Ajiri Aki is aware of have a superb time. Whether or not she’s sourcing antiques for her model, Madame de la Maison, or turning on her out-of-office for an prolonged stay in Provence, she’s equally dedicated to discovering pleasure in all of it—the meals she eats, the locations she travels, the conversations she has with family and friends. Ajiri defines the important elements of pleasure as “curiosity, creativity, connection, and celebration.” All could be found in even probably the most mundane moments, if your eyes are attuned to see them.
I really feel fortunate to name Ajiri a good friend, and I’m simply as thrilled that she’s sharing her POV with the world by means of her new e-book, Joie: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life. When Ajiri got here to Austin a couple of weeks in the past, I invited a couple of women for a yard apéro to have fun her beautiful new e-book. Scroll on for the easy however beautiful snacks we served, plus my interview with Ajiri on what makes a very joyful gathering.
How did your new e-book, Joie, come to be? Give us the backstory.
In January of 2020, I used to be celebrating my fortieth birthday in New York Metropolis with previous associates, and I spotted how a lot I had modified since moving to Paris. What was important to me had slowly morphed into a different version of myself that was only noticeable to me when I left my adopted home country. It had been a few years since I had traveled back to New York, so I hadn’t really thought about it before that milestone birthday celebration.
Three months later, France went into a full lockdown and we could barely leave our homes. Gatherings were abolished, and we lived under a nationwide curfew. In the beginning, I felt very depressed and was faced with so many emotions about the state of the world and life. I wrote a blog post titled A Case for The Good China, that shared how my mother always waited for a special occasion to use her beloved wedding china. After she died, I realized that she never got to use it. It struck a chord with many readers who were similarly confined to their homes.
Why do we wait to use the good china? Why do we wait to do things that bring us joy? Why do we feel guilty or restrict ourselves from experiencing joy daily?
The saying “tomorrow is not promised,” felt so immediate. I realized that my life in Paris pre-confinement was full of little moments of joie—and I had learned it from living amongst French people. The response from that post inspired me to explore this shift, and I started a deep dive into what joie de vivre really meant and how we can all access it more often.
These beautiful blooms were designed by Stems Floral & Event Styling.
What informs your approach to food and gatherings?
I live by Dr. Maya Angelou’s quote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
This is what I always keep in mind when I plan a menu, because I have a tendency to overdo things with grand showy ideas or too many recipes. This quote steers me away from this mistake by keeping me focused on what matters—bringing people together. Of course, I never want people to leave my house hungry or dissatisfied, but with that in the front of my mind, I choose food that is simple, slow-cooked, or sourced.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
What does “the good life” mean to you—and how has it changed since you’ve lived in Paris?
To me “the good life” is one where experiences, people, places, and relationships can be tapped into in ways that bring me joy. It’s not about money, affluence, what job you have, or your family heritage.
“The good life” is about joie de vivre, finding joy in life every single day no matter where you live… and not only on vacation! It’s a life where I recognize that joy is one of my top values and my North Star.
Before moving to Paris, I thought having a good life meant working for a good company or doing work that brought me a lot of money. And because someone taught me that “time is money,” I worked non-stop so that I could could afford the “it” handbag, designer clothes and travel to all the best resorts or far away places. I thought these things would make me happy, and in searching for happiness in the wrong places, I couldn’t learn the art of finding true joy.
Walk us through a typical day for you in Paris.
I love waking up before the rest of my family to have a little peace and quiet time with my tea and thoughts. I use this morning time to either flip through books for inspiration, read, write, practice calligraphy while listening to music, meditate, or stretch. This is one of my favorite times of the day because no one is awake to text or talk to me, and I never check my email this early.
After that, I spend the mornings shuffling around in my robe for as long as possible while helping the kids get ready and out the door. Then I either get dressed and take them to school, or Thomas does and I sit in my robe a bit longer to read and ease into my day. If I drop them off at school, I usually have a café with some of the parents before heading back home.
No two work days are the same. I might head to the marché for groceries and the flower shop to get props for photographing my antiques or a styled table setting. I might respond to emails, photograph a few things, then head out to meet a lunch date or eat at home. In the afternoon, I’ll find a café to sit with my computer. I love the variety—it’s what I need for inspiration and creation.
What are a few products you love for the table?
- Linens are an easy way to elevate any table, and naturally, I have a closet full of Madame de la Maison linens in so many colors ready to mix and match.
- I love having antique salt cellars that can be utilized for salt, but additionally for any condiment or sauce. Soy sauce and scorching sauce, salt and pepper, ketchup and mustard, honey and nuts, dessert topping, and many others… I might go on with combos and concepts.
- Knife rests are an undervalued merchandise for the desk that I exploit for buffets and seated dinners. They assist hold your utensils instantly off the linens in between bites.
What’s your must-have cooking tool?
Favorite cookbooks?
I typically don’t use cookbooks during the week, but I enjoy busting them out every now and then to experiment on a weekend when I have more time. These are my favorites:
All the Ottolenghi cookbooks as a result of I do know something I prepare dinner shall be full of taste.
Momofuku’s first cookbook as a result of I like making the Fried Hen and the Bo Saam and it was one of many first cookbooks the place I actually tried and loved difficult myself with the recipes.
Smitten Kitchen cookbooks as a result of all of the recipes really feel very approachable and scrumptious.
Inform us a couple of issues we’ll at all times discover in your fridge.
Extra condiments that any particular person ought to personal! I at all times have numerous kinds of miso paste, Gochujang, Ssamjam, crispy chili oil, sambal oelek, bulldog sauce, harissa, wasabi, confit de onions, confit de figues, cornichons, capers, and anchovies.
What’s one tip for somebody who needs to host a gathering on a price range?
Make it a potluck, however name it one thing else if that phrase takes you again to Eighties gatherings with too many casseroles. Assign your mates to completely different programs, take the one which works finest for you, then set an attractive desk. It’s completely potential to assemble together with your individuals with out feeling the stress in your funds.
Dream dinner company?
Michelle Obama, Oprah, Zadie Smith, and Priya Parker.
What are your signature dishes for gatherings?
I like to hold issues easy, slow-cooked, or I simply outsource. At my residence, I’ll in all probability serve you a Bo saam, Ox-tail stew, Osso Bucco, roasted Provencal lamb, or an whole salmon with numerous facet salads.
Or I’ll go along with an enormous apéro-dinâtoire unfold, which is principally tons of charcuterie, cheese and nuts, then I add one thing heartier so you are feeling full. It’s apéro and dinner all collectively.
Fill within the clean:
It’s not a cocktail party with out…
Somebody altering up the playlist towards the tip for impromptu karaoke or dancing.
Each prepare dinner ought to know …
Outsource when she or he wants a break!