Friday, May 27, 2016

A Bit of Provence on My Table

 We just arrived from a 14 day Mediterranean cruise which ended with a 3 day land stay in Barcelona. I was part of a group of 58, which consisted of relatives and friends and some newly found friends. We all had a blast.

One of our stops was the port of Marseilles, which is what inspired me to create this tablescape.
Unless we take a tour specifically for shopping, tour guides never give us enough time for shopping. Luckily, they had booths selling stuff just outside the ship, so as soon as we got back on the ship, with a few hours to spare before the ship sails away, my sister and I went out again. I saw this tablecloth and bought it. It had "Provence" and its views stamped  all over it.

Here is a picture taken at one of the places we visited. They gave us 20 minutes to walk around, eat and do our shopping. One advice I can give you is that if you see something you like in one of the stores, just buy it and never mind thinking about it, because there's not enough time for that. I saw a pair of sandals that I liked, tried it on and it was very comfy but did not buy it and kept walking. I wanted to go back to get it but before I knew it, it was time to get back to the tour bus so I lost my chance. Shucks! I am still kicking myself to this day.

Anyway, let's start tablescaping now. As you can see, I used the Provence table cloth as the topper.

Did you notice some changes in the dining and living area? I added the Persian rug that we moved from our MS home, under the table and you will see various furniture placed all over. John said nobody would ever think I could fit all the moved furniture in this house, which was already furnished to begin with, lol.

And my décor is turning back to traditional.
Since the table cloth was mostly lavender, I picked a set of vintage Bavarian china with that color that I found on Ebay a few years ago, as I was searching for purple transferware. They really aren't transferware but they came up so it must have been meant to be.
They are vintage and labeled with "Edelstein, Bavaria, made in Germany, Maria Theresa, Sunset" in the back of each plates.

It's hard to tell but my flatware are deep purple in color.
Olive colored stems for all the many olive trees all over Europe. I even planted 2 trees in big pots on our back porch. I love the color of their leaves and how they can be shaped into beautiful topiaries. I will just have to wait for the leaves to get fuller.
I was opening boxes in the  garage when I spotted the faux topiaries and thought they would be perfect for my table. They are very frenchy, aren't they?

Notice my hall wall turned into a Salvador Dali gallery? I  am out of wall space so under the beds in the guest rooms have become storage for frames, paintings and pictures. And this is after I sold and given away some. Someday, I will blog about how this area turned out.

The bust was already on the table, before I even started so I just worked around it.



I think she is very frenchy too.









I even managed to find a pair of olive salt and pepper shaker. I already had it and found it on the garage shelf.
I also found this tea set in one of the garage bins. It was labeled "Frenchy tea set" so what could be more perfect than that? Little by little , I am discovering and uncovering my table items. Now, if I could only have enough room in the house to store them!

Thank you so much for stopping by. I really appreciate your visits and comments. I have missed you all. Thanks to all the hostesses too.

I hope you all have a safe and Happy Memorial Day. I am still working on my patriotic table on the back porch.
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33 comments:

Terra said...

After seeing your tablescapes over the years and this brilliant tablescape today, I want to give you some sort of a title, how about "Tablescaping Princess"? From the start with the Provence tablecloth to all the details, it is fabulous.

Marigene said...

This one of my favorites of all the tables you have done, Christine! It is so cheery...like all the greens and purples on the white background.
Sounds like you had a fun cruise with your family. I finally learned that if I see something, I had better buy it then, because chances are it won't be there later!
Have a nice holiday weekend.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How beautiful! I love the topiaries that you've used! Enjoy your holiday weekend! Hugs, Diane

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Your table is so pretty and lively with the sweet dishes and your new Provence tablecloth from your trip. I love the centerpiece topiaries, it's a lovely addition tone to your setting.
Enjoy your MD weekend.
FABBY

Maria's Space said...

If my family walked into your home they wouldn't know what to do. I have never set a table like that. We have nothing at all like your beautiful things. You do set a stunning table

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Christine,
You always do the most amazingly beautiful tablescapes!! Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you are enjoying the Holiday weekend!!

Hugs,
Deb

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Beautiful job Christine! You definitely captured a European fair with your table. Love the new tablecloth and the topiaries. I know what you mean about the short visits on tours. My parents went to Europe and visited 9 countries. They often had no more than 15 minutes to get out and do something. They came home exhausted! That Frenchy tea set is beautiful!

GranthamLynn said...

Very beautiful home and beautiful table. I love the napkin adorments! Very shiny. I'm following you. I hope you can come over and visit. I linked a Blue Monday table too! Have a good week.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

What a wonderful setting, Christine! I love the bust and topiaries. You always have a knack for a table setting. I love your pretty tea set too. Thanks for sharing and Happy Memorial Day!

Blessings,
Sandi

Margie said...

What a pretty table setting, Christine! Purple is my favourite colour so I'm loving the Provence tablecloth and lavender accents. I can totally relate to your shopping regrets. I too have experienced this during my travels.

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

It sounds like you were on a wonderful cruise, Christine! Your tablecloth is so pretty and I love, love the topiaries, along with the bust. Your dishes are beautiful, and the tea set...I'm swooning! I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day!

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

This is breathtaking! I feel just like Kitty, I am swooning over this table!
This is a showstopper:)
Sounds like a marvelous, refreshing and inspirational trip too!
Jemma

Stacey said...

Christine, your table is so pretty! I love the china and the topiaries add so much to the beauty.

Linda said...

Wow, Christine, your table is absolutely gorgeous!!! Everything is so lovely and elegant. :)

Daniela said...

What a charming blog you have Christine !
Thanks most sincerely for the lovely comment you left on ~ My little old world ~, I appreciate it so, so much and ... I'm following you with much joy !

Hope you had a beautiful weekend I'm wishing you most wonderful days to come

Daniela

Chloe Crabtree said...

Wow, cruising with a group of 58! That is amazing, I hope you had a wonderful time! I know what you mean about not second guessing yourself about a purchase when you are travelling, since you don't know if you will ever get back to that shop again! Your tablecloth is stunning! I am glad you didn't pass up that one. The dishes look perfect with your tablecloth and the topiaries are a perfect addition! Thanks for sharing over at the Celebrate Your Story! link party!

Creations By Cindy said...

Christine, I am so in love with this tablescape. I love every single thing about it. Girl...you have outdone yourself! And the cruise sounds like it was so much fun. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Pondside said...

What a pretty table - and made extra special due to its inspiration.
My motto when traveling is 'buy it/do it/eat it because you're probably not going to get back here soon'!!!!!

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

You know I love this pretty tablesscape, Christine! The topiaries and the shades of lavender are the perfect frenchy touch! It sounds like your cruise was wonderful! That's on my bucket list...one of these days! Hugs...Debbie

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Christine, your table is lovely. The topiaries are so pretty. The dishes, flatware and napkins really make the table a show piece. The addition of the bust is fabulous! Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful table at DI&DI.

Bernideen said...

Dear Christine:
I am just "green" with envy over your GREEN table setting. This looks lovely and I am so glad you uncovered the teaset too! Thanks for sharing and linking.

The French Hutch said...

Oh Christine your trip sounds so wonderful to me! You are so right, when you are with a group no time to think about a purchase, just do it. I've been where you are kicking myself at not getting something I know I wanted and then no time to return. I love your tablecloth. I have not seen one like it andI would have grabbed that one too. What a nod to Marseille with your gorgeous scape. I love all your china and stems, just beautiful. I think your home looks very beautiful too, the rug looks perfect!
Hope you have a great summer……..hugs.

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

I am SO happy you shared this fabulous post today at TOHOT!
You know how much I love your style and this table setting is over the top gorgeous!
Hugs,
Jemma

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Christine, beautiful! I love traditional style as well, and I would really love that corner cabinet.

Christine @ Rustic-Refined said...

Stunning table sweet lady! Loving your tribute to your wonderful trip you took. I would have wanted to move there permanently!

Laura said...

Christine- your tablescape is stunning.
Thank you for sharing it at Thoughts of Home.
I would love to see it in person because it is filled with beautiful layers of beautiful things.

Pat said...

Christine,
C`est Magnifique!
Your French bust drew me to your post, dear one!
Absolutely gorgeous!
The purple patterned china and the green stemware are stunning together!
I can see the switch to your more Traditional roots. . .and I'm lovin' it!
The votives tucked inside terra cotta pots and the toparies make this oh, so Frenchy!
Fondly,
Pat

Crystal Green said...

This is such a beautiful table layout.

Thank you for sharing this with us on the #HomeMattersParty. We hope to see you when we open our doors on Friday at 12 AM EST.

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

Thank you so much for coming to link up with my "Let's Talk Vintage!" party! I gave you a feature today! :)

Julie said...

What an absolutely beautiful table setting and a perfect way to remember a fabulous trip! Your home looks lovely :)

Rita C at Panoply said...

Beautifully inspired and executed tablescape, Christine! Seeing you featured this week in blogland has drawn me to you. The love of dishes connects us! Kudos and cheers!
Rita C at Panoply

Maria C said...

Oh, Christine, what a lovely table. You had just the right amount of purple. Your topiaries are perfect, too. And the olive salt and pepper shaker are fabulous! Great table!

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

Wow that is great you got to cruise with 58 friends and family members! What a beautiful table!

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