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July 13, 2017

A table for la Fête nationale

I've been fascinated with French history and culture since I was a teenager. Six years of French language and literature classes turned me into a bit of a Francophile. I horribly mangle French when I speak it, but I used to be able to understand half of what I heard. I was better at reading French, and loved Molière and Rimbaud.


One day I'll make it to France, but in the meantime I thought I'd celebrate July 14th with them by creating a table for la Fête nationale. (Known as Bastille Day by English speakers.)


The French Tricolor flag is bleu, blanc et rouge, which are the colors of the table with a bit of gold added.


I started with these marvelous salad plates depicting la tour Eiffel, the instantly recognizable emblem of Paris, and by extension, France. I love the line drawing in black and white. What a find at the antique mall!



The tower plates were placed on top of blue dinner plates which have an allover trellis design, evoking the beautiful jardins blooming with flowers throughout the cities and the countryside. These in turn are set on gold chargers whose curves remind me of fine French furniture.


The fleur-de-lis pattern on the flatware is an ancient symbol that was adopted by French royalty in the late Middle Ages. Linen napkins bring a deep navy to the table.



 A bottle of wine, croissants and cheese represent the casual elegance of French cuisine.


I added strawberries for their bright red color, placing them on a hand-crafted wood board. I love the shape it has and the various woods used.


Generous wine glasses allude to the red in the flag. White carnations and lavender, which always makes me think of the south of France, were placed in a ceramic container found on another treasure jaunt.


 I wanted a thoughtful table setting for la Fête nationale that subtly reads françoise. I think this succeeded.

 


And I think it can be used whenever a bit of French flair is wanted!

   


Thank you for coming to dinner!  


Resources  
Salad plates | Mikasa 'Parisian Scenes'
 Dinner plates | Block 'Blue Skies'
 Bread plates | Hazel-Atlas 'Newport'
 Flatware | Oneida 'Juilliard'
 Stemware | Marquis by Waterford 'Vintage'
  
  
 
  
   


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22 comments:

  1. Linda @ Life and LindaJuly 16, 2017 at 5:28 PM

    Hi Sandra, such. Lovely tribute to France. Love the Eiffel Tower plates. You have captured the perfect spirit and theme of France. Always a pleasure to see new tablescapes. Thanks for sharing at DI&DI.

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  2. Ann @ Corner of Plaid and PaisleyJuly 16, 2017 at 5:42 PM

    I am getting a lot of France lately - my husband is a big Tour de France fan! So I was attracted to your table right away, So beautiful!!

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    Replies
    1. SandraJuly 16, 2017 at 10:33 PM

      Thank you! The athletes who participate in the Tour de France are incredible!

      Delete
  3. Carol @Comfort Spring StationJuly 16, 2017 at 6:41 PM

    Beautiful table and the plates are so distinctive

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    Replies
    1. SandraJuly 16, 2017 at 10:34 PM

      I'm glad you liked it. The plates were something I just couldn't pass up!

      Delete
  4. UnknownJuly 17, 2017 at 9:04 PM

    Your plate stack is beautiful, Sandra. I love the combination of patterns and shapes. The whole table setting evokes the feeling of France to me. It makes me want to grab my beret, a scarf, and a glass of good French wine.

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    Replies
    1. SandraJuly 17, 2017 at 11:42 PM

      Thanks, Susan! I think that's a great idea!

      Delete
  5. Christine @ Rustic-RefinedJuly 18, 2017 at 7:45 AM

    Very pretty table. The gold paired with blue is really a show stopper.

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    Replies
    1. SandraJuly 18, 2017 at 11:06 AM

      Thanks, Christine! Blue and gold really says 'French' to me.

      Delete
  6. TamaraJuly 12, 2018 at 4:09 AM

    Thanks for visiting Paris in July (over at Thyme-for-tea.blogspot.com ) and sharing your dinner with us. Im just begining to plan my meal pour la fete national. So thanks for the inspiration.

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    Replies
    1. SandraJuly 12, 2018 at 7:42 PM

      Thanks, Tamara! I'm glad I stumbled across your fun Paris party.

      Delete
  7. JeanieJuly 12, 2018 at 5:18 PM

    I love that you are celebrating Bastille Day -- and what a festive and lovely table! I love your china.

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    Replies
    1. SandraJuly 12, 2018 at 7:48 PM

      Thanks, Jeanie! I'm always up for a celebration, lol! I was entranced by the Eiffel Tower plates the minute I saw them.

      Delete
  8. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonJuly 16, 2018 at 12:26 AM

    Another beautiful table! I hope you make it to France one day. I've been a lot of places, but haven't made it there yet either. :) Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    Replies
    1. SandraJuly 16, 2018 at 10:13 AM

      Thanks, Jann! I love to travel and have so many places on my must-see list.

      Delete
  9. Linda @ A La CarteJuly 19, 2018 at 3:33 PM

    I have enjoyed your lovely table. I love to set a fun table and Paris is always a fun theme!

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    Replies
    1. SandraJuly 20, 2018 at 12:08 PM

      Thanks, Linda! Paris just provides so much inspiration. One day I'll get there!

      Delete
  10. The Little Yellow Corner StoreJuly 11, 2019 at 2:42 PM

    Definitely there is French romance and elegance to this tablescape. I love your use of gold accents with the dark blues and contrasting reds. I was never in Paris, but your table makes me feel like I am there. Beautiful!

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    Replies
    1. SandraJuly 11, 2019 at 10:00 PM

      What a lovely thought! Thanks so much! This is one of my favorite table settings.

      Delete
  11. Eclectic Red BarnJuly 17, 2019 at 9:10 PM

    Sandra,
    I love your tablescape. Congrats on being feature at Thursday Favorite Things. https://eclecticredbarn.blogspot.com/2019/07/thursday-favorite-things_18.html
    Hugs,
    Bev

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SandraJuly 18, 2019 at 10:32 AM

      Thank you, Bev! I'm so glad you liked this one -- one of my favorites.

      Delete

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