Welcome to Floral Friday, I'm so happy you are here! This week my friends Shirley, Mary and Pam and I created a patriotic floral arrangement in honor of Memorial Day. I'll give you the links to their floral beauties at the bottom of this post.
Red, white and blue are classics that you can use all summer, they fit perfectly with French Country style!
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of flowers, and a well-appointed table. Not just a pretty table, but for me, the table has to be intriguing, and F U N !
From linens and plates and centerpieces, I'm always on the hunt for the "ingredients" of a fun, casual yet chic setting. And if most of those pieces are antique and vintage, all the better!
While there is a dizzying array of formal "table setting rules" out there, I'm more a casual table setter. And more often than not, it's the way I arrange flowers, too.
Luckily, French Country style is perfectly suited to a more "casual" way with flowers and tables.
For these arrangements, I used our French Fraise Labeled Jars bought in France. As you can see, I basically filled them with water, and after adding some eucalyptus from the tree in the front of our house and lemon leaf from the florist, I clipped some snowballs, white and blue hydrangeas, and a few red poppies to each one.
Then I added a dark purple-blue stem of stock and some white spray roses and called it beautiful! The little American flags are a nod to Memorial Day coming up. These types of floral arrangements are simple, and you really can't go wrong with them.
For this outdoor table setting, I started with antique French ticking in two color ways. The bottom piece has a few little tears {the French dealer who sold it to me said it was for "projects"} and on top of that I layered a red, blue and cream length of antique ticking.
For each placesetting, I used some of my red & white transferware, and added a blue & white willow plate on the top. Vintage silverware in a pretty stylish pattern adds a touch of glimmer to the mix!
The napkins are my very favorite white linen, embroidered with a royal monogram in bright country red.
Vintage French glass tumblers for iced tea are always a good idea. And for me, you can't mix and match enough...the blue and white and the red and white plates are different ages, and totally different styles, yet I love how they look together!
I know it isn't until next week, but I hope you have a beautiful, fun-filled Memorial Day! Setting aside this day to honor our fallen heroes is close to my heart, as we would not enjoy all the freedoms our nation has without them, and the sacrifice they and their families made.
Here is a shot of my assistant Bentley {aka the world's most difficult dog to photograph!} Don't be fooled into thinking he's actually either 1. helping in any way or 2. posing because he likes to - the honest truth is he loves strawberries, and since there are ripe, juicy strawberries on the table, he's there!
Don't forget to visit my friends and be inspired by their gorgeous floral beauty!
à bientôt
Shop for the best in French Antiques, furniture with the patina of age, vintage accessories to delight you and your family & friends, and French Country utilitarian pieces. Treasures that make your home fresh, beautiful, inspirational and uniquely yours. Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com
19 comments
Thanks so much, Christine! Hope you have a happy weekend, xo Lidy
Chris, we both have a Bentley in our hearts!! I’m so sorry about losing yours, it’s heartbreaking. Before Bentley we had a Beau, and when we lost him we thought no other dog would ever be as nice. But Bentley is, we’ll never forget our Beau, though, you are right.
I hope you find another sweet fur baby to warm your heart after your European trip, friend. Happy weekend!
xo Lidy
Can’t say enough , how I look forward to your blog and Instagram . You are inspiring . Your Bentley completes the picture . Lost my Bentley last September and miss him . On our return from our trip to Europe , I will begin the search .
Thank you Jenna, it’s always fun to think of new ways to set our tables with a mix of things we have, isn’t it?! Our Bentley loves strawberries so much, we’ve had to place the big pot of strawberries we grow on the back patio up high! At first we wondered why they weren’t growing at all. But then I noticed, first thing in the morning, he would mosey on down there and eat every single little one!
I’m with you Lidy, casual and fun! I am crazy about the French strawberry jars! The ticking is great with your beautiful transferware, the whole setting is so inviting~I’ve never heard of a dog eating strawberries, how adorable!!
Beautiful table! Love the casual elegance you gave it and the flowers are just perfect!
Lidy, I agree with everything Mary and Shirley said. In the words of my favorite, the late Charles Faudree, “it is not in the match, but in the mix,”. You have a fabulous Mix going on with the lovely linens and dishware in a beautiful garden setting! I just love the Fraise jars and the monogrammed napkins! Bentley is so cute even if he is just patiently waiting for strawberries. It is a pleasure to spend Floral Friday’s with you…have a most wonderful weekend!
This most exquisite yet casual table setting in your beautiful garden reminds me of the stories my dad would tell us about being in France during WWII …. you have created a table that is truly honoring both countries in the fight for freedom….The monogrammed napkins, the Fraise jars, the “everything” took my breath away! And then there is the ever so sweet Bentley!!!…He is the truly the cutest, gentle, and friendly fur baby!!!
So great to join you on Floral Friday! Have a wonderful weekend Lidy!
Lidy, What fun it would be to join you at your well-appointed and beautiful table in your garden. I’m always delighted by your curated collections and the drool-worthy French details! I’m a casual table setter too and I love how you’ve combined patterns and layered your wonderful linens and transferware. Your French ‘Fraise’ Jars are perfect for a summer table filled with garden flowers and the wonderful royal monogrammed napkins have me thinking of Prince Harry’s and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding tomorrow…I’ll be tuning in early! I had to chuckle at your description of Bentley. Gracie is at my feet every morning when I make smoothies, hoping I’ll share a strawberry or blueberry (or two) with her. As always, it’s a pleasure to join you for Floral Friday!