Advertorial: How to add a little French-style Joy de Vivre to any New Year celebrations

Are your usual go-to party cocktails feeling a little staid? Do you want to leave 2021 well and truly behind you? Fancy trying something new this year? Then why not add a little a little Joie de Vivre a la Bardinet to your 2022 celebrations, with these glorious styling tips from three Francophile Bloggers – and me, in collaboration with French-style Brandy Bardinet.

You see… I’ve been mad about all things French since I was about 18. The country, the culture, the food, the fashion, the accent… The love of love. It all started when I took my first trip to Paris with my Liverpool Art College friends. Strolling along those glorious cafe-lined Bohemian streets – or La rue – if we’re being true to our French neighbours… It was in Paris – the city of light – that I found myself gazing up, wistfully, at La Basilique du Sacré Cœur in the Montmartre, alight in all of its golden, dusky glory! The streets lined by artists and their easels - busy at work.

On a bridge on the Seine, overlooking the Eiffel Tower

It was in France, that I also discovered my favourite art gallery in the whole wide world – Centre Pompidou. Visiting it for the very first time, and standing on the rooftop, looking out over Paris, still basking in that shade of Yves Klein blue, having just taken in the German Photographers Bernd and Hillard Becker’s typologies of industrial buildings, and being lost for words – simply in awe – at American Artist Nan Goldin’s sensitive documentation ‘Art about Aids’. I was truly blown away by the talent, honesty and beauty of Paris and everything it stood for.

I can remember sitting in a small cafe, eating Toulouse sausage and mash, and sipping on a glass of heavy Bordeaux red wine (the start of another love affair…) and thinking “this is bliss!” I’d even dreamt of one day – after I graduated from University – I would move to Paris for real and experience life there for myself… The closest I got was a 4-month jaunt to south west France’s Languedoc region, renting a place to write my book from in Mazamet.

Since then, I’ve returned to France and Paris especially several times, and have very fond memories of the superb cocktail of art & culture I experienced on those trips. For this collaboration with French-style Brandy Bardinet, they tasked me with recreating my own little French-inspired something something for the festive season, but as you’ll soon see, these cocktails can be enjoyed well into 2022 and beyond!

Read on to find out how I’m embracing that ever so French je ne sais quoi…

Top Tips for Introducing more French-Chic into your life

Katie Anderson of Love French Style is a French Interiors and Lifestyle Blogger, who suggested that velvet was the way to go to embrace any true Francophile nature. I scoured the internet for my favourite velvet party dresses - take a peek at my Pinterest board - and ended up going for this Neck Tie Velvet Mini Dress from & Other Stories (now on sale, whilst stocks last!)

Add a touch of Velvet to your wardrobe…

Katie’s other tip was ‘Adorable Accessories’ - to tick this box I went for a cute cream ruched headband to compliment the white shirt and pussy bow detailing on the dress.

Whilst putting a spin on our own French-inspired party celebrations, we dug out the Raclette for a perfectly gooey French family feast! I’m assured this is all the rage in many a French ski resort… and it’s definitely something I can get on board with!

Introducing… The Zelda

A traditional Brandy cocktail reimagined for the new roaring 22’s!

This is perfect for anyone looking for a special occasion cocktail with a difference. For those who would like to add some French spirit and glamour into their lives – who enjoy something quite decadent in both flavour and appearance. Perhaps you’re a fan of a glass or two of Champagne… familiar with popping open a bottle of Prosecco, Crément or English sparkling wine – if so, then this is for you!

I recreated The Zelda as a toast to my partner’s parents and my own family over the festive period. It’s super simple to make, and once you’ve bought the ingredients, they’ll be drinks cupboards favourites for many a party or dinner to come.

The Zelda

Named after the iconic flapper and author Zelda Fitzgerald, who spent much of her life in France.

A reimagined French Sidecar cocktail that uses apricot brandy (which pairs well with Bardinet and is topped with sparkling wine or champagne – which seems de rigeur, given Zelda’s zest for life.

- 50 ml Bardinet Brandy

- 25 ml Apricot Brandy

- ¼ teaspoon Orange Juice or Orange Blossom Water (we opted for the Orange Blossom Water - sounds fancier!)

- Top up with a splash of Cave de Lugny Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs NV (Note: You can also use Prosecco (or Champagne if you want to add some further French flair)

Garnish: Zest of an Orange & White Sugar to dust the rim

Glass: Champagne flute

Wet the rim of the glass with apricot brandy, then dip into the sugar. Add the Bardinet, apricot brandy, orange juice (or blossom water) in a shaker, add ice and shake until chilled. Pour into the glass then top up with prosecco or champagne and stir gently. Peel a long strip of orange peel and place in glass.

Cocktail credit: Susan ~ A Lush Life Manual

Tips for injecting French flair into your home

Blogger Marissa Cox says “unlike Scandinavian interior style for example, the French aesthetic is a little harder to pinpoint, but there are a few running themes, such as flowers (dried and real), displayed momentos, art, mirrors, books and vintage mixed with modern that are key elements in a French/Parisian home.

In many ways their homes are created from a hodgepodge of items that are beautifully curated and have meaning. One thing is for sure, the French are good at telling their story with their interior surroundings; their home is an extension of their personality. When it comes to the festive season, they keep decorations elegant, they don’t over-dress their homes or change it dramatically and instead generally keep to a couple of colourways for the tree decor and put more of their energy into the food, drinks and festivities. But here are a few items you can add to your home to make it feel a little more French this season… or any!”

Make it stand out

- Invest in beautifully-scented candles

- Display dried & living flowers around the house

-  Invest in a few beautiful glass or ceramic vases to display said flowers - Hay, Louise Roe, Arket

- Add candles to the fireplace mantle, coffee table and entrance furniture so guests are greeted with a lovely scent when they arrive

- Hang ornate antique wall-mounted candle holders - source vintage on Etsy or I love the brass style from Rowen and Wren

- Add a fruit bowl full of clementines to the dining table or on the buffet, preferably in marble - you can find styles on Trouva.

Tips by Marissa Cox ~ Rue Rodier

From antique French hens to cheese and chocolate in all its forms… There are so many ways you can add French glamour to any occasion.

For the love of Comté! The perfect cheese with chocolate, chutney or alone.

If you haven’t already heard of Revillon Papillotes but love a life quote wrapped your chocolate treats - then these are for you! Traditionally eaten on Christmas eve - but fun to enjoy all year round, they are delicious! Note: If your French is a little Rusty, try using the Google translate app. It uses the camera on your phone and AI technology to translate languages into your native one. Genius!

Anyone for Raclette? I’ll never say no to a family feast which consists of a side of melted cheese with EVERYTHING! My friends at British Cheesemonger Paxton & Whitfield sell a cute Raclette for two, if the beast in this photo above looks too much for you.

It’s safe to say, whatever special event or evening in you’ve got coming up, feel free to steal any of the ideas above and wow your guests!

Enjoy responsibly x

About Bardinet

Aged in Bordeaux in South West France, Bardinet is a highly acclaimed French-style Brandy – a spirit that is crafted with French passion. Read more about how you can incorporate a little French spirit and glamour into your lives, and get better acquainted with the timeless allure of French brandy.

Did you know…? Bardinet Brandy is the number two best-selling brandy in the UK. Founded in 1857, it is produced, aged and bottled in cellars near Bordeaux using traditional techniques.

Disclaimer: Sponsored post created in collaboration with Bardinet. It is through paid pieces like this that we can continue to run the blog and write from the heart. Thank you for supporting us.