Why French women of a certain age are the consummate hostesses, homemakers, and style icons – and how you can be, too.

Frenchwomen – particularly those 40 – are role models for stylish and gracious living, what the French call l'art de vivre. American-born fashion journalist Tish Jett, who has studied these women for years, shared their beauty secrets in her first book, Forever Chic.

Now she explores why Frenchwomen of a certain age are master hostesses and homemakers, expert practitioners of les bonnes manières as well as everyday elegance, savoir-faire, and as a result, la joie de vivre. Jett explains how to entertain like a Frenchwoman, including a glimpse into the typical French larder from which a delicious meal can be thrown together with ease, to detailed instruction on laying a beautiful table and crafting a perfect cheese plate. She explores everyday style and elegance, disclosing how to create that special bien dans sa peau (to feel good about oneself) sensation so coveted by Frenchwomen.

Jett also shares the importance of discipline, which goes hand in hand with beauty – a well-ordered closet, be it for clothes or linens, translates to easy everyday elegance. With tips on adjusting your beauty and style regimes seasonally, charmingly packaged with colour illustrations, Living Forever Chic is a delightful gift for the Francophile in your life.