If there’s one internet rabbit hole I regularly fall into, it’s the gorgeous (and, frankly, captivating) ‘transforming my kitchen into a café’ videos. I love to coordinate my coffee bar essentials to create my own home café experience and bake up some treats (try our rhubarb friands for a little French fancy) to serve to visitors.
And, when it comes to tablware, the more chic the better – which is why I’m obsessed with the new H&M bistro tableware collection, which brings French café culture into the home at really affordable prices. It's cafécore at its best. Want to know how to get the luxe look for less? Read on.
Striking the balance between sophisticated and effortlessness, the bistro look is all about elevating your everyday tableware with a touch of French flare. I love a serving dish with a simple trim, or an espresso cup with a subtle hint of color. And what I particularly like about the H&M Bistro Collection is that it puts an eclectic spin on Parisian elegance: my favorite pieces are the plates, adorned with whimsical, fun phrases.
These charming touches aside, the beauty of the H&M Bistro Collection lies in its simplicity. A simple color palette of white, black and red allows these pieces to complement a huge variety of tables without looking out of place – and if the witty statements aren't your style, there are plenty more pared-back options to check out. You'll even spot a handful of stainless steel pieces, from butter dishes to rather unique Champagne coupes.
We're also hug fans of Sabre bistro flatware on the Homes & Gardens team, and these red-handled lookalikes may not be as durable and high-quality as the real thing, but they do bring the look without costing a fortune.
'There's something about the Parisian bistro aesthetic that I can't seem to get enough of,' says our Style Editor, Devin Toolen. 'Maybe that's because of its timeless elegance, or perhaps it's because I live thousands of miles away from France and often find myself craving that "je ne sais quoi". Either way, there's a certain charm to crisp white porcelain dishes with painted rims, and the way they turn an amuse-bouche into a whole moment.'
Shop the collection
Add a touch of personality to your table with these embroidered napkins. The black trim is ideal for monochromatic looks, while the fun phrases provide a hint of whimsy.
unmistakableAny bistro-inspired look starts with the plates, and you can't go wrong with these – the handsome red rim gives unmistakeable Parisian café vibes.
Every home needs a solid set of cutlery, but why go for simple stainless steel when you can add color and character? These Sabre lookalikes are such a good price.
I love these bowls: they're utterly charming and the ideal size for everything from cereal to soups, or your could even serve you chocolate chaud in them to really lean in to French café culture.
From morning croissants to steak frites, these plates bring a really fun touch to dining. And the simple black and white design keeps the look chic.
No café is complete without a few pieces of sleek-but-functional stainless steel pieces. Serve your best French Champagne in them, or I'm envisioning one filled with a scoop vanilla ice cream, served alongside a slice of tarte tatin.
This embroidered tablecloth features intricate illustrations to create an instant talking point, while the French phrases along the edges provide a gorgeous finishing touch.
I can imagine these dainty cups adorning the tables of a cafe on a Parisian sidewalk. They're a classic choice for any bistro-inspired table set-up.
We've seen sardine prints pop up on plenty of homeware this summer, but perhaps the lobster is here to steal the spotlight. Either way, this serving plate certainly makes a fun statement and is perfect for serving up your pastries on.
If you want to nail hosting the French way, this Alsace-style tarte flambée is a beautiful recipe for serving your guests, either as a dessert or as an indulgent treat with your morning coffee.
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