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Petit Porcini

Simple French Habits to Bring More Joy to Mealtimes

Published about 1 month ago • 1 min read

Making space for slower, more meaningful moments

There are a few habits from my life in France that I have held onto over the years, little things that make meals feel calmer and more enjoyable. It’s still a work in progress, but I’ve found that simple gestures can really shift the mood in the kitchen.

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Lately, I’ve been thinking... would you be into more ideas like this? Small, doable ways to make everyday meals feel just a little more special?

Here are a few kitchen habits I’ve brought with me from France—nothing fancy, just gentle rhythms that make a difference:

  • Take a real break for lunch: In France, lunch breaks at work or school can be up to two hours. While we might not be able to stretch things that far here, carving out 20–30 minutes to eat without multitasking (no eating at your desk!) is a good start.
  • Keep it simple and seasonal: Weeknight meals don’t have to be fancy. In France, it’s common to cook from scratch because we keep it simple! Fresh ingredients, a little care, and nothing overcomplicated.
  • Set the scene, even just a little: Setting the table, using real napkins, putting food on a dish instead of the pan, these small actions create a moment. They tell your brain: now we eat, now we pause.
  • Practice mindful eating: Slowing down isn’t about eating slowly on purpose, it’s more about noticing. The taste, the texture, how it feels. Even a few mindful bites can change how satisfying a meal is.
  • Prioritize sitting down together: Even if it’s not every night, making it a priority to sit at the table with your family makes meals feel more intentional. This one is a non negotiable in my house.
  • Make mealtime part of the rhythm: When meals are anchored in your day, they become little pauses you can count on. You’re not just fuelling up, you’re connecting with your family and sharing your day. It’s a small shift in mindset, but a powerful one.

Also...

I have been really inspired lately to share more about my French culture and how it continues to shape life here with my family. So far, I have shared two stories on the blog: about coming to Canada and my first year here and there’s more to come.

I’m planning to explore French traditions, mealtime parenting, and everyday moments that make this blend of cultures so special.

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Tell me!

What topics would you be most interested in? Did you enjoy my articles?
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Feel free to leave a comment on the blog or simply reply to this email. As you know, your thoughts mean a lot to me!

Merci!

Mél

Petit Porcini

Mél

Come hang out in my French kitchen abroad!

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