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Monday, April 23, 2012

In the French Countryside

This weekend, we celebrated our daughter’s and our son’s birthdays with a dinner.  Although the food, at their request, was all American, I served it on a table set in Country French style. 
FULL TBL
I used clear glass plates over aluminum Quimper trays for the place settings.
PLACE STG
tray
We ate from another family’s bowls.  Of course, that’s what we usually do at my house, because I purchased almost all of our china at estate sales and flea markets.  Usually, the other family’s names do not decorate the china though.  I just love the French names on the bowls. 
bowls
slt clrs
CNTRPECIn the center of the table, tiny French people surround peonies from our yard.
PEONIES
PEOPLE 1
PEOPLE 2
Candles glow from inside Quimper cups.
candle cups
Napkin ring vases hold faux flowers.
NAPK RNG
KNIFE REST
LIDDED BOWL
OVRHD
While I’m showing you some of my Quimper, I’d also like to share a wonderful tile that I received from a dear friend.  Knowing how much I love Quimper, she brought it back from her trip to France.  It fit perfectly in the space on the wall next to my shelves where I display some of my Quimper pieces.  I hung it under my Quimper door push tiles. 
tile
I am so fortunate to have such a generous friend to think of bringing me a gift from her trip to France.  If I’m ever able to return to France, I’m not sure I’ll be thoughtful enough to shop for anyone else while I’m there!  I’ll always treasure this special reminder of the thoughtfulness of my sweet friend.
Thank you for stopping by to visit me.  I hope you’ll come back soon.  Laurie

28 comments:

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Ooooh, Laurie! You know I am absolutely drooling! I love your Quimper collection! You have so many nice pieces...and unusual, too! I also have some lug bowls with other people's names. I love that! lol A beautiful tablescape! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

Jewel Sauls said...

The whole table is perfect but I have to remark on the remarkable knife rest!!! How cute. I love the names on the bowls and great idea about the clear plates over the aluminum trays! I must buy some clear glass plates!!! Great table as always Laurie!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Laurie, this is absolutely stunning. You do have a beautiful collection. I knew Debbie would be drooling over all of it. Such a gorgeous tablescape. Hugs, Marty

Carol said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Carol said...

Beautiful tablescape,Laurie! I love all the pieces in your collection!

Smiles,
Carol

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Beautiful table, Laurie. Brilliant idea using the clear glass over the trays! Love it.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

A pretty table setting for any occasion - you did good! Nice collection!
On the cool side this morning. Have a great week.

Tammy's in Love said...

Wow Laurie! That is one the most magazine worthy tablescapes ever! I didn't know about Quimper before reading your blog and now, I confess, I am quite jealous! I have one piece, found before knowing what it was, an egg cup. COOL birthday party, my birthday is in December, 'willing to road trip! Smile.
Tammy

Salmagundi said...

This is one of my favorite tablescapes that you have done. The dishes are, of course, fabulous; but I really covet that tablecloth -- it's the perfect color of red! Sally

Debbie said...

I really do love your Quimper collection. I never even knew what it was until I entered the world of Blog, and I'm now a huge fan. A Quimperless fan, but a fan nonetheless.

My favorite part of this was the centerpiece fan with the peonies. I LOVED that!

Unknown said...

Oh Laurie,
The French sure do know how to set a table and they sure know how to PARTY...The Birthday Folks are so lucky to have their day celebrated like this! Happy Birthday to all!
~Shirley

Sarah said...

Laurie, your table is full of Quimper delights. I love the idea of using the clear glass plates over the tin tray. I have some small tin trays like this, but hadn't seen the large round ones. Cute lug bowls! Glad the tile found a sweet home. ;-)
All the best ~ sarah

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh boy do i ever want to have my B-day at your house Laurie!
Such a lucky family...such a gorgeous table, I want quimper too now!
The details are fabulous!
Hugs friend,
Cindy

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Laurie, Your Quimper collection is outstanding! I think this french inspired table is one of my favorites. Every detail perfect and so very interesting.
I would love to see your whole collection!

Kathe said...

Everything is just lovely! I love the fan vase and your beautiful peonies! And what a thoughtful gift from your friend. So special!

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie! Oh, what a gorgeous table and love all of your pretty Quimper things. That little dog knife holder is adorable! Happy Birthday to your family members. I would have loved to have sat at your table and of course I would have had a huge bag or two with me! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

The Tablescaper said...

What a gorgeous table! I love the names on the bowls.

Be sure to visit as I have a fantastic GIVEAWAY.

- The Tablescaper

Sue said...

Oh my, but you set a wonderful table, Laurie!! All the items in your collection of Quimper are lovely and your guests must have felt truly special. Love the 'other people's names' bowls. ♥ It's just plain fun! Hope all is well on your end. I'm trying to satay warm in our chilly spring weather. hugs, Sue

Kathleen said...

Those are amazing! To think I would have never learned about Quimper if it wasn't for you. What a pretty table!
Hope you are well, dear girl!

Palomasea said...

Happy Birthday to your sweet dears!
Laurie, you are so talented..
I adore everything about this table...especially the centerpiece, little people, and salt cellars...but it is all so charming and beautiful!
xoxo,
- Irina

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Oh darlin' I feel like I'm sittin' in a beautiful French kitchen lookin' out at the rollin' countryside. What a wonderful tablescape you have here!!!

Love your chairs too!!!

God bless ya sweetie and have a fabulous weekend!!!

Perfectly Printed said...

What a lovely table!!

chris

Tammy at Tammy Loves Dishes said...

Your Quimper collection is lovely. I especially like the little knife rest doggie. So cheerful.

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Unknown said...

I always enjoy stopping by your blog to see your latest. Absolutely love these quimper plates and most of all the wonderful little people. What a find! And your peonies are already in bloom which match the setting perfectly! A lovely set up all around and it is good to see someone using their estate finds.

Victoria Mische said...

Another wonderful table inspiration you have shared with us once again! I really enjoyed every photo of your elegant table especially your tablecloth. I know you had fun setting this one!

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Sarah said...

Popping back in from your year in review. You knew I'd have to come see this was again! ~ Sarah