Some of our favorite Sferra bed and bath linens are on sale for 25% off. They are only available until supplies run out, so now is a great time to stock up on Sferra!

Here are a few highlights:

All of the Sferra collections that are on sale are being discontinued, so shop early if you see anything you like. To see the entire range of items on sale, click here.

Did you know the French are also passionate about tea?

While the English are famous for their tea-drinking, the French have loved tea since the early 1600’s.  Tea was a favorite drink of the French royalty, who believed it would cure illness and old age.  Eventually it became associated with the aristocracy and the upper classes, and tea drinking acquired its own elaborate tea ceremonies and etiquette.

Today, you can find chic tea shops through Paris, offering exotic blends from all over the world in that ever-so-stylish French way:

We wanted to recreate this feeling back at home, so we held a tea tasting in honor of our new line of teas from Le Palais des Thés.  Powerful and inviting aromas surrounded us.

First we sampled Thé Des Alizes, a fresh green tea packaged in a delightful green and yellow tin that perfectly suits the carefree smell and taste of its contents. As we opened the tin, we smelled notes of fruity white peaches along with that classic green tea scent.  The first sip was clean and mild; not bitter like so many traditional green teas. The overall experience was a wonderful combination of fruity scents with a complementary subtle taste.

Thé Des Vahines Rooibos was next and it was a calming contrast to the more refreshing green tea. Rooibos is simply the Afrikaans word for “red bush”, referring to the plant with which an herbal tea is made. Again, with this tea, the scent was strong, yet not overwhelming. It was almost as intoxicating as being in a chocolate shop, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and almond floating in the air. The tea leaves were very fine and made for a smooth flavor with a slight lingering sweetness. Thé Des Vahines Rooibos is caffeine-free, making it a perfect treat for any time of day.

Finally, we tasted an updated version of a classic English tea, Thé des Lords. This is an Earl Grey with strong bergamot flavor and a vibrant overall scent. The leaves are very dark and created a deep flavor with a subtle smokey note. It has an intense flavor that would stand up to a dash of milk, though it’s mild enough to drink black, depending on one’s preference. We liked Thé des Lords as it was not too bitter and would be a great pick-me-up in the mornings.

Parisian cookies from Poilane and chocolates from Jean-Paul Hevin were also served at our tea and made for a decadent experience. The sweet treats went perfectly well with each of our teas.

We are really excited to be carrying fine teas from Le Palais des Thés.  We found that each of them was true to its traditional roots, yet pleasantly infused with new flavors and scents.

Our Le Labo Rose Signature Detergent by The Laundress was a cool weather find at Chic Luxuries. They think it’s perfect for washing your fall sweaters. We agree!

Your favorite sweater or shirt comes out of the wash clean, with the delicate and ultra-sensual smell of Rose 31.

If you read any of the popular decorating magazines, you’ve probably seen Pine Cone Hill‘s bright bed linens on their pages. We’ve long been fans of the colorful collections designed by Annie Selke, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer them to you.

They have so many wonderful designs. There are duvet covers:

Sheets:

And matelasses:

There is also a collection of bright, cheerful bathrobes and sleepwear.

These bright colors are the perfect antidote to the chilly fall weather that will soon be upon us.

While in Paris earlier this month, we saw a decidedly amusing side of life in the City of Lights.

On Vogue’s Fashion Night Out, Rue St. Honore was filled with beautiful people . . . and a taco truck:

A closer look shows that the Parisians are tres authentique, with “Hand Pressed Tortillas,” “Organic Meats,” and the California bear:

On another evening, also in the otherwise staid 1st Arrondisement, we found a mosaic of Space Invader (from the 70’s video game) adorning the facade of a Parisian building

Apparently there are enough of these invaders spread throughout for a Space Invaders Paris website and book.

Finally, as if to tell us that they can do even the mundane things with more flair, here’s a construction scaffold sporting a trompe l’oeil:

Reminding you that life in Paris may take a little longer, but it’ll always be bright and colorful.

Color is back! We love Anna Weatherley‘s new dinnerware line, Anna’s Palette, for adding a pop of color to the table. The editors at Elle Decor love it too – it was featured in the October issue under “What’s Hot”.

The cheerful dinnerware comes in six bold colors:

It’s perfect for mixing and matching with other Anna Weatherley dinnerware collections, or any other dinnerware.

We loved this behind the scenes look at a L’Objet photo shoot so much, we just had to share it with you:

As you can see, L’Objet puts the utmost care and craftsmanship into everything they do – including product photography! That’s one of the reasons we love their products, and we know you’ll love them, too.

View all of our L’Objet collections here.

Many of our wool products are made with merino wool. We’re often asked what it is, and if it’s better than regular wool. What is special about merino wool?

We asked the experts at Sferra, and this is what we learned:

Merino sheep have some of the finest and softest wool of any sheep. Merino wool has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio when compared to other wools. It wicks away moisture and has superior breathability, which aids in regulating body temperature. Merino wool has an exceptionally soft hand and a strong natural elasticity. It is extremely durable, anti-static, and fire resistant, making it ideal for use in home textiles. Merino is also hypoallergenic, as is most wool.

Merino wool does not have the itchy feel of some wools.  Sferra’s Como throw is made from pure merino wool.

Gracious Style is in the October 2012 issue of Everyday With Rachel Ray.

Our Claus Porto soap pastilles are polka-dot perfect!

The key to setting something ordinary apart is the details. Everyday things, be they simple, affordable, or sublime, take just a little time and attention to make luxurious. – Carolyne Roehm

In the August issue of Veranda magazine, contributing editor Carolyne Roehm shared some thoughts about what makes the little things luxurious. It’s an inspiring read and the lovely photos are just as inspiring, including the setting of Royal Copenhagen’s Blue Fluted Full Lace.