The Theme for October - The Family

The family is now more than ever a source of comfort, a fact that remains true despite the recession and the deep-seated changes that are changing what a family looks like. This is the conclusion drawn by a study from the Ipsos research institute.  For 83% of French people, the family has become “the main source of well being in everyday life.”   I guess that the other 17% think that delicious cheeses and great wine is the main source of well being!   Whatever....  I guess that they mean it is the glue that keeps us all together.   Here are my two "Glues" on a sourcing trip to Paris this Summer.

Vintage Linens add instant character

Vintage Linens can come in many forms.  Our favourites are the embroidered Sheets and hand towels.  Use two vintage linen sheets to make a truly special duvet cover.

Simple French Cooking at its BEST

Roast Potatoes in Duck Fat and Garlic

Put a roasting tin in the oven (one big enough to take the potatoes in a single layer) and heat oven to 400 degrees.   Break apart an entire large clove of garlic, leaving the skins on.  Soak it all in warm water

Peel the potatoes and cut each into 4 even-sized pieces if they are medium size, 2-3 if smaller (5cm pieces).  Sip your glass of French Wine!   Drop the potatoes into a large saucepan and pour in enough water to barely cover them. Add salt, then wait for the water to boil.  As soon as the water reaches a full rolling boil, lower the heat, put your timer on and simmer the potatoes uncovered, reasonably vigorously, for 2 mins. The potatoes should not be fully cooked!

Put your choice of duck fat into the hot roasting tin and heat it in the oven for a few mins, so it's really hot.

Drain the potatoes in a colander. Now it's time to rough them up a bit - shake the colander back and forth a few times to fluff up the outsides. Carefully put the potatoes into the hot fat - they will sizzle as they go in - then turn and roll them around so they are coated all over in the duck fat.  Spread them in a single layer making sure they have plenty of room.  Grind sea salt and black pepper over them. Add the moisened garlic pieces.

Roast the potatoes for 15 mins, then take them out of the oven and turn them over. Roast for another 15 mins and turn them over again. Put them back in the oven for another 10-20 mins, or however long it takes to get them really golden and crisp. The colouring will be uneven, which is what you want. Scatter with salt again to taste and transfer to your beautiful Gratin dish! Serve straight away.

French Furniture Promotion

Until supplies last, we are offering a huge saving on Hand Carved, solid wood French Country Dining Sets.  These pieces are imported exclusively by Jackryn France.  They are hand painted with an exquisite patina that will lend itself to any decor; from classic when you use several pieces - to Uber modern when you choose only one substantial piece. 
CLICK ON - http://www.jackryn.com/NewOnSale

Bring the Style and Quality of Europe into your Home!

Blog Special

As a reward for all of you who have been reading our blog we are now giving you an extra 10% off your next purchase here at JacKryn! This even includes sales items! Simply become a follower by clicking "Follow" on the left hand side of the page. Happy Shopping!

Ready for Fall - Thanksgiving and Family

As the evenings get cooler, I start to think about the leaves changing and Thanksgiving. If you love to entertain and to cook, this has to be one of the best times of the year.  I have loads of fun setting my table.  Make it simple and elegant with Garnier Thiebault or have a full-market affair with a Provencal print.

SPOTLIGHT - Bella Notte Linens ON SALE IN STORE

Bella Notte Linens is one of the luxury bedding lines available at JacKryn France, and luxury it is! A bed made up in Bella exudes a certain je ne sais quoi; it somehow manages to be both effortlessly chic and luxurious yet totally inviting and easy to care for. To prove the 'easy to care for' point, the majority of Bella pieces can be safely thrown into both washer and dryer, how many fine bed linens can do that?!

Isn't it amazing how Bella still looks fabulous when it's simply tossed on a bed?

Outdoor Entertaining at its best.

With this great summer we are having, the coated tablecloths are almost sold out!   This is our newest one - Tamaris.

Simply wipe off - they will last a lifetime.  Lots of patterns to choose from... even the traditional sunflowers and olive prints.

See inside the re-designed rooms!

New to JacKryn! Gorgeous reclaimed wood bookcases.  Hand carved from solid wood and painted in the finest vintage patinas.

French Country at its best in the Provence Room.  Oils and fruit pressed vinegars from A L'Olivier in the South of France.  Imported hand made pottery.  And of course ... the provencal table linens from Vent du Sud in Montpellier France.

The dashing (and French!) Sebastian, our furniture source in France, comes to visit JacKryn! 

With Love, From Paris!

The "tres chic" Director of Sales, Debbie, just got back from an amazing holiday in Paris. Here are a few pictures from her adventures...Oh la la

Deb: "Note to Self - Don't let your husband think he's Parisian"

Deb's Tip for the Paris traveller? Head to the Printemps Rooftop Patio for an amazing view of the city.

Jack - of JacKryn running the Olive Oil Tasting For L'Olivier

Sampling the World's Finest Olive Oils from France.  Imported from L'Olivier in six fabulous flvours.  The Basil infused oil is the best seller!

Storming the Bastille Sale at JacKryn France: July 14th - 31st

JacKryn's annual "Storming the Bastille" Sale is on until the end of July!

Some items of note are:

• 
  
  Up to 50% off Select Furniture pieces, both antique and Country Corner
• 
  
  Tissage Moutet Tablecloths - 50% off
• 
  
  Tissage Moutet Runners - 25% off
• 
  
  Up to 30% off Garnier Thiebaut Tablecloths
• 
  
  Quilts - 30% off
• 
  
  Select Yves Delorme Bedding - 20% off
• 
  
  and MUCH, MUCH MORE

Come in to see for yourself!

Garnier Thiebaut Isaphere Now 30% off!

Yves Delorme - Vence Collection - Now 20% off!

Instock Bella Notte Bedding