Victoria magazine has long been an inspiration for gracious living, each issue is filled with warm, inviting and elegant interiors, lovely entertaining ideas, and wonderful recipes. The Art of Beautiful Tables is a stunning book filled with table settings that range from casual to formal events.
I love setting beautiful tables here at home, and this book is certainly an incredible inspiration!
Each chapter has so many beautiful images, I wanted to place one of those colored post-it notes on every page for future reference! The Elements of Style chapter shares little extras that make any table a star, such as menus and little favors for your guests.
This is one of my very favorite table settings in the book, below. How charming is this table set in crisp blue and white? It's both elegant and casual, I adore the mix of classic dishes with more down to earth placemats, the over-the-top elegant dining room {that chandelier!!} and then the grand floral arrangement. What makes this table fun is the antique gardening pots, and that cutest ever silver dog carrying salt and pepper.
If you are a lover of classic blue and white, then you will adore the setting below. Tried and true, blue and white has a cult following, and for good reason. Blue and white antique pottery and porcelains are what I get the most requests for in our FrenchGardenHouse shop.
The chinoiserie mixed with all white flowers, silver and lots of style makes this such a charming place to share a meal. I want to be invited!
All gold accented with white and blush roses is always a lovely idea. The dishes and glasses are hand made by artisans just outside of Florence, Italy, these plates are exceptional. Combining luxurious materials, they're hand etched and hand painted with 24 karat gold details. A birthday luncheon, bridal shower, Easter brunch, holiday meals, really any time anywhere. This setting is appropriate for so many occasions. Here at home I've used our set for everything from breakfast in the kitchen to more formal dinners at Mother's Day. For any of the holidays just add appropriate favors, sprinkle a few candies around and you are golden. {sorry}
There are lots of suggestions for storage and display of cherished heirlooms, too.
I was very honored to be included in the "Tastemaker Tables" section surrounded by women with a such a talent to create the most memorable settings.
THE GIVE AWAY IS NOW OVER. Congratulations to our winner!
It's so easy, 1) Leave a comment telling me your favorite flower(s), either here or on Instagram. 2) Follow Victoria Magazine on Instagram or Facebook and leave a comment letting me know. 3) Follow FrenchGardenHouse on Instagram too and let me know by comment on Instagram. This giveaway is open to residents of the continental U.S. through midnight April 2nd. { If you are not good at waiting, you can order your copy of The Art of Beautiful Tables HERE >} Then go visit both Mary and Pam and comment on their post for an extra chance to win this beautiful book.
Visit Pam & Mary by clicking on their links below:
And me, Lidy at FrenchGardenHouse
Thank you so much for your visit! Fingers crossed!!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 above all uniquely yours. Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com
56 comments
My favorite flower has been Lilly of the Valley for as long as I can remember. It was my grandfathers as well and I have have planted them in every garden I’ve owned. The book is beautiful, thank you for the chance to win a copy.
I follow Victoria on Facebook
Congratulations on your inclusion in Victoria’s The Art of Beautiful Tables. I would love to win a copy of this book. My favorite flowers are hydrangeas, lily of the valley, and peonies.
I follow FrenchGardenHouse and Victoria Magazine on Instagram. My favorite flowers are iris.
I just love hydrangeas so much and follow you on instagram. Your photos are breathtaking!!!!!!!
Congrats for being featured in this gorgeous book Lidy, what an honor! It certainly looks like a treasure trove of eye candy and table inspirations! The Victoria books from Hoffman media are so amazing, I was lucky enough to win the Art of the Tea when you all had that giveaway and it is truly a treasure. I think all 3 of you should be in this book!
Inspiration galore
Wow, congratulations, what a book full of beautiful ideas snd inspiration
Congratulations, Lidy, on being a part of what I consider the best of media publications (Hoffman). Hands down, their editors select the best of the best, so it’s only fitting you are part of that. As a dish lover, these photos shared are truly palpable of the beauty they demonstrate. Yours showcased is so fresh! Of course I already Victoria magazine on FB, and you both by email and Pinterest (I have chosen not to have an IG account to better control my influx of social media). Choice flowers will always be iris, with peonies coming in at a close second. Thank you for sharing this opportunity with readers, Lidy.
My favorite flowers, of late, are small rosebud sprays that I pick up when I go to the market. The rosebuds never open, and I’ve bought them in many colors. The pink ones are especially sweet. They last about a week to ten days. Then, I tie the bunch with a string and hang them in the garage to dry. I remove most of the leaves. One dried bunch resides in a tallish mercury glass small vase along with Dusty Miller that I grew and dried in the same fashion. Some things are just too good to throw away!