun" (“they are like cuddles” in Provençal). They sure are!
For the holiday box, we chose the arlequin edition from le Roy René, which contains six different flavors of calissons: Almond (the original), Raspberry, Lemon, Fig, Cocoa Hazelnut and Orange. They bring colors to your dessert table and undeniable pleasure to your palate!
Ornements by Isabel de Géa
It is so special to me that I was able to promote an artisane from my very own village. Perched on top of the village of Orgon, Isabel de Géa’s atelier de poterie is a unique place where magic happens! The ornements she created exclusively for Best French Forever embody the simple, slow life of Provence. She used plants from the Monastery garden to create imprints on the ceramic, before adding golden leaves for an elegant, festive touch. The other ornement showcases the word “Noël” with golden accents, reminding that beauty can be found in the simplest things.
The 2022 Calendar by Best French Forever
What better way to celebrate the new year than by taking you to a new place of Provence every month? We loved putting together this wall calendar with photographs from our founder, Cynthia, and her very own BFFs from Provence. Once each month ends, the photo can be cut and framed to decorate your walls. Quotes from some of our favorite authors and French figures are on the back to inspire you (in French) throughout the year.
Whether you are planning a trip to Provence in 2022 or not, we are taking you with us through this calendar.
We have a few calendars left for those interested. Feel free to contact us at bonjour[at]bestfrenchforever[dot]com and we can arrange a quick shipment!
Now tell us…
Whether you’re a current customer or have been considering getting La Box and haven’t pulled the trigger yet, what would you like to see and receive in future boxes? We would LOVE to hear from you (meet us in the contact page, or on Instagram!).