This week, I am asking you to use your imagination because I am inviting you to join me for le déjeuner...lunch...in an old French farmhouse in the heart of Provence. We are going to the Lubéron...Peter Mayle country! If you have read A Year in Provence, you already know what to expect!
I have set the table with some of my favorite things! On the menu...tapenade (olive spread) and crusty French bread, lamb with young green beans and roasted potatoes, cheese from Banon, accompanied by a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and followed by a lemon sorbet for dessert! (I told you you would need your imagination!)
In honor of this special luncheon, our CEO Ozzie has agreed to make a rare personal appearance as our hostess!
The star of the tablescape, however, is the tablecloth! It is from Provence and is a cherished gift from a dear friend!
The dinner plates are my everyday dishes from Home Goods that I have shown you before. The plates for the cheese course are actually from Williams Sonoma, purchased several years ago. There are four different plates representing camembert cheeses from different regions.
First, Normandie...
...then Touraine...
next Vienne...
I am using my pewter flatware because it is so chunky and old-fashioned...like something you might find in an old French farmhouse! The napkins came from La Madeleine French Bakery and Café several years ago.
I have used an arrangement of sunflowers in the center (faux, because my staff has a tendency to eat the real thing!) along with a pitcher and some lemons in a bowl from a local potter!
The cheese will be served on this colorful tray!
The French bread will be served from this...a typical provençal bread basket...a recent Goodwill find for $2.00!! There is just nothing to compare with real French bread! Bon appétit!
There you have it! I hope you enjoyed your lunch in the Lubéron!
Thanks for coming by! Please be sure to visit Susan to continue your tour de tablescapes!
Thanks for coming by! Please be sure to visit Susan to continue your tour de tablescapes!
In case you are interested, the house pictured at the beginning of my post is where I was fortunate enough to spend a week in Provence! Click here to read my post! See you next time...à la prochaine!
Oh Debbie, I just love the way you do a tablescape and the wonderful stories that you have to go with it. Your tablecloth is simply stunning and your dishes are gorgeous. I love that dark blue pitcher and bowl, so pretty. Your menu made me so hungry, now I am starving. I also love the tour of the house and your week in Provence. What wonderful memories and you are such a great tour guide. Love it all. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteyou are such a great hostess..I love the blues and yellows together...great job!
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteI wish I was there!!! Everything looks so wonderful...so french!!! I love all your blue and yellow...it is your signature color combo...GORGEOUS!!! Have you used you flatwarw before? I have always wanted a set like this. It is so chunky and country french...ooh la la!!!
The tapenade sounds divine!!! I would love some right now...with a great glass of white wine...pinot grigio? Yummy!!!
Beautiful tablescape!!!
Have a wonderful day!!!
XOXO
Cathy
Really, you are so good at this! That table is fit for the queen.
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteYou just amaze me! My mouth is watering from the food description and the beautiful table all decked out in my favorite colors of blue and yellow! That is one special tablecloth and the plates are so frenchy and fun. I feel like I'm off to Paris. Have a wonderful week, Cindy
Debbie, c'est super, ça - joli, délicieux, charmant, intéressant, et tout simplement parfait!Bravo, mon amie! Linda
ReplyDeleteThe tablecloth is quite beautiful. Everything looks just grand! Very chic, very french country!
ReplyDeleteI love the tablecloth, Debbie. What a beautiful tablescape this week.
ReplyDeleteYou had me from the first pic. The tablecloth, the dishes. Even the cat, Ozzie. So ooh-la-la. Love it. If that tablecloth turns up missing don't look at me! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful day of lunch in France...Loved it all Debbie even the music to match...may you have a great day my friend..Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
ReplyDeleteEverything is so beautiful..you can have me use my imagination anytime!! lol
ReplyDeleteYour post reminded me of a painting by Suzanne Etienne named The Lemon Bowl!
Wow, that tablecloth IS a stunner! Lovely tablescape!
ReplyDeleteLove your plates too! Love the blue and yellow. Stunning!
ReplyDeleteOh, Debbie Darling! This is just wonderful! I love those cute colorful dishes. I have a tablecloth similar to yours that I bought in the French Riviera! You do everything so pretty!
ReplyDeleteNow, it's so good to see the boss! Love that little fuzzy face!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)
What a beautiful table! Love it all - especially the tablecloth and breadbasket! :D Jewel
ReplyDeleteI can so use my imagination, as I would love to be in France right now! You have created the perfect tablescape for your yummy meal!! Debbie, you have such a nice collection of plates.
ReplyDeleteThe plant you asked about on my header is a Mandavilla. I also have a huge white one, but it has not grown any flowers yet this year. Once is does, I will be sure to post it on Outdoor Wednesday.
Happy Thursday, Nicole
Giggle...the cheese plates are too precious! I love it!
ReplyDeleteImaginative composition and color story! Just wonderful!
ReplyDeleteScribbler
Debbie - I am sorry to complain but I think Ozzie licked my cheese. heehee
ReplyDeleteThis is just lovely, and I love how you provided us with our very own French farmhouse to dine in.
The menu sounds divine. Those plates are so fun. I love collection of plates that are the "same" but each is different.
You do know your way around a tablescape!
Hugs my friend, Barb
Hi Debbie! This table is just perfect. The colors and accessories are all so great. Well done!!
ReplyDeleteDebbie - It was just devine! The colors was just delightful! The food was delicious!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Charla
I feel like I've had lunch in France -- what a wonderful table -- love those plates from WS -- saw them and had I seen your post I would have bought them! But, alas, I didn't and now after your table, I wish I had!
ReplyDeleteGreat table!
Deb... I love the beautiful colors of your tablescape! I can just see a group of good friends lingering for hours around the table, drinking wine, eating wonderful french food and telling stories... lots of laughter and lots of wine!
ReplyDeletehave a wonderful Thursday!
Dixie
I just love your sunflower theme. It speaks to me! Just Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLiz
beautiful! I love the tablecloth. And your centerpiece is wonderful. I can always expect to find a exceptional tablescape from you. You are so good at this.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Terrie
Have you heard from Lynne??
I love this table Debbie! Very provencale... You almost made me believe I was dining with you while listening to how wonderful France truly is...
ReplyDeleteThanks!
When I finished looking at your post I just sat for a moment, sighed deeply and wondered at the amazing talent you have for putting together a table. Those French have taste!! Wow. Beautiful! Those colors just reach out and grab you. How cozy and inviting!! I loved it. But..of course anything French grabs me.
ReplyDelete~love and smiles~
Mona
Wow yes the star of that tablescape was the tablecloth and napkins... So gorgeous! The menu sounded pretty darn good... when is lunch?
ReplyDelete~Really Rainey~
Love it, Debbie, it's adorable... from the linens to the plates! Just so bright and cute and fun!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Sheila
It's beautiful Debbie and the tablecloth is gorgeous! Ozzie is such a sweetie to join us too. Hmmm, could you pass the tapenade & french bread please? ☺ Diane
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful table you and Ozzie have set, and the food is delicious! Thanks for taking us to France again.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!! That table makes me happy just looking at it. Mssr. Ozzie has exquisite taste! Merci
ReplyDeleteTres jolie! LOVE your colorful table. :)
ReplyDeleteFabulous, Debbie! I love the table and the wonderful story to go with it!!
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie, this is so pretty and vibrant! I just love all the color! BEAUTIFUL! Kristen
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tablescape Debbie. I just love the tablecloth. You have inspired me to look for more French inspired things. All of your things are just lovely.
ReplyDeleteCa m'a fait grand plaisir de déjeuner avec vous aujourd'hui! Beautiful tablescape!
ReplyDeleteDebbie - it's beautiful, perfect. I love the mix of the vibrant lemon yellows and cobalt blues - and those plates are great! What time should I be there? :) You know I'm going to brimfield this year (May 12,13) and although I don't collect plates - I know there will be TONS there! I might just have to start! :)
ReplyDeletedeb, I love this table, this might be my favorite but I think I have said that before. I love sunflowers and the bowl of lemons is perfect.the cheese plates are just fun and what a neat thing to have for guest. Great Job, you have become quite good at this Tablescape thing, my dear. Hugs Kathysue
ReplyDeleteOh, some of my very favorite colors are used here! I love the vintage feel of those plates. I'm adding you to my blog roll, hon! Your creation is just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
http://cozylittlehouse.blogspot.com
http://viewfromthepines.com
Oh Debbie how vibrant and beautiful is this table. You are an expert tablecaper my friend.
ReplyDeleteLove it!
Ozzie is stunning!
He's my new favorite...no wait Baby Kitty is...no it's Isabella...LOL!
I must tell you all of your stuff are stunning cats for sure! Give them all big kitty hug from me.
Have a great evening.
~Melissa :)
Okay, I am coveting all of your linens. I really could have brought back so much from our trip to Provence last month. I loved every tablecloth and napkin that I saw in Provence.
ReplyDeleteThat tablecloth is to die for! What a beautiful tablescape.
ReplyDeleteSending you much genuine affection my dear friend. Once again you have helped take my mind and spirit back to the lovely carefree days of Provence!
ReplyDeleteJ'adore les livres Mayle! Votre table est belle! Ces planques sone fabuleux!
ReplyDeleteI love this! This is beautiful. I love your plates and the vibrant colors of the tablecloth. Very french and very festive! Have a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I sure enjoyed having lunch with you in Provence. The setting is wonderful and the plates are fabulous. The hostess is the most hospitable. I love your tablecloth and your centerpiece creation. I just posted my meeting with Janie and also Laurie (from a long time ago)on my blog...Christine
ReplyDeleteI love seeing what everyone has to show us each week! I love your pewter flatware & the cheese plates (and I don't even like cheese, but I love the plates). Fabulous table!!!
ReplyDeleteI just love learning about France! Your dishes and setting is lovely as usual. I just simply love the sunflower tablecloth! Think your friend could be mine? lol What a lovely gift! Since I know I will never get to go to France, I love seeing it through your eyes! Thank you so much for sharing your love of France! As a young girl I wanted to learn how to speak French, but they only had Spanish where I went to school. When I home schooled my girls I bought French tapes,for them to learn, but they wanted Spanish, for their is many people in near by towns that speak Spanis. I may have to dig out the French course, something I may can do when I get home from all my surgeries. I trying to make my dining room a French Country. Remember I kept fighting myself from adding blue, well I gone heavy on it. I can't wait to see what you think. Even though I never been to France and do not know a lot about the decor. I am hoping I am done ok with my decor. Soon to be finished, building shelves with hubby help, lots of new dishes, and need to sew my blue toile curtians. Go to Doc Tues. May 5th, hoping to get a little more time off before we start the year long surgeries. I can use all the idea I can get for my French Country look. If you have any I love to hear!
ReplyDeleteI am buying sheep this weekend, promised Hubby no more dishes until, next year, after recovering well unless I find something I need for my collections! lol
ReplyDeleteI buying sheep this weekend, promised hubby no more dishes until after the next 4- 6 surgeries this year. Well unless I find something I need for my collections. I am working hard to get things done and gettng my strength back since I got hurt. Hubby thinks I getting two sheep, I getting 1 ram 3 ewes and 2 lambs, I can't wait! Love visiting you! You are so creative!
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie...the best tablescape you have ever done and your past ones have been fabulous but this is a real prize...I love the plates and the table cover..It's just perfect!
ReplyDeleteOf course I love it! I enjoyed my lunch in the French Farmhouse so much! Those cheese plates and that platter are so unique and so charming. The whole tablescape is so charming! I've always loved that picture of that house, and I always envy you so much when I see it. Your tablescape looks like it would have been perfect inside that wonderful house. (Oh, I love to dream!) Thanks for the little trip. laurie
ReplyDeleteI always love my visits here..your tablecloth is beau and the table is delightful!
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie!
ReplyDeleteI just love this tablescape. The blue & golds look soooo French. Believe it or not I have A Year in Provence sitting right here on my nightstand. Isn't it a wonderful book?
I really like the colorful cheese plates and of course the to~die~for tablecloth!
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!! Can you tell I like your tablescape? :-D
xoxo
Janie
Debbie...I love the vibrant colors in this beautiful french/provence tablescape! You have such beautiful pieces...your everyday china is gorgeous. I love the salad plates, too! Beautiful tablescape...and Ozzie was such a gentleman! :-) Susan
ReplyDeleteMiss Debbie, How did I miss commenting on your blog earlier today? I do not know...but I can't allow Friday to be here in full swing before I tell you how much I love this French inspired tablescape. These colors are my fav, and the colorful dishes and chargers are so lovely! Totally one of my favorite scapes of all time friend! ;) Hugs! ~CC Catherine
ReplyDeleteJe te l'ai donne! (I gave it to you) You won the contest! I need you to email your address so I can send you your loot! Thanks for becoming a follower!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! The colors are amazing. Sally
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I just love this table. That tablecloth is gorgeous, and I love the sunflowers (faux or not!) Ozzie was a wonderful host, didn't catch him rolling the lemons on the floor once! I had dinner at La Madelaine the other night for our manager's meeting and thought of you everytime I looked around and saw something "frenchy"! Hugs, Kat
ReplyDeleteYour tablescape is fabulous.....everything is so perfect and oh so cute.
ReplyDeleteHope your day has been beautiful
I really enjoyed your tablescape! I love all the colors! The tablecloth is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteKatherine
ms Debbie...you bring your coffee mug and we will have a java break together in the Dacha tower!
ReplyDeletehave a lovely weekend, my friend !!
Even though I am late to lunch it was a fresh, for sure, as when the first visit came. Loved the Frenchy tea party and thank Ozzie, we felt quite honor for him to grace our table.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a good time mowing, I did. Now I need to do a little rock, limb, and debris clearing so the mower to go even farther.
Now time to relax.
Thanks for the cheese and bread, I got the wine.
Candy
The header, the music, the kitties, the gorgeous linens, the centerpiece, and china...it's all just too much for my francophil-ish weak heart! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteI love your table. It's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLve your new header photo, Debbie! Don't worry, I do not have a cat. We have stray cats that we feed but they are not always here and I've only seen the skink once.
ReplyDeleteThe French farmhouse is just yummy! I'm sure your luncheon was as well! :-) The setting was so fresh and lovely...
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Spencer
Debbie, It was great meeting you at the Queen today! Thanks for all the blogs to follow! What fun and boy do I have a lot to learn:)
ReplyDeleteDear Debbie,
ReplyDeleteYour table looks lovely! So cheerful. I think I mentioned before I have the same yellow and blue china - and the same napkins in blue also. We are definitely kindred spirits.
What a beautiful tablecloth! And I love the colors. Cute picture of your kitty too!
ReplyDelete