Summer Tables: Dreaming of Paris

Like most of you, we canceled our vacation plans this summer. While we are spending the summer at home, it's not really a "staycation", since most of our time is literally spent at home: indoors, in the backyard or walking the dogs in the neighborhood.

But one can dream of vacations, of traveling to new destinations, of experiencing life in a different way! Because I had such fun designing a table dreaming of going on safari, I thought I'd set a table to capture the (imagined) feel of dinner in an exquisite hotel in Paris.

This table would have the casual elegance that I think of when I think of Paris.

The table is set for the two of us. Colors are primarily muted, taken from the subtle sheen of the platinum placemats. We will start with an apéritif served in mid-century saucer-shaped glasses.

The vintage plates have a scrolling pattern on the verge and a stylized design in the center that reminds me of a fleur-de-lis. I love the aqua color woven through the scrolls and the fleur-de-lis. I find the pattern to be very versatile, using it for tables in both spring and autumn.

The ornate napkins complement the plates and coupe glasses. I bought these on a whim a few years ago, because I love textiles and table linens and knew that someday they would be the perfect choice. The deep border gives them a luxe feel.

The center of the table features a table runner with embroidery and ribbon applique and interesting text as though from a postcard. The table runner provides the aqua/turquoise inspiration for other elements on the table.

I love the looping etched design of the coupe glasses. They are in contrast to the simple lines of the wine glasses.

Surely we would find replicas on the table of la tour Eiffel which we could see outside the window!

French Pouilly-Fuissé wine is properly chilled.

Off to the side is a centerpiece of faux peonies. I didn't place the vase in the center of the table so that we could easily talk about all the sights we would have seen walking through the heart of the city.

A coffee service awaits the end of dinner.

Greg's trusty camera makes a repeat appearance. I'm certain we'd take a thousand photos!

Leaning at the back of the buffet is a lovely painting of la Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, that I bought in January. 

I shared additional photos of the painting on Instagram, styled in a vignette with dried lavender.

The flatware also features fleur-de-lis on the handles. Appropriate for a Parisian table, non?

Won't you join me in Paris?


Table resources
Plates | Noritake 'Esteem'
Coupe glasses | Bryce '758-4'
Flatware | Oneida 'Juilliard'
Coffee service | Haviland Limoges 'Torse White'