Fashion is fast and fickle, and now that Europe's fashion reine du jour Carla Bruni has been summarily dethroned, it’s Kate Middleton’s hour. Following Diana’s legacy, and quite a leggy number herself, the newly minted dutchess hasn’t taken a fashion misstep since taking over the tiara, starting with that restrained and elegant confection of a wedding dress.
This being Europe, there was a High Tea Diamond Jubilee party to watch the festivities to fête the queen this week, thrown by Australian friends who live in a wonderful converted train station. We all gathered at la gare for a sumptuous spread of scones and such, sporting our pearls and fascinators, for a glimpse at the fashions and faux pas of everyone’s favorite royals.
The Queen of course was wearing her trademark matched-from-hat-down-to-sensible-pumps ensemble, all in white for the big day, with a chapeau that looked like it might go spinning off on its own at any moment. A predictable choice, but at 86 she looked pretty well put-together. Toute le monde was appalled at Camilla (what’s new), who wore an off-white coat dress, way too close in color to the queen’s frock to be suitable.
For our money, Kate was a huge success, we all loved her red dress. It was matched exactly to her hat, perhaps in honor of her mum-in-law? The next day the catty English papers fussed that the lady in scarlet stole the Queen’s thunder, but the color of her dress WAS picked right from the British flag, and so what if a rock star had worn the same dress earlier? We like that she picked it right off the rack.
Our hostesses, Mariella and her daughter Gabby, made us the most wonderful goodies, and host Michael served up the Pimm’s cup. One big hit was a crunchy, addictive cookie which had everyone wondering what was in it (corn flakes in disquise, among other things!) and everyone was asking for the recipe. We have managed to obtain it, just for you. Long live the Queen!
Photo: our hostess Mariella with friend Narissa, who sports a patriotic fascinator. Photo by Ali Herron.
RECIPE: Salvina's Jubilee Florentines
- 4 cups crushed cornflakes
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 box of mixed dry fruit, finely chopped (375 grams)
- 2 oz. semisweet chocolate
Pre-heat oven to 325F (160C). Mix all ingredients together except chocolate, take your time to mix it well. Place baking paper (or a Silpat 
Bake about 8 minutes. (They should be golden brown but not browner at edges, watch them closely). Let them cool.
Melt chocolate. Spread chocolate on flat side (or dip bottoms lightly into chocolate, then spread). Cool them upside down until chocolate sets. You can refrigerate them briefly, to set the chocolate faster.
Many thanks to Mariella for the recipe.
Favorite Reads: My friend Anne highly recommends the book The Secret Life of France
9 thoughts on “Diamonds, Pearls, and Corn Flakes”
Thank you for the [European] press review! I envy you that little party with your two cute hostesses. Would not have minded getting my hands on some Jubilee Florentines 😉 Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
It looks like you’re all having a great time and Narissa and Mariella must be fun company. What I would like to know is that if the queen wore white and stunning Kate wore red, did anyone in the British family wear the blue of the flag? That would make a great photo.
The men wore blue suits as always if not a uniform. The red dress was a hit. So Kim Kardashian wore the dress.Cut out the sleeves loped 18 inches of the hem and kept the peplum. Who looked better.And just a bit of trivia..all the ladies were bejewelled except kate whose pink lace dress the next day was worn with diamond and pearl earring that were really zirconium and cultured pearls and cost $62.00 atlocal boutique. now let me go try this recipe…….why not a scone recipe from you?
I must say Gabriella and I had a great time preparing for the High Tea,she bought all of the decorations from London.My next big party at La Gare is the National French day the 14th of July .
Gabriella and I will have to put our thinking hats on and make it a big bash for the French.
Life in France is full of celebrations and any excuse for a party.
Regards Mariella La Gare
I watched the Queens Diamond Jubilee….and thoroughly enjoyed it.
But, did the Queen really want to sit in the carriage with Camilla?
Also, note, the Queen looks like my step-mother.
Your party goodies look marvelous.. M
I was about to ask you to define “a fascinator” but the photo said it all. Now wondering about the etymology…
Cornflakes in the Florentines????
Well,Lynn, after your heavenly macaroon recipe, I’m going to try this ASAP!
We meet the most wonderful people through your blog (and you!)
Mariella and Narissa are just a delight!
What fun to ‘participate’ in their– and England’s–celebration!
THANK YOU!!!
(PS Enjoyed all the ongoing gossip about Camilla and Kate!!!
Nice to have laughter instead of tears when dealing with the world’s antics!)
The recipe sounds yummy.
I enjoyed watching the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. I wasn’t able to see the concert live, but the coverage of the flotilla was magnificent. I loved when the orchestra improvised and played Handel’s “Water Music,” and how the Royal Family began to dance around.
Did anyone else notice that when the Queen was all in white, she carried a black purse. Wonder what she carries in her purses.
And Lynn, what is a Pim’s cup?
What an amazing Jubilee feast!! Those florentines look delicious, Mariella, and your place just gorgeous – I feel I know it well myself after seeing all Dad’s great photos of La Gare and Culles. Thanks for showing him such a wonderful, relaxing time there.
Enjoy your upcoming French feast!
Annabel (Roger Smith’s (friend of Mariella and Michael) daughter)