Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Home
  3. French-Inspired Ideas

French-Inspired Ideas

June 22, 2011
Skip gallery slides
Pin

1 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

French Baguette

baguette
Credit: Anna Wiliiams
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

July 14 is Bastille Day. Whether you're planning a celebration or simply want to revel in all things Gallic, we think you'll enjoy these French-inspired recipes, crafts, and decor ideas any time of year. Vive la France!

The baguette is probably France's most beloved export. Beneath the crisp, brittle crust of a baguette is an airy crumb and a rich, nutty flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

1 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Kir Royales

mla102736_0108_kir.jpg
Credit: DANA GALLAGHER
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

France's famous kir royale (black-currant liqueur and Champagne) makes a perfect cocktail for your summer soiree.

2 of 25

3 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Perfect Roast Chicken

ed103954c_0908_roast_chick.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For tender meat and a crisp, golden brown skin in about an hour, high-heat oven roasting is the way to go.

3 of 25

Advertisement

4 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Striped Baskets

mld105796_0710_ropedtl_85.jpg
Credit: Ditte Isager

These easy-to-make baskets look like they were plucked from a French open-air market.

4 of 25

5 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Croque Madame Sandwiches

Didn’t think a great grilled cheese could get any better? Think again! Everyday Food editor Sarah Carey shows you how to make the comforting classic more deliciously dinner-worthy.

Get the Croque Madame Sandwiches Recipe

5 of 25

6 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Steak with Shoestring Fries

mld103747_1008_steak.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Another bistro classic, this is the ultimate French comfort meal.

6 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

French Wines

mld102870_0407_april.jpg

You'll never run out of great French wines to try, which means learning about them can easily become a lifelong pleasure.

7 of 25

8 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

French Almond Macaroons

110105_baking_macroons.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Transport yourself to Paris with one bite of these dreamy cookies that have a crisp exterior and slightly chewy center. They almost as pretty to look at as they are delicious to eat.

8 of 25

9 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bouillabaisse

soup_00836_t.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In the French manner, bouillabaisse is served in two courses: the soup first and then the fish. It is just as good when fish and soup are served together.

9 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Duxelles Spread

mla101439toastpts_0905_duxelles.jpg
Credit: Ellie Miller
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Duxelles, named for the seventeenth-century French Marquis d'Uxelles, is an adaptable, delectable mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, shallots, and herbs.

10 of 25

11 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lavender Spritzer

md104779_0110_glass.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The star ingredient in this summery sip is the herb synonomous with the South of France: lavender.

11 of 25

12 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Flag Berry Tarts

ml207p26_0702_flag_berry_tarts.jpg
Credit: GENTL & HYERS
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Salute the French flag by making this trio of tarts that will have people guessing if you own your own French patisserie.

12 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

French Courtyard Table

mla102322_0906_party.jpg

Set a thoroughly charming table inspired by French linens and flowers. Flower sack fabric covers folding chairs; small bouquets of roses dot the table. French lemons and bottles of water are the only other adornment.

13 of 25

14 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Moules Mariniere

ft_sept05msl31.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Shallots, butter, thyme, and white wine give classic flavor to this easy, casual, and traditional dish. Serve with a crusty baguette to soak up the broth.

14 of 25

15 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Repurposed Linen Sachet

5014_093009_lavender.jpg

This lovely lavender sachet is a great way to recycle an old piece of linen.

15 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pissaladiere

a98840_pizza.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These savory tarts are a specialty of Nice, in southern France. Traditionally the pissaladiere has a flaky crust, but this crisp crust gives it a lighter taste.

16 of 25

17 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

French 75

mld106343_1110_french75c.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

French Champagne gives this gin cocktail a shot of glamour.

17 of 25

18 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tuna Nicoise Sandwich

tuna sandwich
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This sandwich, our take on the French pan bagnat, is perfect for outdoor eating. Its flavor improves when you make it ahead.

18 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Numbered Drinking Glasses

msl_sept06_cocktail_glasses.jpg

These whimsical glasses are ideal for serving Lillet -- a French aperitif with a sprig of mint and slice of orange.

19 of 25

20 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Crepe Basics

md104211_0209_lemon031.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Once you catch the hang of it, the world of crepes is yours. They can inspire a fancy finish to a formal dinner party or the most casual kitchen gathering where guests take turns making crepes, garnishing them however they like, and devouring them on the spot.

20 of 25

21 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Striped Rug Pillows

mld105796_0710_rug.jpg
Credit: Ditte Isager
How to Make the Striped Rug Pillows

stripes in faded blues combine with neutrals and black for a room that's modern and inviting. We used the same rugs to make two kinds of pillows: a large one (bigger than a bed pillow) and a smaller one with an envelope-style opening.

21 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pate a Choux

mb_1008_pate_a_choux_2.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Use this pate a choux recipe to make mouthwatering French pastries such as profiteroles and eclairs.

22 of 25

23 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Brioche French Toast

mla104120_0509_asp_frnchtoast_l.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This French toast is always a big hit at a Bastille Day breakfast.

23 of 25

24 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

French Quarter Cocktails

a100575_0304_drnkcrd.jpg
Credit: Sang An
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These rum-and-juice cocktails are our take on a classic New Orleans drink.

24 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bistro Pomme Frites

mh_1041_bistro_fries.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These crispy bistro-style fries get their signature texture and flavor from cooking twice; once fried and once in the oven.

25 of 25

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 25 French Baguette
    2 of 25 Kir Royales
    3 of 25 Perfect Roast Chicken
    4 of 25 Striped Baskets
    5 of 25 Croque Madame Sandwiches
    6 of 25 Steak with Shoestring Fries
    7 of 25 French Wines
    8 of 25 French Almond Macaroons
    9 of 25 Bouillabaisse
    10 of 25 Duxelles Spread
    11 of 25 Lavender Spritzer
    12 of 25 Flag Berry Tarts
    13 of 25 French Courtyard Table
    14 of 25 Moules Mariniere
    15 of 25 Repurposed Linen Sachet
    16 of 25 Pissaladiere
    17 of 25 French 75
    18 of 25 Tuna Nicoise Sandwich
    19 of 25 Numbered Drinking Glasses
    20 of 25 Crepe Basics
    21 of 25 Striped Rug Pillows
    22 of 25 Pate a Choux
    23 of 25 Brioche French Toast
    24 of 25 French Quarter Cocktails
    25 of 25 Bistro Pomme Frites

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    French-Inspired Ideas
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.