I was inspired by the idea of a match striker, specifically those modeled after those found in French cafes, to assemble this collection of items. I ended up learning some interesting things, such as some facts about the history of absinthe drinking while I searched for things and learned about some great new brands along the way. If you have a Francophile in your life you’re sure to be able to find them a little something from this guide.

1. Match Striker: The piece that started this whole guide, I love using matches to light candles because of the smell the produce and the feeling of authenticity. Make matches easily accessible in a pretty display piece that is equal parts functional and beautiful. The side of the container also acts as a surface on with to strike and light the match. Note: you have to use strike anywhere matches for this to work.
2. Absinthe Glass: While absinthe drinking has fallen out of popularity, you can still find the glasses in production (and honestly they would be pretty with another cocktail in them). The glasses always have a recognizable bulb at the base of the flute that was used to “dose” the amount of absinthe. One would then pour water over a special slotted spoon laid over the top of the glass with a sugar cube on it to dilute the drink.
3. Herbs du Provence: Give your home cooking a french flair with Herbs du Provence: a combination of thyme, basil, savory, fennel and lavender. Use on poultry or in soups or sauces.
4. Emile Henry Pie Dish: Iconic Ceramic bakeware brand, Emile Henry, has been making bakeware in Burgundy, France since 1850. Their pie dishes, loaf pans, and ramekins evenly distribute heat for superior baking. They also last for decades, my parents still have the same mixing bowls (minus one my little sister kicked off the counter as a child) and loaf pan from here that they had in my childhood. 
5. Caneles: I first discovered this treat in the frozen food section of Trader Joe’s (I know not exactly the most authentic introduction) I later found them, in a better, fresher version, at a french patisserie in my college town. They served tiny versions with your espresso or latte. I love the chewy exterior with a slightly softer center. Something about the combination of textures is so unique.
6. Absinthe Saucer: These dishes were used at restaurants to serve up glasses of Absinthe on and at the end of the meal to count up a patrons total. The different color rims corresponded to different prices, with higher prices indicating more expensive absinthe.
7. Cire Trudon Candle: Founded in 1643 the Parisian candle maker, cire Trudon produced candles for King Louis XIV. Their beehive shaped emblem pays tribute both to the Trudon family crest and to the bees that produce the wax for their luxury candles. 
8. Marin Montagut Vase: Artist, Marin Montagut, takes inspiration from vintage French tableware when illustrating his own line of home goods. His illustrations pay homage to Paris, nature, love, and the Cosmos.
9. Torchons (Dish Towels): I read an article by a woman lamenting about how great french torchons were and how she scours vintage and antique stores for them everytime she is in France because that is how good they are. She did such a good job selling them that I went on a hunt to see what I could find here in the US. Food52 did not disappoint, they offer vintage french kitchen towels, and while they cost a pretty penny they will withstand time and are generous in size.
10. Laguiole Cheese Knife Set: I love the bistro style flatware by Laguiole, so it’s no surprise that I am equally obsessed with this colorful set of cheese knives.
11. Hand Soap: We use this soap at our office and two of my favorite things about it are the generous size of the bottle and the fact that the bottle is made of glass, it just feels high end.
12. Maison du Chocolat: We had these sent to us once by a gallerist and they were divine. The company’s goal is to honor the ingredients they pour into their carefully crafted chocolates and I think they do a wonderful job.