gauthier's christmas

As Christmas approaches, the founder of Q de Bouteilles offers us a taste of what he is about to spend. In his grandparents' house in the Baie de Somme, the spirit is already festive. Immersion in this place filled with memories past and future.

Gauthier, tell us about this place.

We are in my grandparents' house, located in a small village in the Bay of Somme. This is where we celebrate Christmas every year alongside my family, my wife Victoire and my children, my parents, my three sisters and my brother, my uncles, aunts, cousins.

With nearly forty people in the dining room, I'll let you imagine the ambient hubbub.

What does your Christmas meal look like?

We always meet for lunch on the 25th. After an aperitif that we like to make last, we gather around the large wooden table. From year to year, the menu remains unchanged; I think we are all very attached to finding the same dishes. The mashed potatoes and the hot chestnuts roasted in the fireplace are a bit like my Proust Madeleines.

What gifts do you put under the tree?

It's hard not to offer one of our creations! To create the surprise effect, I like to choose a new product like our candlesticks or a limited edition like the Princes Cannelle vase or the Mathusalem model.

Depending on who I choose - we organize a Secret Santa every year - I also personalize my gifts. For my nephew's arrival, for example, I had all the family's first names engraved on long drinks; another time I had the name of my grandparents' house written on a set.

What are the essentials of a good table in your opinion?

Family or friends to start, good bottles of wine and simple cuisine that highlights seasonal produce.

Decoration is also important; in my opinion, it says the intention you have for your guests. I always take the time to light tealights if I'm hosting a dinner party or to pick a few flowers from the garden to brighten up our vases.

ARE THERE ANY items you LOVE in particular here?

The Arco lamp from Flos that I feel like I've known forever. I'm also very sensitive to the marquetry work on the walls of the dining room; it's a meticulous craft that I particularly admire.

I have a weakness for old tableware and naturally, for short drinks which are the very first creations that we offered at Q de Bouteilles.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT AT CHRISTMAS?

After lunch, we usually settle down on the sofas in the living room with our cousins. There is a moment of hesitation; lunch behind us, we take the time to appreciate this family reunion.

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