CRÈME DE LA CRÈME
A Little Piece of France Has Landed in Downtown Annapolis
A Little Piece of France Has Landed in Downtown Annapolis
If you've walked through downtown lately, you may have caught a whiff of something wonderful drifting out onto the sidewalk — the unmistakable scent of French candles. That's because Crème de la Crème, the beloved French- and Italian-inspired lifestyle boutique, has officially opened its doors right here in Annapolis, and we could not be more thrilled.
Why We're So Excited
As interior designers, we're always on the hunt for sources that bring texture, story, and a little joie de vivre into a home — and Crème de la Crème delivers all three. This isn't a big-box import of "French country" clichés. It's a genuinely curated boutique, born in the village of Middleburg, Virginia, and grown into a small family of shops in Frederick, Leesburg, Alexandria, and Richmond. Annapolis is the newest addition to that family, and downtown is exactly the kind of walkable, historic setting where this store belongs.
The moment you step inside, the experience starts before you even see a single shelf — with the lingering scent of their signature candles filling the air. From there, every corner holds something to discover: the kind of unique, well-made pieces that don't just decorate a home, they give it a story.
What You'll Find Inside
Crème de la Crème's collection reads like a love letter to European tabletop and home decor:
Tabletop essentials — tableware, flatware, drinkware, table linens, and serveware, including their signature La Rochère glassware
Home & garden finds — candles and diffusers, decorative accents, art, home linens, and even small furniture pieces
Their playful signature icons — the guinea hens, French hens, and French chickens that have become something of a house mascot, along with charming cicada motifs and classic French market bags
Jewelry, apparel, and gifting — including pieces from Saint James, plus a dedicated "J'aime la France" collection for anyone who wants a little Francophile flair to take home
It's the kind of shop where you go in for a hostess gift and leave with a new pair of table linens, a hand-painted platter, and a candle you didn't know you needed.
A Perfect Match for Annapolis
Annapolis has always had a soft spot for charm, history, and a good story behind the things we bring into our homes — which makes it the perfect backdrop for a boutique like this. Whether you're dressing a dining table for a summer dinner on the water, adding a layer of collected-over-time character to a living room, or just looking for a gift that feels a little more special, this is a shop worth wandering through slowly.
We'll be popping in often for inspiration (and probably a candle or two), and we can't wait to start weaving some of these French finds into projects around town. If you haven't stopped by yet, downtown just got a lot more charming — go say bonjour.
xo, Tonya