Blooms & Scents for an Inspired French Decor ~ A Unique Gift Idea

For a rustic, highly designed or romantic living space, flowers are always essential in completing the decor and adding a warm and lovely touch. The trouble is, flowers are an ongoing expense and their peak blooming time is extremely limited. I set out to find flowers that have been preserved in their natural state that can last and provide that burst of color and texture that is so desired. I found such a shop in Paris and for more than 35 years, Rosemarie Schulz's flowers create stunning bouquets and scents for our spaces.

What sets her apart from anything you'll find anywhere is that these flowers not only look like they are fresh but they also have the texture of living plants without stiffness. Her arrangements are exceptionally beautiful and because these are almost still living, they have maintained their scent.
Anything from her line would make a gift that can can keep giving for several years. The versatility of these bouquets is endless but if you simply want to lay a bouquet or sachet on a side table, that can be enough of a statement on their own.

Le Bourdon is the sole distributor of her products in the US. View our complete line from Rosemarie Schulz.

A French Holiday ~ Noël

We've been getting ready for the holidays at Le Bourdon Home & Garden! Our advertisement will be in print in both magazines, France Today and France-Amerique during the months of November and December.
We've been assembling new and vintage Christmas decorations and gift packaging and will be posting on our web site during the next couple of weeks. Free gift wrapping services will also be offered to inspired e-mail members.
Remember, our design shop hours are by appointment. We encourage you to call us for those one-of-a-kind gifts!

Antique Transferware of Europe

With its striking patterns, rich colors, and romantic patterns, it's no wonder English transferware has stood the test of time. From its onset in the late 1700's to the late 1800's, transfer-printed earthenware was developed as an affordable alternative to hand-painted wares from China. Transfer-printing patterns could be applied easily and repeatedly for the working-class who saved to buy a piece at a time.
The first color was blue; later came brown, black, purple, green, red and even pink and yellow.
In the early 1800s, dinners were usually served a la française, that is, with most of the food set out on the table beforehand which is why there are so many purpose-specific pieces in a transferware set.

Important Facts

• Pattern Marks - upend pieces of early transferware will include the factory's name (or initial). Use a guide to help track down both the maker and approximate date of the piece.
• The Rarest - yellow is the rarest romantic transferware color and is also the priciest.
• The Process - once a master pattern was engraved on copper, it was glazed with color and transferred to thin paper, which was then applied in sections to a piece.

Transferware is highly collectible and can be used as display or for fine dining.

The French Sensibility - Feeding the Soul

For a space to inspire you, it should provide a sense of comfort and speak to an individual creative style. Because the French have a sensibility to conserve and an aesthetic that is foremost in their values, vintage style can add both a sense of comfort and provide the texture and personality that can speak to anyone who enters that space.
So much of what we do today is about creating moments, experiences, and memories we can share with our families and friends. A handcrafted approach using vintage textiles and materials makes our homes more beautiful and a place where people are drawn to gather and socialize.

"Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful."
— William Morris

The rural experience of France is rooted in the organic and a sense of home. The inspiration of Le Bourdon Home & Garden is a picture of this old sanctuary where natural elements such as woven textiles, garden flowers and herbs, and soaps are incorporated into a decor. This creative space can allow you to pursue your own style in an inspiring atmosphere!

French Embellishments - The Signature Scarf

"For centuries French kings and queens were jewelry junkies. They wore big outrageous crowns, chunky medallions, slinky bracelets, and jeweled earrings. No wonder the French girl instinctively knows how to accessorize.

These days, it's impossible to imagine the French girl - or boy, for that matter - without a trademark scarf - twisted, tied, folded, looped or thrown - ads a finishing touch to anything. It's sophisticated yet bohemian, simple yet luxurious." a quote from Entre Nous - A Guide to Finding Your Inner French Child

If my husband is lucky enough for me to take him to France for one of my buying trips, he gets a lesson on how to fit in (or not to stand out like a typical American man). Specifically, he leaves his sneakers home and replaces them with leather boots or loafers, he takes along casual blazers, vests and a scarf. More importantly, he learns how to tie the scarf and before you know it, he embraces the fact that not only does it look great, it's warm!

For me, I've always loved the versatility of a scarf not to mention that I'm always cold so a scarf is my best friend. This important accessory is not just an item you put around your neck but should have a deep personal meaning. It is an extension of yourself that can express how you're feeling. The versatility it brings to your wardrobe depending upon how it is worn can transform you from a day to evening look with a different wrap!

Feel free to find your inner French girl and look different. The French girl is confident and aware of her unique style and she embraces it...so can you!