Can we talk about cheese? Yes, the cheese is better in France.
My inspiration:
It is said that there are 365 types of cheese in France…one for each day of the year!
The photo above was taken at the market in Trouville, Normandy and I must say they take their cheese seriously.
This was in Deauville, Normandy and the displays were so perfectly enticing.
There’s something so special about cheese that has been hand sliced, wrapped in paper and tied with string.
This was the cheese shop that we visited on Rue de Martyrs near our apartment and the proprietress couldn’t have been more helpful or charming. She loaded us up with a variety of creamy goodness including two cow, 1 sheep, and 1 goat cheese. Don’t ask me the names, unfortunately I didn’t write them down. They were each excellent choices that we enjoyed the entire week of our stay.
What impressed me the most with the French is how they have mastered the ART OF SIMPLICITY. They don’t overdo anything. They take pride in everything. You will hear me repeat this in future posts.
With this in mind, I decided to keep my dining table simple this fall season and try to incorporate what I learned from the French. Use simple and rustic utilitarian items and elevate them to something extraordinary. And, in honor of cheese, I decided to do a casual and inviting table.
A deep navy quilted boutis table runner and a French confit filled with the last hydrangeas of the season from my garden set the backdrop.
A smattering of pinecones and white pumpkins keep the palette classic but modern.
I love cheese domes when they are actually used as cheese domes! lol This one sits atop an antique English bread board.
The antique zinc wine labels with original glass inserts are a rare and unique find from Sunday Brocantes Etsy shop.
I used vintage French tart tins for votive holders and dried apricots sprinkled about the table add a touch of typical fall orange color (or Hermes orange if you so desire).
What about a crusty baguette nestled in a long vintage French boulangerie basket?
I love the fall hydrangeas!
There was one bright pink one left on the bush. So wonderfully untraditional in color for fall!
Wooden cheese boards are a must.
I’ve had the pair of large white pumpkins for several years now. That was before they were even popular in style but they still spoke to me then.
Won’t you join me?
A variety of cheeses on hand makes it easy to have an impromptu gathering. Our favorite EVOO is from an Italian olive oil boutique shop in Lexington.
I’ve enjoyed sharing my table with you. Here’s to the simple life.
On another note, Isabelle Thornton (Frenchy) featured me on her blog today for the French Obsession Monday Party. Please give her lovely blog, Le Chateau Des Fleurs a visit! Thanks, Isabelle.
Happy Fall Everyone,
Kim
P.S. I was out shopping for a new Christmas tree this weekend. I have frosted cashmere in mind!!!
Joining these great parties:
French Obsession Monday at Le Chateau Des Fleurs
Newbie Graduates Party at Debbie Doo's Blogging & Blabbing
Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
Cowgirl Up! at Cedar Hill Ranch
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm
Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
14 comments:
This is delightful. Love the yellow pottery center piece. Who can deny bread, cheese, and wine is simply divine? xo, olive
MMMMMMMMM fresh crusty baguette, variety of cheese, a glass of wine - add some fruit and that is a meal made in heaven for me - fills one up w/o the heaviness.
YUM. Now you have me really hungry!
And you are right about France and cheese. It is the unpasteurized milk and cream that makes it like it is supposed to be: excellent.
Bringing the inspiration from Normandy home and presenting it all so gorgeously as always! Yes--the cheese does leave a lasting impression (as does the Calvados, but I believe that is another story!)
THRILLED to see the zinc tags in use! They really are so special and I am so glad they found a home with you!
When are you coming back? I think that waiter in Honfleur has been missing you! ; )
Bisous, Cat
Kim, what a great setting! You have created a beautiful, French dining experience! Can't wait to see all that you have to share.
Kim what a beautiful tabletop vignette!! Wine and cheese, two of my favorite things!
Kim, Your table is so inspirational. Hydrangeas are gorgeous, and I love your cheese boards incorporated into your Fall arrangement. Beautiful!
Mary Alice
Beautiful presentation and setting. Love the pictures from your stay in France. Cheese, wine, France. It does not get better than that.
Kim...the table is so elegant...I cannot imagine being at those wonderful cheese shops of France...such a great culinary experience...I love, love those zinc wine labels!
What a beautiful Fall table.
I host a weekly linky party - Seasonal Sundays - and would love to have you link next Sunday.
- The Tablescaper
Gorgeous. I love your vignette and the olive jars are beautiful with the flowers. Great idea to showcase the cheese. Perfect. Thanks tons for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
Hi Kim!
Can you say "TORTURE"!!!!! Please pass me some cheese and a glass of wine! It's true the French just have a way with making everything look so simple elegant and delicious. I think you've captured that French feeling with your lovely table. *winks* Vanna
You have set a beautiful table for Fall! Love all the french touches you added too. I love cheese!
Beautiful setting. Your house is amazing. I just took the tour. So many beautiful details. It was a pleasure to visit. Showcasing cheese is a lovely thing to do. Isn't France lovely? They are so into their cheeses. We went on a week long barge trip in France in 2000. It was one of our favorites
places to visit. I am your newest follower. Thanks for sharing.
Your table is beautiful! You did a wonderful job of making it look like it was just casually thrown together and everything just magically worked -- I know you staged it, but it doesn't look staged. Now that's perfection.
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