Julia Child was a contributing editor to Food & Wine when I arrived at the magazine in 1995. Coming from a non-food background, I was intimidated to meet her. I made a trip up to Boston, where she gave me a tour of her wonderful pegboard kitchen and then drove us to lunch (I learned that Julia was a much better cook than driver).
At the restaurant, she gave me a piece of wisdom I’ve used to this day. She told me what she said to chefs if she didn’t like their food: “I just tell them I’ve had a wonderful time.”
Dana Cowin, Editor-in-Chief of Food & Wine Magazine.
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In honor of the forthcoming movie Julie & Julia, here are my Etsy picks to help you throw an inspired summer gathering, like the “We Heart Julia Child” party in this month’s issue of Food & Wine.
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Movie poster by Columbia Pictures, used with permission; braised artichokes photo by Martin Morrell.
These beautiful French rolling pins by WoodElements are the kind Child liked best. Unlike classic American rolling pins, French rouleaux don’t have handles, so they provide more control. They’re just the thing for making quiche crust. Here’s a bacon and leek recipe to get you started.
Quiche photo by Quentin Bacon.
I love this vintage Le Creuset butter-melter from findingfabulous. I could use it to try François Payard’s Triple Layer Chocolate Macaron Cake or a few other of our French desserts. Enameled cast-iron pans cook evenly and retain heat effectively, oh and they also look fantastic.
This vintage enamelware metal colander from redponygirl reminds me of the episode of The French Chef in which Julia demonstrated how to make a salad niçoise but dropped the lettuce on the floor when she tried to put it in the colander. She refused to edit out the mistake.
These dried herbs de Provence from homesteadtreasures come in fun French-themed burlap bags.
At the end of each episode of The French Chef, Child raised a glass to wish viewers “Bon Appétit.” Now we know it contained Gravy Master (which looked like wine on the black-and-white broadcast). But these vintage glasses from Brightnewthings are great for any aperitif to serve with French hors d’oeuvres.
This hefty “Tasty” bowl by laurawallstaylor reminds me of the great Julia Child quote, “Life itself is the proper binge.” |
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Photo used with permission. Meryl Streep as “Julia Child” in Columbia Pictures’ Julie & Julia.
Photo by David Giesbrecht.
Alexander Henry’s French Provence fabric from fabricstosew would make great napkins for any French-themed party.
oldyarns’ pillow cases made from antique French linens, particularly the ones with embroidered garden peas, evoke Julia and Paul Child’s years in France.
This linen cotton runner by LinenMe would look terrific beneath a spread of Provençal picnic dishes.
I think Julia Child would appreciate the spirit behind armatodesign’s whimsical merci thank you cards.
Anyone have a signed Julia Child cookbook? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo by MDCarchives.
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For more fun summer entertaining ideas, go to foodandwine.com/entertaining. Check back here on the Etsy blog for more party planning posts — the editors at Food & Wine will be sharing more ideas, recipes, and their Etsy picks this summer.
111 comments
Sign in to add your ownUglyBaby says:
OMG, must have quiche now. Drooling.
2 years ago
jessjamesjake says:
mmmmm! tasty finds.
2 years ago
jewelrybyjackie says:
Can I just say that I am so excited to see this movie! I not only love to cook, and eat of course, but Julia is one of my idols. Wonderful piks!
2 years ago
hippiejo74 says:
seriously awesome....Julia Child rocks :)
2 years ago
kmwatkins says:
yum...
2 years ago
bijougirldesigns says:
Oh, I have a huge fascination with enameled colanders. I love that yellow one! I really can't wait to see the movie.
2 years ago
leora727 says:
love these picks, gets me so excited for the movie! and ready to start cooking, i think i need more le creuset!
2 years ago
paramountvintage says:
what a great article! julia child is amazing!
2 years ago
paramountvintage says:
and unfortunately i do not have a signed cookbook by julia child :(
2 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Enjoyed my peruse of the pictures and read about julia childs and the pic of meryl streep as julia is priceless~! When I was preggers with our 1st child my craving was Quiche, I'd love some today as well, not expecting. lol.
2 years ago
bamboobaby says:
Love Julia Child! Loved the book Julie & Julia. Can't wait for the movie. I only wish I had a signed copy of the Art of French Cooking.
2 years ago
foamywader says:
Fantastic!
2 years ago
TheCottageCheese says:
Yum! I collect vintage cookbooks, but I'm always intimidated by French cooking (although I can make a mean quiche). Great picks, I really love that colander!
2 years ago
Herbfriend says:
Enjoyed this tremendously!
2 years ago
beachhouseblues says:
Can't wait to see the new movie about Julia Child! We love her in Boston :->
2 years ago
Vanessa says:
When my little sister Julia was a baby, my mom went to a signing. She said Julia Child laughed and inscribed my mom's copy with, "From Julia Child to Julia the Child."
2 years ago
MPsen says:
love the wine glasses
2 years ago
LilyBaySoap says:
This is reallly nice!
2 years ago
patspottery says:
This is just wonderful. Love the butter dishes:>)
2 years ago
SweetwaterGifts says:
Loved this topic!!! I'm particularly fond of old linens and kitchen gadgets. I found a bunch of new sellers I didn't have time to find without you. Thanks so much for searching out these lovely stores. Of course, now my head is spinning with new ideas!!!!
2 years ago
babook says:
I want see that the movie !! Expect come : )
2 years ago
IcingOnTheCupcake says:
Excited to see the movie!
2 years ago
PomLove says:
friends, food & meryl streep. what could be more comforting? julia child is an amazing woman! i'm so happy that she's being spotlighted:) thanks for this fun collection, too.
2 years ago
PipocaHandmade says:
Wonderful picks for a perfect meal. Thanks to Food & Wine for helping me feed my family with great recipes!
2 years ago
WinchellClayWorks says:
Am I the only person right now who has this image of Dan Ackroyd as Julia Child running through my head? I do love Julia--she was a gem!
2 years ago
spacejam says:
this is great!1 wanna see that movie
2 years ago
SewnNatural says:
when i was young in the 1980s i honestly watched her show every week. i loved it, and i think it inspired me to love cooking and baking, and not taking it all too seriously. she was fantastic.
2 years ago
ovgilliesdesigns says:
Mmmm I'm getting hungry reading this! Lovely finds!
2 years ago
shopgoodgrace says:
love the fabric with the roosters! I want to see the movie, too... I may have to try that bacon and leek recipe. yum!
2 years ago
thebestvintage says:
Love the tasty bowl!
2 years ago
Ozknits says:
My grandmother has an autographed copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume 1. While cooking is foreign to me, this is a yummy article!!
2 years ago
3squares says:
All of my designs are inspired by food and my love of cooking, so I can't wait to see the movie. More inspiration!
2 years ago
Jewelweeds says:
wonderful article, Julia Child was very much alive in my childhood, cooking—especially the process and the social aspect of cooking was very important in my family. And as my name is Julia, she has a special place in my heart. My grandmother, with a wink, would often address me as "Julia, child...." Loved Vanessa's story about her mother's inscribed cookbook, wish I had one too!
2 years ago
4TheSparrowsNest says:
I love Vanessa's comment! Too funny! The movie looks like fun as well. Wish I could cook like a pro...haha. But I can fix up a mean chicken nugget!
2 years ago
mtraub says:
I have a vivid memory from when I was little of watching Julia Child make croissants by wrapping dough around a stick of a butter. Yum!
2 years ago
EJPcreations says:
I can't wait for the movie!!!
2 years ago
crochetgal says:
Julia Child has been an inspiration to me since I was very young. My fondest memory is an old epidode with Emeril Lagasse when he just started out... it was hillarious! Not only did Julia provide some great tips and techniques, she did it with a wonderful sense of humour.
2 years ago
LoveAppleBoutique says:
I can't wait to see the movie. I just Love Julia Child.
2 years ago
dbabcock says:
I'm waiting for the movie to make it here! Great article; and thanks for including my french butter dish in the related items!
2 years ago
foofoogal says:
I have not wanted to see a movie in years. I cannot wait till this is out. I love Meryl and I loved Julia Child. After this one is over they need to do a movie about Erma Bombeck. The funniest lady ever. These dames rocked.
2 years ago
odiliafu says:
Love french cooking! I love Julia Child, too. Can't wait to see the movie.
2 years ago
BabbidgePatch says:
fabulous pics! no signed Julia Child cook book, but my grandmother collected cook books ~ which were so fun to browse!
2 years ago
VintageEye says:
There are those rare people who, just through the act of being themselves, change the world. Julia is up at the top of that list! Bon Appetit!
2 years ago
beautifulbridget says:
mmmmmm.....quiche.....
2 years ago
SingingSky says:
makes those left overs I'm having tonight seem a lot less appealing!
2 years ago
Creativewithclay says:
I remember watching Julia Child as a kid. So glad to see a movie based on her. And Meryl does a great job. So fortunate to have my Butter Dishes featured for Julia love of Butter!
2 years ago
LisaFerinDesigns says:
Lovely, lovely picks. I love to cook, can't wait to see the movie!
2 years ago
VixVintage says:
Lovely, thanks, first class!
2 years ago
abotslife says:
I love Julia Child, but I think this post needs more butter :)
2 years ago
Odettenewyork says:
i have that rolling pin, it's great. I roll out pizza dough with it all the time!
2 years ago
blainedesign says:
Yes, I bought two signed copies of The Way To Cook when it first came out, one for my mother and one for me! Love her. She's done so much for women. And food!
2 years ago
galstudio says:
I wish the offer for the Food & Wine subscription was also good for canada!...
2 years ago
Fairyfolk says:
That yellow colander is spectacular... Blessings and magic.
2 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Oh man that bacon and leek quiche looks so good. I loved watching Julia on PBS especially with Jacques Pepin.
2 years ago
ClaudiaLord says:
I'm planning on seeing the movie this weekend - can't wait!
2 years ago
SunshineandRavioli says:
Can't wait to see this movie...love that "tasty" bowl!
2 years ago
MagicMarkingsArt says:
saw the preview with my mom, sister, and daughter the other night - all I have to say is - EVERYONE needs to see this inspiring movie....especially all you cooks and bloggers! You will laugh - and cry - and walk away hungry!
2 years ago
barbdunshee says:
ahh, those butterdishes are exquisite!
2 years ago
pogoshop says:
I love the way Julia treated the guest chefs on her PBS series. She'd ask them questions about their recipes and techniques and praise their work and ideas, as if she didn't already know all the answers and everything there was to know about cooking. She was so real and gracious.
2 years ago
NinaGibsonDesigns says:
I have a Julia Child signed cookbook. She came to a favorite local restaurant with Emeril Lagasse a few years ago and gave a cooking demo. I had a postcard with her photo and his on it - he didn't want to sign it (I didn't have his book), but after she agreed to sign it, he called me up and said, "Since Julia did it, I have to. She's the boss!"
2 years ago
tortillagirl says:
Wonderfully presented Storque article. Gorgeous finds, all of them. I wish I had a Julia Child signed cookbook! And as a big fan of both Meryl Streep and Julia, I can't wait to see the film when it comes out in France.
2 years ago
evihan says:
great article..best of luck..thanx for sharinggg
2 years ago
Iammie says:
Yummm!
2 years ago
elisasherejewelry says:
I can't wait to see the movie! I LOVE Julia Child, she is a definite inspiration.
2 years ago
bijouxdellostregatto says:
Yummy!!! I love this article!
2 years ago
JewelryByTerrie says:
Love the vintage stuff!! I may have to get one of those rolling pins for my brother the woodworker/pie baker for Christmas. He'd love it.
2 years ago
fibrevolution says:
I heart Julia Child, too! Yeah Smith College!
2 years ago
PookieandPierre says:
Loved the book that this was based on. Read it on vacation and it really moved me. Can't wait for the movie! Fantastic topic. That fabric is gorgeous.
2 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
Looking forward to see that Film, thank you!
2 years ago
theglasschef says:
I just missed being able to do Julia's hair and makeup when she was visiting Florida. I'm still so disappointed. I would have loved to meet her! Can't wait to see the movie.
2 years ago
asundrynotion says:
Have a real soft spot in heart & kitchen for antique & vintage enamelware. The pre-1940s wares are the best. The newer pieces aren't so nearly well made. Storque feature on enamelware, graniteware?
2 years ago
copperandglass says:
I loved watching Julia's show in the 70's when I was learning to cook for my family! She was my "Food Network".
2 years ago
livingstonandporter says:
Lovely. Really nice thoughts, great designs, and some wonderful vintage goods. Enjoyed the book- looking forward to seeing the movie! I collect vintage cookbooks for my chef brother so they rarely end up here...But if I ever come across a signed julia child- I'll be sure to report back!
2 years ago
designlab443 says:
I wish I was a good cook, I'll keep trying!
2 years ago
BonzoGal says:
My husband and I have a signed copy of her first book- his mother got it signed at a Macy's in San Francisco in I think 1961. It's our treasure- and we do cook from it! We made her braised leeks just recently. YUM!
2 years ago
ShellingSailfish says:
I remember watching Julia Child on pbs with my Nan (Grandma) when I was little. Happy Cooking!
2 years ago
themagicalbean says:
Great article! I can't wait to see this movie.
2 years ago
Zooguu says:
Julia Child was our local celebrity! We did our grocery shopping at the same store, and would see her often. In High School, my first job was at a stationery store and Julia was one of our favorite customers. Such a lovely lady. I can't wait to see the movie. Meryl Streep seems like the perfect person to play her!
2 years ago
BlackStar says:
What great finds! I can't wait to see the movie.
2 years ago
rockzeecouture says:
It was a sad day when we lost Julia, she was wonderful!
2 years ago
funkeyfinds says:
very inspiring, I am hungry!
2 years ago
voleurdebijoux says:
Love Julia! She's truly an icon and her story is so inspiring!
2 years ago
violin1 says:
may we PLEASE have the quiche recipe?
2 years ago
ArtoftheMoment says:
Just saw the preview for the movie and felt like cooking! Great collection of etsy shops to inspire!
2 years ago
kitchenstitchen says:
Yay, cooking, kitchen, right up my alley!
2 years ago
madmud says:
What a wonderful idea and delightful commentary. I do have a signed cookbook. Julia was a member and very supportive of the Women's Fisheries Network, so we were lucky to have her as our featured speaker several times. Just before she moved to California, I gave her a monkfish pin I made for her. She was charmingly effusive in her thanks. She has a warm place in my heart.
2 years ago
exceptionalwoolies says:
I just got home from seeing this movie...WONDERFUL...and then discovered this collection of Julia-esque goodies...makes me want to have an "I Heart Julia Child" party myself!!! Bon appetit!
2 years ago
vivikas says:
Cool article, just watched the movie, loove it!
2 years ago
KristysRedBarnBakery says:
Can't wait to see the movie. Great Storque article. Love the yellow colander.
2 years ago
fantasybeader says:
Love the items and the article, Dont care for the non etsy spam here!
2 years ago
LASdesigns says:
Can't wait to see the movie. Meryl Streep is so very talented. I'll have to ask my MIL if she has a signed Julia Child book. She took a class/lesson from her in the Bay Area long ago.
2 years ago
haveitconfections says:
I just wanted to say that not only was the book wonderful, well both books actually. The movie was amazing too. Excellent article and I love everything you chose to represent the article.
2 years ago
Tina669 says:
This is reallly nice!
2 years ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Great article and photo pics! Looking forward to seeing the movie!
2 years ago
FromMyAttic says:
Ce't fantastic...Mon Amies. Really she was a lovely and funny person!
2 years ago
SweetPeaFabrications says:
Nice article. Just saw the movie and loved it! Have her cookbook, unfortunately it is not signed!
2 years ago
1AEON says:
nice aprons:)
2 years ago
DecoDeli says:
Love it all!!!!
2 years ago
keukajoyce says:
I don't care what anyone says. I loved the movie. Meryl Streep is amazing! The theatre was filled and people clapped at the end, how often does that happen? Anyway, my Mom went to see Julia and Paul Child in my city, at a cooking demo in 1973. Since we already were JC fans, watching the PBS programs in earnest, we already had books, so, I have the book my mom bought for me- signed to me, for Easter, Rochester, May 1973 Julia Child and Paul Child. A treasure! The other books are signed Bon Appetite, Julia Child and Paul Child. So, I am one lucky girl. Only wish I had skipped school to go and see her!
2 years ago
babinka1981 says:
Very tasty!
2 years ago
bashayer says:
I so need that table runner!
2 years ago
hmfromtheheart says:
I can't wait to see Merly Steep as Julis Childs, she is such a great actress.
2 years ago
ebhartman says:
I have a signed Vol 2... but it's signed to someone, not to me. But still. It's first edition and signed!
2 years ago
susanhull says:
I have a signed and inscribed copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking 1961 copyright, March 1967, 14th printing. It is in very good condition, no marks etc. It says"Best Wishes and Bon Appetit" to Virginia Hall and signed by Julia. It is awesome.
2 years ago
thechase says:
I have a "From Julia Child's Kitchen" inscribed to me and signed by both Julia and Paul. Julia was featured chef at [Robert] Mondavi's Great Chefs of France cooking school while I was employed there. It was my birthday so a fellow employee asked her to sign it for me. It was quite surreal to see her walking around the winery and especially through the executive offices with such determination (no one would dare try to stop her) wearing a bloody apron and calling "Robert, oh Robert" in that familiar sing song voice. I shall treasure those experiences always.
2 years ago