You could say we've found a kindred spirit in Nathalie Lete. Just one look at her ceramics is enough to be transported to a world of vivid colours, forest creatures, and warm nostalgia.
As lovers of all things wonderful and whimsical, a Christmas collaboration with the Parisian artist seemed only fitting. Despite her adoration for the unique, Nathalie admits she is unapologetically traditional, and her new festive-themed collection conjures a Christmas past inspired by childhood memories.
To celebrate the launch of her '12 Days of Christmas' plate collection, we sat down to talk everything merry and bright, from readying the home to her mother’s famous apple cake...
Festive Traditions
with Nathalie Lété
Family, fantasy, and foie gras: artist and designer
Nathalie Lété tells us how she’s ringing in the season.
Your 12 Days of Christmas plates have just launched at Anthropologie – what inspired you to create this collection?
The song itself! I ran through the lyrics and tried to recreate the images that came to me – the plates are a visual representation of how the carol plays out in my world. I also did a little research, to see what other illustrators had done around this theme.
Is there one plate you’re particularly proud of?
I think my favourite has to be the skating rabbit for the “eight maids a’milking” plate – that, or the dancing cats for the ninth day of Christmas.
What do you love most about working with ceramics?
I love the magic of enamel; you never quite know how it will turn out after glazing. I also get to work alongside my daughter Angèle, which is wonderful. She studied ceramics at the same art school I studied fashion at. After years of watching me work with the material, she’s now doing it herself – I no longer need to explain anything, as it’s second nature to her, too! Working with ceramics has become a collaborative process for us both, so it’s really special to me.
The song itself! I ran through the lyrics and tried to recreate the images that came to me – the plates are a visual representation of how the carol plays out in my world. I also did a little research, to see what other illustrators had done around this theme.
Is there one plate you’re particularly proud of?
I think my favourite has to be the skating rabbit for the “eight maids a’milking” plate – that, or the dancing cats for the ninth day of Christmas.
What do you love most about working with ceramics?
I love the magic of enamel; you never quite know how it will turn out after glazing. I also get to work alongside my daughter Angèle, which is wonderful. She studied ceramics at the same art school I studied fashion at. After years of watching me work with the material, she’s now doing it herself – I no longer need to explain anything, as it’s second nature to her, too! Working with ceramics has become a collaborative process for us both, so it’s really special to me.
How would you describe Christmas at the Lété household?
I love the idea of a very traditional snow-covered Christmas. When I think of the festive season, I try to recreate the Christmases I dreamt of when I was a little girl – the story-book kind, full of magic. My designs often mirror those imaginings; I want to capture the season through the eyes of a child. This year I’ve promised myself that I’ll bring some of this magic into my real-life, too. I’m currently planning to dress our dining table with the collection – a snapshot of my childhood dreamland, for my adult self to enjoy.
Do you have any traditions you do every year (even if they’re wonderfully untraditional)?
We always have my husband’s family and my parents over for dinner, and everyone brings something to eat. My mother-in-law is an amazing cook, so she makes the foie gras d’oie; my father-in-law is in charge of the drinks, and my mother brings her famous apple cake – the recipe has been in our family for generations. Exotic fruits, ice creams from Bertillon, a chocolate Christmas log... As you can see, there are many desserts involved! After dinner, we like to open the presents one by one – there’s often 15 of us together, so this can take a while.
What does Christmas Day look like for you?
Stress, usually! At least during the preparations. I have a lot of work throughout this period, so it can be hard juggling that alongside hosting. Once the celebrations on the 24th are over, I can really relax. We go to my country house – my husband and I, and our two kids – and I typically block out ten days to just do nothing. It’s the best moment of the year for me. The world stops for a minute; there’s no work calling me, or other commitments. It’s so peaceful, and I can fully enjoy our walks in the forest and cosying up by the fireside. It’s a stereotype, I know, but I love it.
I love the idea of a very traditional snow-covered Christmas. When I think of the festive season, I try to recreate the Christmases I dreamt of when I was a little girl – the story-book kind, full of magic. My designs often mirror those imaginings; I want to capture the season through the eyes of a child. This year I’ve promised myself that I’ll bring some of this magic into my real-life, too. I’m currently planning to dress our dining table with the collection – a snapshot of my childhood dreamland, for my adult self to enjoy.
Do you have any traditions you do every year (even if they’re wonderfully untraditional)?
We always have my husband’s family and my parents over for dinner, and everyone brings something to eat. My mother-in-law is an amazing cook, so she makes the foie gras d’oie; my father-in-law is in charge of the drinks, and my mother brings her famous apple cake – the recipe has been in our family for generations. Exotic fruits, ice creams from Bertillon, a chocolate Christmas log... As you can see, there are many desserts involved! After dinner, we like to open the presents one by one – there’s often 15 of us together, so this can take a while.
What does Christmas Day look like for you?
Stress, usually! At least during the preparations. I have a lot of work throughout this period, so it can be hard juggling that alongside hosting. Once the celebrations on the 24th are over, I can really relax. We go to my country house – my husband and I, and our two kids – and I typically block out ten days to just do nothing. It’s the best moment of the year for me. The world stops for a minute; there’s no work calling me, or other commitments. It’s so peaceful, and I can fully enjoy our walks in the forest and cosying up by the fireside. It’s a stereotype, I know, but I love it.
As someone who often cites the whimsical and fantastical as inspiration, we’re assuming your Christmas home is as colourful as can be! How do you like to decorate around this time of year?
I really go to town with the decorations in my country house, but back in Paris, I’ll just set up a Christmas tree. In the past, I’ve collaborated with an American brand called Glitterville making tree ornaments; I’ll put them everywhere – I even hang some on branches I find in the forest. I also bring out a sort of Christmas crib, and fill it with vintage toys (even though my kids are adults now – perhaps I just do it for myself!).
Do you have any tips for someone wanting to decorate in an untraditional way?
Why untraditional? I like tradition! I don’t try to be original at all; I say just be yourself and decorate in whatever way makes you happiest. For me, Christmas should be glittery and warm and bring you joy. Like I said, it’s a bit like creating a dream in reality – it’s a chance to escape from the everyday, just for a while. I don’t see anything as “too young” or “too old”. Christmas is all about surrounding yourself with what and who you love and making memories.
I really go to town with the decorations in my country house, but back in Paris, I’ll just set up a Christmas tree. In the past, I’ve collaborated with an American brand called Glitterville making tree ornaments; I’ll put them everywhere – I even hang some on branches I find in the forest. I also bring out a sort of Christmas crib, and fill it with vintage toys (even though my kids are adults now – perhaps I just do it for myself!).
Do you have any tips for someone wanting to decorate in an untraditional way?
Why untraditional? I like tradition! I don’t try to be original at all; I say just be yourself and decorate in whatever way makes you happiest. For me, Christmas should be glittery and warm and bring you joy. Like I said, it’s a bit like creating a dream in reality – it’s a chance to escape from the everyday, just for a while. I don’t see anything as “too young” or “too old”. Christmas is all about surrounding yourself with what and who you love and making memories.
To us, the Christmas plates feel nostalgic and heirloom-worthy – do you
have any decorations that come out every year without fail?
I’m a very nostalgic person; I like vintage things. I have kept some ornaments from my childhood in the '70s – the candles on our table, for example. When it comes to my work, too, I try to capture bits of the past in the present.
Finally, if you could invite anyone (living or dead) to a festive soiree, who would it be?
Definitely Father Christmas and his reindeer... I’d ask him to take me with him for a tour in the sky!
I’m a very nostalgic person; I like vintage things. I have kept some ornaments from my childhood in the '70s – the candles on our table, for example. When it comes to my work, too, I try to capture bits of the past in the present.
Finally, if you could invite anyone (living or dead) to a festive soiree, who would it be?
Definitely Father Christmas and his reindeer... I’d ask him to take me with him for a tour in the sky!