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
Thank you Linda! I know, it’s crazy how many fires there have been, and I’m so grateful that you are okay too! Our gardens will grow again, you are right. Wishing you a happy week, Linda.
Beautiful! Sometimes I think the last minute use what you have table setting are the best. We experienced horrible fires and smoke here in Oregon for a couple of weeks and amongst many other things it really affected my garden. However I am so grateful I have my family and home. My garden will grow again. I just want to dive into those pastries on your table! Way to go Lidy….you put together a lovely table and you are an inspiration to me to use what I have more often.
I love your centerpiece. It shows what we’ve needed this year. In a bad situation you can still make things beautiful.
So happy your damage was not devastating.
Happy Monday Lidy! Speaking of happy….your table can make anyone smile as they sit to have a great meal with those lovely appetizers to start. As always, in awe of your beautiful antique pieces and they way you utilize them in the most exquisite way. Fruit and flowers….the best combination, especially in this season of celebrating the fruits of our bounty…..So glad that you were able to salvage your trees and such from those devastating winds…You have always shown us how you can mix the elegant and casual in your table decor…from the elegant compote, to the casual throw on the table…beautiful!!!
Happy, happy, happy to join you each Monday of Blooms! Have a beautiful day Lidy!
Good morning Lidy. I am so thankful your garden was spared from the brunt of the high winds. So good to know that the fires on either side of you are now contained. Like Rita said, we wouldn’t have known if you hadn’t disclosed it because you didn’t miss a beat with this gorgeous table. You always pull off effortless elegance and style, and this Monday Morning Blooms is no exception. The compote filled with what you had on hand is perfect!
It is always a great pleasure to sit at your table and enjoy Monday Morning Blooms with you! Wishing you a lovely day!
Lidy, your table is so pretty. I love all the china and glassware and silverware. The mix of fruit and flowers in just right!
You would certainly never guess that your beautiful yard and garden was in danger and recently covered in ash and threatened by winds…I have family that live in Foothill Ranch and Mission Viejo and was so concerned about yet again more fires in California. I grew up in Palos Verdes and remember the evacuation times well, so scary! So thankful you were spared. You have showed us with much grace how to create something beautiful from what we already have…I know that during this time of staying home, we have been forced to be more creative {a plus in my book!} and instead of running to the store to buy things, make and create, and shop our homes! Your table is beautiful, inviting, and I could linger there all afternoon, beautiful Lidy!
Lidy, thank goodness your home and garden were spared from the latest catastrophe California seems to be continually pounded with! I can only imagine the ash covering throughout your garden, and the threat to all the new landscape plantings you invested in this year! Nonetheless, without your disclosing, one would never even know by looking at the gorgeous table setting and sunlight streaming through the photos. Your arrangements and entertaining style are the epitome of CA and French style, timeless and classy.
The excitement of what you gals will be doing on the 16th has me completely giddy with the anticipation of the beauty I know I’m about to see. Cannot wait!
Happy November to you and your family!
Being resourceful is a good thing and you show us how. Use what you have saves the day, I’m so thankful that the fires didn’t get any nearer to you. California is a mess with the fires and so is Colorado where I live. The fires came within 5 miles of our home. Ashes are everywhere and mask are needed more than ever due to the smoke. Hope is always available to us and without Hope life would be unbearable. Thank you for a beautiful table to start the week. Stay safe.