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. 

I used clear glass plates over aluminum Quimper trays for the place settings.


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. 


In the center of the table, tiny French people surround peonies from our yard.

Candles glow from inside Quimper cups.

Napkin ring vases hold faux flowers.

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. 

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

THE VILLAGERS MADE ME DO IT!

I have to admit that blogging has made me put more effort into tablescaping for family meals.  This past weekend, my husband cooked burgers on the grill, and our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren came for dinner.  I’ve always used cloth napkins and plates for this kind of meal, but I probably would not have added chargers or candlelight to the table “BB” (before blogging).  (I really don’t think my family cares what’s on the table, unless it’s food, but I do enjoy creating something a little more special for our meals.)

If you saw my previous post, you know that French Santons have moved in on my mantel.  They talked me into doing a country French tablescape.  (Yes, they need to take me away in a straight jacket, because a lot of "THINGS” talk to me!)

The game table in our family room became the “dress your burger, fries, and baked beans” table.

As always, our high/low coffee table became the grandchildren’s table.  They usually want to eat here even if there is room for them at the big table.  The cousins love eating with each other without parents telling them how to chew their food, etc.  I usually try to make their table coordinate with the big table, so they will feel that they are being treated just like the “big” people.  I do use all plastic on their table though.

Adult table:  White chargers-Lace by Kennex (J.C. Penney); Blue glass chargers-a kitchen outlet store years ago; Dinner plates-Royal Warwick, Lochs of Scotland (estate sale); Flatware-I cannot remember!; Wine stems-$ Store; Water stems-Estate sale.  Reversible napkins (one side used for place mat topper; the other side for napkins)-Steinmart long ago.  Table runner-my mother’s.  Napkin rings-a gift from my friend Paula.

Burger dressing table:  Large bowl for fries & Parmesan shaker-Spode, Italian (going-out-of business sale at gift store a couple of years ago)

Children’s table- “Chargers” – Plastic plates purchased at Tuesday Morning years ago; clear blue plastic plates-purchased at an estate sale; Napkin rings-I can’t remember).

I’m linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch,

and Home Sweet Home Friday at The Charm of Home.

I’m so glad you came to visit.  I hope you’ll be back Friday evening to link up for Favorite Things Saturday.   laurie