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Wednesday, February 11, 2015

DINING IN THE FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE

French Tablescape 1

We found a nice little cafe in the French countryside.  As the waiter showed us our table, I snapped a few pictures of the decor.



French Tablescape 2a

Let's get a closer look at what is on this table.


French Tablescape 5

Tiny French china figures under a cloche that is decorated with French images,


French Tablescape 7

Stacks of French books, and
French Tablescape 6

A canvas of the Eiffel Tower under a brandy glass.
French Tablescape 2

The framed tapestry, which hung over our table, depicts the French countryside.

French Tablescape 3-horz

Shelves on either side of the tapestry display plates with French countryside scenes.  I didn't ask how those Dutch people made it into the French cafe.

French Tablescape 9

A paper napkin, with the Quimperware couple, was supplied for our salad course.
French Tablescape 10-horz

My salad plate depicted a female, and my sweetheart's salad plate depicted a male.  (Henriot Quimper) (Yes, I turned the plates upside down to read the back -- doesn't everybody do that?)

French Tablescape 12

The monogrammed salad fork was turned upside down.
French Tablescape 13
 This plate was merely a service plate under the salad plate and was removed with the salad plate. (Quimperware reproduction)
French Tablescape 14

 Then, we were able to use our dinner napkin.
French Tablescape 15

I was a little shocked when I turned over the dinner plate, since they are Italian!  (Vietri)

French Tablescape 16

I was tempted to slip the little Quimper salt and pepper into my purse!

French Tablescape 17

There was a service table beside us.

French Tablescape 18

I don't think the oil and vinegar servers were French either.  The bottoms (yes, I looked) had a mark of L & Ming.


French Tablescape 19

Butter was in this Henriot Quimper server.


When dessert (a delicious chocolate pastry with ice cream and chocolate sauce) was served, I suddenly became "Anne", and my sweetheart became "Pierre".

French Tablescape 22


I apologize for the number of photos in this post. When you're in France, you have to photograph everything -- even if France is in your foyer, and you are only dreaming.  Thank you for taking an imaginary journey with me.  laurie







13 comments:

Anonymous said...

This setting really calls to me. Beautiful!

Marie Beausoleil said...

Oh, my, don't apologize for the photos. That was absolutely delightful.

Dapoppins said...

I went last year with my mom. She said she spent my inheritance to take me, but It was all her idea. I want to go back! Because I didn't get to see anything like this there!It was a tour, and we didn't get off the beaten path much -

Angelina at Petite Haus said...

Everything about that place is cute!!!

Sarah said...

Oh, what a delightful dinner in the French countryside. I smiled with glee as I scrolled down through each photo. Beautiful, Laurie. You've a wonderful collection of French pottery. Glad to see you using it.
Happy Valentine's Day to you and your sweetheart.

The Tablescaper said...

Laurie:

I love your hoome and all of it's detail!

- Alma, The Tablescaper

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Laurie, just perfectly beautiful.
Love this and the French cafe right in your foyer. You just know how to get away for a romantic dinner. I love all your treasures and the way you have set up this countryside setting. Very inviting.
Happy Valentine's Day!
CM

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

what a fun and colorful post! Vive la France! : - )

candlelightsupper said...

Oh how fun! This is charming and you are so lucky. I love the cloche's and how they are used. Thanks for posting. Valerie (candlelightsupper2.blogspot.com)

Pat@Life At Lydias House said...

Oh my goodness you have just convinced me that I need to start a Quimperware collection!! I am not kidding I love those plates and those cute salt and pepper shakers. I am pinning these pictures and going to Ebay right now!

Anonymous said...

Love this table and all of your wonderful details! The color scheme is great...those plates are lovely...

Christina Paul said...

How magnifique! at first I thought for a moment you really were in a french inn- all the details are charming and just love the Quimper! As a lover of all things french I was swooning!

Candy S said...

Lovely, Thank you for sharing your Paris Experience.