I love the flavors, colors and textures of Provence, so my turn to host our gourmet group provides a perfect opportunity to put them in play. All are understated, always appealing in their simplicity.
What better place to start Provencal style than with jacquard linens so typical of the region?
Filled with candles and flowers, my trusty candle mold adds textural interest much like what you might see in a Provence setting.
The cloth is smaller than the table, but no matter. It is laid on the diagonal and the long sides folded a couple of times to keep them from hanging so low. Manipulating fabric is something I can’t help doing!
Serving as a charger are these plates by 222 Fifth. The pattern is Tuscany Rose which doesn’t sound very Provencal, but the colors are right for the linens and flowers.
The napkin, folded as a triangle, sits atop the plate
to become the background for a white salad plate.
The shooter is for a taste of roasted red pepper/tomato soup that will be our starter. The knives for this occasion just happen to be French, Laguiole, probably known to many of you.
I can’t resist using these textured pink tinted stems for water. They are special favorites that once belonged to a very good friend’s grandmother. I think of my friend with affection and gratitude every time these glasses are put to use.
As I look at the table, I notice how the colors are an unintentional complement to the painting in the dining room. While that certainly wasn’t a consideration, I like it when those kind of happy accidents occur.
The menu is one featuring the simple flavors of Provence, and later this week I will share the recipe for the main course, Short Ribs Provencal. I think it does the young man from whom I learned some of the tricks of Provencal cooking proud.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
Joining
Lulu's Musings 
Lovely & really like the plates!
Very beautiful! I love the pink stemware and the soup sounds delicious! Beautiful linens too. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
The table looks BEAUTIFUL! Perfect setting for a Provencal meal!
Kenley
love the mix of warm and bright colors. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop . Big Hugs
Love the colors, love the painting, love the centerpiece, love the knives, and love the idea of a roasted red pepper tomato shooter! You are a master of the eclectic mix! Sounds like a wonderful time!
Very pretty and colorful with the red tablecloth.
I enjoy your dinner parties. Your tablescapes are always creative and usually there is sentiment attached to many of your items. That makes it special in my book.
Looking forward to seeing your food.
What a beautiful setting! I am sure that everyone loved it and enjoyed themselves! Have a great weekend!
~Trisha
warm and beautiful colors. lovely setting.
Very pretty and colorful. I love all the textures….Christine
So inviting!
How pretty….thanks for sharing this on the blog hop!
Oh I love your linens and your dishes, so beautiful and such a pretty tablescape. Thanks so much for the visit and thanks for liking my FB page. I am returning the favor with a like of yours. Thanks. Hugs, Marty
Suzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home
Hi Lulu!
The photos you featured are beautiful. I, too, love Provencal style.
And thank you for liking me on Facebook. Unfortunately, because Simply Suzannes at Home Facebook is a business page, I’m unable to “like” back. I don’t have a personal Facebook page either. Sorry.
I appreciate your visits and comments!
Have a beautiful week,
Suzanne
Unintended but perfect! That almost never happens to me, so I’m thrilled when I see someone else hitting the mark!
You picked the perfect plates with that pretty floral border, and the plus of it is that the center is white which really shows off the food! I love the mix of colors all over the table. The eye never goes unentertained!
I’ve never been to Provence, and most likely never will travel there. (Scaredy cat when it comes to flying.) I’m so glad to be able to live vicariously through the braver of you who actually get out there!
If one cannot be in Provence, it seems dining at your table may be the next best thing!
Delightfully beautiful!!
Oh, the colors are just so warm and wonderful. What a fabulous centerpiece that can be transformed over and over. I bet they were charmed by this beautiful table!
Beautiful arrangement, love the color scheme.
it looks like a lovely spot to gather together for a luncheon.
You have such a wonderful creative flair for arranging a beautiful tablescape and I’m sure the food will be equally as lovely. Your guests are very lucky. 🙂