Each country has their own interpretation of how a table should be set. The placement of utensils for example is different in the US, the UK and France. I found this little guide of how utensils should be set properly when you have a fancy diner in France. As you will see its a lot of utensils for one plate setting! Now imagine doing this for 6 to 8 guests!
The circles at the top of the main platter represent glasses. One is for water, one for champagne, one for red wine and one for white wine. There should be 4 different knives and forks (appetizer, fish, main course and dessert). It seems like a grand affair. I love eating in French restaurants and at some of my French friends but the meal usually lasts 3 to 4 hours...
At the moment my kitchen is being renovated. I last heard that my granite counter would only be installed at the end of May. My dining room looks like a bomb fell in it. We have stored everything on the table and floor. Once the counter and backsplash are installed then the whole house gets painted. I'm not sure when I will have access to my own china but in the meantime I have to use my imagination (with the help of internet) to post today. I hope you dont mind that I'm posting various pictures but I wanted to participate so that I could get to meet you in the meantime.
This is the set I have now; its by Mikasa. I liked white many years ago, but I now feel I could use more color on my table:
Also, I have been interested in a blue dishware made in Poland. I have seen it at T.J.Maxx and Homegoods and have been really tempted in buying a few pieces. The design is intricate and not one piece is really identical. Its made by hand, I believe!
I have been collecting this Portmeirion (fruit collection) set for ages and now I hear its discontinued. I added it to my white set for a splash of color:
To end my post I would like to share a painting done by Henri Matisse in 1897 entitled La Désserte. It confirms my opinion that a beautiful table setting is always inspiring.
If you would like to join Tablescape Thursday and see more beautiful tables please click here. It is "hostessed" by the very talented Susan at Between Naps on the Porch.
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Wow your blog is beautiful... It has a special feel to it.. So glad I stopped by for a visit and just had to leave a note. Its more fun that way don't you agree.
ReplyDeleteHugs from Dena in Iowa
What a pretty blog, Marie, and I love white china, too. It's nice because it plays well with colorful companion pieces! I like your fruit pattern as well, and I think the Polish china would go well with your white. The more the merrier, I say! :-)
ReplyDeleteHope your kitchen renovation goes smoothly...
Happy Tablescape Thursday!
XO,
Sheila :-)
Just wanted to let you know, I'm following you, too, and look forward to blogging with you. :-)
ReplyDeleteXO,
Sheila
I love every part, but that Matisse painting is such inspiration!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
lana
Love the Gien dishes. Always a favorite! The Matisse painting is my favorite though. I could look at it for hours. The detail. Glad I discovered you!
ReplyDeleteOh, I feel your pain at all the chaos involved in renovation! But I'm sure your new kitchen will be wonderful and worth all the pain. I admire your taste in china -- love all the patterns you showed today!
ReplyDeleteA treat for the eyes.... beautiful!
ReplyDeletecielo
Oh, do I love that painting!! mmmmm, it is wonderful. I love all kinds of dishes. I do wish I had my old white set which got ruined by a new knife set!!! Ah well. There is something beautiful about white and you can play up the accessories. But I enjoy all kinds--you have picked out some pretties!!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! I especially enjoyed seeing the Matisse painting.
ReplyDeleteThere is some great inspiration in your post this week! Love those dishes designed by Gien.
ReplyDeletePretty~~~
ReplyDeleteHappy Tablescape Thursday!!
Love the outdoor dining! My Fav~~~~
Smiles,
Kay Ellen
Anne-Marie, I came to thank you for your visit and I love it here! What a lovely blog to visit! i will be following and look forward to more
ReplyDeletexoxo Pattie
Very pretty pictures! Good luck with the kitchen renovation project. I recently did mine (still finishing the details). It takes so much longer than you plan, but is worth it in the end! We will all look forward to your tablescapes in the future.
ReplyDeleteHello Ann-Marie, When I was about 8 I looked up tablesettings so that I could be official tablesetter of the family dinners. I started this tablescaping very young!
ReplyDelete~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
Anne Marie, I'm thrilled to find your blog and have added myself as a new follower. Love your choices of dishes. The fruit inspired set is so unusual and beautiful. Good luck with the kitchen remodel and have a fun trip to France in August. I look forward to more visits. ~ Sarah
ReplyDeletejust stopped by from TidyMom and your blog is so pretty! I'm a new follower!!! Stop by and see me if you get a sec :) I used to be a white table-setter too but have recently started collecting items with a bit more colour. Vintage birds have been a favorite but not too common where I am.
ReplyDelete