I have a pretty good command of the English language and yet am unsure if I can string together the right words to describe the beauty and simplicity of last nights celebration of Alain’s 64th birthday. I will do my best.
First of all a brief family tree. Annie and Denis are Francois’ parents. Alain is Denis’ brother; he and his wife Elizabeth have been living in the residence at the winery while they have their nearby home renovated. We gathered at their winery home for what I thought was to be a simple drink to celebrate Alain’s birthday. Silly me.
We didn’t head over until after 6; it was really touch and go whether we would take Nina out but after a bike ride with her in the trailer being pulled by Em and Otis riding along in the basket on mine, she seemed to rally so we decided she could manage an outing. Alain and Elizabeth’s two adult children Herve and Lucie, were already there when we arrived. After us Denis and Annie showed up along with Francois’ brother Sebastien (and his wife and two young children who didn’t stay too long) and AnneMarie, Alain and Denis’ sister. Small crackers and bowls of peanuts accompanied the opening round of bubbly. Still not quite understanding the flow of these things I thought that was the event’s offering. But no. More wine was uncorked and course after course of food appeared from the kitchen. Three different dips, all of which had a base in crème fraiche and that were delicious, cheese cubes, mini wraps of both boursin and ham, olives, then crustinis with fish eggs…. And it culminated in a delicious apple and pear tart with an almond paste base. Everything was made by Elizabeth which had to have kept her puttering and preparing for hours in the kitchen. But it was all served so casually. So understated. And leisurely. While we all sat around the dining room table we talked in our French-English mixture, nothing was rushed, new rounds of food and wine appeared…… and we toasted Alain and each other.
The informality I think is what made this evening so special. No airs and graces. No structure. No gifts. No cards. Just a beautiful, easy, gentle, flow to hours of gathering and celebrating a loved one’s birthday.
Have I strung the right words together? I am not sure. I wish that everyone reading this could be here to enjoy this sort of local flavour evening. An understated elegance. The je ne sais quoi flair of the French. A family who love and support each other in the simplest of fashions. It is beautiful. I am grateful to be part of this family and their celebrations.
A bientot! xo
PS: photo is of a row of the David’s vines.
What you have described sounds ….. peaceful, yet lovely. Enjoy every moment, as I’m sure you do.
Just what a birthday should be about .
Love it !
Sounds like a wonderful evening.
Sounds like my kind of gathering! A simple, yet special celebration of a birthday! Enjoying just being together!! Parfait!😊
Sounds like a lively evening!
Sounds like a beautiful evening and a wonderful birthday celebration spent with family!!
It’s what you do best – use your words to make us feel like we were there too Michelle. And I love the bike ride with Otis in your basket and Nina in her trailer. Such a happy picture that created for me.
Love your descriptions, it really makes me feel Ikea I am there. I am.sure it was a very casual, relaxing, enjoyable evening, as they all are in France.
Your descriptions puts the reader right there with you. Always looking forward for the next one.
Thank you Marg; mom would’ve enjoyed that you’re following along!
Family coming together is what birthdays are all about. Sounds like a perfect evening to me ❤️
Hi Michelle! I’ve just had a great start to a wonderful Sunday morning with coffee in hand reading from Day 1 to now your wonderful rich stories that are so visual. You have a gift.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful adventures!!!
Welcome Monica! Happy to have you part of the group! And that was a lot of catching up to do in one sitting! Appreciate your comment and your company!
It sounds wonderful way to celebrate a birthday.
Your blog makes me feel like I’m there with you.
I absolutely love it.
🤗
Sounds like the perfect way to be surrounded by family before you leave in the next few days
Sounds like a perfect evening
Your description of that beautiful evening with family was perfect!! France is definitely on my bucket list when I retire as is many other European countries. Can’t wait to witness for myself the people, the food and atmosphere! I am so enjoying living vicariously through you! Thanks so much!
Just love the simplicity of the evening. I wish every celebration was that way. I’m loving France and your family more and more with each blog. They sound like the most beautiful people xo