Throw the BEST Kitchen parties with this solid wood table..

This solid wood, hand painted table extends with TWO leaves to seat 4 - 6 - 8 or a squishy 10.  Perfect when you are having a kitchen party!  SRP $1499 ... If you quote this Blog, you receive 35% off until the 14th of December 2010.

Kimberley Seldon shops JacKryn!

Thanks to Kimberley Seldon and her team for coming to speak to the JacKryn designers, decorators and customers about turning their design gift and passion into a business. 

Watch Kimberley on CityLine in November where she shows JacKryn products from France in her 2010 gift line-up!

The Perfect Accent table

Hand carved from solid wood and then painted by hand .  This dresser is perfect for a hall table or a bedroom.  Make your statement with this elegant piece ! They will be in the JacKryn store by early January and will retail for $599.  ORDER YOURS NOW !

Red is the New Red

But not just any red.  It needs to be the blood red, blue red of rich Italian Pottery from Vietri or the Red of the Red damask of the Teflon coated table cloths from Provence.   

And it POPS against dark pewter grey (ie Down pipe form Farrow and Ball as on our decor walls) and stark, sharp whites.  

Here we are using Christmas ornaments that are white ceramic pears with bright silver leaves as place card holders.

6th Annual Holiday Open House

Please join us for our Annual Holiday Open House.  

It is open to all of our designers, decorators and customers on:

NOVEMBER 4TH 2010

10 AM - 8PM

Refreshments served and a first peek at what's new for the Holiday Season!

RSVP  - Please email us or call to let us know that you will be attending.

Add a little Glam to your Aperatifs !

Don't just put out cheeses and expect that your guests know what type they are or the region from which they are imported.   Use markers.  These are heavy, silver plated Eiffel Towers that you can use as cheese markers and/or place card holders.

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.