On the Table Archives - French Country Cottage

Coastal Christmas tree & table

Courtney — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 16:32:00 +0000

Seashells & sand dollars

mingling with flickering candles, twinkling lights & Christmas greens

out under the stars.

Have you noticed that I am ever so slightly obsessed with

table stylings and party ideas?

Yeah, I didn’t think so.

But it is true,

I am mildly obsessed with setting a pretty table

and creating ambiance for evenings and occasions to remember.

Maybe it is because I love entertaining

and getting together with friends and family.

Or because sitting at a pretty table is a perfect way to enjoy a good meal.

Or because, laughter fills the air when breaking bread together

and that makes the bread taste that much more delicious.

And of course, any time you are enjoying an evening out under the stars

with the sounds of crickets chirping – and the glow of candles flickering-

it is an evening filled with ambiance.

But add a towering tree covered in twinkling lights in the background-

and you are talking big time charm.

I was asked to design and style a Coastal Christmas table & setting

over the summer- and I had such fun playing with different ideas and elements for it.

From a huge 9′ (indoor/outdoor) tree

to a garland centerpiece dotted with sand dollars

to lanterns lighting up the evening with a soft flicker.

I started with the tree- and very simple beach inspired decorations.

Star fish and a few ocean colored ornaments and pinecones were all that was needed.

For a garland, I used chunky rope tucked into the branches

On the table- a battery operated garland

with coral, sand dollars and starfish here and there.

I also added a few small pieces of driftwood and for a little floral touch

sprigs of dried baby’s breath tucked into blue bottles.

The china is simple but elegant whites

with gold flatware and gold rimmed wine stems for a little bit of pizazz.

A simple but fun table styling for a coastal Christmas celebration

or all year long.

I am a huge fan of using trees covered in twinkling lights no matter

what time of year it is.

What do you think of coastal & coastal Christmas decorating?

It is quickly becoming a favorite look of mine.

Find the tree, garland, lanterns and candles in my original post about

this table over at the Balsam Hill blog (I work with Balsam Hill- but this post is not sponsored

– just sharing the look)

Thanks so much for your thoughts on the gold serving dome yesterday-

I hope your Tuesday is off to a great start!

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Simple Elegant Thanksgiving Table

Courtney — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 14:48:00 +0000

Simple. Elegance.

With all that charm, soft romantic goodness and a touch of the season

all rolled into one simple table setting.

It is all about Thanksgiving table setting ideas this week.

And did you know that this tablesetting was cut a little short

because of water falling from the sky out of the blue?

Rain happened. And it was beautiful.

But not very good for taking photos outdoors.

So- more detail later- for now- just talking simple with the few photos I grabbed before

picking everything up and running indoors.

But Thanksgiving brings so much more than just a table setting of course.

It brings family and friends together.

Memories.

Gratitude.

It brings togetherness and laughter and traditions

like those potatoes that Grandma made each year when you were growing up
and her pecan pie that was seriously the best pecan pie you have ever tasted
and you have tried quite a few so you really know it is true.

And if you are like our family,

Thanksgiving might also bring a little karaoke bonding time after dinner.
My brothers and husband are just a little bit obsessed (and out of tune!)

When it comes to the table for enjoying dinner with friends and family-

setting a table that is simply elegant rather than fussy

is always a perfect choice.

For this Thanksgiving table inspiration

I decided to take advantage of the warm weather

and moved the table setting outdoors among the fresh fall air

and abundance of nature.

I went with non traditional colors- because – c’est moi- and I am loving them

and I set the table with soft sage greens & pale pinks
and

a centerpiece that was made up of just 3 things:

eucalyptus

roses

and

cinderella pumpkins

For the place settings – these white dishes

have just the right amount of detailing

which I am slightly obsessed with…
and they are paired with gold

and/or

rose gold flatware

Now-before you think I am crazy,
I did not set the table with both at the same time.
I brought them both out to see which I prefer- and the gold won out on this table setting
but the rose gold did on another.

I brought out those perfectly pretty gold wine stems

that just always seem a perfect choice with any setting.

The place setting holders are fashioned out of little paper tags from the craft store

and tied with a fresh clipped sprig of rosemary around the napkin.

A mix of rustic and elegant- it isn’t a fancy schmancy Thanksgiving table setting

but I am kind of in love with simple elegance over here

so it is perfect for me.

You can find the white dishes HERE

the Gold flatware HERE

and the gold wine stems HERE

These are affiliate links

This week~

I’m thrilled to be joining an a great line up of bloggers who are sharing their own

Thanksgiving table inspirations

Monday 11/2/15

Rooms FOR Rent

Finding Silver Pennies

Eclectically Vintage

Migonis Home

Kindred Vintage

>
>

Maison De Pax | French Country Cottage | The Chronicles of Home | Just Destiny Mag | Thistlewood Farms

and… you can start the whole tour over at Rooms for Rent and
your next stop is Thistlewood Farms

I have several other table setting ideas coming your way this month

yes, I might be slightly obsessed- but in a good way.

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Romantic Autumn~ September table styling

Courtney — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 13:51:00 +0000

I love ambiance.

Like an old farmhouse table in the middle of a meadow

out under the stars.

With nothing but flickering candles and the moon shining through the trees for light.

And the sounds of crickets playing a soft harmony

as the music in the background.

But it is also about more than ambiance around you

It is the weathered tabletop left bare and set with elegant china

with touches of gold playing against old patina.

And it is the way that the flowers bring a soft romantic touch as they march down the table.

Each element plays a part of the song

and all together- they create the ambiance.

September is a perfect time of year for hosting an outdoor gathering

and for playing up my favorite mix of rustic and elegant.

And since I am backwards (according to some)

I don’t start withe food- I start with the setting and the ambiance.

For this table styling,

I thought about that delicate dance between

late summer and early autumn.

When the days are warm and the nights are chilly

the leaves are just starting to cover the ground and the smell of fall

is getting heavier in the air.

a peek behind the scenes as I worked

I wanted that storybook romantic charm mingling with simplicity.

Fresh greens

warm copper tones

elegant gold detailed china

soft purple roses

seeded eucalyptus

The bouquets are small and sweet – placed inside copper mugs.

They are heavy on the eucalyptus and I mixed in a few stems of globe amaranth

and roses.

For the place settings- it was simple elegance.

I brought out some of my favorite gold dishes

mixed with a gold flatware

and those soft purple wine stems.

A beautiful and delicious dessert to delight-

a 3 layer stack of white cake with a fresh blackberry topping.

Yum.

Normally I use blueberries but since we have been picking bowls and bowls of blackberries

all summer long

there were plenty to add to the cake to not only make it gorgeous

but also delicious.

As a finishing touch-

you can add a few white pumpkins to bring in a touch of early fall if you like

or stay with fresh floral for celebrating late summer

and

then sit back and enjoy!

Simple, elegant and beautiful and

your guests will love it.

Hope everyone had a great weekend- Happy Monday everyone.

sources

Dishes- Birch Lane- Serafina

Gold flatware- Mikasa

Copper mugs- Balsam Hill

Fresh greens, flowers & cake (undecorated)- Whole Foods

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Friday Favorites~ Black & White Table

Courtney — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 17:49:00 +0000

I don’t always go bold with color choices but when I do…

I like to go bold and beautiful.

I’m not talking about my wardrobe and wearing something bold

with my dark blue flared jeans and boots.

When it comes to my wardrobe – a peek in my closet will show that

you will often find me wearing basic black and white and dark jeans and

with a bright or bold pop of color in my handbag choice

or jacket.

But in my house decorating style- not so much.

I am a little more faded blues, soft whites & creamy pale and natural accents with a pop of…

vintage patina.

But back to the jeans- can we talk about flared jeans for a second?

They are finally coming back into style after the whole skinny jean trend. YES.

I am excited because skinny jeans and I didn’t always get along so great.

I have some skinnies (in black of course) and I will wear them on occasion

but my flares will always make be a top choice when it comes to jeans.

And back to the basics of black and white~

when I go bold in design

I like to go bold and beautiful and classic.

Elegant.

Striking and yet at the same time

simple.

Something

like a chunky black and white stripe

with apricot roses

and white and gold accents.

It is a simple but elegant combination that I played with recently for a special styling.

And I had so much fun with it-

I snapped a few photos to share with you.

A secret?

That ‘tablecloth’ is merely a remnant of fabric that I had leftover

and turned into a tablecloth.

Why not?

I needed a black and white tablecloth for a special styling I am working on

and couldn’t find one ready made. But I have learned not to overlook something simple and easy.

Just a quick stitch around the edges or even no sew bonding tape on fabric

and voila.

For the color palette-

normally, I would probably choose a pink rose or flower for this combination

but those creamy soft apricot tones were talking to me big time.

Maybe it is that touch of ‘orange’ for autumn.

I kept the dishes simple and elegant- whites with a thin gold edging

and the wine stems much the same with that gorgeous gold band across the top

and delicate details that compliment rather than compete.

Gold flatware finished the look

and I went with the more detailed look on these

rather than more modern with simple lined flatware-

but you could do either and it would be gorgeous.

It was fun to step outside my normally soft and shabby filled crayon box

and color outside the lines with a few more dramatic combinations for this styling.

And I love how that bold plays so well with that beautiful.

So it gets a Friday Favorite this week.

And do you know what tomorrow is?

Tomorrow is Saturday.

Ahhh.

I am planning on sleeping in and lingering over coffee just a bit before

getting off running on a busy weekend of work and play.

Coming your way next week~

A closer look at the desk in my office

a simple diy

and more about that soft and shabby autumn decor in the tour this week.

Happy Friday everyone.

sources

dishes, flatware, stemware- Mikasa

gold vase- Target

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Friday Crush~ Vintage garden table

Courtney — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 17:34:00 +0000

Do you remember when I shared that vintage garden table and chairs

that I fell in love with the moment I saw them?

The one that has that delightful chippy green paint and

loads and loads of swirly details and character.

Not to mention that it came with those charming chairs with

gorgeous iron flowers on them.

It is also the one that had a pretty glass top

that broke in a lot of not so pretty pieces.

Which left it feeling a bit not so fabulous.

It was several years ago now

but at the time,

I decided that it needed a little bit of a different look for a bit.

And a planked wood table top came to mind.

My husband and I built a simple top and when it was done

that table was a thing of beauty.

Those random sized boards all lined up and whitewashed to perfection.

Add caption

I actually put this pretty little table in my office to use as my desk because I loved it so much.

But as you know- my office is getting a whole. new. look.

And Oh. My. it is looking so pretty.

I can hardly wait to share it with you very, very soon- as in very soon.

So this little garden table is back out in the garden

and surrounded by those pretty little chairs again.

I am working on changing the upholstery on the chairs and am going back and forth

as to what look I want…and considering something totally different as the same time.

Which could be good. Or it could be bad. Or it could be ugly.

So we will see what wins and I will share the new look when it is wrapped.

Happy Friday everyone!

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A closer look~ sweet treat table in the garden

Courtney — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 17:32:00 +0000

Does it always seem like the treat table at a party calls your name?

Like there you are minding your own business

and the cheesecake is staring at you and telling you that it is yours?

Or maybe it is the cupcake with all.that.frosting.

or the ripe fresh fruit to add to your ice cream?

Whatever type of sweet might speaks your language-
I think it is safe to say that those tables are always popular at a party.

But something that is often overlooked when party planning is just that.

A dessert table.

Desserts can easily just get mixed in with other food or they are only

brought out when it is time to enjoy them.

But when you are planning a get together

why not create a little space for them to be highlighted?

You guys asked for a closer look at the simple dessert table styling in the garden party

and so here you go.

This dessert table set up in the garden could not have been easier.

And even better- it didn’t require anything fancy -schmancy.

Just –

a console table

cake pedestals,

and treats.

That is it.

Start with your table.

You can use a garden table, a side table, a sofa table- use your imagination.

Once you have found your table-

find the perfect spot for it.

For me- that was tucked in the little garden area with the

lavender and boxwood that is underneath the apple tree peeking out.

You can place your table anywhere that works-

there are no rules.

Up next-

bring out the cake pedestals, platters, pretty dishes, utensils -you name it

Cover your table with pretty display pieces

and then add your delicious treats.

I like to incorporate some fresh fruit as well as something simple like croissants

along with those sweet treats for those who want to nibble on something less commitment wise on the hips.

Stack the dessert plates and utensils there as well

so that guests have everything they need to load up

and then go sit down.

A little side table for party food is something that is super simple to put together

but is always a big hit at get-togethers.

Plus- you can put out even more options for finger foods and snacks

as well as treats for guests to enjoy-

the possibilities are endless.

Shop the look over at Joss & Main in my sale this week

Need an invite?

No problem!

It is FREE to join- just click here

and then shop my

Garden Party Event

Happy Friday everyone

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Summer Entertaining~ A Lavender Inspired Table

Courtney — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:24:00 +0000

I am not usually a huge purple kind of girl

though I have been known to give my heart to a pretty bouquet of lilacs

soft floral fabrics

or bundle of fresh lavender

which pretty much gets me every time.

So the other day

when I walked into one of our local markets

and smelled the scent of fresh cut lavender-

I knew I was in trouble.

I can’t resist fresh lavender-

and this bundle of lavender wrapped in burlap-

well, it had me wrapped around its little blooms at hello.

I instantly imaged it on the farmhouse table in the backyard.

A mix of vintage greens and the patina of weathered wood.

Lanterns and candles for ambiance

a pairing of vintage and new purple stemware

and simple but elegant white dishes edged in gold.

If you have been following my blog for any length of time

you know my favorite tables start with the bare, weathered tabletop

rather than a cloth. It is just me- but I prefer that worn wood

patina to be the backdrop for an elegant table.

This time, I used a simple linen runner down the center

and placed a collection of sea glass green and clear bottles on top of it.

Since I wanted the purple to speak for the table

I filled the bottles only with lavender blooms and a couple stems of lisianthus

so that the centerpiece was simple and didn’t overwhelm.

I promised to share some of my favorite entertaining tips

and table setting ideas for Summer parties

and so this one is for those who love purple

and simplicity.

When creating a centerpiece I like to make sure that I have a certain amount of

‘airy’ included to keep it feeling ‘breathable’ so the conversations can flow easily.

The stemware has a bit of a secret.

It is a mix of vintage- the smaller more pink purple glasses were my grandmothers-

and the larger more blue purple glasses are from the Dollar Store.

I know. Seriously. The Dollar store.

But hey, you go in to get a few gift bags or candles

and sometimes you bump into a most perfect accent

for something you are working on.

It was pretty much the universe aligning on that one.

Simple party food

such as a blue cheese round set on rosemary and arugula

with a few blueberries and slices of hearty seed bread.

Delicious, so easy to prepare and absolutely beautiful on the table.

For dessert- a huge favorite of mine

blueberry cheesecake.

Easy Tip:

Slightly freeze the cheesecake just before the party so that it will stay fresh

a bit longer in the warm evening air.

A bonus is that the blueberries will freeze fairly quickly and get a nice frosty touch

that will melt away as your guests enjoy dinner.

Lighting- think ambiance.

Candles, lanterns, twinkle lights in trees.

I love to place lanterns on the rock steps and tuck a couple smaller ones into the flower beds as well.

They are simply wonderful for evening ambiance and for adding just enough light to dine by

while letting the stars and moon play a big part of the setting.

(these are from Balsam Hill)

Don’t forget comfortable essentials such as a few blankets stacked in basket or placed on the chair

for guests to wrap up in should a chill arise.

I also like to have the fireplace ready to go with a stack of wood or kindling

and paper for lighting a little later in the evening to enjoy a glass of wine late into the evening.

You can do the same with a fire pit as well or simply have a seating area dotted with candles

ready to move to after dinner is over.

Summer Entertaining is in full swing over here which I love

and up next-

I will be sharing a few ideas for a table for two

and a quiet date night in the orchard.

Happy Friday everyone.

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Weathered Table Love

Courtney — Mon, 18 May 2015 13:47:00 +0000

Sometimes you just need a little change.

Like a new pair of shoes to wear with your old faded favorite jeans

or a bright pink sweater to put over your black tank top.

It’s a funny thing how a simple change in an outfit can change your whole

mood and much in the same way, a pair of new fresh white slipcovers

and a little table can do the same thing in a room.

This little table is a charmer

and I knew it would be like a pair of favorite jeans

before it even arrived.

It had perfectly weathered wood and charming details like

a turned center pedestal.

I knew would be perfect for mingling with those slipcovered sofas

an old chippy mirror and a wonky farmhouse bench.

But, you know what,

it was also perfect in the kitchen at the breakfast nook

and in the guest bedroom.

So the hardest part might be trying to decide just where it will stay.

But, like a new sweater or pair of shoes,

you can wear them with different outfits

so I am pretty sure it will work wherever it lands.

But for now,

loving it right where it is.

Happy Monday everyone!

source

Merrick table- Birch Lane
White Sofas- Ikea

I partnered with Birch Lane to share this table which is inspiring me-and a few others things coming up soon

but all opinions are my own of course!

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Romantic Winter Table

Courtney — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 13:00:00 +0000

With Valentines Day & all things romantic coming up,

planning a romantic dinner, evening date or a getaway

with that certain someone special in your life might be swirling

around in your mind already.

I know that a lot of people don’t really celebrate Valentines Day

and we don’t usually plan a special date or getaway on Valentines Day proper-

it is kind of the way it works with crazy work schedules.

But celebrating with chocolates, those cardboard hearts and writing sweet notes

to tell someone how much they mean to you – is something that you can do even so.

Another is planning a simple and sweet dinner

(or breakfast or lunch if that is what your schedules permit)

and an inspired table setting.

So many times I have heard from readers about stressing when figuring out what goes with what

when it is more fancy than a regular table setting.

But you know what?

It doesn’t have to be fancy or elegant to be sweet & perfect

and it definitely doesn’t have to be stressful.

Some of my favorite tables are a favorite mix of mine:

Simple rustic elements with a touch of elegance.

So today, I thought I would share

a few tips for a romantic Winter table setting

that is as easy to put together as it is pretty.

#1. Start with simple

I chose the rustic outdoor table for this setting

but hey, it is Winter and I know, many of you are getting snow as I type this.

So, no worries-you can use any table – there are no rules.

I also left the table unadorned- without a cloth

Really- that is just a personal preference.

I like to see the natural weathered wood underneath the elegant china.

#2. Keep it classic

I prefer simple white dishes almost all the time for table settings

but when I want a little more than the everyday whites~

I choose something with a detailed edge

#3. Add a touch of elegance

For another pop of pretty elegance~ gold flatware.

I am majorly crushing on this flatware.

There is just something about that pop of gold.

#4. Simple charm

Simple stemware is always in fashion- it compliments without overwhelming.

Whether you have stemware from your grandmothers collection

or something you just picked up in the bulk section- keep it a simple and classic shape and size

and it will look stunning.

#5. A Natural Centerpiece

I was thinking of clipping some of the greenery from the yard for this table

but I decided to use some of the dried bay branches that were from Christmas.

Yep, I have a whole bunch of them-so you know what- use what you have on hand.

Whether it is clipped from the yard or store-bought greens- simply laid

on the center of the table is perfect.

Tuck in a few candles in glass for the lighting and

for a little height –

I used a couple of vintage silver goblets as vases.

I am not ashamed to admit that I am kind of in love with their mottled, unpolished appearance

or these pale peachy pink roses.

Such a sweet compliment.

#6. Warm it up

If setting a table out under the stars

drape the chairs with a cozy throw

to warm up with when the chill sets in.

My favorite?

A soft white faux fur.

Of course, fresh flowers are always a perfect finishing touch in my mind

and what could be more romantic than roses for Valentines Day?

I always love the beautiful flowers that my husband brings me for Sweethearts Day

and I usually place them in vases around the house to enjoy.

So if you get flowers on that special day, they are also perfect

for adding to the table at the last minute.

Tip: Roses tend to go up in cost around Valentines Day

so use whatever flowers you find that you love.

There are so many beautiful romantic blooms out there to choose from.

Peonies and ranunculus and lisianthus for example…

hint hint if you are reading this Honey.

Truly though, no matter which flowers

and dishes that you choose for your table setting~

just remember that the personal touches that you add

and who you are with are what makes it so special.

I am joining this great group of ladies sharing

some of their own romantic inspired vignettes, decorating, diy, recipes, you name it,

today. I hope you will stop by and see what each of them are sharing.

Shabby Fufu

Adventures in Decorating

Atta Girl Says

Stone Gable

Chateau Chic

From My Front Porch to Yours

White Lace Cottage

Far Above Rubies

Housepitality Designs

Coming your way this week~

that peanut butter chocolate cheesecake recipe

more about the marble and kitchen redo

Happy Monday everyone!
sources
Dishes- Mikasa Adelaide Platinum
Flatware- Target
Stemware- Mikasa

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{DIY} Tiny Plank Table

Courtney — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:57:00 +0000

Did I ever mention that I am a sucker for a diamond in the rough?

Something that looks like nothing but I am just sure is something amazing.

Something dull and worn that has been long forgotten and tossed aside

but that speaks to me saying

‘Polish me up and I will shine bright like a diamond.’

Like that sofa that was far from pretty or usable

but that looked like a dream to me.

Or frankly our house that the realtor told us to tear down and rebuild

since it was in such disrepair

but that looked entirely different in my mind just as it was

I saw a diamond-waiting to shine.

Okay, or maybe a piece of coal that I was hoping was a diamond in the making.

Really, though, I might be one of those people who tends to look at the

‘What it could be ‘ instead of the ‘You have to be kidding me ‘

Most of the time though, it serves me well.

Not always, but most of the time.

Like a little forgotten bench frame that was destined for the trash.

My husband said garbage.

I said that chippy worn paint?

Those curvy details?

That charm that just has to be there underneath all that…

uhm… well… grunge and dust and ?

Okay. yeah, it needed a lot of help. The husband might actually have been right

and it might even be one that could not be fixed.

But…well, I thought that before allowing it to be garbage,

I would clean it up and see if there might be something I could do with it.

Though it didn’t look it- it was actually surprisingly sturdy and I had an idea.

Some of those pieces of lattice like the ones we used in the
arbor we built over the Summer came to mind

and so… an hour spent with the bench, those boards and a little elbow grease

turned that

pumpkin into a coach with a shiny new purpose.

It was super simple too.

Measure. Cut. Hammer.

Bam.

Seriously, doesn’t even really need a DIY tutorial

but I will be sharing details about getting that vintage finish soon

and more about those perfect vintage looking nails-
they are kind of special for a reason.

*Just a note*

Remember that a table, bench, you name it that is built with boards like these are

not for standing or sitting on.

Even if the bench itself wasn’t vintage-

those lathe or lattice boards are not going to be strong enough

to hold much more than a few things on a table.

For extra support-

you can always cut a top out of plywood and lay your pieces on top of that if you would like.

I am loving how it turned out

It is now such a cute table instead of a toss away

with forgotten potential.

I am working a couple other ideas for after Christmas decorating

and maybe another piece with potential coming your way soon.

Plus, Santa brought me some new photography equipment

and I am super excited to try it out and let you know what I think of it.

Oh… and that project.

THAT project that has been dragging on and on and on

Well, it is finally. for.the.love.of.cheese

being wrapped up and will be photographed and shared this month.

I am super excited to show you what I have been up to.

Happy Monday everyone!!

I am thrilled to be a member of the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Network

and was provided with compensation for doing this post

but all opinions and ideas are my own of course

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