I recall a conversation I was having with my friend shortly before her wedding in New York. Her wedding was to be small with a quiet dinner with friends at one of Mario Batali's restaurants - I think
Del Posto. My friend mentioned that it was time for “out with the old and in with the new” – well perhaps not those exact words - she went on to say she had rid herself of sheets, towels and clothes and was purchasing an entirely new wardrobe and linens for her home. Our conversation made me think of the Bridal Trousseau or Hope chest – a tradition I rarely hear of now – however an important tradition that starts at birth. The French tell the story of the French bride and the trousseau. The bride brings to the marriage all that was needed for her home - the tableware, linens, her clothing, candlesticks, and so on. Each baby girl was provided a "bridal trousseau". Relatives and friends of the family would gift the child with items she would need for her marriage. As she grew she would work on items to go in the chest, embroidery or knitting for example. Over time she would acquire quite a collection - napkins, towels, tablecloths, curtains. By the time she was married she would be fully prepared to set up her own home.
Now the roles are less rigid. Today each half of the couple still brings into the new household a collection of their personal items. This includes their clothing, their personal effects and other items. It’s not too late for you to create your Bridal Trousseau! This can be a simple storage box, or an armoire. The key with a trousseau is that it is added to slowly, one item at a time. At each birthday, holiday - make a list of things you'd like to add to your trousseau. Give the list to family and friends. Slowly you accumulate items you really adore.
Take a look at this book "France -French Romance - Weddings and Courtships" by Lisa Shea - Charming.
