la Brocanteuse

Jul 12, 2013

Setting the table for Top Billing

The brief from TOP BILLING  was: set two tables , using the same  elements for both with what is already available in your home.
One table had  to  be more formal, and the other less so, inspiring viewers  to work with what they have in their cupboards.  No big expenses on flowers and decorations, but rather pickings from the garden and there had to  be a DIY element incorporated, since July is National savings month.





So when Henrique Wilding Photography invited me to be involved in this challenge, I jumped at the opportunity  and we had 3 days to come up with ideas and setting it up.

A 5m table( just over 16 feet)  is part of our kitchen where we have spent many gatherings with family and friends at many occasions.. It was a easy decision to add more memories to " The Table"



-together we discussed, stacked, added, took away and discussed more...



  
The chairs upholstered in old German grain bags with black script was the starting point.
Pickings from the garden was olive branches





The choice for the first table  was old French Chanvre linens as table covering. a Collection of old French  pewter plates collected from markets and Brocantes,   were used as under plates , combined with  white dinner plates.




Old French monogrammed linen serviettes dyed in grey tones were perfect for this table setting. 
My first choice will always be original white linen as found.  As larger sets of serviettes  become more difficult to find, odd serviettes and those that has yellowed over years, is perfect for this way of adding a fun and cohesive element. Dyed in the same colour, they become a set.





two large candelabras with black candles added a "wow" factor











Little sprigs of olive branches from the garden were set at each place setting to  pick up on the dark moody colours of the pewter, grey toned serviettes and  black candles - 







 Gorgeous TOP BILLING presenter: Jeannie D











 Mismatched cutlery ,  collected on travels and loved because of their ornate monograms and decorations added to the style for both tables. Set out traditionally  at each setting for the more formal, and just piled in a pewter dish for the other.






The 2nd table or Harvest table as we called it, was a informal table meant to be for those gatherings where people can help themselves as they want.. 
The menu is written on a old black school board. 

ps- the bump on my back is the hidden microphone -transmitter contraption..



Old grain bags were opened up to use as table runners over the width of the table. Each one different but all with red stripes  in common, picking up on the old French white with red stripe dish towels used instead of formal serviettes. 







 Some of the  black candles were changed out for dark berry red ones.



The same mix of fluted style bazaar glasses and goblets were used for both settings.







As no French meal is ever served  without bread, it was an essential for both tables.
for the Harvest table we "broke" them for one of the takes..









a simple bunch of olive branches tied together with black and red ribbon.




even DD and Yentl got attention between takes  on a  day that was quite nerve racking!







many takes on a loooong day...and it was in the bag!
after the film crew left, we could relax with a 
apéritif in front of the last logs of the fire..
it is winter after all!

Colette XO


TOP BILLING is a lifestyle TV programme on SABC 3
         this programme was aired on 11 July 2013


ps. If you would like to receive snippets of what La Brocanteuse is up to, or just some beautiful image I like to share..please visit my Face book page icon at the top of this blog, and "like"- which will then automatically keep you posted..you will also find my pinterest icon on the page to browse through..hope you will be inspired!
Thank you




LaBrocanteuse FB page:    http://www.facebook.com/LaBrocanteuse



17 comments:

Burlap Luxe said...

Every inch of your shoot was magnifique!
So wish I were one of the guest involved in your shoot so I could share in all the excitement.

Col there are no words to describe the beauty here.
Dd looks to be growing up and what a beauty.

Xx
Bisous

Doré

The Blue Farmhouse said...

Watch out Hollywood here's comes Colette! Yeah!!! How exciting and beautiful. And if that's DD oh my how pretty is she:)

Love...Rita

Mimi @A House Romance said...

Hello Colette!

I cannot tell you how beautiful this post was! I am astounded at the table settings and LOVE LOVE LOVE everything about them. You are so very talented and creative. Bravo!

xo
Mimi

Sharon Lee Johnson said...

This is so inspiring! It makes me want to invite a whole of friends around just so I can try and recreate these beautiful tablescapes? I wonder if they will expect food as well? xx Sharon

noreen said...

Colette, once again congratulations on such a splendid feature. Your tables convey your generosity of spirit!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

OH LÀ LÀ, Colete! Bonjour ma belle! What a fabulous art you have going on here! I have "met" you before, but somewhere along the way, I lost you....but I must follow you for not only are you lovely and kind, but your world is STUNNING! What can I say about this fantastic table and French style....it is what I love. Everything from the black candles, the pewter, the grain sack upholstery and the bread...it is all so lovingly put together. Thank you for coming to visit and I shall be back! Anita

sharon santoni at my french country home said...

What fun this must have been Colette. I love 'styling to order', and putting your table together to fit in with those 'rules' was a great theme!
Congratulations on being chosen - thoroughly deserved

xx

Julie said...

Bonjour Colette

Congratulations!!!
Great posting.
You are truly amazing.
Great inspiration.

Julie x

Anonymous said...

Magnifique!
This shoot is incredible.
Congratulations, I love everything.
AMAZING ...
Bisou, Babi

Woodside Park said...

Hello, Colette ~
Many congratulations on this fabulous shoot! From the pewter pieces to the grain sack to the olive branches, I LOVE it all!!! Incredibly beautiful.
Cheers,
Loi

Nella Miller said...

Oh Colette, this takes my breath away...so, so beautiful and professional...every bit if it! DD is adorable, as always...good to SEE you again....N.xo

Anonymous said...

My dear friend...yet again , I am blown away by your incredible talent and styling ability! What a gorgeous shoot..is there anywhere I can see the result online?
Your table is quite exquisite, made even more so by the setting.
Congratulations...you seriously need to write a book!!!
Jules

Miri van Straaten said...

I am so impressed. What stunning photos en the whole setting beautiful and so classy. Well done. So professional and I am just at a loss of words

Splenderosa said...

Darling, you've disappeared! We miss you.

Mamilou said...

Bravo pour votre joli blog !!!
Chantal ou Mamilou de Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

Shel said...

Stunning! How did I miss this.
You are so talented.
Shel x

Elegant Ground Homeware said...

I love antique or even antique looking dinnerware! These are such gorgeous finds :D Just got a new apartment and I'm excited about decorating but I don't know where to start. Please do an inspiration board for 1000 thread count flat sheet or bedroom style inspiration, thanks!