Thanksgiving Table Tips

Thanksgiving Table Ideas- Think outside the box

Thanksgiving Table Ambiance – Light up the Night

Keep it Simple

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

Go Bold & Beautiful

Add Simple Elegance

Set up several smaller tables

Create Unique Place Cards

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.

 

Elegant Halloween table

Spooky or elegant for Halloween? I tend to lean towards the elegant side for sure.

But today for Friday Favorites-  I am playing a bit with some ‘spooky’ as well

and it is all about a moody elegant table setting.

I started out thinking about setting a simple halloween table.

With just a few bits and baubles that said ‘ghosts and goblins’

but in a subtle way.

 

 

I wanted some deep dark elements- like drippy black candles

 

 

And some glam elements as well- like those gilded candlesticks, goblets and chargers.

 

 

I brought out a touch of copper

and those vintage brass goblets for a little more pizazz

and down the center of the table it was nothing but simple.

Dried flowers and greens in soft sage colors

 

 

And added a few ravens for a touch of spooky.

 

 

I kept the lighting moody with just candles and those string lights

 

 

And used rich dark fruits like plums, grapes and figs

for a bit of deliciousness in the decor.

 

Shop the Look

A simple not so spooky and a little bit elegant halloween table.

 

 

So excited to be joining these friends who are sharing a peek at their halloween decor today.

 

 

 

Ella Claire | French Country Cottage | So Much Better with Age | Sweet Rose and Wren | My Sweet Savannah

Inspired by Charm | Happy Happy Nester | The Wicker House | Zevy Joy | Nina Hendrick Design Co.

Paint Me Pink | Brooklyn Limestone | Clean and Scentsible | Twelve on Main | Happy Housie

Finding Silver Pennies | Nest of Posies | A Burst of Beautiful | Lil’ Luna | A Blue Nest

Sagehill Cottage | Taryn Whiteaker | Town and Country Living | Tattered Pew | Live Laugh Rowe

Kelly Elko

 

 

 

Happy Halloween decorating.

The post Elegant Outdoor Halloween Table setting appeared first on French Country Cottage.

When I was working on my book Inspired Gatherings- I literally went to the flower market and shopped to see what inspired me in the moment.

The florals were not detailed and planned out- so there was no method to my madness. But there was a whole lot of inspiration involved- and I found that using what inspired me as I shopped- I was creating arrangements that were so much more ‘me’ and what I was loving at the time.

This arrangement is similar to one that I created for one of the settings -and it was inspired by a beautiful and simple flower that just happened to be in stock at the market while I was shopping- Hellebore. You can see them on the wine barrel above. Hellebores are so underrated- they are some of the most beautiful delicate flowers and mix with so many other beautiful colors and flowers.

Tips & How to

Sharing a few tips- and why I love ‘slightly unruly’ arrangements & just how I go about putting an arrangement together in this quick video below.

What I used

• Hellebores- Green & Pink

• Eucalyptus

• Blush roses

• Burgundy Ranunculus

About Hellebores

Tip: Hellebores are mostly going to be spring flowers. If you have to have them (I totally get that!!) and it is summer or fall- you can probably find them special order- but know that will be pricey. You can also substitute with something similar- I would suggest Clematis, Dahlia or Anemone for similar look and colors.

Just Do You

A big key to an ‘inspired’ arrangement is to go with what inspires YOU. That might be something completely different or in an opposite color direction- and that is PERFECT. Something I always tell folks when asking about house, table, flowers etc- is to first and foremost go with what makes You happy. There is no rule- and if there is- I have probably broken it more than a few times so I would not be the one to ask. haha.

Be Flexible

The other to remember is that customizing your arrangement any way you would like is also key. If you want less or more of something- go for it. If you want all roses- that works. Sometimes I go to the flower market and think I am going to pick up ranunculus and roses- and find a whole lot of hydrangeas in the most delicious shade available and switch gears. If you are willing to be flexible in the idea or design- you might find the perfect flower finds you when you aren’t looking.

On the wild side

I like arrangements that are a tad on the wild side. Those perfectly placed and detailed arrangements that have 7 sprigs of this with 24 of that with 5 greens- they just aren’t my favorites. I want those flowers on the table to feel more on the ‘wild side’ a tad unruly and chaotic with longer elements on one side or a slightly off balance amount of flowers. They have so much more personality to me.

This is the bouquet on the cover of Inspired Gatherings- and as you can see- it is a wild one. And I LOVE it.

Okay- are you ready to see how easy it is to put this beautiful arrangement together? This is a longer video than I usually do. I would love to know if you prefer the short 1-2 minute ones or the longer more detailed ones.

Creating the arrangement

Don’t forget to grab a copy of Inspired Gatherings if you haven’t already. We are going to be recreating some of the settings in the next few weeks- and I will be sharing some behind the scenes and tips. Copies should be back in stock everywhere books are sold very soon. (affiliate link)

The post Creating a 5 minute Inspired Gatherings Bouquet appeared first on French Country Cottage.

It is all about delicious & beautiful entertaining today- and something you can create for your family this weekend. A ‘grazing’ breakfast- full of this and that and anything you would like.

And it is so easy to put together. Read all about it in this post.

And welcome to Tidbits & Twine to French Country Fridays! I think you will love what Kim shares!

Happy Friday all

Designthusiasm | Warm Autumn Decor Ideas for the Kitchen

French Country Cottage | How to Create a ‘Grazing’ Board Breakfast 

 Maison de Cinq | 50+ Fabulous French Farmhouse Finds

Shabbyfufu | Dried Floral Arrangements for a French Country Look

Tidbits and Twine | An 80s Bathroom Gets a French Country Makeover

The post French Country Fridays- Breakfast entertaining idea appeared first on French Country Cottage.

Or have several patterns of silver or stemware that don’t necessarily look alike? Can you mix and mingle them and make it work?

That is what we are talking about today.

Method to the madness Q & A

First stop in a thrift store? Almost always the first place I go is to the housewares to sift through the stacks of china, shelves full of glassware and trays of vintage flatware. It is like there is a blinking beacon shining on those shelves.

What do you buy? I have been known to bring home stacks of floral covered china, simple white stoneware and delicious gold rimmed glasses, 7 different napkins and 11 pieces of mismatched tarnished silver . All from the same thrift store in one stop.

Singles or Sets? I don’t always find a set of something- I will buy a single piece as quickly as a set- and often find the prettiest look is in the mix.

Dings or damage? If I love it- it doesn’t matter.

Modern? Vintage? Both? Yes. Yes. & Yes.

Long tables with everything matching on repeat? I LOVE long formal matched place settings on the table so much. And you know what I love just as much as everything lined up and matching in a row? Everything mismatched and mingled.

Mixing Or matching?

One of my recent favorite finds was a set of gold and rosewood flatware.

I was searching for different elements to use in my book Inspired Gatherings- and happened to bump into a whole bag full of these beautiful vintage flatware pieces. I noticed that while there were quite a few pieces – there were not matching full sets for all of the settings – so would they work for the tables I was setting for the book?

Tip: It is all in the mix – not the match. Don’t overlook an incomplete set that you love- use other complimentary pieces along with them

I knew that I could use other gold flatware that I had on had to mix with these beauties to create a full setting- and so, they came home with me and fast became some of my favorites.

Less than Perfect

One thing I have learned over the years is to not pass up something that you love simply because it has damage or is incomplete.

Tip: Imperfection can be interesting and beautiful. If a piece has crazing or staining but you love it even so- bring it home.

This blue transferware platter is a favorite find. It was just a few dollars because it has crazing, old yellowing stains and a chip. I loved it even so. Some of my absolute favorite elements are ones that are discounted because of old scratches, crazing, worn transfer or missing gilding. While perfect is always beautiful- I sometimes find that the imperfect is where the heart goes.

Misfits

Some of my favorites. I love little misfit pieces as much as I love that whole shelf full of pieces that go together. There is just something about that one random monogrammed dish or silver trophy that speaks to me as well as the mix of single brass candlesticks together.

Tip: Bring home those misfits. All together- they tell a story.

I always bring home those misfits that I love. They talk on their own- but when mingled with other misfits on a shelf or a table- they are telling an interesting story.

Grandmothers best

I remember when we would go to my grandparents house for Thanksgiving every year and I would start at all those pretty dishes. The floral covered ones that were from Japan and were my great-grandmothers that then became my grandmothers and that now are sitting in my china cabinet.

Tip: Using those family heirloom pieces not only brings back memories- it also creates memories for the next generation.

My grandmothers floral plates & etched stemware are some of my favorites to mingle and when I bring them out – I always think of her.

That is one of the reasons why using vintage from family everyday is such a treat. It is a tie to the past – it brings back memories and moments and creates new ones that the younger generations will remember someday.

Linens & Hankies & Tea towels

Did you know that some of my favorite linens to mix on the table are often vintage tea towels, old tablecloths that have been repurposed and delicate vintage handkerchiefs?

Yes. This one in my book- one of my absolute favorites. It is a large hankie with pretty edge details- and it works wonderfully as a napkin.

Tip: Napkins aren’t just napkins. Think outside the box and use those linens you love even if they once served a different purpose.

Linens are another thing that you don’t always find a whole set of. I kind of think they are like socks – and somewhere along the way there are some that get lost in the wash. The good news is that you can also easily mix different colors and styles and create a beautiful look.

It is all in the Details

One of the things I always look for are elements that have a unique or interesting detail.

Tip: Add one item to your table setting that has ‘detailed details.’ Not every item on the table needs to be richly or intricately detailed- just make sure there is one to add that interest.

Monograms on flatware? I will buy every piece no matter what the monogram is. I just love that detail on the table.

Etchings on stemware? Get in my cart.

And that is exactly what happened when I found these.

I was shopping the Re-store looking for a farm table, old chairs and different elements I could use for the book- and I walked past a cabinet filled with these delicious etched glasses. Even better? They were marked $4 each- but were also 50% off and so- a steal. I mixed them with newer gold coupe glasses and called it good.

While I don’t wear all my favorite clothes at one time or use all my favorites on the table together- I love to include something with exquisite detail- like the stemware. A perfect finishing touch.

By the Book

I am not a by the book decorator and surprise- I am not a by the book entertainer either. I don’t even know if I have the books on those things haha. I believe that if something makes you happy- then it is perfect.

I think the Best tip for creating and styling your own tables- is to do just that. If you like 87 different types of place setting elements- go for it. Want to mix new plates in with vintage? Why not?

You might be surprised to know that one of my favorite blush plates in Inspired Gatherings was not vintage but brand new.

The point is- just do what you love and it will come together beautifully. And speaking of being ‘by the book’ if you haven’t yet bought my new book Inspired Gatherings (why not? haha) You can find much more inspiration and tips in the pages- and stay tuned for another fun Giveaway celebrating my book coming your way next week – and stay tuned for more fun that I hope you will get involved with as well.

Happy summer entertaining all.

The post 6 style tips for setting a table with vintage elements appeared first on French Country Cottage.

Blues and blush on repeat for a simple summer table styling from the past.

French Country Fridays is all about showing posts from the past a bit of love- and today I am sharing this favorite from several years ago.

Find the full post here– happy Friday all.

Cedar Hill Farmhouse | Creating a French Way of Life

Designthusiasm | How to Decorate a Functional Small Home Office

French Country Cottage | Simple Summer Table Setting Tips 

Maison de Cinq | Summer Entertaining: An Evening by the Fire

Shabbyfufu | Setting A Table For Two – French Vintage Style

The post French Country Fridays- 3 tips for a Simple Summer Table appeared first on French Country Cottage.

The Celebration of my new book ‘Inspired Gatherings’ is continuing this week! A look behind the scenes of this sweet pea inspired table setting with a charming French farmhouse table

Behind the Scenes

Inspired Gatherings is a book about creating a ‘gathering’ where ever you find inspiration. In the house, on a drive or at the lake for example- and also right in your own backyard. It is tables and picnics and impromptu gatherings with family and friends.

And while planning and dreaming up ideas for those gatherings – I started searching for various styles of tables and chairs and elements that I could use for the different stylings.

I shopped my own cupboard full of vintage china and flatware, shopped the thrift stores and also online at some of my favorite places for vintage French and romantic style pieces.

You are probably already familiar with The Bella Cottage as I have shared their gorgeous pieces here many times. They have long been a favorite source for beautiful romantic inspired decor, elegant reproduction furniture and also vintage and antiques. They have such beautiful pieces and a lot of one of a kind pieces to help create that gathered and curated over time feeling in your home.

I have several pieces from Eloquence- like the Avignon Drapery table that I used for the island in my kitchen.

For this Table in the Sweet Peas styling in Inspired Gatherings- I used a beautiful farmhouse table that came from Bella Cottage as well.

A French Farmhouse Style Table

This table. So much love.

There are pages of table possibilities at The Bella Cottage- and this French Farmhouse style table talked to me right away.

I love the chunky legs and patina. And how much this table looks like an old antique that you might find in a tag sale in the countryside somewhere. So much character and charm in the finish- and it comes in several sizes. Which is fantastic for finding the perfect size for your space.

Vintage Chairs

One of my favorite looks is to pair a farmhouse table with various vintage or vintage inspired chairs. Changing the chairs is such an easy way to change the whole look of a room quickly and easily.

You can gather various flea market find chairs to use together or bring your everyday dining chairs outside to change things a bit. For this Table in Sweet Peas – I used mismatched wooden chairs for a ‘gathered’ table setting.

And at our farmhouse table inside- I used a set of vintage cane chairs that have become our everyday dining chairs. These dining chairs are also from The Bella Cottage- they carry vintage chairs and also reproductions that have the look.

So if you don’t have an authentic French antique table or chairs – you can find some beautiful reproductions to get the look.

And you can grab your copy of my book on Amazon as well.

The post French Farmhouse Table appeared first on French Country Cottage.

If you are like me- you are dreaming of fun gatherings with friends and family this summer. And while those gatherings might look a bit different this summer- we can plan special tables with our families. And one that is so easy- is a bohemian style table like I shared recently.

Casual tables

When writing my book, my editor asked for the focus to be on smaller gatherings. Simple gatherings. Creating inviting little moments rather than large productions and casual type moments. So while we included some larger long tables- we did also include more impromptu type gatherings that happened in the spur of the moment.

Two of the gatherings in the book involve a low bohemian style table. I shared a peek at the one in the backyard the other day- and there is another in the book as well… think ocean breezes. And each of those tables also involved a pallet.

Today it is all about how to build a pallet table that you can enoy in your own bakyard.

What you need

Pallet – Any old pallet will do. This one was from a wood pile and nicely weathered- I just cleaned it up and brought to where I wanted to use it. Most important is that it is sturdy and does not have any nails or anything like that sticking out. You can get a square or rectangular pallet- choose one that has enough boards to create a sturdy table top.

4 Wood blocks (if you want it on legs)

Rough sawn planks– I used several 8′ long rough sawn planks on top of the pallet for a longer table top.

How to ‘build’ the table base

Seriously so easy. I did this two ways- for one table- it had short around 7″ legs made out of old 2×4 that we just attached to the pallet with a screw. This one had a bit more height than just being placed right on the ground.

For the other- it was simply a chunkier pallet. This allowed enough space to cuddle your pillows up and enjoy nibbles in an even more casual setting but was not as tall as adding the ‘legs’

For the top

All I did was lay the rough sawn boards right on the top of the pallet. These came right from the Re-Store last year and were perfectly weathered and worn and had lots of character with those old worm and beetle holes. I didn’t secure them- but you absolutely could add a couple screws if you wanted to.

Then- set the table, add your pillows around the edges and enjoy.

So simple and easy to do- and so easy to adjust the height, length and width to fit whatever you need.

This is such an easy table to put together. It takes just a few minutes and once you are finished- it is also easy to disassemble if you want to use the boards and pallets elsewhere.

You can see more of this Bohemian styling in my book Here

Don’t miss what my friends are sharing this week as well.

Designthusiasm | Quick and Easy Drawer Organization

French Country Cottage | How to Make a Bohemian Style Table

In My Own Style | Decorating Ideas Using Large Baskets

On Sutton Place | Wall Plate Rack

Shabbyfufu | How to Style & Decorate a Coffee Table With a Tray

StoneGable | Quick and Easy Summer Bottle Centerpiece

The post How to Build a boho style pallet table appeared first on French Country Cottage.

I am so excited to officially kick off a month full of fun for French Country Cottage Inspired Gatherings Book Release! Today it is all about beautiful chandelier love & celebrating the book with my Lamps Plus family!

If you have been reading my blog for awhile – you know how much I love everyone at Lamps Plus. They are my first stop when I am looking for beautiful ‘bling’ for the house and -they also have beautiful furniture and accessories. They are one of my favorites- and we have some Lamps Plus beauty everywhere- from the bathrooms to the dining room to the greenhouse and the guest cottage.

And that oh so fabulous delicious chandelier that is in the barn? Yes indeed- it is from Lamps Plus as well.

Barn Celebration

One of my favorite stylings from my book… the barn celebration. I can’t share too many photos that are in the book of course- but I can share some of the outtake stylings that didn’t make the cut. If you missed my book post- you can find all the details here.

This one is right in my backyard- it starts with a table for two in the woods and with the barn and those twinkly lights in the background.

You are likely already familiar with our barn and that grand chandelier inside of it. It is a favorite spot for me to play and to share here and on instagram. I found a very similar chandelier to this incredible chandelier while shopping at Lamps Plus for a perfect French style light for this space. Note: They don’t carry the exact chandelier any longer- but the one in the barn is the same style and made by the same company. It is over the top gorgeous.

Covered in crystals and lots of swirly details- I knew it was the perfect one for adding that touch of elegance to the rustic build of the barn. They have several sizes & finishes of this beautiful chandelier- this 30″ Schonbek Century chandelier is the same size as mine. And in the pages of my new book -you will see 3 more beautiful chandeliers from Lamps Plus as well.

In celebration of my new book and to share some joy with everyone right now- Lamps Plus has offered an amazing Gift Card for $500 prize for a French Country Cottage Reader.

Beyond exciting!! You can use it on anything at Lamps Plus– furniture, decor, indoor or outdoor lighting- and chandeliers of course!

How to Enter

We wanted to keep it super easy to enter- here is how to enter:

Follow Lamps Plus along on Instagram

Lamps Plus

And/ Or Follow Lamps Plus On Facebook:

Lamps Plus

Follow both places- and it’s two entries.

Share the giveaway – for an extra entry

And be a follower of French Country Cottage -if you aren’t already-

Instagram: French Country Cottage

Facebook: French Country Cottage

Don’t forget to enter in the Rafflecopter below to record your entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway Ends next Monday at midnight. You can share the giveaway each day and come back for additional bonus entries.

The prize needs to be redeemed by December 31st, 2020 at Lamps Plus and is only available in the contiguous U.S. Winner announced next week.

You can order my book French Country Cottage Inspired Gatherings at Target, Barnes & Noble and Gibbs- Smith right now.

Best of luck all!!

The post Inspired Gatherings Book Celebration & Giveaway appeared first on French Country Cottage.

It is all about summer fun & celebrating over here on the blog this week- and I am sharing one of your recent favorites for an encore before the weekend.

All about styling a bohemian table in your backyard- outtakes from my book . Currently on sale at my publishers for under $25.

Happy Friday all!

Edith and Evelyn Vintage | A Turquoise Velvet French Chair

French Country Cottage | How to Create a Bohemian Style Table and Gathering

Maison de Cinq | Summer Home Tour in Cool Shades of Blue

Shabbyfufu | 20 Stunning Spring & Summer Flower Arrangements

Cedar Hill Farmhouse | 3 Grainsack Projects

Designthusiasm | The Ultimate Guide to French Country Decor Essentials

The post French Country Fridays- Summer Bohemian table appeared first on French Country Cottage.