Thursday, August 6, 2020

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'

     

   



18 comments:

  1. What a lovely table! Enjoy your imaginary trip to the City of Love.

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  2. I am waiting for my invitation!! Lovely table.

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    1. Thanks so much, Maristella, for your sweet comments! Take care

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  4. Oh la la, such an elegant and sophisticated table, and how fun to pretend you are dining in Paris! I think it is wonderful to see all the creative ways people are coming up with during this time of confinement and this is certainly a great one!
    Jenna

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    1. Thank you, Jenna! Imagination can be such a fun, creative force! I too have enjoyed all that folks have shared as they navigate this difficult spring and summer. Take care, stay safe

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  5. So pretty and I'm glad you are making the most of the summer even at home. #HomeMattersParty

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    1. Thanks, Donna! I've always believed that it was how you responded to things that was important. Take care

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  6. Another beautiful tablescape, Sandra! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!

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    1. Thanks, Cecilia! I always enjoy visiting Vintage Charm.

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  7. Sandra, what an elegant and beautiful table. I love the idea of setting a table of places that you wish to visit, I can imagine the conversation that it invokes. I have been to Paris a couple of times, and hope to return.

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    1. Ah, Pam, you've got me jealous! France has always been a country I longed to visit. My husband spent one day (!!) in Paris on a business trip with no time for sight-seeing.

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  8. Mais oui, Sandra! I would love to join you in Paris!!! What a pretty tablescape, too. I love the china you have and I have some very similar napkins that I found while we were still in the trailer. I need to pull those out... ;) Happy to feature your post this evening at Share Your Style #269. <3

    Hope you are enjoying your summer even without much travel,
    Hugs,
    Barb :)

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    1. Thanks so much for featuring my table, Barb! I found the china in an antique mall, shoved in the back, covered in dust. But the pattern was irresistible!

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  9. Your awesome post is featured on our 500th Full Plate Thursday! Thanks so much for sharing with us, we will all enjoy your post. Hope you have a great weekend and come back to see us real soon!
    Miz Helen

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    1. Thanks so much! You've made my day! Enjoy your weekend, dreaming of Paris...

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