At Gracious Style, we are introduced to some of the most luxurious materials on a daily basis. It’s our job to find the best of the best, whether it’s Giza 45 Egyptian Cotton sheets, or hand-embroidered Italian table linens. Given the quality of the products we love, we know that proper care and cleaning are essential for long-lasting, sumptuous fibers.  We’ve personally tested Le Blanc’s specialty cleansers in our own homes, and here’s what we have to say.

What You Should Know:

• Le Blanc products are environmentally safe. They are 100% biodegradable, contain no bleach, have a neutral pH balance, and are not tested on animals. This makes them safe for cleaning delicate materials like lace, silk, linen, and down.
• The detergents are triple concentrated. 1/4 cup is all that is needed for a full load of laundry. “I love that you only use 2 ounces of liquid per load; my bottle lasted me several months!” – Carolina
• Le Blanc products are energy-efficient. All of the cleansers work with cold water, and can be used in a variety of washing machines.
• Le Blanc formulas have been tested to remove stains caused by lipstick, jam, fruit juice, coffee, tea, chocolate, wine, grease, blood, cola, ink and even certain oils.

Le Blanc Offerings:

Linen Press – designed to leave a silky hand and polished finish on table and bed linens. Press fine fabrics and create a protective layer to guard against new stains. This non-aerosol formula ensures a wrinkle-free sheen, and features an easy spray nozzle.

Linen Wash – Le Blanc’s premium cold-water cleanser is proven to be the safest in the home textile industry. The detergent removes tough stains from fabrics without the use of harmful chemicals. It is mild enough to care for linen, cotton, sateen, and percale, making it ideal for use on bedding and table cloths. “The Linen Wash really works well for pretreating stains. After our Thanksgiving dinner, I quickly poured a few drops on our napkins and tablecloths, and the stains were gone when I did the laundry the next day.” – Carolina

Silk & Lingerie Wash – Designed for all washable and colorfast delicate fabrics. The specialized formula protects elasticity, preserves shape, and gently launders swim and active wear, hosiery and intimate apparel, wool and cashmere sweaters, and silk bedding and table linens. “No need to buy scented sachets to stick in my underwear and sock drawers anymore. The articles smell so fresh after, they scent the whole drawer” – Nicole.

Towel Wash – formulated to clean luxury bath towels, mats, rugs, and cotton terry robes while protecting fibers from drying out. Even after repeated wash cycles, bath linens are guaranteed to remain soft, strong, and absorbent. “Washing my towels in the Summer Verbena Towel Wash made a remarkable difference. They were soft to the touch and smelled amazing, which I expected would happen, but I was nervous they wouldn’t look as clean. I was proven wrong; no makeup stains, nothing! Worked like a charm for my white towels” – Nicole.

Laundry Wash – For use on all types of apparel made from natural and synthetic fibers. Fabrics are disinfected while colors and shapes are preserved. Whites and darks alike will smell fresh and look renewed. “Doing laundry is now more fun, and our linens smell really good” – Carolina.

Downwash – Specifically designed for laundering down-filled, down alternative, and hypoallergenic materials without altering its capacity for natural insulation. This wash protects down’s loft by preventing its naturally resilient oils from becoming brittle. “So nice that I can wash my down comforter at home now.” – Carolina.

Fragrance Infusion – This alternative to traditional fabric softener can be added to the rinse cycle to reduce static cling and add extra fragrance. As this product contains no optical brighteners, and will not stain or clog, it is safe for use in all washing machines. “I’ve been hearing more and more about the disadvantages of using fabric softeners. This is an excellent, safer alternative” – Nicole.

Dryer Sachets – These should be used in place of polyester dryer sheets to prevent pilling of luxury linens. Filled with unique fragrances, the sachets scent articles in the dryer or in a drawer. Each one can be reused for a minimum of sixteen cycles. “I use these in my closets to scent up the whole space” – Carolina.

Linen Waters – Perfect for misting household linens and fabrics like bed sheets, drapery, towels, and more. The formula will not stain and is guaranteed to leave a lasting aroma.

Spotlight on Scents: 

Original: “A very sweet, fruity and floral scent. The apple, hyacinth, and sandalwood are the most prevalent notes” – Eve. “Sweet like candy but charmingly light. The fusion of jasmine, kiwi, grapefruit, and musk are refreshing” – Nicole.

Fields of Green: “Floral, but fresher than the original scent, this one has a slighter brighter fragrance to it, with more of a citrusy garden blend” – Eve. “Reminds me of fresh cut grass, and spring” – Nicole.

Children’s Wash (Pink and Purple): “Light and happy, like a cloud on a spring day” – Si. “This is a milder, lighter version of the Original scent” – Carolina.

Lavender: “Like a field in Provence” – Carolina. “Very classic, herbal scent with subtle notes of mint” – Eve. “Lavender is of course a calming aroma. This fragrance will sooth the senses and coat your linens in a blanket of tranquil freshness. Very ladylike” – Nicole.

Silk Petals Silk & Lingerie: “A signature floral scent, this mixes the sweet smells of rose with gardenia” – Eve. “Floral, feminine, and delicate, the blend of lilac, rose, and gardenia is delightfully sophisticated” – Nicole. “Powdery and feminine” – Carolina.

Blue Violet: “Light, clear, and fresh” – Si. “Clean, crisp, and soapy (in the best way!), with light floral notes” – Nicole.

Summer Verbena: “Primarily citrus, with a hint of floral” – Eve. “After washing my bedding in this scent, my entire bedroom smelled of a lovely citrus, but the scent was never overwhelming” – Nicole.

Portfolio: “My personal favorite! This is a more masculine scent, but the women in our office loved it equally as much. This is a woodsy, musky scent with notes of amber and vanilla” – Eve. “Serious and sophisticated” – Si. “Designed for the modern day male, this scent is universally appealing and alluring. The blend of woods and orange blossom, with hints of vanilla, make it an ideal unisex fragrance” – Nicole.

For more Le Blanc, click here!

It’s easy to find a comforter that’s just right for you. For an unparalleled sleeping experience, you should consider these two factors:

1. YOUR LEVEL OF WARMTH

To select the ideal comforter, you should consider such factors as season, climate, heating system and thermostat setting. Most of our classic comforters are now offered in three weights to best suit your needs.

Summer Weight: Ideal for the warm sleeper, warm climates or when the room temperature is above 70°F.

All Year Weight: The most popular choice, this all-season comforter is perfect for year-round use and for those who keep their bedroom temperature between 60°F and 65°F.

Winter Weight: Ideal for the cold sleeper, cool bedrooms, very cold climates and for those who prefer extra warmth during the winter season.

2. YOUR LEVEL OF QUALITY

Comforters are available with different qualities of fills and shells.  The most affordable generally feature more common fills and lower thread count shells, while the most expensive use rare, exotic fills and finer fabrics.

Introductory: Our most affordable down comforters features a 233 thread count cover filled with 560 fill power white down (example: Mackenza comforters)

Classic: These classics feature a soft, 300 thread count cover filled with high loft, and 600 fill power white goose down, guaranteed to provide many years of warmth and pleasure (examples: Cascada Summit, 3-in-1 Anytime, and Buxton comforters)

Best Value: Opting for lasting comfort and value? The comforters in this class offer remarkable quality and sumptuous softness. A high quality white goose down with large and plump clusters, our 650 and 700 fill power white goose downs, provide luxurious warmth with minimum weight. Choice of 330 or 383 thread count cotton sateen gives the finishing touch to this amazing selection (example: Nirvana, Continental, and Somerset comforters).

Supreme: Exceptional superiority, the 700 and 800 fill power is one of the word’s finest downs. Premium clusters of down deliver superior loft and maximum warmth with minimal weight. Moreover, our silky smooth downproof fabric is made in Europe using the exclusive SanProCare process, known to enhance temperature regulation, absorption and release of moisture, and superior durability (examples: Bernina, Himalaya, and Cardigan comforters).

Ultimate: When only the very best will do; our most magnificent comforters offer unparalleled luxury, warmth and craftsmanship. The very largest, softest 920 fill power Siberian, Canadian white goose down, or Eiderdown paired with a choice of Batiste lightweight fabric- or our 100% Pure Silk, Flowering Vine pattern cover, introduce you to the incredible lightness of warmth. These opulent comforters result in extraordinary comfort and promise luscious sleep for years to come (examples: Logana, Eliasa, Snowdon comforters).

Down Alternative: Filled with Comforel, Innofil, and other similar fibers, these hypoallergenic microfiber fills offer down-like comfort, loft and softness at a more economical price than down. Perfect for sleepers who are allergy prone (examples: Sierra, Astra, Arcadia, and Anti-Allergy Down comforters).

Tencel Ecofriendly: The combination of high quality 650 fill power white goose down and a Tencel® lyocell cover offers you easy-care comfort that’s soft on you and the environment. Tencel® lyocell is a natural fabric manufactured from wood pulp from Eucalyptus trees, which is extremely silky to the touch, has a very soft finish and is noted for its durability, light weight and strength (example: Innutia comforters).

To view our entire selection of down pillows and comforters, click here.

The first time I saw Peacock Alley‘s Vienna Collection, the stunning beauty immediately captivated my attention. The elegant pattern, the soft finish, the perfection in every detail – I knew wanted a piece for my own home. After ogling beautiful images and planning the perfect layout for my own boudoir, it became time to experience this perfect, plush cloud for myself.

While the name is inspired by the classic beauty of Austria’s largest city, the compelling medallion quilted pattern was derived from a 17th Century French uniform button. With a swirling, leaf-like pattern inside each perfect circle, the intricacy of this extraordinary collection is as refined and delicate as lace. Choosing the piece and color I preferred most was a difficult decision.

I carefully selected a coverlet in the Taupe color, and eagerly awaited its arrival. As soon as I got the box through my front door, I opened the package and unfolded this masterpiece; And just like a fine work of art, this matelasse was even more lovely in person than it appeared in the photographs.

The subtle sophistication of the pattern and smooth finish of the fabric were welcome additions to my bedroom. I carefully laid the dreamy coverlet across my bed, and waited for nightfall. As the hour grew later, just one yawn was reason enough to usher me to bed.

As I draped myself in the most luxurious beauty and comfort, my eyelids drifted shut, lulling me to sleep. The texture was soft, the fabric lightweight, and the color so subtle that nothing could keep me awake. I took a deep breath in, calmed my senses, and felt this soft, silent beauty cloak me in peace and tranquility.

And for just one moment, I was almost certain I could hear the faint melody of a Viennese Waltz, inviting me into the sweetest of dreams.

With summer in full swing, Yves Delorme is helping us celebrate Bastille Day with their biggest sale of the year.

Offering beauty, sophistication and incredible comfort, Yves Delorme has all the finest indulgences for bed and bath. Whether you need something for that perfect summer birthday gift, or want to treat yourself to a little luxury, now is the time to act!  From July 11 – 19, enjoy 20% off all Yves Delorme items.  But hurry, this offer is as fleeting as a soft summer breeze, so be sure to place your order soon!

For more amazing summer styles from Yves Delorme, click here!

The fourth of July has come and gone, but don’t put away your red, white and blue just yet! Bastille Day, which commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, is France’s national day of independence, and it’s right around the corner on Monday, July 14.

Whether you have French heritage in your family, or simply love the flaky, soft perfection of a warm croissant, this is a great time to embrace this rich culture here in America. And what better place than the melting pot of Los Angeles? If you live in Southern California, try out some of these French festivities nearby; if not, celebrate wherever you are with your francophile friends!

Brunch

Go Out: Named for the famous avenue in Paris, Le Champs-Elysees, Elysee is a true taste of French cuisine and pastries. Located in the heart of Westwood Village, this quaint French pastry shop is the perfect place to get brunch in French fashion. For a traditional bite, try the Croque Monsieur, a popular grilled ham and cheese sandwich that can be found on every corner in Paris! Be sure to accompany your breakfast with a delicious cup of French coffee, and if you have a sweet tooth, try the Napoleon. Also called mille-feuille, this eponymous French pastry is said to have “one thousand leaves” of thin, flaky pastry, held together with rich, sweet cream. C’est parfait!  (Other ideas: La Maison du Pain in mid-City,  Maison Giraud in Pacific Palisades, and Chaumont in Beverly Hills)

Stay In: Not near Westwood? Host a French brunch in your own home, chez vous! Pain au chocolat, the French brother of the chocolate croissant, can be picked up or ordered from many bakeries in America, so find one near you and grab some for friends! Be sure to have coffee or tea with brunch, and for a truly French flare, use serving pieces from Christofle, Ercuis or Raynaud. Bon appetit!

Cinema

Go Out: Many theaters in Los Angeles honor the intrigue of French culture through screenings of foreign films. In homage to the acclaimed French director, Michel Gondry, the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood is showing his latest film, Mood Indigo on July 14. Starring the stunning French beauty, Audrey Tatou, this surreal love story combines classic French romance with a deeply imaginative, fantastical twist. To become a member of American Cinematique, and show your appreciation for beautiful American and foreign cinema, visit their website here.

Stay In: Far from Hollywood? Invite over some friends for a French cinematic adventure of your own! Some famous French films that can be found in America include Amelie, La Vie En Rose, La Femme Nikita, Midnight in Paris, and Breathless. If you have trouble finding one of these incredible movies, try finding an American film with French actors! Some famous names that have graced the screens of both France and America include Gérard Depardieu, Juliette Binoche (think Chocolat with Johnny Depp!), Marion Cotillard and Catherine Deneuve.

Dinner

Go Out: If you are looking for pure authenticity in French cuisine, then Taix (pronounced | ˈteks |) is the perfect place. With a rotating menu of French delicacies, this charming Echo Park restaurant and bar boasts exquisite plates passed down from generation to generation within the Taix family from southern France. If you go here, go all out. The escargot is divine, the frog’s legs are perfection, and the changing menu provides different specials for every day of the week. The staff welcomes and serves you with true French hospitality, and if you just can’t get enough, you can purchase your wine glasses to take home after your meal. Délicieux!  (For more ideas, check out Eater L.A.’s Best French Restaurants in Los Angeles)

Stay In: If Echo Park is out of reach, try making a French-inspired meal at home! While French cuisine can be hard to master, there are some easy additions to your own cooking that can transform a simple dinner into a Parisian plate. Bread is essential to any French meal, so be sure to grab a baguette at your local grocery store or bakery. For that crusty exterior and warm, soft center, toss it in a 300 degree oven for about five minutes to heat it up, then hand-rip it into small pieces and serve in a French bread basket like this one from Couzon.

If you choose to serve chicken or soup, try adding a bouquet garni. Don’t be fooled by this French name; this is exactly what it sounds like: a bouquet, or bundle, of garnishes. Try combining rosemary, thyme, sage and marjoram for great French flavor. Add a bottle of French wine and some Edith Piaf tunes, and you may just confuse your own dining room for a Paris bistro!

And finally, celebrate with more French sweets, like a tarte tatin or a simple crème brûlée (for recipes, check out this guide from Saveur).

What are your plans for Bastille Day?

Summer’s here, so it’s the perfect time to celebrate outdoors! Pool parties, barbecues, picnics and brunches are great ways to spend time with friends and family… but what do you do if your indoor/outdoor rug gets dirty? Fear not!  We asked our friends at Dash & Albert, and they shared these easy steps to cleaning indoor/outdoor rugs.

1) Roll up your soiled rug and move it to your cleaning space (showers and tubs are perfect spots!).

2) Fill a bucket with cool water and your favorite liquid soap or detergent (like our Le Blanc Linen Wash).

3) Lay the rolled rug in your cleaning space and unroll enough to access the soiled area; rub in your soapy solution onto the rug with a brush.

4) Rinse the soiled area with clean water.  If the stain has not gone away, keep brushing with your soapy solution until it disappears.

5) Once the rug is clean, roll it up and lean it against a corner so the water can roll off the carpet and down the drain. When it’s dry, roll out your newly clean carpet and enjoy!

Love how easy care these are?  To view our entire group of indoor/outdoor rugs, click here.

Herend‘s beautiful dinnerware and precious figurines have been inspiration for tables, displays and gifts for centuries. For South Carolina couple Mary Mungo and Ross Dubisky, their love of the Queen Victoria Dinnerware resulted in this spectacular wedding cake:

Adorned in delicate flowers and darling birds and butterflies, this cake is a work of art!  Our warm congratulations and special thanks to the newlyweds for sharing this with us. Take a look at some of the pieces that spurred their imagination:

For more stunning collections, visit our Herend Shop!

For over thirty years, Peacock Alley has produced exquisite bed and bath linens, combining classic elegance with incredible comfort.  This season, we’re loving their new throws (so many amazing colors!) so we worked with Janie at Peacock to choose our favorites and we took them home for a spin.

Here’s what we thought …

All Seasons Solid Cotton Blanket: Combining the soft, coziness of a winter blanket with the mild texture and weight of a summer throw, the All Seasons Blanket really is perfect year-round. In 100% Egyptian cotton, all four neutral hues are completely free of dyes and bleaches.

“This 100% cotton blanket is so plush, you could confuse it with mohair, chenille, or wool. I can’t resist cuddling with it!” – Nicole

“Plush, cozy, and surprisingly lightweight, the beauty of this blanket is in the details. With a nice suede label and herringbone tape binding, it is perfect for chasing chills away” – Carolina

“The softest cotton I’ve ever felt, the All Seasons blanket is absolutely luxurious. It is light enough for a brisk summer night, but cozy enough for fireside winter evening” – Eve

“The All Seasons Blanket is creamy, soft and velvety, like a teddy bear. Not too heavy, cozy, and plush” – Si

Captiva Cotton Throw:  Made in Portugal from soft cotton, Captiva is the perfect throw for breezy spring evenings or cozy mornings with a cup of joe.  Available in nine colors … five neutrals and four brights.

“This feels like a knit sweater for those cooler summer nights, and the coral color reminds me of the beach” – Si

“The dressy ribbed stripe and happy color give it a tailored finish and refined look” – Carolina

“Comfortable and chic, the Captiva is that beloved blanket you always want to curl up in, but it’s pretty enough to display draped over the couch” – Nicole

“Like a soft, warm hug, this throw is perfect for an afternoon nap, or just curling up with a good book” – Eve

Majorca Cable Knit Cotton Blanket:  In a welcoming, plush cable knit, the Majorca Blanket is as soft and comforting as your favorite sweater. With several new colors to chose from, the Aqua stands out as fun and a perfect reminder of the water.

“The sweater-like quality is so inviting, and the aqua color is clean and refreshing” – Eve

“The first thing that caught my eye was the rich, beautiful color. The intricate weave is similar to a cable knit, but has a more unique shape, like a wave” – Nicole

“I like the medium weight, and the aqua color reminds me of the tranquility of water” – Si

“It is a really substantial weight, fluffy and a bit heavy. I love the border finish; it’s so beautiful you could wear it as a shawl” – Carolina

Ready to try for yourself? Check out all of our Peacock Alley Bedding and Bath here!

Inspired by a vintage cup designed in the Raynaud archives, Mariela Schwarz Montiel’s Tresor collection is a modern line with a fluid and feminine spirit. Plates are flat and rimless, while shaped pieces like tea pots and tureens are sleek and generously sized.  Mariela, a French-based footwear and accessories designer, chose colors that reminded her of her travels to India.

With three different patterns, each in four colors (Tresor Beige, Tresor Brown, Tresor Orange and Tresor Turquoise,), the possibilities for mixing and matching are endless.

Chic, n’est-ce pas?

Keeping with their signature style of classic elegance, Peacock Alley has added many new collections for Spring/Summer 2014.

Combining cotton and linen for the perfect summertime weight, the Mary Ella Bedding Collection is the perfect balance of sweet femininity and practicality.

Embracing modern simplicity, the new Billy Collection has a subtle jacquard ticking stripe in five inviting hues.

Adding new spice to an already flawless design, the Majorca Cable Knit Cotton Blanket gets a new punch of color in Blue, Aqua, Green and Coral.

Now available in the all new Grand Euro pillow size, collections such as the Mandalay Bedding offer the ultimate indulgence for your bedroom: the height of a Euro Sham with the width of a King Sham, 26 x 36 inches.

With just the right touch of pastel, the new Charleston Collection has subtle Southern charm in a delicate floral pattern.

On soft, sateen cotton, Emma exhibits a hand-drawn geometric print in colors that will mix and match perfectly with the more subdued styles.

For more beautiful bed and bath linens by Peacock Alley, click here.