Parisian Left Bank Apartment – April 2010 Elle Decor

The April issue of Elle Decor magazine is themed “the travel issue” and is full of luscious dwellings abroad. Capturing my heart is, of course, an apartment in Paris overlooking the Rue de l’Université on the Left Bank of the Seine. The apartment belongs to a glass and ceramics designer named Olivier Gagnère who has worked for Bernardaud among others. Ceramics are a particular passion of mine, and we were lucky enough to tour the Bernardaud factory in Limoges a few years ago. Peeking into the private home of one of their designers shows another facet of the creativity of this world. What a treat!
What I love: the liberal use of the colors lavender and tangerine; the striped Basque tablecloth (similar to our Saint Jean de Luz coated tablecloth); the wall collages of framed drawings, watercolors, and photographs; the bright red dinosaur perched above a cabinet; the pint-size kitchen with a full-size table set for four. These are among the best things in life…color, humor, breaking bread with friends. Wouldn’t you agree?

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is coming up fast on May 9! Want to honor your mother, wife, grandmother, aunt, sister, or other dear lady in your life? Stumped for gift ideas? Check out our gift guide. I Dream of France has something for every taste and every budget.

Rustin' in Tustin Days

Stop by the store next week and participate in the 2010 Rustin' in Tustin sales event in Old Town Tustin.

From April 15th to April 24th, Old Town Tustin participating retail and restaurant businesses will have special deals to help celebrate spring (and help forget tax day!)

Enter to win prizes! Drawing will be held at Quinn's Old Town Grill on Saturday April 24th.

French Consul General Interview in March Los Angeles Magazine

The March 2010 issue of Los Angeles magazine has a fascinating interview with the French consul general in Los Angeles, David Martinon. He came to L.A. to take this position two years ago after helping Nicolas Sarkozy win the French presidency as his diplomatic counselor. Refreshingly, Mr. Martinon adores America, L.A., and its entertainment industry. His vision for what he wants to accomplish during his term here is to encourage French dignitaries to visit and tour L.A. (historically they pass it over for San Francisco), and to promote French-American businesses in the region (such as I Dream of France!). One exciting change is that he is opening up the consulate’s annual Bastille Day party to the public—his predecessor kept it as more of a VIP event. Maybe we will make it up there ourselves this summer? We can dream!

Parisian Apartment – March Veranda Magazine

The March 2010 issue of Veranda magazine features a photo spread of an apartment in Paris–fabulous!

The apartment belongs to an American who designs showcases for Baccarat. It’s a traditional space on the Left Bank with old herringbone parquet floors and a to-die-for Juliet balcony overlooking a courtyard full of greenery. The interior is filled with French antique furniture and primitive art. The kitchen is small but accomodates a round table, covered with a striped tablecloth, and comfortable chairs. When people in France receive guests, they always offer a place at their table with ample food and drink. This apartment is no exception.

New French Table Linens and Candles

We are proud to welcome two new brands of fine French table linens to our product range!

The first is Le Cluny. Le Cluny is a French-owned company based in North Carolina that imports fabric from France and sews it into various products such as coated tablecloths, napkins, placemats, chair pads and even eyeglass cases. By doing the cutting and sewing themselves, they are able to control both the quality and cost of their products. The result is a beautiful selection of Provence and toile de Jouy products at a reasoable price point. For those of you with antique or hard-to-fit tables–Le Cluny can make you a tablecloth made to measure in your choice of print. You can even add an umbrella hole to a coated tablecloth to use outside!

The second line is Couleur Nature. Also based in the USA, this San Diego company offers hand-blockprinted table linens designed in Paris and made in India. An age-old Indian tradition, block printing allows for bright colors in intricate patterns and the tell-tale quality of handmade work. Couleur Nature designs range from Provençal to Paris Flea Market and are printed on thick cotton with excellent hand and drape.
Also in: New French Candles from Bougies la Francaise! We have jar candles in two sizes with scents both familiar and fresh, old-fashioned perforated tapers, as well as beautiful hand-sculpted candles shaped like flowers and cherubs. Look at the incredible detail! Just the thing to brighten your day or wow someone for a gift. Imagine these for Easter or for Mother’s Day.