Welcome to Monday Morning Blooms.
While I love to make the most of any table setting, when eating outdoors it often means I opt for a fairly simple table setting. Because the table is set in nature’s lush surroundings, it's a delight to create a tablescape that reflects its garden setting.
The table is set outside in the back garden, on the long patio, since there is some filtered shade there.
My summer tables are simple, but I do use French antiques together with French table cloths from Provence.
The French Cotton Tablecloth with cheerful blue and yellow colors and bright happy lemons is always a favorite! It reminds us of long summer days spent in Europe. A whimsical linen covered in bright lemons, it offers a fanciful backdrop accented by fresh, bright colors.
Of course what would any table be without flowers? Usually at this time of year I cut them from the garden. Most years this has been easy, but this year we had a total garden "re-do" so the ones that are blooming I'm trying not to cut!
I filled this antique ironstone pitcher with white alstroemeria, purple lisianthus, a yellow hydrangea, and a few remaining bright green viburnum. In a perfect world, I would have found blue flowers. This year, I'm grateful to have found beautiful lisianthus in any color. {And, this is much more in keeping with a French style, the French do not color co-ordinate half as much as we do!}
Our little lemon tree in the front garden is producing lemons, and they are delicious. Somehow fruit you grow yourself tastes better, doesn't it?
For this table, because the cloth is so bright and colorful, I opted for a mix of antique French and English ironstone, and inexpensive white plates.
I usually provide a couple of glasses per guest. That way guests can can enjoy wine, but also drink as much iced water or lemonade as they wish.
Antique French and English ironstone pieces are my favorites on any table.
The best ones have signs of patina and are what the Europeans call "buttered" - which means they have darkening and/or spots. When I find these at antique and brocante fairs, I hardly ever hesitate to buy them. Between clients {you} and myself, I never seem to be able to find enough!
My outdoor summer tables are easy going, but I always try to add a bit of fun.
There is a little tin mold filled with the most delicious sour lemon candies at each table setting. { My grandmother used to buy these in France, she had a habit of dropping one candy her cup of afternoon tea! } I found {!} and imported them from France and will offer them soon on the Gift Collection at FrenchGardenHouse.
The gilt bee place cards with a hand written name make it a personalized treat.
The salad is served from an ironstone bowl with antique French salad servers, French style.
19th century French linen napkins with monograms are always at our table. They are big, they are forgiving because they wash like a dream, and they have history.
An antique silver wine coaster protects your tablecloth from drips. In hot weather, if you are serving chilled white wine, it will also catch the condensation and keep your cloth from having a wet spot.
Summer meals are so easy, aren't they?
A fresh salad with baby greens, a variety of beautiful summer fruit, and something from the barbeque and you have a feast fit for a king. At meal’s end, relax and enjoy the beauty of the garden in the sun’s dwindling light.
Thank you so much for joining us today. Here's hoping you enjoy some of your own Summer Entertaining, French Style this season.
I'd love for you to leave a comment so we know you have joined us in the garden.
Monday Morning Blooms to See:
Shirley at Housepitality Designs
and me Lidy at FrenchGardenHouse
A BIENTOT
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
Sharing with Pieced Pastimes, BetweenNapsOnThePorch
22 comments
Shirley, always such a joy to join you and our other two flower friends on our special Mondays. I can’t wait to see what your garden will look like once it’s planted and grown, you live in such a gorgeous area! Happy day, dear friend, to you!
Nancy, thank you so much for your visit! We are so fortunate with our moderate climate, although at times, even in summer, it’s chilly in the evening here by the ocean. I love breakfast, or even just a coffee hour outside, too. Anytime we can all get outdoors to enjoy sun, birdsong and flowers or just green is a lovely time. Wishing you a beautiful day!
So pretty! I hope that your garden is growing in nicely! Ours is coming along slowly. We are enjoying al fresco meals often in this lovely weather!
Such a pretty table! And wonderful inspiration since I’ve been thinking of creating a French table here. We had planned a trip to France this spring, but alas. Maybe next year? By the way, your new garden looks lovely.
Jenna, I love the freshness of the cloth with the lemons too. That we can grow our own little lemons is so special, it’s a little miracle each time I pick one! I hope your Monday is beautiful.
I love the effortless look of your table Lidy, and the lemon tablecloth is so welcoming, it seems to say, sit down, relax and enjoy! The lemon candies are a wonderful touch, as are the fresh berries, cherries and salad…cold wine and a pitcher of fresh flowers, a perfect summer al fresco experience!
Lidy, I so love seeing your French wares and style on display. The casual tone of mixing and matching pleases me, and so many nice little details. I am so jealous of zones that can grow lemon trees. What I wouldn’t give to have my own, as I consume them year round. Sweet little candies and story of your grandmother. And I don’t blame you for sparing the new plantings’ blooms! I’d do the same!
Lidy, I would love to join you at table in your beautiful garden. The Provençal tablecloth sets the mood for a joyful occasion and its colors make me happy, I love lisianthus and your arrangement is so beautiful, perfect for a table surrounded by those you love. Your stunning table brings back memories of our trip to Provence…truly a magical place with its lovely light! It is always a pleasure to share Monday Morning Blooms with you my friend! xoxo
Love the idea of a lemon drop placed in the tea cup It’s such a small thing that brings pleasure. Your statement about the French not color coordinating as much us is fascinating. Maybe one of the many reason I love anything French. I know you are loving the redo of your garden.
What a lovely way to start the day and refresh my beliefs. Thank you to all of you for the time you take to post such dazzling beauty. Forever grateful.