A Provence inspired tablescape is really about one thing: the feeling that the table was set slowly, with pieces collected over time, not bought all at once. That is what I was going for here.
Vintage blue and white floral plates found on Replacements Ltd, a damask tablecloth from Joanna Buchanan, florals cut straight from my own garden, fringe napkins with a monogram that felt European, and seed packets wrapped in velvet ribbon as place gifts for each guest.
No piece on this table was meant to match perfectly and that is exactly the point. Europeans have always known that a beautiful table is about ease and conversation, not perfection.
What Makes a Provence Inspired Tablescape Feel Authentic?
A Provence-inspired tablescape is a great way to highlight the beauty of French culture in your table setting. Imagine the aroma of fields of lavender, green rolling hills, the bright sunshine shining on a beautiful table set with collected tableware and accented with lemons and flowers from the garden.
I used a combination of new and old vintage tableware, created floral arrangements with florals from my own garden, and used this beautiful damask patterned tablecloth from Joanna Buchanan as a beautiful base. Sitting at this table helped me feel like I traveled back to Europe. Does it transport you there too?
This theme offers an approachable table that is classic, elegant, yet beautifully imperfect. I have centered the table around dainty florals, blue and white, and woven materials which I believe truly capture the essence of the Provence.
The blue and white color scheme is classic and also lends itself to versatility. The was set by using the blue and white tablecloth and the mismatched vintage blue and white floral plates and the goblets. I
t’s all about creating a look that seems collected. The addition of texture with the placemats, bread basket, and even the salt and pepper shakers gave the table an added sense of casualness.
Even the fringe on the napkins, allowed the almost regal monogram to shine but added to their approachability.
This table was set for summer entertainment but a change of florals to orange, gold, and deep green can easily transition it to Fall.
How to Create a Collected Look for a French Table Setting
When it comes to French-inspired table settings, as I already mentioned above, it is all about simple elegance. So much of that elegance comes from creating a table set with pieces that are collected. You can create that look too!
Note how I purposely did not match the pots with the flower arrangements, I used a combination of mini gray posts with white pots with a grey European design. The goblets were a mix of vintage dessert glasses and new turquoise-colored goblets.
I purposely even wrapped the bread with a striped napkin that complimented the tablecloth and did not match the monogram napkins used on each place setting.
The flatware is new and from the French company Laguoile, its beautiful lines and ivory handle compliment the place setting so well.
Mixing things is always a way to make a table more beautiful and interesting no matter the theme.
How to Choose a Tablecloth for a French Country Table Setting
Do I have a treat for you today! Did you notice that gorgeous tablecloth on the table? It is from the tableware accessories brand Joanna Buchanan and I think it really brings out the Provence-inspired theme we have here today!
What do you think about the pattern? I fell in love with the quality and the weight of the material, the damask pattern, and the brilliant color of the blue. Tap here for the tablecloth and it can also be found below.
If you love blue and white tables, this chinoiserie tablescape is another look worth saving.
What Tableware Works Best for a Provence Inspired Tablescape?
I typically set a table using a dinner plate and salad plate at each setting. I purposely chose just to use a vintage floral dinner plate as the focal point of each place setting, to emphasize easy entertaining and to add to the collected look. The delicate floral design really stands out even when surrounded by lavender and pale green florals.
I found the dinner plate on Replacements Ltd. The pattern is Elizabeth Blue (White Background) by Johnson Brothers. The bread plates were also vintage and found in an online vintage sale.
Replacements, Ltd. doesn’t have this pattern in stock at the time this blog was published, but you can sign up to get notifications when they become available, click the link to sign up for this plate here. There is a yellow tab right under the photo of the plate labeled “Find Me”, enter your info there and you will be notified.
I have added to my collection easily by just doing that. I’ve also given you some other equally beautiful options, I’ve linked similar plates below so you can create a similar look.
Shop Tableware
- Option Dinner Plate #1
- Option Dinner Plate #2
- Option Dinner Plate #3
- Option Dinner Plate #4
- Option Bread and Butter Plate #5
How to Add a Personal Touch to a French Themed Table Setting
Adding monogrammed linens to the table is such a lovely way to add a personal touch and adds to the look of the table. I loved these inexpensive napkins, for their soft hand and their fringe. I ordered this monogram specifically because I thought it had a European feel.
The monogram took the napkins to the next level and added so much to the beauty of the table. Finding a little something to give your guests as a memento of the time you shared is a great way to not only make them feel special but add the “special” to your table.
Since this was a garden-themed table, I decided to gift seed packets for herbs like Rosemary, sage, and basil to each guest. I “wrapped” each seed packet by adding a bit of light blue velvet ribbon and a name tag with their name written in calligraphy.
Note: To inquire about ordering the monogram on the napkin please email info@ivoryandnoire.com
Shop French Inspired Tablescape Extras
- Flatware
- Fringe Napkins
- Basket-woven Placemats
- Champagne Flutes
- Midcentury Dessert Wine Glasses
- Tablecloth
- Votive Holders with Gold Rim
- Salt and Pepper Shakers
- Bella Bianca Beaded 6.25″ Bread and Butter Plate
- Woven Bread Basket
- Rattan Tray
What Flowers Should You Use for a Provence Inspired Tablescape?
Lastly, setting a floral centerpiece for a Provence-Inspired table is all about easy, fresh from the garden florals. This easy look could have been reproduced by using one of the two of the floral elements seen below and repeating them down the table.
I wanted to show you a few different ways to create this easy look so that you can have some choices. I will list the elements of each floral arrangement starting from left to right.
These arrangements are a combination of clippings from my own garden and flowers bought from my local flower source.
- Arrangement on the far left elements: Lilac Lisianthus (focal flower), Purple Aster (smaller scale flower), Limonium (the element that makes up most of the arrangement) the white vase is actually an ice bucket.
- Small arrangement in mini gray pot with purple flowers: I created the look of a potted plant by using cuttings from a plant in my garden called Angelonia. I bought this at my local garden center.
- “Mini potted roses”: I wanted roses on this table but I could not find them potted in the right scale for a centerpiece. I improvised by adding leaf clippings from my knock-out roses plant and spray roses to create this potted plant look.
- Lastly, the tall arrangement in the back was created by using a bunch of Queen Ann Lace.
If you want step by step instructions for making your own centerpiece, here is a guide to creating an easy rose centerpiece with fresh flowers.
French Inspired Cocktails
Don’t forget the cocktails! I have a wonderful Lavender French 75 Cocktail which I believe would go so well with this theme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Provence inspired tablescape?
A Provence inspired tablescape is a French country style table setting that draws from the relaxed, collected aesthetic of the south of France. It typically features blue and white china, linen tablecloths, garden flowers, woven textures, and a mix of vintage and new pieces. The goal is a table that looks beautiful without looking perfectly matched.
What colors are used in a Provence inspired table setting?
Blue and white are the foundation. Soft lavender, sage green, and warm cream work really well alongside them. You want colors that feel faded and sun-washed rather than bright and saturated. Think of the colors you would see in a French lavender field or a Provence market.
What flowers work best for a Provence inspired tablescape?
Lisianthus, lavender, Queen Anne’s lace, garden roses, and spray roses are all perfect. The key is keeping arrangements small and imperfect, as if you gathered them from a garden that morning. Mixing different vessels at different heights adds to the collected feel.
How do you make a table setting look French?
Use mismatched vintage plates that share a color palette, add fringe or linen napkins, skip the formal centerpiece in favor of several small arrangements, and layer woven textures through placemats and bread baskets. A beautiful tablecloth does most of the heavy lifting. Small personal details like seed packets or handwritten place cards finish the look.
Can a Provence tablescape work indoors?
Yes. Swap out garden florals for something from a local market, use candlelight instead of natural sunlight, and keep the blue and white palette. The tablecloth and plate selection will do the work of setting the mood even without an outdoor setting.
I hope this inspires you to create your own Provence-inspired tablescape, we would love to see what you create. Please make sure to tag us at @ivoryandnoire #inspiredbyivoryandnoire.
