Beautiful French Country Table Tips

What is not to love about French country table settings? They are full of an abundance of charm and also simplicity and beauty. It is no secret that I am pretty much obsessed with all things French over here- and also obsessed with lovely table settings. Today, I am sharing a peek at a table I styled in between the rains and storms along with a few French Country table styling tips.

French Country Table

I wandered around our property last week looking for an inspired spot to set up an outdoor table. While the guys are tackling the trees that were cut down bit by bit, I have moved much of my outdoor photography to the front part of our acreage.

This French Country inspired table is pretty close to the house- it is on the front porch area by that huge trellis full of roses. They aren’t blooming right now of course, but the greens are pretty and so, this is where I landed. I was inspired by the simple natural backdrop and by this raspberry check ruffled tablecloth. (This is exclusive to our shop which is currently closed- but will be opening for a couple of days soon. )

Style Tip: Choose a patterned tablecloth to set the stage for a French country style table. Checks, stripes, florals, vintage block prints- choose one that speaks to you and then layer your table based on that foundation.

Vintage Plates for a French Country Table

I brought out a couple of dainty detailed vintage plates that I bumped into while looking for something else. Their colors were a beautiful mingle with the tablecloth and I love the floral pattern as well.

Style Tip: Plates are another way to bring in a beautiful French country touch to a table. You can go with something simple like ironstone that is unadorned for a crisp look or bring in something with a pattern.

Something Old

I love to use vintage flatware on the table and with a French Country style table there are no rules. So bring on the older vintage and collected pieces for place settings. You can mix and mingle. Stay all with one pattern. Or do different at each place setting if you like. It really is up to you.

Style Tip: A French country table prizes that old patina and collected pieces. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t bring in something new as well. Pull out your favorites- even if they are newly purchased. Serving platters. Bread boards. Candlesticks and candles. All can be new pieces – anything new or vintage that speaks to you is perfect.

French Country Flowers

Of course, a table needs flowers in my opinion. Flowers are a lovely way to add a pop of pretty in the center, off to one side or even adorning the place settings. If you don’t have fresh- bring on the faux – but make them realistic faux.

These hydrangeas are faux from Balsam Hill. I placed them into a metal bucket for some patina and fluffed them up to fill in the areas of the bucket. Best thing is- you can re-use these flowers again and again.

Style Tip: Bring in the blooms and place them in a rustic vessel for a lovely French country look. And add potted flowers in the backdrop of the table for added oomph.

If it is chilly, I like to also add a basket full of throws for guest to wrap up in- or something fun for a special girls cozy dinner outside is to set out slippers and a warm robe or wrap for each guest to enjoy. You can also set the table near an outdoor fireplace or use outdoor heaters for more glow and warmth.

Shop the Look

• White Potted Hydrangeas
• Purple Potted Hydrangeas
• Vintage Look Bucket
• Patterned Floral vintage look plates
• Vintage Look Flatware