Flowers and gardening
Plants and flowers are a natural part of the Dutch image. At the many flower markets, you can stock up on bulbs at lower prices than in France. Over the years, however, these markets have become very touristy and commercial. You'll find what you're looking for in the shape of hooves or tulips, which will look great on your fridge.
For real "bulbiculture" shopping, you can visit garden centers. Intratuin and Tuincentrum Osdorp are the references near Amsterdam.
If you'd like to stay in town and splurge on gardening supplies, try Dille&Kamille, a den of decorative perdition (see below) with a very cute gardening department. Otherwise, for the pleasure of your eyes, don't hesitate to visit florists, where you'll glean some superb ideas, and why not bring back a few bouquets of dried flowers in your luggage?
Sweet and savory: delicacies not to be missed
The Netherlands is not known for its gastronomy, but a visit to this country will be a real pleasure for the gourmets. We advise you to visit the local supermarket. French people living in the country regularly complain about their modest size, but visitors will appreciate the compactness and the local products. We invite you to go to the cheese and fish section: smoked eel, gouda cheese and hard goat cheese will make your eyes water. Don't forget the sweets section with the "hagelslag", the chocolate chips that children (and their parents) love. Don't forget the famous "dropjes", the licorice stars of the country, sweet or salty, the versions are multiple, beware of addiction! For a real choice in cheese, go to real cheese shops like Kaaskamer van de Jordaan or Tromp in Amsterdam. They will give you real professional advice and your cheeses will be vacuum-packed for optimal conservation.
Decoration: "gezelligheid" above all!
A quick stroll through any of the country's towns or even villages will show you that the Dutch have a definite taste for staging their interiors, with delicate fabrics, well-arranged vases, carefully chosen candles and tablecloths: warmth and cosiness are at the heart of the country's household choices. Dutch design is practical and functional, with the occasional touch of madness. To discover it, visit Moooi in Amsterdam, which presents a number of creations by designer Marcel Wanders in a majestic setting. For those who want to treat themselves, a visit to Delft Royal Porcelain is a must: you're sure to find the item of your dreams with historic quality. For more mainstream brands, Hema always does the trick, of course. But our favorite is Dille&Kamille, with its irresistible selection of soaps, accessories, household linen, small furniture, candles and tableware. You won't leave empty-handed.
