Entertaining Archives - French Country Cottage

Beautiful French Country Table Tips

Courtney — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 21:20:09 +0000

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.

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7 Simple Beautiful Table setting Ideas

Courtney — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 23:32:03 +0000

February is a month that brings to mind all things romantic -and that includes romantic tables and settings for candlelit dinners. It also makes me think spring – with the chilly winter weather – all things blooming are on my mind. So what better way to soak up the cozy romantic ideas and think spring in February than to mingle them in a table setting? Today is all about just that- and we are keeping it simple with 7 simple and simply beautiful table setting ideas.

7 Table Setting Ideas

The most lovely blooms have been on repeat over here – and I have been enjoying them everywhere. From inspired photos in the yard to arrangements on the table- fresh flowers in the house are sure to bring a burst of spring sunshine wherever you enjoy them.

Today’s table is inspired by layers of beautiful garden roses, Larkspur and a bit of blue and white.

Blue & White Ruffles

It is all about how those layers play together. For today’s table- we started with a layer of ruffled blue gingham with a tablecloth and then added more blue to that. These tablecloths and napkins are from our own linen collection- currently out of stock but will be open for pre-orders soon.

Layers of lovely are key when setting a table – or styling a room. They add the personality and charm. Start with an inspiration like a cloth or the flowers and add layers until you are happy with the mingle.

Vintage Place Settings

I am all about the mingle when it comes to mixing table setting pieces. These plates are all vintage blue and white -and all thrift store finds. Though none of the patterns match. I love the blue floral patterns and how some have less and some have more and they all work to bring the table together.

Don’t be afraid to mix and mingle rather match on the table. It brings a whole lot of personality and interest and a whimsical feeling to your tables.

Serving in style

You can use cutting boards, trays, bowls and the usual platters for serving anything on the table. Or try something different.

Try a large plate for a cake or loaf of bread. A coupe for a cupcake. Or fresh fruit scattered on the table as part of the centerpiece.

Beautiful Blooms

Seasonal blooms are always lovely to incorporate in a design and then you don’t have to special order something that is out of season and a lot more expensive.

Shop your local florists, supermarkets or online flower delivery folks for seasonal blooms – there are so many colors and styles of flowers to choose from all year long.

A Unique Vase

Choose something unexpected for a vase for a unique look- like a punch bowl or silver pitcher or something from the yard like an old zinc bucket or wooden crate.

Think outside the usual vase box when choosing a vase for your centerpiece flowers.

Bring the outdoors in

If you can’t dine outdoors because of the weather or winter temperature- bring the outdoors in with potted trees to warm up your dining area.

A couple of large potted olive trees creates a lovely foliage backdrop for the table and they can easily be moved outdoors when ready.

Think outside the box

Another idea is to bring your table to a more inspired spot in your home. A sun porch where the sunshine floods the room is a perfect spot- or in front of a fireplace for a bit more cozy warmth for example. It doesn’t have to be something specific- it can also be as simple as setting the table by a window so you can enjoy the view while enjoying dining.

Get the Look

Similar Tablecloth
Blue vintage style plates
vintage style wine stems
faux flowers
Wreath on table for Cherub centerpiece

For more ideas- you can find spring table centerpiece ideas in this post Here

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Adventures Baking Delicious & beautiful Sourdough Bread

Courtney — Sat, 20 Jan 2024 01:11:15 +0000

I mentioned recently that my daughter and I decided to try our hands at making homemade fresh sourdough bread. I promised to report back here and let you know how it was going- I will say- it has been an adventure folks. haha. Oh my goodness, from worrying about if the starter is happy to figuring out measurements to finally baking it. I am currently working on my second loaf- so that should tell you that we are pretty much hooked on it. Sharing a few details below.

Sourdough Bread Starter

The first thing we had to do was to make a sourdough starter. I mean, I am not a technical baker- more like a pinch of this dash of that, wing it and hope it works out kind of baker. But my daughter is quite precise. And it is a good thing. Because with sourdough, it seems to be more about the precision to get it right. We ordered a dry starter to be able to make the starter and mixed it up right away. The starter is a bit of a diva to be honest. It needs attention everyday- remove half and then feed it – every. day. After several days and to a week- it should be a happy starter- and if it is- you can try using it. I’ll link the one we used though I have no idea if there is a better one out there to try.

Side note: The whole remove half of the starter everyday thing. I mean… we were a tad depressed at that after we had been tending to it everyday. We researched and understand why- but even so. It feels like we worked hard to get it to where it was and then just off with your head for half of it everyday. I am now researching recipes for using the tossed out starter- apparently we are not the only ones who feel that way.

Baking Bread

Once we were ready to bake the bread- we jumped in to google a recipe and were surprised to find that it takes DAYS to bake a loaf of sourdough. Not a few hours. Not even a day. But 2 days. We searched recipe after recipe and then had to just admit that our fresh baked sourdough bread with dinner that night dreams would have to wait a couple of days.

Side note: This might not be a thing for most folks but- I am not good at math so anything that involves fractions, measurements or numbers- well…. let’s just say converting every measurement from grams to cups or teaspoons or tablespoons or liquid involved googling it. A bit of a process.

We used this recipe by The Perfect Loaf and we started with making levain which is another bit of sourdough starter. You measure and add water and flour to the starter and then wait- that is it in the bowl above. That took 5 -6 hours. Then we mixed the flour & water and let it autolyse to allow the flour to fully hydrate. Then added the levain to the water flour mix to bulk ferment for a few hours. Then shape. Then wait. Repeat. Then stretch and fold. Again. Again. At this point- it was a blur and we lost track of all the things. By the end of the stretch and fold every 30 minutes several times that day- my daughter said to me ‘ I have seen you too much today ‘ She was joking. (I think. )

After we were done with all of that- we refrigerated the dough until morning.

Scoring the Bread

We used what is called a lame to score the bread & make a pattern before baking it the morning. We are not fancy – and we had no particular pattern so it was kind of like kindergarten with crayons and just having fun. We kind of felt some of the bread loaves more resembled a cow patty than a lovely sourdough round. Once we were finished- the bread was ready to bake so we placed it into a Dutch Oven (that had been preheated in the oven) and baked away.

The whole time we were working on the various steps of making the bread, we were laughing, a bit of colorful language happened and a whole lot of goofiness. That is how it goes when working on anything here so I suppose we should have set up a camera and recorded to share our adventures.

Baked Bread Loaves

Here are the beautiful finished baked bread loaves! We were so proud when we pulled them out of the oven- and the first taste was perfection! All that work melted away like the butter and we started thinking about the next round of sourdough baking while wrapping the loaves up.

All in all- after the first round- I enjoy it. I will say, since I am not technical- I need to work on that and I do want to designs to look better (all about that aesthetic) I think we maybe needed to wait for them to rise again a bit longer before using the lame and add flour on the outside as well- but that doesn’t seem to affect taste- it is just a person who loves a thing of beauty thing.

I don’t know if our bread was technically correct but it was good. Here is a snap of the inside- which I know can be a judging thing by the sourdough group I am in on Facebook. Hopefully it is decent- but if not- are there any sourdough pro’s out there who can offer advice on improving it?

Either way- we have been enjoying it toasted, sliced or simply right off the loaf with a drizzle of olive oil- so it is a win and as you can see below- before we could even photograph the loaves- we were slicing pieces off and enjoying. The starter is now going to live in the refrigerator since we are not planning on baking more than once a week-and I am looking at ordering some bread stencils for making the loaves pretty.

Have you made sourdough before? Would love ALL the tips and tricks to make it the best we can!

Recipe: The Perfect Loaf

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7 simple decor ideas for New Years Eve

Courtney — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 10:57:00 +0000

Can you believe it is almost a new year?

New Years Eve is a time for reflecting on the year and looking ahead to a new one. And today while I am knee deep in cleaning- I am also thinking about NYE decor and menus and just what glittery outfit I might be wearing.

Okay, aside from my glittery rhinestone covered cowboy boots which I just might have to wear- I will be most likely cozy in my wearable blanket snugglie by the fire haha. We don’t usually go out and do anything big on NYE- it is usually a night of It’s A Wonderful Life and relaxing.

But whether you are hosting a gathering or that snugglie is calling your name too- tossing it back to 7 festive and fun ideas for NYE today.

It is a time where set goals and dreams and make a plan to work towards them.

I will be sharing a few thoughts about the year in review and what I am dreaming about in the coming year soon- today it is all about ringing in the new year with a festive party.

And if you are like me- you are running on fumes after all the busy- so it is also about keeping it simple and easy without sacrificing any of that style.

#1. Repurpose Christmas garland

No need to toss that garland and come up with something new.

Christmas greens garland works just as beautifully for a NYE table setting as they do on the mantel.

Simply lay it down the center of your table and add flowers and glitter for a festive touch.

#2. The Midas Touch

Gold is always a good thing- and especially when it is on the table.

I am obsessed with that little bit of elegance even the tiniest bit of gold adds.

For NYE- think party hats, gold rimmed plates and stemware for a bit of the Midas touch.

#3. Festive bar cart love

Bar carts are great- they hold all the extra bits like glasses & drink stirrers

and they are a one stop place to fill your glass.

To dress them up a bit for the holiday- look around and see what you can repurpose from Christmas.

For this look, I draped an extra piece of fresh garland on the bar cart

and added a few picks and holiday greeting signs.

#4. Flickering Candles

From mercury glass votives to vintage brass candlesticks to wax drips covering the table-candles are always great for ambiance.
I love those tapers all covered in drippy wax but if you aren’t going to be right at the table- think safety first. Especially if your garland is a bit crispy.
So forget the real candles and use led candles to be safe.

#5. Twinkle lights

Background lighting is so great for adding ambiance where ever you set a table

and is often an overlooked detail. Indoors- tack some twinkle lights on the wall or a mantel and outdoors think of the trees and other spots you can add them.

#6. A Treat Table

A side table is perfect for setting up as a drink and treats table.
Stack your glasses and treat plates and create a pretty little spot in just a few minutes.

#7. All Things Glittered

For an added touch of glitz and glam- add picks for messages and garlands that are covered in a bit of glitter or metallic foil. And tuck in a few baubles as well.

NYE has a lot of Christmas ambiance included since it is so close- and use that to your advantage and bring those silver and gold baubles into play.

Stay tuned for some NYE table inspiration coming your way.

Shop the Look

Balsam Hill is having an After Christmas up to 60% Off Sale right now- AND you can use FCC50OFF for an Extra $50 off $300.

Champagne Flutes on bar cart above and my Fireplace Village is on Sale for just $119 right now

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Beautiful Christmas Table Setting Ideas

Courtney — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 20:59:43 +0000

In between the decking the halls, cleaning, shopping and all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season- hosting and table settings are on my mind. I know, I know. The food should be too- but you know, we serve traditional dinner with the favorites so I don’t focus as much on foodie stuff as I do setting the stage for a lovely gathering with beautiful Christmas table setting ideas.

Christmas Table Setting ideas

I am going to keep it simple and sweet with the chatter today- but can I just say- Can you believe that Christmas is less than a week away? I honestly cannot believe that it is almost already here. Maybe it is because I have been on the go with the book tour for the past couple of months but I feel like it is nowhere near Christmas yet. Yes, I do know we had Thanksgiving- I am just saying, it feels like the calendar flipped to December and it flipped all the way to the week before Christmas. Where in the world has the month (past several months!) gone?

That said, I am all about keeping things easy this week. I have been slowing down and soaking up the twinkling trees and not running around like a wild woman. I have been more intentional about what I am working on or doing each day. And I am planning the table and fun for Christmas Day with family. We are hosting the kids and grands this year and I am SO EXCITED for all the magic and memory making!

So today, I am sharing a few ideas and a little bit of some of my favorite table settings from over the years and in my Christmas book. I hope that you can find some inspiration as well.

Merry Place Settings

Place settings filled with a little touch of merry – and also double as a take away gift. I found these charming wood word cutouts and knew they would be perfect for placing on the plates for a holiday table.

Beautiful Blue & White

Using your favorite colors and not just the traditional red and green is a wonderful way to add your own personality to your table.

For the place settings- a blue and white floral napkin tied with navy velvet ribbon is a sweet little place setting touch.

Foliage placemat

For a unique look -use fresh or faux greens to create a ‘placemat’ and accent each place setting.

Vintage Ornaments

I always love vintage ornaments anywhere and everywhere and on the table is no different. I have used them dotting the foliage centerpiece and for this table I decided to use vintage cherub ornaments on the napkins. These are old chipped plaster but I have found some get the look options that I will link below.

Gingham & Blush

Back to the non-traditional looks- this gingham and blush table was a favorite of mine from my book. I love the way the soft gray gingham mingles with the blush roses and fresh greens – a country Christmas feeling.

Fresh Garland

Fresh garland of all kinds is perfect as a centerpiece.

From faux to fresh evergreen to eucalyptus.

Tuck in a few roses or other flowers and baubles and it is perfection.

Get the Look

I hope this helps give you some ideas for creating place setting details and centerpieces that are easy to do and beautiful as well.

Happy Tuesday all.

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Easy Festive Holiday Breakfast Grazing Table

Courtney — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 23:06:59 +0000

Something fun that we did while we were in Paris shooting photos for my Christmas book was to set the kitchen table for a festive ‘grazing’ brunch. While those photos didn’t make it into the book, I was inspired to create a bigger scale grazing breakfast table when we got home. And the best part? It was so simple and easy to do, it looks beautiful and it is a big hit with guests.

Breakfast Grazing Table

This breakfast grazing table starts with you and your favorites for serving when you have guests in the house. It really is so easy to customize- from vegan options to cooked options like quiche to fruit and yogurt, oatmeal, you name it. I decided to go in the direction of a lovely French sweets and bakery inspired breakfast. Which meant allllll the pastries on repeat.

What you need

As mentioned- it is really what you would like to include. Here is a bit of what we included in this table.

Parchment paper

This is for lining your island or table or counters and placing your food on.

Something to note– Especially if you have marble or a stone that will absorb grease or oils- take care to first put down a barrier like aluminum foil and then place the parchment paper on top of that. You won’t see it underneath the parchment paper and it will help to keep your counters from absorbing any oils, sugary glazes, etc. Otherwise, the oils can seep through to your counters and might stain them.

Pastries

From delicious sweet breads to nut breads to donuts, fritters and other specialty pastries.

Croissants, waffles, muffins, French toast, biscotti- and more. All kinds of bakery fresh pastries were layered on the island. Aside from looking beautiful- it offers something for everyone. With fresh fruits and yogurts, granola to muffins and all.those.sweets for the sweet tooth folks who love something sweet with their coffee in the morning.

Fruit, Eggs, Yogurt and Oatmeal

Grapes, figs, melon, oranges, berries, etc- anything goes.
You can set out some scrambled or hard boiled or any type of eggs along with yogurt and oatmeal as well.

Coffee & Tea

Coffee, tea, juices, lemon water- whatever beverages you would like to serve is perfect. Simply set out a French press or pitcher and cups for guests to serve themselves.

Kitchen Corner

In the kitchen corner, Texas toast is ready for making into fresh French toast- you can also create a parfait station with bowls of fresh berries and syrups with your yogurt and granolas for self serving.

This is such a simple fun idea that is so easy to put together in the morning before everyone gets up and makes enjoying a Christmas breakfast or brunch much less work without doing all the cooking in the morning. I love how it is so customizable for any type of breakfast, brunch, lunch or even dinner and dessert food. Guests will love the informal grab what speaks to you way of serving- and you can pack up and send home little gift boxes full of extras of their favorites with them too.

What do you think of this holiday grazing breakfast?

You can find more ideas in my book- and you can get it for just $20 with free 2 day shipping right now. (its a great gift!) Shop the look below:

For more on holiday food ideas- you can find another Holiday Breakfast Platter idea Here

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Beautiful Festive Holiday Table in a Garden

Courtney — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:58:37 +0000

If you know me, when it comes to Christmas – I am obsessed with twinkling trees, ambiance, all things Merry & bright AND all things related to Christmas entertaining. Like a festive holiday table in the garden.

Festive Holiday table

When I was working on my Christmas book- I kept thinking I could probably do a book on just trees, just natural Christmas and just Christmas entertaining full of festive holiday tables. Because I had so.many.things. I wanted to include in the pages. And my publisher was amazing and they added an Extra 20 pages to the book for me to be able to include more. And of course I did. And even so, I probably have enough for another book haha. Did I mention that I am obsessed with all of it?

This table came about from a few merry poinsettias and a magic inspiration moment while I was working in the garden. I originally planned to use the poinsettias by a doorway – and you will probably see them there yet. But I also decided they could add a little more ambiance to the table I was working on by the greenhouse and so- here is how it turned out.

Greenhouse Garden Holiday Table

I started with a beautiful eucalyptus garland – perfect as the centerpiece for the table. I added candelabras, simple place settings and touch of whimsy with the potted poinsettias placed around the table for ambiance.

Tip: Think of your setting in whole rather than just the table. Add twinkle lights, lit lanterns, lighted tree, etc. in the background to create a magic filled scene.

Potted Poinsettias

I prefer the softer colors when it comes to poinsettias- and so, these beautiful potted velvety white poinsettias were perfect. These are faux but look very realistic and I love that they can glow to add a little more magic.

Eucalyptus Garland

Did you know this garland was faux? Yes indeed. It is a realistic faux from Balsam Hill

I used this garland recently in the wedding florals I did for my brother and his wife and it is actually being used somewhere else as we speak which you will see soon. It is a perfect centerpiece on the table and I love that it adds that layer of foliage without too many other elements that might distract.

Candelabras

I found these candelabras online- they were perfect for creating the candle drip look we were after for the halloween table we did. It was a little time consuming to add the wax- but I absolutely love how they turned out. Would you like a tutorial on how to do this?

The best part is- they add oodles of charm and feel like they are vintage even though they are brand new and inexpensive.

Tip: Even if you always prefer vintage- you can find beautiful new but vintage in style pieces that can be perfect for your table. And a bonus with those are that you don’t have to feel bad about altering or changing them if you would like to.

Place settings

Forest green linens, blush satin bows and simple white dishes with vintage green goblets. A lovely combination and perfect with mixed and mingled vintage silver flatware.

Tip: Each place setting can be unique- they don’t all have to have the same matching flatware, places or glasses.

Get the Look

Shop Balsam Hill’s up to 50% Off Cyber Monday sale right now and get free shipping- and take an extra $35 off $350 or more with coupon COURTNEY2023 for a limited time too.

Lit Potted Poinsettias
Eucalyptus Garland

Find More inspiration in my new Christmas Book- currently on sale for Cyber Monday for just $20! Find it HERE: CHRISTMAS BOOK

And you can also grab a signed copy of my book with a FREE tote along with linen slipcovers, tablecloths and napkins in my shop – all On Sale right now for a limited time. SHOP HERE

I will share some of my favorite Cyber Monday Deals in my Amazon Shop all day today- you can find that HERE.

What do you think of this holiday table? You can find more ideas for How to Create an Inspired Christmas table HERE

Happy Monday everyone!

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New French Cottage Linen Collection

Courtney — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 18:32:02 +0000

New French Cottage Linen Collection

A new fresh stock of ruffled linens have arrived! We added several new patterns and colors to our French farmhouse and French Cottage linen collections- new ruffled tablecloths & petite ruffle napkins to go along with them.

French Cottage Linens

Here is a peek at the new collection- and Everything is On Sale in the market this weekend including our ruffled slipcovers, cozy Christmas ebook and Signed books that will come with a Free tote (while supplies last).

SHOP THE MARKET HERE

French Raspberry Check

This raspberry buffalo check is definitely a favorite- I am obsessed with it and it is giving me a whole lot of inspiration right now.

French Rose & Sage Stripe

I mean… big beautiful stripes had me at hello. But even better- this one comes in 2 colors and I don’t know which one is my favorite the blush or sage stripe.

Gingham Collection

Of course, we love a charming gingham over here and so- we have several lovely colors:

French Blue– so lovely year round.

Mulberry which is pretty perfect for Christmas- you will see more of this one very soon

Dove– a neutral gingham that works anywhere.

French Ticking Stripes

Of course, a French cottage collection wouldn’t be complete without some sweet ticking stripes too a natural linen color ticking stripe

and blush ticking stripe.

Ruffled Slipcovers, Floral Totes and Books

We have also a limited restock in the shop of both antique white and natural linen ruffled chair slipcovers, our latest vintage floral totes and of course- signed books which are coming with a vintage tote. All are very limited in ready to ship supply so go grab what you love!

SHOP THE MARKET HERE

Which look is your favorite? We are also going to be sharing 2 new Christmas linen additions to the collection in the next week- so stay tuned for those along with some Christmas tables with the new linen collection coming next week. Happy day after Thanksgiving everyone!

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7 Tips for a beautiful Thanksgiving Table

Courtney — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 11:33:00 +0000

Today is all about inspiration for a beautiful inspired Thanksgiving table. I am sharing a favorite from the past that all started with an oak tree and pile of leaves.

Thanksgiving Table Tips

Sometimes a pile of fallen leaves is just a pile of fallen leaves… and sometimes it is the inspiration behind a simple and beautiful Thanksgiving table setting.

I wandered out into the front yard last week and stared at the farmhouse table under the oak tree

that was completely covered in oak leaves.

As were the chairs. And the entire patio.

And instantly, I was inspired to set the table and take a few photos.

Because…that is what normal people do when they see a patio covered in leaves right?

I was thinking autumn. Thanksgiving.

Something warm and cozy and fall-ish.

And so I played for a bit- and decided to share a few tips for setting an

inspired table for Thanksgiving.

5 style ideas for an Inspired Thanksgiving table

Thanksgiving Table Ideas- Think outside the box

#1. Think Outside the Box…or just think outside

Most folks think of Thanksgiving tables inside in the traditional dining room.

Which is totally fine- it is called a dining room for a reason-right?

But when thinking of an inspired place to host Thanksgiving- think outside.

Whether you are in the country or in the city-

take a look at what is just outside your door – but with a fresh look.

Weather permitting of course and I realize that not all areas of the country will be able to be outside hosting a gathering in November- but if you are in one of those areas that can- it is a perfect time to set up.

That old palm tree in the corner

the rustic shed or even the fence that separates you from your neighbors-and that oak tree that is a nuisance with all those leaves that drop- but that also looks so inviting-

those all can be great backdrops for an inspired setting.

My husband was going to rake the leaves off the patio

and I asked him to wait until after I set the table here.

Thanksgiving Table Ambiance – Light up the Night

#2. Light up the night

One of my favorites for any setting- the twinkles.

Bring on those candles

I like to use 2 or 3 different sizes – but keep them cohesive in the color and glasses containers.

And of course- those string lights.

Above the table, along the fence, on the porch and patio- they are great for adding everywhere.

Keep it Simple

#3. Keep it Simple

Because, Thanksgiving is full of warm laughs and warm food

and a messy kitchen with a sink piled high with dishes…

so keep the place settings simple.

Simple white dishes or a single plate rather than 4 layers.

Mismatched stemware

and grab that collection of silver flatware that is stashed away-

and leave it tarnished. A little scandalous- I know! haha.

Your table doesn’t need to have pristine stacks of elegant china, polished silver and 3 glasses for each place setting to be elegant.

Go Bold & Beautiful

#4. Go Bold

A super simple idea for giving your table a completely different look with just a quick change

is to swap your usual stemware for a bold colored glass.

Whether vintage or new- they completely change the look of the table instantly.

Add Simple Elegance

#5. Add simple elegance

Whether you choose an elegant place setting on repeat,

a lovely bouquet of specialty flowers

or add a delicious touch to the table with velvet linens- simple elegant touches

create a warm and cozy feeling and with a touch of luxury or grandeur.

Think velvet- or elegant ruffled linen for your cloth.

Set up several smaller tables

#6. Set up Several Smaller Tables

Create some space in between each other by setting up several smaller tables for families to dine at. Several tables on the lawn or on the porch under the overhang can be quite charming with matching flowers and pretty settings.

Create Unique Place Cards

#7. Create Unique Place Cards for each Guest

Place cards always make a table feel extra special- and creating something special for each guest is a fun thing to do.

You can incorporate a beautiful flower to take home, a small gift or even something special like a mini box of chocolates or ornament for their Christmas tree.

These simple Reindeer ornament place cards are so fun and easy to make.

More about these Here

For more ideas about

Inspired Entertaining – grab a copy of my book Inspired Gatherings-

I hope this helps give you some ideas for setting an inspired table for your guests this Thanksgiving

For More Thanksgiving Table Ideas

Thanksgiving Turkey Centerpiece idea

5 Easy Ideas for Autumn Centerpieces

Bold & Beautiful Style for Autumn Tables

Softer Side of autumn table

And Don’t miss the Balsam Hill Black Friday SALE – everything is Up to 50% OFF and use my coupon COURTNEY2023 to save an additional $35 off $350 or more

Thank You

And I want to say -thank you to You, For reading the blog and saying hello. For supporting my books and always offering kind words. For your friendship. I am thankful for you and am so glad you are a part of our community.

Have a beautiful Thanksgiving everyone.

The post 7 Tips for a beautiful Thanksgiving Table appeared first on French Country Cottage.

Beautiful Autumn Ambiance Glowing Pumpkins Table

Courtney — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 10:35:00 +0000

There is something about glowing pumpkins and pretty little twinkle lights that creates the perfect autumn ambiance. Today for Friday Favorites- it is all about creating ambiance on the table in a different way- with glowing pumpkins.

Glowing Pumpkins Table Twinkling Centerpiece

A centerpiece full of pretty. Amber pumpkins, dried fruit and a few oak leaves tucked in. When it comes to a pretty glow on the table – it isn’t all about the candles- these glowing pumpkins do double duty.

I arranged three glowing pumpkins in the center of the table for a centerpiece filled with ambiance.

Tip: Use all that magic with twinkle lights for your centerpiece. Glowing pumpkins or string lights will bring charm and ambiance.

The Details

Lace covered wine glasses & little gilded coupes are on repeat marching down the table. I love how they glisten and glow.

Pewter flatware tied with a ribbon and a fringed linen napkin on blue & white plates.

Of course, a big & beautiful chandelier is always a good thing.

Tip: Put your chandeliers on a dimmer switch so that you can create ambiance with a soft glow by turning the light down.

Warm and Welcoming

Shop this warm and welcoming look below. I think these pumpkins would be perfect for a mantel, sideboard and holiday table settings- and would also look beautiful tucked in with candles in a firebox.

And I wanted to share an EXCLUSIVE French Country Cottage discount code that you can use at Balsam Hill right now for anything you would like as well.

Use Code FallCourtney to take $50 off any purchase of $300 or more.

Glowing Pumpkins | Dried Fruit Potpourri |

See more in this post about 5 ideas for autumn tables and stay tuned for another autumn look coming your way next week,

*some affiliate links

The post Beautiful Autumn Ambiance Glowing Pumpkins Table appeared first on French Country Cottage.