How to make a bed a la française

Who would have guessed that cultural differences extend to the way we make a bed? In Bringing France Home, Cheryl MacLachlan details how to make a bed a la française and I thought you might find it interesting.

• The French are not accustomed to fitted sheets; they use a flat sheet in place of a fitted one
• A long pillow, a traversin, is used at the head of the bed and often the sheet is pulled up, over and around the traversin
• A traversin may also be covered in its own case, as pictured here
• The couette, or down comforter is one of the bed coverings of choice; the couette has its own covering which is washed weekly with the sheets
• The bedskirt, or dust ruffle, is an indispensable part of the bed's ensemble; it is not only a decorative touch but is used to conceal what is stored under the bed
• The turnback of the top sheet is very deep, as shown in the picture, often to showcase lovely hem or trim
• The oversized pillows that are seen adorning a bed are called "European squares" and are 26" x 26" square
• These pillows are often in cases that are embellished or monogrammed
• Because the French like to display their pillows, their shams, and their top sheet, the bedcover is often folded back upon itself

Bonne nuit!