In search of a French Country tablescape…

 

via a dose of pretty

I’ve got the French Countryside on my mind.

Only, there aren’t any breathtaking, European travel plans in my future. Although, I am in the midst of working on an exciting event with a French Country theme, does that count? Because it feels like a satisfying replacement for now. Plus, it’s making me crave lots of crusty bread, fattening soft cheeses and red wine.

via dustjacketattic

Ok. Not true. I’ve loved these foods for a long time ago…

via stylemepretty

But my latest project is responsible for my latest obsessive “eye” I’ve developed, for that certain rustic and romantic look that I’m contemplating. And one thing I’ve been noticing, is that burlap is still very popular out there in the tablescape world.

Three table looks that can be created with burlap

via countryliving.com

The reason why burlap remains such a ‘go-to’ look at weddings and events is because it can be used to create a casual, French look or a simple, country table . Do you like the pretty script on the burlap runner?  

DIY Burlap Projects

I haven’t tried it yet, but burlap is supposed to be fairly easy to stencil. You can see how adorable burlap placemats look with stenciled words by clicking HERE. Or you can see these stenciled burlap bags that were used for clever party invitations by Brooklyn Limestone HERE.

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Look how easily burlap blends into a garden setting. But personally, I happen to like burlap when it’s contrasted with feminine elements.

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For example, I like burlap with lace…doesn’t this paper doily make a pretty place setting?

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And here are some jute napkin rings with a touch of bling…

via hometowngirl

And I like burlap when it’s used as a runner and paired with silver…

source unknown

I even like it when it’s used in unusual ways, like these burlap sashes tied around these chairs. In this photo, a mix of old thrift store candle holders were collected and then sprayed white. How clever. The actual candles have lace and brooches tied around them to make this wedding table a tad more formal.

But, if you’re still not sure about burlap, there are other…

rustic touches you can add to your table to make a statement

Here are twig placemats and mason jars used as vases for a perfect spring brunch table setting.

And toile napkins and glassware in my favorite color blue will add a feeling of European countryside to your table.

And what do you think about placing a rough plank in the middle of a pristine, white tablecloth? I’m especially smitten with this because of the old silver teapots and interesting flower arrangements on top.

And old galvanized buckets look great when they’re filled them with bunches of fresh flowers.

But back to burlap. Let’s face it. Burlap is pretty inexpensive. But it’s also rough and a bit scratchy for some people. So what can you use instead of burlap for a similar look?

My latest French country discovery

I recently stumbled upon this very talented blogger who created this romantic garden table using none other, than painter’s drop cloth from Lowe’s Hardware Store. Isn’t this clever?

Please check out this wonderful tutorial to learn how she used this inexpensive hardware store item to make this ruffled table linen. The blog is The French Country Cottage, and you really should visit it if you’re a lover of anything French Country.

And let me know if you use any of these ideas. You know how I get tingles of nerdy excitement whenever I hear about creative projects that turned out well.

Have a wonderful day friends,

Leslie

 

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