September has a way of making us want to gather. The evenings begin to soften a little earlier. There are the first signs of change—leaves beginning to turn, little apples and that unmistakable feeling that summer is slowly making way for autumn.
Welcome to Monday Morning Blooms!
Pam and I are excited about Autumn, it's been a long hot summer! Our dear friend Mary can't join us today, but we're all looking forward to meeting up with her again next month. To start us off for our favorite season, we are featuring autumn.
It is one of my favorite times of year to host small dinners. The best time to set a table for a lingering dinner where the candles are lit, the wine is poured, and no one is in a hurry to leave.
For this September table, I wanted the feeling of early fall without rushing too far ahead. I began with an antique French ironstone tureen.
The flowers are burgundy dahlias, apricot and golden-yellow roses, green-brown hydrangeas, autumn oak leaves {they are preserved ones I just bought to use this fall}, trailing greenery and little clusters of berries.
Then I tucked in the tiniest apples, letting them nestle naturally among the flowers.
Flowers, Apples & a French Tureen
I love using ironstone tureens for flowers. Their generous shape makes them wonderful for an abundant arrangement, and their age and patina add something a new container simply can’t.
I used floral foam inside the tureen to give the flowers a good foundation, then added lots of greenery from the garden as a base to support flowers, leaves and berries. The tiny apples came last, tucked here and there among the stems.
A Table for Friends
I don't think a table needs to be elaborate to be memorable. Some of the best evenings happen around a table that is easy but pretty- one that feels natural rather than decorated.
For this setting, I used antique French blue-and-white floral plates, paired with our Cognac linen napkins. Not all the place settings were the same, but the plates were all French flow blue designs- and the silver was all European.
The blue brings a lovely freshness to the warm colors of the flowers, while the linen adds that relaxed French Country feeling I love, and a glorious autumn color.
I finished the table with beeswax candles. Once they are lit, the whole table changes. The blue-and-white china glows softly, the flowers take on deeper, warmer colors, and the evening feels made for lingering over dinner with friends.
A Season for Gathering
September reminds us that there is a season for everything. A season for summer, a season for harvest, and a season for gathering.
Even though I can’t wait for autumn, I know many of you savor every second of summer. We don't need to rush toward autumn. Enjoy this beautiful little space between seasons—the last summer flowers, the first fall apples, the glow of candlelight and an evening spent with friends.
Set the table. Light the candles. Bring out your antique French dishes.
And invite the people you love to dinner.
Join my friend Pam for her first fall inspiration by clicking on her link!
Thank you, as always, for stopping by and spending a little time with me here. I love hearing from you, and your thoughtful comments always make these Monday mornings feel a little more like a conversation between friends.
and me, Lidy at FrenchGardenHouse
4 comments
Kitty, thank you so much for your visit! I am sure that any flowers you arrange in your Armentale tureen will look glorious! Enjoy your September, friend! 🍂Xo Lidy
Pam, thank you – it’s always a delight to join hands over the states and celebrate our Monday Morning Blooms! Enjoy this coming season! Xo Lidy
Good morning Lidy and Happy Labor Day! The antique French ironstone tureen is a gorgeous vessel for your dahlias, roses, autumn oak leaves, trailing greenery, berry clusters, and tiny apples. It is a perfect nod to the fall season. The French blue and white floral plates with the cognac linen napkins speak the language of relaxed French Country, of which I am a fan. Our summer has been long with extremely hot temperatures and little rain. I don’t like to rush the seasons, but I am anxiously awaiting autumn.
It is always a pleasure to join you for our Monday Morning Blooms. Enjoy your day, my friend!
Lidy, your table has such a warmth and softness to begin Autumn. You’ve inspired me to use my pretty Armetale soup tureen for a centerpiece. Your blue and white dishes with the cognac colored napkins with your beeswax candle adds such a calm and comforting look. Thank you for the beauty of early Fall.