Muriel Grateau: A Favorite Paris Shop

/ August 29, 2012
The very subtle store front of Muriel Grateau at 37, rue de Beaune.

The very subtle store front of Muriel Grateau at 37, rue de Beaune.Slideshow

There is always a minimalist approach to her window displays.
A dizzying palette of napkins, all linen and large.
Just open the storage drawers and see what incredible surprises lie in waiting.
This is certainly one of her boldest place settings in bright yellow with artistic spatter decoration. Can you imagine the food that would look tempting on this dinner plate. The dark gray napkin adds subtlety to the arrangement.
I am more of a gray person myself, so this is probably the place setting I would select.
Subtle and soft, this gray is incredibly neutral, with just a hint of deep rose in the napkin.
Crisp and clean for this white setting. Notice that all of the plates in her entire assortment are the same design. I like the matte white glassware and white napkins here. This means that the food is really the star.
Three warm shades of taupe, from the dishes at mid tone to the light napkin and darker sanded glass ware. This is neutral to the extreme but very friendly.
For your next art party, this is the setting you might select. These dishes will be a topic of conversation. I love the yellow napkins and the black accents.
More beautiful glazes on an assortment of bowls.
Of course, there is proper Venetian glassware to accompany the dishes and flatware. You want one of everything that has been so thoughtfully designed and edited.

Several months ago I wrote about my favorite shop in Paris, Muriel Grateau. I, clearly, am not the only one to find her and her shop an inspiration. Last Saturday the WSJ Off Duty section did an interview: 20 Odd Questions with Muriel Grateau.  I have attaching a link to the article and reposted my own:

I love window shopping in Paris. There are a few places that are always a must see. Arnys men’s shop at 14, rue de Sevres has the most colorful men’s clothes with outfits carefully curated in green, pink, purple, yellow and occasionally a tame beige. The windows of the shops on Rue de Siene always have beautiful antiques from all over the world and from many centuries. Nose to glass, there is much to see. And, not to be missed is the Hermes shop on rue St. Honore or the newest outpost on rue de Sevres across the street from Arnys. The windows are sophisticated, colorful and tell great stories that provoke wishful thinking.

But my personal favorite shop is MURIEL GRATEAU at 37, rue de Beaune. The shop has a classically framed storefront painted rich deep blackish green with beautiful graphics on the windows and above the entrance. The space is a simple rectangle with a short set of stairs leading to a small upper level with bare white painted walls covering ancient stones and providing texture. What is completely captivating and inspiring are the individual displays of table settings. Ms. Grateau sells incredible dishes and the most extraordinary palette of napkins (100 shades to be exact), place mats and table runners. She also has an edited assortment of silverware, and Venetian glasses. But, it is her combinations that would make any dinner party a memorable experience, no matter what the menu.

Mme. Grateau herself has had a varied career in design; first in Italian ready to wear and then taking that expertise to marry fashion, accessories and the art of entertaining. She clearly has an individual and focused style that is about living and dining well. You will not be disappointed when you visit her shop. The hardest part will be walking out without spending your life savings.

If you go, please send her my regards. She is charming, particularly if you speak French. Happy shopping!!
Barbara

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