How do the French celebrate the festive season? In style, of course.
Christmas in France is a true celebration of the senses. The scent of fir and orange peel, candlelight across white linen, and laughter that lingers long after midnight. From Parisian apartments to Provençal homes, the season is steeped in fragrance, flavor, and timeless traditions of togetherness. And here are just a few of our favorites.
In France, children would traditionally place their shoes by the fire or under the tree on Christmas eve. And back when oranges were precious and rare, they’d often wake to find one tucked into each shoe (hopefully they chose their cleanest pair!).
The sweet and citrussy scent still carries many straight back to the nostalgia of their childhood Christmases. And with many Poète fragrances featuring those same orange notes – like La Forêt, Rose Citron and more – this French tradition is especially close to our hearts.
France’s festive love affair with oranges runs deep
The humble orange’s Christmas connection dates back to the Renaissance pomanders – or pommes d’ambre. These small, ornate spheres were filled with spices, resins, and ambergris, and carried to scent clothing and protect against illness.
Over time, these ornate perfumed jewels were recreated with real fruits – often oranges. At Christmas oranges were pierced with cloves to release their warm, spicy aroma, then hung or placed on the mantelpiece.
Today, oranges still crop up all across the French festive season. In mulled wine or candied for an after-dinner treat, or with dried orange slices decorating Christmas tables and trees. Wherever they appear, their warm golden glow remains a symbol of light and joy in the heart of winter.
A festive feast that lasts until the early hours
On Christmas eve, French families gather for Le Réveillon. It’s a delicious and delectable feast, starting at dinner time, then often stretching into the early hours of the morning.
The table is often filled with delicacies like foie gras, oysters, smoked salmon, roast capon, and of course, plenty of champagne and French wine. All finished off with the Bûche de Noël (also known as ‘The Yule Log’) for dessert.
On Christmas eve, French families gather for Le Réveillon. It’s a delicious and delectable feast, starting at dinner time, then often stretching into the early hours of the morning.
The fine art of French table-setting
Dinners like Le Réveillon are a feast for the eyes, too. The Christmas table is beautifully set with white linens, cloth napkins, candles, polished silverware, and natural touches like holly, fir branches, pinecones, walnuts, or dried orange slices.
Color palettes are often timeless; white and gold, red and green. Or cooler and more contemporary, like silver and blue. Some families add a small gift or handwritten note at each place setting. Then soft background music completes the mood. We’ve compiled a playlist for you.
It’s not about extravagance. It’s about elegance. All those small touches that turn the table into a celebration for all five senses – sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound. An atmosphere of harmony and joy, shared at one of the most special times of the year.
A festive season with scent in the air
In France, great hospitality is so revered, it has its own name. It’s called L’Art de Recevoir, or ‘the art of welcoming others’. Before any guest walks through the door, every detail of the home is pored over and considered, including its fragrance.
On Christmas Eve, the house comes alive with scent. The citrusy, spicy aroma of mulled wine, roasted capon and chestnuts, mingling with the fresh, resinous notes of the greenery decorating the table. Crackling wood fires bring an extra touch of ambiance, setting the tone for a great night’s celebration ahead.
A scented candle or a spritz or two of room mist are the final fragrant touch. A small ritual that puts a little magic in the air. Creating a feeling that’s charming and cheerful, soothing and serene. The unmistakable signature of a French Christmas.
All these French traditions are ones we hold dear at Poète
We celebrate them through fragrance. Our scented candles bring warmth and glow to winter nights, while a few sprays of Poète Clothing Spritz™ onto the linen cloth brings a delicate perfume to the table. Our brand-new room mist range completes the infusion of French style into your festivities. Filling the home with light, fragrance, and feeling. Just like they do en France.
