Welcome to Monday Morning Blooms!
Pam, Mary, Shirley and I always look forward to sharing our flower therapy with all of you, and with each other.
My plan for today's floral arrangement was that I would go out and buy flowers, set up a table outside in the garden, really take my time with the flowers, and make it glorious! But my plans changed. This past Monday, we had almost hurricane force winds in our part of Southern California, and two huge fires began. We live between these two fires, 20 minutes drive each way. We were so blessed to be totally safe, 90,000 people had to evacuate in our area.
Our gardens took a huge beating. Not only did the strong winds uproot trees, plants and bushes were shaken to their very core. Everything was covered with huge black ashes, as well as smaller grey ash. I put the beautiful outdoor setting on hold and we began working on cleaning up the mess and saving as much of our garden as we could. And I was grateful that our beach town is not in the fire zone. {by now, the fires are almost contained.}
I am also so grateful that most things in our garden are doing well. We were able to tie two trees to two sides of a fence {!!} to keep them from snapping and/or flying away in the worst part of the storm. The winds have gone, and our garden has been mostly set to rights.
Our local farm stand is close by and I ran and picked up some local produce there and paired it with a few things I already had. Because Monday Morning Blooms is my favorite, and I was going to make it happen, even if it wasn't perfect or what I had planned on.
I made a use what you have fall centerpiece.
For this centerpiece, I used what I had, and added some produce. It began with a few little white pumpkins, and these beautiful juicy plums our farm stand had. I just added a few things from there.
I don't know about you, but we have been carefully having our children and little people over for dinner outside. Social distancing in place, each little family sitting on one end of our very long outdoor table.
For this table setting, I began with our Bronte Throws. There is something cozy and homey about a table layered with plaid wool, isn't there?
An antique French compote was the base for this centerpiece. Beginning with a few branches of eucalyptus layered on the bottom, then three mini pumpkins nestled in the center. Gorgeous wine colored grapes hang off one side, and a couple of large plums join the party.
Pears are in season right now, and the d'anjou pears are a stunning chartreuse color and a good complement to the deep wine colors.
A sunflower and a few little mums left over from last week's living room bouquet proved to be the last touch this centerpiece needed. Which proves that sometimes, you can use what you have and even a few flowers make everything lovely!
I used one of our antique bread boards at each place setting. The flax napkins are really towels, they have the prettiest sheaf of wheat embroidered on the front.
Late in the afternoon, the sun dappled over the garden and our table.
Each place setting has vintage brass and bakelite appetizer forks and knives, the burnt orange of the handles couldn't be more perfect for this table.
As the afternoon sun began to set, I served soup and salad. The best of times, when my family's laughter rings around our table. I cherish these times in my heart, never more so than this year.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Please be sure to visit my girlfriends - they never cease to amaze and inspire me with their talents, generosity of spirit and kindness.
AND WE HAVE EXCITING NEWS!!
On November 16th, we are partnering with a luxurious linen and tabletop company
to bring you beautiful tabletop inspiration to help you celebrate
and make your holidays special.
Our sponsors are offering a most gracious and luxurious giveaway to one lucky reader!
- Please stay tuned -
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 above all uniquely yours. Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com
39 comments
Lidy, Your setting and presentation are gorgeous, especially with ‘use what you have’ and battling flying ash and garden clean up. Your style is so elegant and effortless…I want to be you when I grow up :) Your Embroidered Towels / Napkins With Wheat are stunning and I adore your throw as a foundation for your table…what a cozy touch for fall or anytime there is a chill in the air. As always it’s a treat to share blooms with you on these Mondays. Happy November! <3
Lidy, your table is absolutely gorgeous. From your wonderful centerpiece to the beautiful wool covering – oh, the details. And, my friend, the details are your special talent.
We had strong winds and rain in our area yesterday. But, have not endured what your beloved California has endured.
Wishing you a lovely November, one of beauty and peace.
Your compote centerpiece is lovely and the whole table complete with beautiful china accents and napkins is dreamy. Thanks for sharing & with what your garden went through, we can all be a little bit more grateful.
I agree, Alice, without hope life is unbearable. I an glad that you are also safe, the fires have been so awful. Thank you for your visit and your sweet comment. I wish you a beautiful week ahead! xo Lidy
Rita, thank you! I love our special Mondays so much, and was so grateful that the air quality has improved to where I could do a table outside like planned. I hope you will enjoy our special MMB next time, I think it’s going to be spectacular! Wishing you a happy week, friend. xo Lidy
Jenna, I’m so happy to hear that your family is safe too! I agree, this time has been challenging, but it’s sparked the creative in all of us, hasn’t it? Hope you are having a happy Monday, friend.
Thank you Linda. It’s always a happy surprise when an “emergency make do” turns out nice. But then, pumpkins and autumn fruits are beautiful, so that helps! Happy week to you!
Good morning Pam! Thank you for your visit, and for your autumn inspiration today. Wishing you a happy week ahead, looking forward to our special holiday MMB soon!
Happy Monday Shirley! I am always so inpsired by the three of you on our Momday Morning Blooms. Wishing you a happy week ahead, and can’t wait what our next special MMB will look like at your house!
Thanks, Nancy. I am grateful for everything we have here, believe me, because this has been such a devastating year for so many people, hasn’t it? Thank you for joining us for our beloved Monday Morning Blooms.