Buffet A La Francais

A bit of the inspiration for my tables comes from a somewhat surprising, but logical, source.

  Surprising, because my family and close friends already know that I no longer cook very often. And logical, because the inspiration for a great looking table often comes from a cookbook! Like a lot of you, I love to read cookbooks! And the more beautiful the better! Two of my favorites are the William Sonoma country cookbook series, and the beautifully illustrated Crabtree and Evelyn cookbook. Today, as so many days, I'm inclined to the French way of doing things. The art of SIMPLE taken to elegant extremes. In France, a loaf of bread and jug of wine almost constitutes a meal all by itself. Add fruit and cheese, and you're all the way there! My simple buffet service is gathered into an antique wire dish rack. I'm crazy about these rusty old things and never stop trying to find ways to use them. They're handy in all sorts of configurations, but now they hold my Johnson Bros Staffordshire Bouquet English transferware dinner plates, napkins (Pottery Barn), and vintage flatware all in the same place, and can be carried this way to the table! I'm also crazy about these large old canning jars with the glass stoppers and brown metal rings. I'm using them decoratively here, but they could just as easily serve a stew, soup, salad, or drinks. Numberless varieties of seeds and beans have such interest shown off in jars, and pictures, menus, place cards, and limitless other items can be put inside to add charm to a table. Fall can support the weight of all the brown transferware a table can hold! And there seems to be no better use for silver than a casual table this time of year. Brown seems like the natural segue from white ironstone table schemes, to fall's deeper tones. My bird picture comes from last year's day planner. The French cotton checked table cover is a 5.00 thrift store find. The bread loaf is nestled in an antique homespun towel.

Bon Appetit! Thanks so much for stopping by! Ciao! for now! Jacqueline

I'm linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday, and Centerpiece Wednesday at The Style Sisters,

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Uncommon Ground,

and Vignette Fridays at Color Outside the Lines, My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday,

COME PARTY!!