Très Chic Dining

Make your dining table feel worthy of a Michelin star!

“The French spend a lot of time at the table – it is the center of all major events, as well as every day conviviality. Either way, your table has to be dressed just right for the occasion!“

So say Française Shop sisters Julie & Lucie Herrmann. The Gallic gals have brought such authentic French elegance to Coronado, you feel chic simply from stepping into their store!

Here they share 3 tips for setting a table a la Française:

1) If you choose a patterned tablecloth, don’t forget to match the napkins with the same fabric, and always set with simple, undecorated tableware.

2) Wine has a long history in France and an important place at the table, so to each wine, its glass! Always place your glasses diagonally, from the middle of the plate down to the cutlery on the right. Start with the largest glass (which will hold the water if you don’t have a tumbler), followed by a smaller one for the red wine, and finish with the smallest stemmed glass for the white wine.

3) Decorate the center of your table to match the theme of the event. Be careful not to impede conversation between guests… Safe bet? Flowers, scattered in several small vases or create a table runner with placemats, candleholders and candles. Always vary the height of candles and flowers.

Above all, be original and have fun!

Française filles Anais & Ana Sofia chink Lyonnaise glassware over striking Playing Cards table linens, set with Yli craftsman dinnerware.

As well as dressing your table, Française offers chic jewelry to accessorize your dining outfit. Anais models St Tropez gold coin pieces while Ana Sofia showcases ceramic and silver J’Adore earrings.

Anais’ embroidered peasant blouse is available at Pretty Please Boutique.

Thevenet & Fils Macon-Pierreclos Rouge 2022 can be enjoyed at Little Frenchie.

Française‘ Horsehair Table Brush & Pan is perfect for sweeping away crumbs between courses. This Enamel Tray Duo with gold trim can be for service or decoration.

This striking Salam Tea Pot has a felt-lined stainless steal dome fitting snugly over the ceramic pot to keep tea at an optimum temperature for up to 2.5 hours. There is also a removable filter to prevent brewing tea for too long. The Fleur De Sel Finishing Salt is available in gorgeous matte black or white pots.

WORLD FARE

If this French lesson has given you an appetite for travel, consider these global offerings from Fair Trade Decor: Ceramic Zebra Mug (South Africa), Olive Wood & Bone Salad Serving Set, Dip Knives and Bottle Opener (Kenya).