Rustic style takes center stage with this table
After the weariness brought on by the long winter evenings coupled with the curfew, we are finally beginning, at the end of February, to catch glimpses of small signs of a milder season full of hope. After all, the warm, sunny days ahead help us forget the current situation a bit and give us that necessary boost to look toward the future. A welcome burst of energy to help us break free from this forced hibernation and give us the chance to enjoy the approaching spring, savoring every moment. But there’s still a little time left, and I felt inspired to set a French rustic table for an intimate family lunch. A way to say goodbye to winter and, in a sense, get back on track.
I spent less time in the countryside than usual, partly because it was quite cold this winter and I preferred staying in Paris, but also because I made progress on the renovations in my apartment. Might as well get it done now while it’s grey and chilly rather than in the spring, when I’d rather be out in the garden or exploring charming old villages. I also took some time to just relax at home.
I’ve slowed down since Christmas, as inspiration has often been lacking at the start of the year. But I already have some ideas for setting up beautiful spring and summer tables, hoping to be able to host family and friends again soon.
At the beginning of the year, there’s often a lack of options when it comes to natural décor. Since most of my bouquets and natural elements come from the garden or the forest, the selection is quite limited, even though we plant more hellebores each year to enjoy these winter flowers. For my previous winter tables, I chose a specific theme: pairing mimosa with folk-style tableware, highlighting poetic dishes inspired by the fables of Jean de La Fontaine… and I’m continuing this year with a French rustic style, which suits the countryside perfectly.
To bring a touch of poetry
Since we didn’t have time for a family gathering at the start of the year, I opted for an intimate lunch, and to stay within the theme of winter, I chose muted colors and natural elements like oak branches, birch logs, moss, and pine cones to decorate the table. This decor remains a bit austere, and that’s the desired effect as it evokes the forest in this season. A raw, rustic feel, softened by the gentle lines of the tableware and the floral touch of the tablecloth, hints at brighter days ahead. And because the season is not exactly conducive to flowers, I don’t hesitate to incorporate them through other means: the patterned tablecloth, serving dishes with subtle floral motifs…
In a month, spring will have arrived, and I wanted to add a touch of sparkle with a few vibrant elements that stand out from the rest and awaken the slightly muted feel of this setting. Candles in pop colors have been placed randomly, and blue napkins also add character to the overall look.
A nearly living tableau that tells the story of a changing season: we celebrate the end of winter while gently moving toward a brighter and more welcoming season.
I’ll soon be sharing tips with you on how to set up more cheerful tables with garden flowers: hellebores, as well as daffodils and narcissus that are about to bloom!
