French Farmhouse Style Buffet

Johnson Bros. Staffordshire Bouquet dinner plates set the spring tone of this table with the hint of pastel in the brown transferware design. 

We are having an intimate family style one dish supper tonight.

The antique gathering basket full of last season's lavender made me decide to do a farmhouse theme. But my mind never wanders awfully far away from wanting to actually sit down to dinner in a French farmhouse.

Strewn candles always help with the transition from field to table. Whether your "field" has been five o'clock traffic or just the back yard.

A stack of family linen napkins and a quilted tablecover say tres francais.

My dried bouquets seem to work better than fresh to accompany my lavender for a centerpiece.

A hearty stew (Irish?) with veggies and crusty bread is easy to serve after a hard working day, and seems like fancier fare when served in a pretty tureen.

The promise of a simple dessert waiting at the end of the meal is made with the service already set up in a wire basket. But this arrangement would also work for a salad.

Crystal is Williams-Sonoma. It doesn't need a stand, but elevating it makes for a more interesting table, and actually gives you more surface room if you need it.

The family monogram of the Master of the house.

The family monogram of the Mistress.

Attack!

(Said with a french accent, and meaning "lets eat!")

Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline

I'm joining

 Between Naps on the Porch

 The French Cupboard

French Country Cottage