I have been inspired by this little chubby guy recently. From placing him on the mantel to take center stage in the cottage- to placing him on the table to create a charming centerpiece. Todays post for Friday Favorites is all about how to create a Thanksgiving table centerpiece with a beautiful bronze turkey and potpourri. And sharing a coupon below as well!

Bronze Turkey Centerpiece

Because this guy is such a charmer and such a star of the show- I decided to bring him up to the barn and play just a bit.

Though he is a tall little fellow to be placed right under the chandelier- so I decided to place him at the end of the table with the potpourri & candles running down the center.

Tip: Try an off to the side or end of the table centerpiece on long tables or ones that are also table area challenged.

Something you might remember if you have my book Inspired Gatherings is that when I used an overly large floral arrangement on the table- I will sometimes set it to one corner of the table- rather than directly in the center. This allows for the table to be open visually as well.

The Details

They say it is all in the details- and these details are talking to me. I chose a mix & match place setting look with pewter flatware and vintage sterling flatware tied with a ribbon.

Tip: Don’t worry about having a full set of matching flatware for your table. Mixing and mingling different sets that have a similar look is a favorite thing and adds interest and a uniqueness to each place setting.

I also kept the same gilded glasses and etched glasses from the table setting that I shared previously HERE These amber coupes are glasses that I have had for several years- and they are on repeat quite often. The dainty etched taller coupes are new additions and are absolutely beautiful in person.

Get the Look

Bronze Turkey| Pewter Flatware | Potpourri | Linen Napkins | Coupes (similar) | Etched Coupes

Stay tuned for another post with several ideas for a harvest Thanksgiving table centerpiece. And don’t forget to use coupon code

Take $50 off $300 or more including sale prices at Balsam Hill with coupon code

BHFRENCHCC50OFF

Happy Saturday all.

*some affiliate links

The post Thanksgiving Table Centerpiece- Golden Turkey appeared first on French Country Cottage.

A Thanksgiving table with simplicity, a little sprinkle of ambiance and romantic charm and a little bit of whimsy. A Thanksgiving table doesn’t have to be traditional rich autumn colors to be beautiful. Today I am sharing a closer look at this table and a few tips for creating a Thanksgiving table centerpiece by shopping the kitchen.

Thanksgiving Table Centerpiece

I have shared this sweet turkey a few times already this season- and I am still in love with him. He brings a bit of whimsy to the table- and elegance with his bronze gold details.

What I love: I love his sweet little face and the details. His big on personality and big size. He definitely brings a smile to my face seeing him on the table.

Where to place a large table centerpiece

I suppose calling a centerpiece a centerpiece makes it seem like that should only be in the ‘center’ of the table. But a favorite way to incorporate a larger centerpiece is to place it off to the side- at the end of the table or to the corner of a square or side of a round table for example. Then you can add lower elements to the ‘center’ as well.

Table Centerpiece Details

I shopped the kitchen for the rest of the details in the centerpiece. I raided the fruit bowl and grabbed some dried oranges, limes and apples that I have on hand since I love to use them all the time. This is mainly grapes with a few plums on repeat because I love the rich color they bring to our Heirloom Rose tablecloth and how they mingle with the bronze turkey. I also grabbed a few dried ferns that were in the yard and tucked them in as well.

Linen Details

If you clicked on over yesterday- you saw that we have finally gotten some of the boxes of our new linens in stock! (it only took almost 8 months folks) And this beautiful Heirloom Rose French Linen Tablecloth is a favorite of mine already. You can Shop the Collection Here.

What I love: The beautiful faded rose color and long loose ruffle adds the perfect romantic touch to the table.

Thanksgiving Table Details

Since this was a simple table for two- I didn’t add too many place setting details for this styling. Just stacked blush plates, pewter flatware and favorite amber glasses.

The Outdoor Setting

I know- depending on where you live- you may not be able to enjoy an outdoor Thanksgiving celebration. We have had a huge amount of rain here the past couple of weeks- and it actually started raining not long after I load up my camera and equipment and put all of these things into the barn. But this weekend? It is supposed to be back up into the 70’s and so- perfect outdoor afternoon dining weather. This winding path is behind the house on the way to the barn. Mostly used by critters as they meander down the path from the top of the property- it is a little bit of a rolling area and a favorite spot to set up high under a wee apple tree.

Shop the Look

Bronzed Turkey | Heirloom Rose Tablecloth | Amber Glasses (similar) | Amber Goblets (similar) | Pewter Flatware | Blush Plates (similar)| Oranges Potpourri | Brass Candlesticks | Pale Blush Candles

Read more about our new linens HERE

What do you think of this table?

Happy Wednesday all.

*contains some affiliate links

The post Romantic Thanksgiving Table Inspiration appeared first on French Country Cottage.

Rustic Bread

Todays post is all about Thanksgiving sides- and I am going in the simple, easy And delicious direction for this one.

You might recognize this bread from a chapter in my book Inspired Gatherings. I use a rustic bread with a sprig of rosemary and wrapped in paper on the plates of the vineyard harvest shoot. Which was inspired by harvest season in the wine country.

Simple & Easy Rustic Rosemary Bread

There are two ways to make this bread for your guests. The first involves making the bread from scratch. This is a great recipe and from scratch is such a fun thing to do- and there really is nothing like fresh baked bread warm from the over. The second way since you are already making 27 things for Thanksgiving dinner is to keep it easy And delicious.

Go to the Bakery

That is right- go to your local specialty bakery and choose a large loaf of fresh bread- or smaller individual loaves will do too. And then customize it and serve it with a beautiful garnish and presentation. For this bread for this post- I used a rustic sourdough baguette that was sliced into several small ‘loaves’.

Easy right? Here is how to serve this bread either way you do it.

Fresh and Warm

Soft fresh bread is the best. And when it is warmed? Oh my my my… even better. The key to this bread is to warm it up in the over before placing it on the plates. But even better- I like to put the garlic butter on it before warming it.

Fresh Minced Garlic Butter

Mince a few cloves of fresh garlic and blend it with softened butter and a little sprinkle of pepper and salt and chopped fresh rosemary if desired. Note: You can sautée the garlic just a bit to take the zing out if you want to. I am all about fresh- and I love loads of fresh garlic on bread so I just serve it fresh.

Slice the bread lengthwise and spread the garlic butter on each side- and then place them back together. Place the bread on a baking sheet and warm in the oven until the butter melts.

Tip: Add chopped fresh rosemary for even more flavor.

Wrap and tie with twine

I should note that if you are using a baking paper and baking twine for this- you can wrap ahead of time before you warm up the bread. If not- simply wrap it afterwards. I just place the bread on the paper, add a sprig of rosemary and then ‘roll’ and wrap it in the paper to look pretty and then tie it with twine.

Tip: You can either wrap the entire bread like below- or simply wrap it with a smaller piece of paper and then tie with twine for a similar look.

Serve and Enjoy

For a more formal presentation- you can simply set each bread on a guests plate. Or place in a basket or on a bread board and let them take one if they want to.

TIP: Make several size breads- some longer and some shorter- so that guests can enjoy a piece in whatever size they would like.

Shop the look:

Inspired Gatherings Book | Crystal Glasses | Baking Paper| Cooking Twine |

Don’t miss what my friends are sharing today too.

Perfect Baked Sweet Potatoes by Ella Claire & Co. | Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce by Zevy Joy | Green Bean Casserole (from scratch) by Freutcake

Old Fashioned Candied Yams by Handmade Farmhouse | Rustic Rosemary Bread by French Country Cottage | Mashed Butternut Squash by Inspired by Charm

*Some affiliate links

The post Rustic Rosemary Bread appeared first on French Country Cottage.

When we were kids- treating mom to breakfast in bed was the best. Gathering up all her favorite foods, a cup of coffee and handmade card- the hardest part was getting her to stay in bed until it was ready haha.

And some moms are easy- a gift card to their favorite is a perfect gift. And then others- are hard to shop for. This year- I shopped early- my mom is trying to cut back on carbs and so, as I was telling her about this amazing veggie noodle maker that we love – she got all excited about it. So- sending one her way along with a few other favorite things.

If you are trying to figure out what to get for those special moms and mom figures this year- here are a few ideas for some last minute gifts you can order or put together that she will love. (some affiliate links)

Veggie Noodle Maker

As I mentioned- I got a veggie noodle makers for my mom. This one looks pretty fancy- and has all kinds of attachments for making ‘zoodles’ of all sizes and shapes.

Pamper Day

What mom or grandma wouldn’t love a day of pampering? Especially after the crazy year we have all had staying home. Check local salons for specials or give her a gift certificate and surprise her.

Fresh Flowers

One of my favorite gifts – and pretty much every woman I know loves fresh flowers too. Surprise her with a pretty bouquet of her favorites- one that I always love is garden roses and Grace Rose Farm has some of the prettiest around.

Lasting Faux Flowers

A faux arrangement or wreath is perfect for adding that floral touch that will last and last. I am a little partial to one of my favorites – Marseille Meadow wreath-

or the French Market wreath because they are ones that I designed for Balsam Hill.

But there are so many beautiful wreaths and arrangements in all kinds of colors. Stay tuned for a post all about beautiful outdoor safe florals as well.

Inspired Gatherings

What kind of an author would I be if I didn’t share my books as a perfect gift for mothers day? With everything opening up to be able to gather outdoors this summer- Inspired Gatherings is a great gift for inspiration for her next family gathering or bunko night.

French Press Coffee Set

Always a favorite way to enjoy a cup of coffee- a French press is as pretty as it is useful. Add a couple of charming mugs and box of breakfast biscuits or fresh croissants and fruit for a treat.

For tea lovers- maybe a tea lovers basket full of all kinds of proper tea & biscuit needs.

Think favorite tea, hot water pot, honey and tea stirrers, biscuits and jam.

A New CookBook

Another favorite of mine- a cookbook full of delicious ideas. I love the Half Baked Harvest recipes (with vegetarian modifications) and her cookbooks are beautiful as well.

Bath & Body

Another favorite for me- bath and body products. My daughter got me a body scrub for Christmas one year and I have pretty much requested the same again and again. If you are looking for a ready to go gift set- this one looks like it might be a good one.

Herb Garden

Such a cute idea- I love this little instant herb garden in a wood crate. We actually just made up some herb pots for the kids and even the kids loved getting those instant little gardens- moms and grandma’s would love having one too.

A Pasta Lovers Bowl

I love this gift basket ideas- for this one- gather up some favorite pasta making supplies and place them in a big pasta bowl. This can even coordinate with the veggie pasta maker above. For this one I included pasta sauce, olive oil, pesto and peppers for bread and various pastas for trying different dishes.

Pet Parent Gift Basket

On that same note- a pet parent gift basket full of pet supplies tucked into a pet bed. Note- include a coffee mug & candle for refueling after those sleepless new puppy nights.

Dinner & Chores

I have to say, when the kids come over and offer to help with something that needs to be done- I am pretty darn happy. I love having things get done and even more when I don’t have to worry about doing it. Moms are always busy doing this, that, everything and everything else- so why not give her a gift of having that done for her? If you aren’t close by to cook dinner and tidy up the kitchen- maybe a git of a housekeeper for a couple of months or a handyman or gardener is there perfect fit.

A day with family

Of course mom just really loves to spend some time with the family – and after this past year being so cooped up and not being able to see everyone- just spending a day in the backyard catching up or organizing an all family meet up on zoom might be the best gift of all.

Coming your way- the English cottage garden reveal.

Happy Monday all.

The post 15 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas appeared first on French Country Cottage.

Foil wrapped chocolate hearts & pretty flowers on repeat- Valentine’s Day is that day of romance and love for sweethearts traditionally but it isn’t just about flowers and chocolates for sweethearts over here.

If you are like us- you probably give your kids a little treat and maybe grandparents and a special friend too. And this year with spending so much time apart- more than ever, those special friends, favorite teachers, etc. would really enjoy a little sunshine in their day boost with a surprise treat like a handmade card, box of chocolates or even something like a gift basket full of little things that speak to them personally.

A couple of simple tips and ideas to make gifting anytime of the year easy?

Think Sunshine

Gifting doesn’t have to be expensive or too involved. Gift baskets can be created any time of the year for any occasion to brighten someone’s day- and they can be as simple as you would like- just one thing instead of a whole basket full. It shows you thought of someone special and is a treat in itself.

A Virtual Hug (and Gift Card)

A virtual gift card is a great way to send some love to anyone- without going out to shop. Almost all the stores and shops have gift cards that you can send to email – from a cup of coffee, gas for the car, to a shop for your own gift card- they are always a treat to get.

Gift Basket just for them

I created some fun gift ‘baskets’ with ideas for gifting to folks like ‘the chef’, the ‘new pet parent’ and the ‘zen tea lover’ and more on the sweets list. My favorite one might be for the new pet parent- full of fun bits like puppy toys and treats, a cozy bed and maybe a leash and collar.

I love the idea of taking one thing in that persons world that is a favorite thing for them or something they are celebrating – such as a new baby or pet- and creating a gathered up this and that fun gift basket just for them.

Personal and Unique

It can be as simple as a coffee mug to fuel those sleepless night morning afters- or as creative as something personalized and unique to them. Who doesn’t love matching parents and baby (or pet baby) shirts?

One of my daughter in laws created a piece of unique clothing for each person of each of the couples in the family for a holiday gift. Each person had a photo of their significant other- some were serious photos- some were hilarious photos and it was so funny. You can have something like a t-shirt and onesie or t-shirt and pet shirt made for those new parents, etc. or do like she did- make yourself at home with a Circuit machine. Guaranteed to bring smiles.

I am sharing all the details on several simple & unique Gift basket ideas with some suggestions of what you could include in each one – over on the HomeGoods blog today-

And stay tuned for more deliciousness & a few ideas for celebrating Sweethearts Day at Home – coming your way on Monday.

Happy Friday All.

The post Simple & Sweet Gift Basket Ideas For Everyone appeared first on French Country Cottage.

Of course, 2020 was a bit of a bear of a year. It was a year that we were all pretty happy about ushering 2020 out the door to welcome in a fresh start ( okay- drop kicking it out the door might be a more accurate way of saying it)

Between all that went on in 2020- including all of us becoming hobbits and staying home- I am not even sure how to sum that all up other than – what in the world was that? Except maybe good riddance.

My daughters favorite teacher Coral- who happens to be my favorite too- used to say to all of the 1st graders when there was a hiccup or issue-

‘This is just a pebble in your path.’

I have thought about that so many times when it comes to different bumps in the road and slower roads that are a bit more ‘pebbly’ than usual. I would think that Coral might say 2020 looked more like a boulder in the path- and 2021 is starting out a bit rocky- but that we have got this. As I look back at the year that was every year- I try to look for the bright and good which can admittedly be harder when you look at a lot of 2020. But if you look back- maybe there is more that you can be grateful for than you realize at first glance.

Reflections

2020 reminded me of where I was when I started my blog.

I was in a place in life where things were changing and I was feeling lost not knowing how to navigate the path that I was walking on. I needed a place to land and escape from time to time. That place was my blog.

I remember how strange I thought it was to sit down, write about something and hit publish. But what happened was incredible. Those blog posts became an escape. And when I didn’t have anyone to sit down with and visit with in person at the time – I would connect with all of you here and I felt this huge sense of community and togetherness. I found friendship and support and love here and it was such a welcome spot to be during that difficult time. And that was a very similar feeling to how I felt last year.

Grateful

But this time, it truly was about more. We all needed that place to escape to. That light and frivolous chatter about pretty things and great adventures waiting to happen. About craigslist scores and dreaming about the day when we could all sit and gather and hug each other again. And might I say- when we could sit and see each others smiling faces without fear.

While writing those blog posts and styling those photos and working on projects to get lost in a bit of distraction – I also wanted to create a soft place for you to land to get lost in for a bit too. And from the notes and comments and emails I got throughout the year- it seemed it helped many of you to find a little distraction too.

So when I look back at 2020- I am grateful.

For this blog and little place on the internet that has once again supported me. And that also gave me a place to be able to create a small bit of sunshine to share with you and hopefully help buoy you this year as well.

For you being here this year and your friendship and support. We have all been in this together- and you being here has been such a gift for me. Thank you.

For my husband and my family and staying healthy and safe this year. For the ability to be able to continue to work throughout this year with the amazing companies and partners I have. I am so grateful for them. I know so many – including several people in our family- who have not been able to work.

Projects

2020 randomly also brought a lot of other change and projects. On the family front- my husband retired from Law Enforcement at the end of February. A week later- we were in lockdown together in California. We have joked that it was a good thing we still like each other after all these years haha.

My daughter got engaged in Lake Tahoe- (and there are some fun things coming with my boys this next year also that I am excited to share -including my oldest son moving back to California in the next couple of weeks.)

We spent a lot of time playing with those wee goats and me- I spent a lot of time holding my chickens. They are surprisingly therapeutic to hold and pet for hours- I highly recommend it. And we have taken Sweet Pea on extra amounts of walks. We put in that expanded veggie garden and created a quiet oasis to enjoy while at home. We also moved French Country Cottage to a new refreshed blog platform and my second book Inspired Gatherings was born and went out into the world in May.

From exciting next chapter plans for our personal lives to business plans to travel and family fun. Those best laid plans? Well, you know how that went.

I didn’t ever imagine that I would be releasing a book about how to gather- when we were all in a worldwide no gathering situation. I mean- I know that I have impeccable timing- but that was some really impeccable timing there. haha. Inspired Gatherings launch was a bit rocky(thanks 2020) and I will be honest- it took the wind out of my creative sails for a bit. But even so- with the wonky bumps in the launch road- I am beyond grateful to my publisher for the opportunity to write another book-and so grateful for all of your support of it.

Christmas in July

One of the saving graces for me last year (and really every year) is working on holiday so much earlier than I normally would. When July rolled around- I found some creative mojo again when I had several video projects to create that involved Christmas trees and decorating. I can’t tell you how much it helped me to put up those trees and create something inspired again- even in July.

2020 was a year that showed me more than ever that we are all in this together. Even though we are apart and connecting in ways that are different than usual- we each came together and helped each other navigate a really wild and rocky path. We found strength together even hundreds and thousands of miles apart- and that is no small feat- that is a huge blessing.

Possibilities

Every year I start out feeling excited about what we can do- but this year, I am looking at 2021 with an even bigger sense of possibilities. Those big plans that we had for 2020 travel with fresh projects and adventures- well, maybe 2021 will be the year they kick into gear and we get some big gusto behind them. The courses and ideas I had for the blog last year that I just didn’t get finished- they are back on the calendar with a set of fresh eyes and ears working on them.

Working ahead on videos and projects and gearing up for some exciting things- and I am taking the next steps and working towards some big goals and dreams- business and personal. Being more intentional about the work I am doing and plan to be doing has brought new opportunities into my path- and has been like a nod from the universe that it is the right path to be on.

And I am looking to create even more community here. More ways that we can connect and support each other every day. From groups to workshops to Q & A on Instagram and Facebook Live- I am going to try a few different things and see what fits best. I am learning more and would love to know more about what you enjoy here and want to see here too.

So here is to 2021 and an AMAZING year for all. A year full of health, opportunities to create the life you want to live. I am so excited for a fresh start full of blank pages and possibilities and wonderful adventures just waiting to happen.

And because this is pretty much how I feel about 2020- I shared this reel on Instagram and facebook- thought you might enjoy it too. Hopefully the music will play too – if it doesn’t you can go watch it on FB or instagram

Happy New Year everyone.

The post Reflections and Possibilities -Happy New Year 2021 appeared first on French Country Cottage.