In recognition of Greg's French heritage today, I've set a table in a country french style for Sunday brunch. I chose today because they're celebrating la fête nationale on 14 juillet with parades, fireworks, music, performances and of course wonderful suppers! Le bleu, blanc, rouge flutters from staffs and houses and finds its echo on the table which incorporates all three colors.
There is always a beginning for setting a table, whether it's an item, a theme or a re-imagining of something seen and remembered. The beginning for this table was a set of fabulous linens that Greg brought back from a recent trip to Strasbourg, France. The tablecloth and matching napkins feature garden blooms, birds and butterflies in a lovely cornflower blue.
Greg and his colleagues have taken to shopping for table linens for me when they are in Europe, with each of them suggesting this tablecloth or that to Greg in the local shops. Apparently they enjoy themselves and I'm the lucky recipient! This one is made of pre-washed linen and is soft and pliable to the touch. I lightly ironed it, but only to reduce the fold marks. The cloth's design and wrinkles led me to style the table with a country French flair.
But then it's French, so mottled gold chargers were chosen in a shape that is repeated by the plates. The blue and white plates boast whimsical botanicals, while the salad plates are a warmer shade of white whose scalloped edges are a textural delight. Fleurs-de-lis decorate the handles of our everyday flatware and my favorite steak knives feature a classic, sinuous line.
No table is complete without a centerpiece of some kind! With Provence as inspiration, I placed a pair of bouquets awash in color on either side of a shapely tureen in the blue and white pattern. Gold dominates in the flowers, especially the spectacular chrysanthemums and bi-color roses. Smaller white mums and one huge hydrangea bring whites to the mix.
I added deep ruby lilies to the golds and whites, a color deftly repeating the red edges of the roses. All the flowers were a phenomenal find at the grocery store! I then simply placed them in a pair of oversized mason-like glass jars for a graceful bit of nonchalance.
Reds provide a punch of color in the wine glasses and the inner napkin layer.
This photo provides a glimpse of one of the birds in the linen pattern, and
A stray butterfly floats in the center.
I added a pair of beautiful Paden City pheasants, elegant examples of 1930-1940's crafted glassware that I bought a dozen years ago at a Cartersville, GA, glass show.
The detailing on the pheasants is exquisite as is the gorgeous blue. A nice counterpoint is provided by the antique silver salt cellar and 1960's iced tea glasses.
The linen birds are individualized and I like how the botanical tracings on the tablecloth mirror the scrolls on the plates.
Sunlight poured in through the dining room windows!
It danced across the table and made the tea service on the buffet glow.
I went searching for red geraniums, but I loved these that I found instead!
I've done several French-inspired tables in the summertime — I invite you to visit them at A French-Inspired Tablescape, The French Table, Dreaming of Paris, and A Table for la Fete Nationale.
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Table details
Table linens | Garnier-Thiebaut
Dinner plates, appetizer plates | Blue Danube (Blue Danube 'Japan' for Lipper International/Portmeirion)
Flatware | Oneida 'Julliard'
Knives | Jean Dubost 'Laguiole'
Iced tea glasses | Tiffin-Franciscan 'Margo'
* Table details are provided for identification/information only. Dinner at Eight is not affiliated with nor compensated by any other entity.
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Sandra,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!! Love this sweet tablescape as I do love blue and white!! I know I have comments before but I do LOVE your stunning blue walls!! So elegant looking!! Enjoy the rest of your week!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Thank you, Deb! As you can tell I love blue in all its shades.
DeleteAnother lovely table Sandra! Of course we love French anything, but this is truly lovely. The linens are fabulous and how great that they all shop for you. That's truly special. Garnier-Thiebaut makes beautiful linens with fabulous details. Your glass birds are a perfect pairing and the glass salt cellar is fantastic! Thanks for all the eye candy. XO- MaryJo
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, MaryJo! I couldn't go wrong starting with such beautiful linens. I'm definitely a lucky girl!
DeleteThat is a lovely table with a beautiful centerpiece!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanne, I'm so glad you enjoyed this!
DeleteSandra, oh my goodness, your table is beautiful! I love the blue and white with the pops of yellow and red from the flowers, inner napkins, and wine glasses. The linens that Greg chose are so pretty and look so perfect with your gorgeous dishes. The glass pheasants are just lovely and the salt cellar is darling. I hope you enjoyed a lovely meal at this beautiful table and happy upcoming weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kim, for your sweet comments! This table almost set itself once I laid the tablecloth on it, though the flowers were a special find.
DeleteWhat a delightful and charming table setting! I absolutely adore how you've incorporated Greg’s French heritage into this Sunday brunch with such elegance. The linens from Strasbourg are stunning and provide a perfect backdrop for the country French theme. The thoughtful details, from the blue and white plates to the exquisite Paden City pheasants, really bring the table to life. The flower arrangements are simply breathtaking, and I love how the vibrant colors and delicate designs echo the French flag’s palette. You’ve truly created a beautiful and festive atmosphere that honors French culture while showcasing your impeccable style. Bravo on a spectacular table setting! 🌟
ReplyDeleteAnna, thank you so much for all your lovely comments! I enjoy setting French inspired tables in July and I couldn't wait to style one based on the beautiful tablecloth. I hope someday to visit France and absorb design inspiration directly from the source. Wishing you a wonderful August!
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