Thursday, September 9, 2010



Hello Everyone!
I first want to thank everyone who has participated in my french ticking pillow giveaway, I really appreciate it.

Today, I thought I would share a few pictures of my dining room with you.
My mom and brother were here visiting a couple of weeks ago, so I snapped a few pictures of the way I set my table for dinner.


I kept it very simple....
I used french canning jars to hold roses from my garden.




I clipped a few hydrangeas from the garden.
Since it is at the end of the hydrangea blooming season, the flowers do not wilt very easily, so I was able to just add them to the table without needing any water.





I am addicted to this sparkling lemonade.
The brand is called Lorina, and is a product of France.
I buy mine at Safeway.
I love to have them sitting out on the table in these french bottle carriers.
If you do not have access to fresh flowers this is a fun way to add color to your table.


My mom made the table runner for me.
I will be selling runners like these in the shop.
I love using a french red stripe runner in my dining room.



The glasses are from Anthropolgie.
I like to only use these on special occasions....
They help add a little bit of color to the table...


I have a mismatched collection of bistro chairs.
I think having them all be different colors makes the table more interesting...
One of my favorite chairs is the orange one....


All of my plates are mismatched as well.
I have found most of my ironstone plates at local tag sales.


I made blackberry pie for dessert.















I hope you are all having a great week.
I have to apologize for not being able to get back to everyone lately....
I am hoping to catch up on my emails this weekend!
Take Care,
Maria



114 comments:

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Oh, this is so lovely! I can just picture the love and laughter shared here! It is dreamy!!!

natalia said...

Hello Maria... I love every single corner of your home!!! I have two questions though...ever painted a large antique table??? and if so ... How???? I've painted other pieces of furniture before, but the table scares me a bit! Thanks for all the lovely inspiration!!!!

Natalia

FEDERICA said...

Hello sweetie! How are you? I miss you!!! Did you received my emails?

These pictures are soo lovely! You're living room is amazing :)
I love all those vintage chairs!
Your friend,
Federica.
xoxo

Anonymous said...

Hi Maria! I just love when you do a post...I could look at the pictures all day and dream about starting over!
I love how everything is mismatched but comes together so beautifully. Your collection of chairs is fabulous and I would love to be a guest at that table! :)

Looking forward to your shop opening ~
Sarah

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

Your table setting is so pretty. Great mismatched chairs and I like the faint color your drinking glasses bring to your table. The runner your mom made adds a special touch!

Anonymous said...

Hi Maria! You set such a beautiful table! Well I think that everything you do is beautiful! Guess what? i just got a 50 gift card to williams sonoma so It looks like I will be ordering one of those gorgeous pie pans! yippee! :)

Dawn-Hydrangea Home said...

Gorgeous table Maria! Love it all!! I always enjoy looking at your pics of your beautiful home.

Emma Burgess said...

Love it, love it, love it! So beautiful Maria.

Pureshabby said...

Hello Maria, so so so beautifull!
Everything!
The doors......fantastic.
And the decoration on the table.....not overdressed, great!

Kindest
Sabine

paola said...

As usual, every time I see something of your home I can't speak for a while, because my mouth stays open for minutes..
You really have a gift..
Hugs paola

paola said...

..and I also sometimes forget to breathe ;)

Design Love said...

Very beautiful and simple!!!I love your lemonade bottles and your latte maker? I can imagine having a nice meal with great conversation sitting there!

Gorgeous!

Cindy

paige said...

blissful!!!!

ps, i love those chairs, especially the green one

juts beautiful
xo

Heather ~Pretty Petals said...

Your dining room is SO beautiful Maria! Love the beautiful glasses from Anthropologie too... wishing you a lovely weekend. xoxo Heather

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Maria, everytime you post pics of your home I could just stare at them for a while. They are always so gorgeous.

Tricia said...

This is so gorgeous! I love the flowers on the table and your mismatched bistro chairs :)

Unknown said...

Oh Maria, this is just a delightful setting. I always love every photo you post, could look at it all day... and already looked at Tracey's table, gorgeous, too.
One question, we are looking to paint our walls white, what color do you have on yours? I love the softness of the whites in your home.
Blessings,
Becky C
Buckets of Burlap

Love It Naturals said...

Be still my heart!!! Beautiful found treasures, they all live heavenly together!

michelle said...

Your table setting is so beautiful!! I love the sparkling lemonade as well and it looks gorgeous on the table! Your bistro chairs are so charming, love the mismatched colors!

Teuvo Vehkalahti said...

Fine cabinet at the pictures and photos anyway kerovat tilastta a thousand words. I like the blog very much. See you do Teuvo images www.ttvehkalahti.blogspot.com blog and leave your comments there. Thank you for your Teuvo Suomi Finland

flowersandhome said...

Hey Maria,
I just love your style and I love bistro chairs. I had four of them but my husband hated them and took them to the dump a few years ago without my knowing. I'm still heartbroken when I think of it. It comes up from time to time, especially when I see them in magazines and stuff but then they're only chairs and I just have to live with it, don't I?
Hope you had a wonderful time with your family!
Bye,
Marian

{oc cottage} said...

Lovely. Your tablescape is so welcoming!

m ^..^

savvycityfarmer said...

it's a dreamy white, dreamy whites table setting, to be sure

Paula said...

That is just SO beautiful. I ADORE your aesthetic - so inspirational - it makes me want to try so much harder with my own table settings - it's such a fun thing to do. Thank you! xx

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Lovely!
Beautiful, light and breezy feeling!
I love that Lorina lemonade too! :)

Jules said...

Exquisite! I have to tell you one of the saddest sale days I ever had was when I found 40 bistro chairs for at $2.00 each and I had absolutely no way to get them home!
When I see yours the disappointment returns!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh just beautiful!! I so love the chairs and the colors that they are. Your table was just perfect!! I can't wait to see when you open your store I for sure need a table runner and soap and pillows:) Elma
elma2179@yahoo.com

kimberly at mimicharmante said...

I finally realized what it is that I love about your blog Maria! It isn't all the white, or your fabulous collection of things that are so light and bright - it is that it is so "you", so california, so sunshine! I always love visiting and perusing your photos looking for inspiration, but what I realized this morning as that I don't live in such a bright, airy place - I live in the rain capitol of the US. Your light and bright just wouldn't look the same here... Thus, I need to find a style that works for something darker, something cozy, something that works when you are nesting 9 months of the year! :)
I wish you lived closer, as I have a feeling you would be able to help me with it~
Have a marvelous rest of your week,
xx

carrie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
carrie said...

Love everything!! www.221vision.com

Anne Marie said...

Hi Maria....your table looks inviting, but so approachable - so comfy - the chairs really lend a casual yet Frenchy feel to your dining area...and I like that head chair (is that yours? :)

I just saw Tracey's and of course loved it! but forgot to leave her a comment - gotta go back and do that!

Have a great weekend...
xo+blessings,
Anne Marie
p.s. I'm over at Melanie's blog today guest posting....

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

~*~*Absolutely Dreamy~*~* LOVE your decor!~*~* Where do you find your chandeliers? ~*~ :)Rachel

Stephanie@cre8tive said...

I love the way you miss matched everything! It just blends so effortlessly like it was meant to be that way.

Blondie's Journal said...

Every last detail is magical! Where ever do you find the time to bake?!

xoxo
Jane

Sarah Lynne said...

I LOVE everything about these photos!

Little Leslie said...

Every thing, Maria, is beautiful and airy, Maria!
The table runner is the perfect touch. I love those sodas are delish! You have a light and wonderful touch! Have a great and groovy day!
Les

Little Leslie said...

Sorry for the mixed up comment. Something went wrong. Anyway, the sentiments are there.
Les

Fiona's Mosaic said...

I am always amazed at HOW MUCH flowers speak to my heart. I love this table.

I have spent the last two weeks buried in necessary paperwork....I'm heading out NOW to get some flowers!

God bless!

vosgesparis said...

If there is anything I really like it is big tables and lots of people sharing a meal, when we habve family over we always try to eat and sit together at the table (or two put together) Great you had a good time with your mum and sister
warm hug, desiree

Anonymous said...

Just gorgeous! Mix of chairs is great. Love your home!

Jennifer
http://alittleluxe040708.blogspot.com

Terri Smith said...

Simply Beautiful! I can hear the happiness of laughter and good cheer all the way over here in Georgia. :)) Love the hydrangeas..such a lovely shade of pink. I'm in love with your blue cupboard..sensational piece!

Hugs of Georgia Sunshine, Terri
http://dimplesdragonflies.com

Kaatje said...

So beautiful. So Little. Wauw.
Karin

Kaatje said...

So beautiful. So Little. Wauw.
Karin

Kaatje said...

So beautiful. So Little. Wauw.
Karin

Samantha2818 said...

Hi Maria,
your dining room looks absolutely beautiful. Your glasses are gorgeous and I love your table runner - is it a real grain sack or has it just been made to look like one? It's really beautiful.
I'd love to come to dinner - your table looks so inviting and I love blackberry pie!
~Sam

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful casual table setting, Maria! The color combinations are just perfect... I love really subtle pastel shades of color... beautiful!
Hugs ~ Jo :)

Unknown said...

where can I find those french canning jars?!

carolina @ patagonia gifts said...

oh this is SO dreamy! love it all!

1 Funky Woman said...

Gorgeous, I bet your family loves it when you host dinner!

nannykim said...

Love the soft sweet colors!

Gretchen O. said...

So light and bright and airy...the bistro chairs are awesome. I bet it was a wonderful time. --Gretchen O.

Allison said...

Beautiful table setting, Maria! I love your mismatched chairs and splashes of color. The table runner is great and of course your fabulous chandelier hanging above. Very sweet, warm and inviting. I'm ready for a slice of your delicious looking pie! That looks heavenly. Thank you for all of your inspiration.

AT HOME BLOG said...

Hi Maria, the table setting is beautiful... simple but very classy! I love those glasses and I'd like to taste the pie..looks like the "nonna papera" ones!! Nonna paper in Italy is the mother of donald duck, I dont know how do you call her... but if it is possible I'd love to have the recipe!!
Kisses
Etta

Madam Butterfly said...

Oh, so lovely! Thank you for sharing such a serene beauty with us!

Seawashed said...

such a french garden style setting. I'm drawn to the casual feel of it. I'm in love with the look of bistro chairs but don't find them too comfy. Have you had any complaints from guests?

Cindy said...

Maria, Your table setting is really gorgeous, almost etherial. Do you decorate for Fall? And if you do, I am looking forward to seeing how you do it with all of your lovely whites. Hugs, Cindy

Unknown said...

just beautiful maria! love all the flowers!! hope you are well!! susan

Maison Douce said...

Oh, my goodness... So gorgeous in it's simplicity!!!! Thanks for making me feel like I was one of the guests!
Isabel

Annette said...

I love your table setting. The subtle pink colour of the roses and the pink in the bottles look great. It's a beautiful welcoming light space. Thanks for sharing it.

Tracy ~Seeking Refinement~ said...

Maria! Love all the details that all of your years of collecting has to show - those bistro chairs....so-fabulous! It is so happy, welcoming and makes me want to be there SO badly!! xoxo

Martha said...

Everything is just beautiful!!! I love all of the details!! Oh my ~ and blackberries my favorite so I'm sure that pie was soooo yummy too!

Tricia said...

As beautiful as always sweet Maria!
Hugs~
T

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Dear Maria,
Your dining room is lovely....so welcoming, your table is a picture, so pretty, but, my favourite part is your wonderful Gustavian clock. I have coveted them for years, but haven't got one. My next purchase, perhaps !! XXXX

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Oh Maria ~ what a beautiful table you set! Thanks for sharing!! Love the glasses ~ I still have my gift certificate from Anthropolgie I won over at A Beach Cottage burning in my pocket book. Hope to find something wonderful!

Anne Lorys said...

What a stunning tablescape, Maria!

You are a source of endless inspiration for me, sweet friend!

Hugs,
Anne

ChiPPy-SHaBBy said...

Hellooooo Maria... Just LoVe THE FULL ROOM VIEW!*!*! ~ It lends a great feel for the true space proportions... LoVeLy! Jeanine, ChiPPy!-SHaBBy!

Unknown said...

Maria, you do have a stunning home. The flowers you had on your table is so beautiful!

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Maria,
I love it all. I am with you in not ever having enough bistro chairs! Your room is gorgeous, I love the way it spills into the seating area too. So, you know I've asked this a million times... when are you going to show us your large TV? I know, I have now become a nuisance. Have a great evening, missed you in Alameda last weekend, went with my hubby and he had a lot of fun (I think much to his surprise ;)
xo~Tracie

Cottage In The Sun said...

Wow! That is simply gorgeous! I love the peeks into your home!

AntiqueChase said...

Trying to think of a better word for GORGEOUS!

Elyse said...

maria = inspiring

xo
elyse

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Maria, This is a gorgeous table and I love the bistro chairs. It is always great to see photos of your beautiful home.
Hugs, Sherry

Bring Pretty Back said...

Maria, I absolutely love your home.
Have a pretty day!
Kristin

Between You and Me said...

beautiful...light and airy....clean and crisp..always inspired by your home and your heart!

Anonymous said...

That was just so beautiful - I love how you say it is all mismatched and yet it all just works out in the best way possible! Hope you guys enjoyed yourselves at the lovely table you set up - and that pie looks yum!!!
Gina

Vintage Home said...

...wonderful...love the jars!

Deb said...

Your dining room is just beautiful Maria...I love it!

Heidi said...

Hi Maria,
I just recently discovered your lovely blog and am a new follower. Your home is beautiful! I'm so inspired by your photographs - the lighting, the staging, very nicely done!
Please count me in for the drawing, I can imagine one of those cushions on my white slipcovered loveseat. And the store is just a few minutes away from where I live, so how perfect is that? (Thanks for telling me about them BTW - I didn't know they were there!)
Have a great weekend.
xo
Heidi - Heart and Home

Moore Minutes said...

Oh wow, this is PERFECT and so peaceful. I savored every single photo. Your style is amazing.
where did you get your clock? I wish I had one! I couldn't see if you wrote where you got it...thanks!

manon 21 said...

Belle ambiance.
j'aime la table de ferme avec les chaises de jardin.

Bonne journée
Un bonjour de Provence

Manon

Glamour Drops said...

Such a special setting must have made your guests feel very spoilt! What is the species of roses on the table? - they are really beautiful.

Yvonne - Frl. Klein said...

Dear Maria,

wow, your table decoration is so beautiful! Just perfect!
It looks so inviting, there I would also like to sit!

Have a great weekend,

Big Hugs,

Yvonne

Robyn said...

Maria, I am in LOVE with the simple LOVELYNESS of your table. Every single time I go to Anthro, I pick up those glasses and get a little heart attack over them! I want them but I just don't have the room! I'm also coveting your milk glass pedestal, I WANT THAT SUCKER! ;-) I think I could find room for that if I saw it in a store!

Rozmeen said...

O maria I am sooo in love with your beautiful home..

Big hug and kiss,
Rozmeen

My Shabby Streamside Studio said...

Dreamy!

xoxo

Tootles,

Sandy @ My Shabby Streamside Studio
http://myshabbystreamsidestudio.blogspot.com/

Pétales de fée said...

Quelle jolie table ! Simple, raffinée et tendre ! Avec tous ces petits détails en parfaite harmonie ! Magnifique! Toute ta famille a vraiment de la chance de t'avoir, est-ce qu'elle le sait au moins ? Que tu enchantes le quotidien comme une véritable artiste!
Kiss from France!
Ariane

jenna ♥ a little blue said...

beautiful and i love the big grandfather clock!

kait said...

WOW your dining room is gorgeous! i particularly love the fresh flowers in mason jars :)
-kait

Lara said...

Hi Maria!
Your table looks heavenly! I never thought about just putting hydrangeas on a table without water.. that is a great idea! :)) I just adore your blog! The colors are so fresh & calming. Soo gorgeous. Have a nice weekend!
Hugs, Lara

amber said...

absolutely beautiful, maria!

would love to sit and chat over some of that yummy looking pie~ you inspire me, girl.

amber said...

ps~ wanted to ask where you found that giant floor sized chalkboard pictured a few posts ago??

astrid said...

Your chairs are so beautiful and your clock (hope it is the right word) is fantastic. And the table-decoration is so pretty. You have so many good ideas.
Have I great weekend.

Arlene said...

I love those chairs and the mismatchedness (is that a word??) of them! Your place is so gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

Every picture you post, is just so inspiring! I love the style and I definitely take a glance at your blog for my decorating :) I also must say, I LOVE Lorina sparkling lemonade, I buy it at World Market and when we finish off the bottles, I use them as flower vases. Have a fabulous day!

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Lovely...as I come to expect from you!!! All the best,Chrissy

June said...

Marie this table setting is pure perfection!!! It's just so lovely.

NanaDiana said...

Lovely, refreshing and lovely! Diana

Parisienne Farmgirl said...

Genius. Lovely.

-Angela
Parsienne Farmgirl

Heaven's Walk said...

SIGH!!!!!

Still counting those days til your shop opens, girlie!! lol!

Hope that you're having a great time with your family!

xoxo laurie@heavens-walk

Lindsay said...

Maria! Your decor amazes me! Just gorgeous!

Tina said...

Sweet Maria, could it be anymore beautiful...no, I think not! Stunning as always my friend. I love your roses in the mason jars...beautiful! Hope you are well and wish you a wonderful week as always:) Hugs ~ Tina xx

Little Emma English Home said...

Fantastic and classy Maria, as always!! Love everything. I received your package and wrote to you, did you read my mail?? Hope everything is ok!!

Kisses, Z.

Anonymous said...

Dear Maria,

love your photos!!

Greetings from germany,

Claudia

Jeanne Oliver said...

Stunning! I love all your little details and how lovely it all looks. I LOVE your clock. Have you mentioned before whether it is new or vintage? Thanks for giving us another glimpse into your gorgeous home.

Emily said...

I love it all! Absolutely gorgeous. Fabulous clock too! Have you mentioned where you got that beauty?

traci said...

very pretty table maria. i have those same glasses. i love the different color bistro chairs. what a great idea. your home is amazing. i cant wait till spring when i can see more photos of it!!!

Ness Lockyer said...

You are so beautiful and your home is the same. You always show so much thought in your settings which would make any guest feel welcome in your home.
Gorgeous as always my friend.
Ness xx

re:Inspire said...

Such a lovely table setting! I love the pink lemonade theme! Your chairs are so fun! They really add a touch of unexpected and they compliment the table scape! Beautiful!!
Lisa

Jenny said...

stunning~ ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... this was my beauty rush for the day...
especially crushing on the cool juice on bottles in the wire carrier and the glasses from anthro. you are so lucky! you know that!? :) :)

Unknown said...

Your style is more than perfect!!!!!!! wow!!!congrats

Unknown said...

Your dining room, styling an photos are fabulous! Magazine quality and very impressive. I love how you have crated such a light and airy look in this room. The french bottles are a fun touch. Hydrangeas are a favorite of mine, too.

Signe said...

Wow, just wow! That jus looks amazing, so simple but yet chic!

And I agree, that is like the best lemonade ever :)

Have a great sunday!

Jessica said...

Oh my goodness! I think I'm in love! I love how you kept everything so clean and simple! Adore the blue glasses!

Anonymous said...

These are lovely photos, and I, as many others, are inspired by them. Yesterday I followed my about every five year premise: take out everything from my rooms and only put back that which I absolutely love. And I am finally inspired to go white. I have a ways to go, but the result was extraordinary and refreshing. And then I find your blog, again, after quite some time, today, like an affirmation. How lucky. xox ~ Alexandra