I found a combination of French and Italian architectural influences around this famous destiny and loved every moment!

From all the Fabulous boutiques, Palais Princier, the Cathedral, the Salle Garnier House, Jardin Exotique, Oceanographic Museum, Grand Casino, I loved Monaco-ville the most.

In my dreams...

The first time that I saw Monaco, I could not believe how manicured it is! And I lov manicured...in everything. This is it! All the flowers matched the flags! Nothing is out of place...my! This is my dream come true!

Monaco lies between the Alps and oh wow! the Mediterranean Sea, the French Riviera to the West and the Italian Riviera to the East...what more could you want?

Wherever you go in Monaco, you are reminded that you are in Royal company, this quaint French street is up the road from Rue Caroline...you have to love it!

Bonjour!

Bonjour to all our Fabulous Franchophiles! Hope you have a Fun week!

Our Petite Moi range has arrived, with it the most stunning illustrations...we will blog about our talented young designer soon. Watch this space!

We have received more of your favourite imported ribbons!

How we lov,lov,lov chatting to you!

Going on a quick trip to France with you, being inspired by you decorating your Châteaux, sharing little tips on French Decor, even painting an imaginary wall when you visit our shops. Merci! We so enjoy you!

Ohlala!

We have been soooooo busy unpacking new stock that we have neglected our blog a little bit! We are holding thumbs that maybe you didn't notice!

Inspiration from loved ones!

We would like to introduce someone special in our lives to you, she is a landscape artist that will be starting her own blog soon ( will keep you up dated ) she is also a special friend and cousin! Her love of French gardens and our love of French Interiors ( actually all things French ) makes it fabulous! Don't you just adore the collection of little pots on top of the vintage blue door? We have a few cute pots at Moi too! 

When we get together excitement flows! We love what she does and she loves what we do! So it comes naturally....

Don't you just love the dainty touch of feminine ribbon? Have you seen our huge selection of pretty ribbons?

What an inspiration this garden is that she designed, we have vintage watering cans in both stores from time to time...

For those of you who missed out on our French table settings @ Duncan Yard.

Photo - Courtesy Vogue Korea - PRETTY! PRETTY! (http://www.style.co.kr/vogue/ )

Setting la French Table

A French table setting allows you to cater for an elegant, formal affair or a relaxed, informal do. So, what are the basics of setting a French table?

Step 1: Dress la table

Laying the tablecloth is the most inportant step when creating a French table setting, for both formal and informal dining. White, off white or even ivory will create the look. However, if you are going for a French country styled event for an informal occasion, then you should look out for cotton cloths in bold colours. We used a red checked one . Table runners running vertical or horizontal can complete the look, as the French love to layer their tables. Together with placemats made from wood or fabric for an informal setting. Formal settings can also have a large under liner plate, typically in brass, gold or silver, that never leaves the table, nor is food served on it. Napkins are placed on the left or on the plate itself.

Photo - Courtesy Vogue Korea - PRETTY! PRETTY! (http://www.style.co.kr/vogue/ )

Step 2: Place the glasses

French tables have to have stemmed glasses, for all cold beverages, not just wine. Different shapes and sizes are common, but all glassware should be clear. Larger, thicker glasses are used for water and smaller, thinner stem ware is used for wine. You should not use one glass for both beverages. The French also often serve different wines throughout the course of the meal, so make sure you have a glass for each type of wine as well. Champagne flutes are to be used for champagne only. As for the arrangement, place larger glasses (usually reserved for water) to smallest from left to right. The second largest glass will be for red wine, the third largest for white.

• It's the host who should serve the wine at the table, ladies first, after having poured a very small amount in his own glass (that's so he gets any bits of cork that might be floating about). It's also the host that has to see that everyone has wine in their glass during the meal. Fill wine glasses only half way full.

• Whichever one of these French drinks you are enjoying when you raise your glass in a toast; why not try out a little French?

• Always wait for the host to make a toast and then hold your glass upwards and say - Santé - in good Health.

• À la vôtre - To yours, meaning to your health.

• Tchin-tchin - This is the noise of glasses touching in a toast. The French will frequently say it before taking their first sip.

• Do not begin eating until the host says “ Bon Appetit! “

Step 3: Place the Cutlery

Cutlery, is placed in the order in which you will be using them, with the cutlery furthest from the plate, being the ones you will use first. The forks are placed to the left of the plate. The knife, or knives, are placed to the right of the plate with the cutting surfaces, pointing towards the plate. The spoon, is always placed to the right side of the knife. At informal dinners a dessert spoon will be placed above the plate. At formal dinners, it will be brought in with the dessert. Oyster forks or fondue forks go next to the knife and snail tongs, yes, next to the fork. You could use an eclectic collection of silverware where variety simply adds more elegance. Have you noticed how the French lay their cutlery up side down? So you can see where it originated from, the stamp is usually engraved at the back.

Step 4: Place the Crockery

White, embellished China and stoneware can be used, with the latter often used on the French country tablesetting. A separate plate is needed for each course like salad plate, soup plate, dinner plate, bread plate and one for dessert. A white placemat could be placed between a colourful tablecloth and colourful plates. The main, large service plate for the main dish is typically a part of the place setting. There are no bread plates at an informal French table setting as the bread is simply placed on the table cloth. In France they break chunks of bread and place it directly on the table cloth, next to their plates! ( They don’t cut bread. ) At a very formal setting you will have a side plate but please, never bite into your bread! Bread is rarely served with butter or olive oil and is instead used for the cheese course or to soak up the sauces and juices from the main meal.

Photo - Courtesy Vogue Korea - PRETTY! PRETTY! (http://www.style.co.kr/vogue/ )

Step 5: Place the Centre Piece
The idea here is simplicity. A simple bunch of flowers in a aged silver jug, mismatched old crystal goblets or an urn inspired pot is all a French table needs. Candles are always welcome. Tall flower arrangements that prohibit conversation across the table are discouraged. I love adding a piece that surprises my guests, like an elegant old silver trophy cup or two.

Step 6: Seating Arrangements
The French table setting etiquette also calls for assigned seating arrangements. The hostess and host sit at the opposite ends of the table. The most honoured male guests sit at either side of the hostess, while the most honoured female guests sit at the right and left of the host. Spouses are never seated together or facing one another unless they are just recently married. However, fiancés ( how cute !) are always seated together.

Gifts

If you are invited to dinner, it is nice to take a gift but not essential. The French know and appreciate a good wine so only take this if it is considered a special bottle. Good ideas are chocolates, jar of marmalade, home grown fruit or vegetables or something special from your garden. If it is a formal dinner, you could send flowers the morning of the dinner. Do not take flowers, wrapped in plastic as she may feel insulted that you thought she wouldn’t have enough flowers at her dinner party! If you want to bring flowers with you, have them in a vase. Or have them delivered in the morning before the dinner!

I fell in love with Paris...in the Springtime!

It was Greta Garbo that said " If you don't visit Paris on a regular basis Darlink, you will never be truly elegant." I agree with her.

 These are some of my favourite movies when the longing becomes too much!

Love in the Afternoon, Last Tango in Paris, Amelie, Paris Je T'Aime, Le Divorce, An American in Paris, Breathless and Ratatouille amongst some. Do you have a favourite that I didn't mention?

Don't you just lov this? And having a lavish 'pique-nique ' under La Tour Eiffel afterwards. Imagine getting married in Paris...in the Spring time. 

You will find a surprise around every corner.

Ahh..Paris! Don't you just love those flower boxes?