Welcome to our beloved Monday Morning Blooms.
Shirley isn't able to join us this time, but as a special treat we have a guest joining our flower therapy today! We're excited to welcome Sarah of Hyacinths for the Soul as our guest. I know you will love her as much as we do! Be sure to visit her, Mary and Pam by clicking on the links at the bottom of this post.
Honestly, I've missed gathering people around my table more than anything else during this time, I think. You too? This table works just as well for your immediate family as it will, later, when larger gatherings are once again de rigueur.
FIVE TIPS FOR CREATING A TABLE SETTING WITH THE CHARM OF FRENCH STYLE.
TIP ONE: Flowers are a must.
If you have been a subscriber and/or reader for a while, then you know that for me, flowers are always a must have for any table setting. French friends always, always, always have fresh flowers on their table. It can be a lush bouquet {and it usually is, flowers aren't expensive in France} or just one or two single blooms in a glass bottle. I made two arrangements for my table, since I couldn't choose between spray roses, miniature French carnations, and beautiful sea lavender in two colors.
TIP TWO: Use Unusual Containers.
While a proper "vase" is always in style, it's so much more fun to use something else to hold your flowers! For my first bouquet I used an antique French enamelware coffee pot, with a sweet pink rose design on the front.
For the second floral arrangement for this table, I used an antique French pudding mold, because I loved the shape of the ridges on it. I taped the top off with our clear floral tape in a grid, to allow the flowers to stand.
TIP THREE: Mix textures.
For this table, I was inspired by the way my French friends set their tables at home. They don't worry too much about layering an antique linen with new pieces, so neither did I. I began with an antique French sheet, then layered these sumptuous pink velvet round placemats. How gorgeous are these? I wish you could feel them, because they are so soft. The ruffled linen napkins are a perfect combination.
TIP FOUR: Mix and Match Flatware.
I used two pieces with mother-of-pearl handles and a spoon that is part of my Mom's silver that I inherited. Like my French friends, I say "flatware is very happy mixed together, and actually makes your whole table setting much more interesting."
TIP FIVE: Keep to a monochromatic color scheme.
French style can be a riot of colors, but more often it is a study in classic, elegant monochromatic design. My table has a neutral base with the French antique sheet in flax, then I added the soft dusty pinks of the placemats and the napkins. The flowers are also in monochromatic colors of pinks, highlighted by my Lenten roses that I had left over.
My flowers :
- Dianthus Caryophyllus {Miniature French Carnations}
- Limonium {Pink & Purple Sea Lavender}
- Pink Spray Roses
- Matthiola Incana {Stock}
- Helleborus Orientalis {Lenten Rose}
Please Visit my friends by clicking on their links below:
SARAH of Hyacinths for the Soul
and me, LIDY of 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 above all uniquely yours. Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com
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24 comments
Ooo la la Lidy, such a delightful arrangement and beautiful setting! Merci for all the tips too! I do miss dining with friends, definitely times to treasure. I love all the joyful pinks and ruffles and how it all feels casual and elegant at the same time.
Love this symphony in pink!
Good morning Lidy! I have always been a fan of the mix (Charles Faudree) and I love textures and layering and the softness of your table is so inviting. I do love the ruffled velvet placemats and I think I might need to order them. Your two arrangements are perfect in the enamel coffee pot and the French pudding mold. You have so many antique and vintage pieces to choose from to always make a beautiful setting. Your impeccable French style is a highlight of Monday Morning Blooms. Wishing you a lovely week! <3
Good Morning Lidy! I love all your pretty pink layers of flowers, dishes and linens (I’m crushing over those pink velvet placemats). Your petite multicolor dianthus are so sweet and your French Enamelware Coffeepot is a beauty. I’m a fan of mixing and matching of flatware and love how you used your French pudding mold as a vase. Thank you for the beauty this morning. It’s always a treat to join you for some flower therapy. <3