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.
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.
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
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