flowers and dinner with friends

by Sharon Santoni

AUTUMN BOUQUET ON THE DINING TABLE

While many of you in the States  are preparing for your thanksiving celebration, here in Normandy we are gathering around the evening fire and sharing meals with friends in our own way.

AUTUMN BOUQUET ON THE DINING TABLE

Yesterday evening, while my pumpkin soup was cooking I lit the fire and started to lay the table then got sidetracked by some flowers.

I had bought these white anemones in the morning, but they were needing a little company.  A quick scoot around the freeeezing cold garden just before it got dark, and I had myself the makings of a little bouquet.

AUTUMN BOUQUET ON THE DINING TABLE

In no time at all the soup was made, the table laid and our friends arrived for an early supper.

AUTUMN BOUQUET ON THE DINING TABLE

Dinner with friends,  the small quiet pleasures of country living.

AUTUMN BOUQUET ON THE DINING TABLE

Enregistrer

28 comments

Karena November 24, 2015 - 5:18 pm

Sharon, the flowers are glorious and pumpkin soup with friends, what could be better!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
The Blink of an Eye

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Ron November 24, 2015 - 6:35 pm

Such beautiful flowers Sharon!

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eleanor miller November 24, 2015 - 5:23 pm

hi again,
I’ve managed to order your book so ignore my last email.
Sorry!!
Eleanor.

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JeanFB November 24, 2015 - 5:30 pm

What a beautiful arrangement! Your table looks lovely – hope you had a wonderful time.

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Therese Mills November 24, 2015 - 5:34 pm

The flowers and the setting are lovely…I am finding I am being drawn to whites more & more. Blessings!

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Colleen Taylor November 24, 2015 - 5:36 pm

So lovely & warm, wish I could be your table guest! X

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Adele November 24, 2015 - 5:37 pm

Everything looks lovely. I’m sure the soup was delicious!

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Nancy November 24, 2015 - 5:43 pm

Oh it looks lovely!
Thanksgiving is just a bigger version of a gathering…with too much food….
Love your candlesticks and flowers!
Nancy
wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

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Charmaine November 24, 2015 - 5:54 pm

Love flower arranging. Seldom enjoyed here anymore. I collected seeds from that purple bush when I visited Normandie two years ago. I think it is an Elderberry called Nigra ( colour, black). Very useful for filler. We don’t find it here.
Lovely post, thanks

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Our French Oasis November 24, 2015 - 6:23 pm

Totally in agreement, nothing beats supper with friends, although your flower arrangements put my simple vases of flowers to shame, they are quite beautiful. x

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Jess November 24, 2015 - 6:44 pm

Sharon, I think that flower arrangement is one of the most striking ones that I have seen on your blog. Well done!

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Sally November 24, 2015 - 7:02 pm

A lovely table, food and friends; what more does one need.

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Trisha November 24, 2015 - 7:34 pm

You have the best floral arrangements. I just wanted to let you know that one of your previous al fresco centerpieces with the dalias (and video) inspired my early Thanksgiving centerpiece. I really enjoy your blog and look forward to seeing them in my inbox. Thank you!

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Susan Athanasakou November 24, 2015 - 7:34 pm

What lovely flowers, everything looks wonderful, being English and living in Greece, I’m not too familiar with Thanksgiving traditions, I must have a chat about it with Mr. Google.
Susan.x

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franki November 24, 2015 - 7:54 pm

Just so charming!!! franki

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Iris November 24, 2015 - 7:54 pm

Lovely arrangement! And how wonderful to be able to enjoy the last bit of our garden before winter arrives. It is wonderful to enjoy a good meal with friends especially in a country setting where time is on our side.

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PEGGY BRASWELL November 24, 2015 - 8:46 pm

nothing like having good friends over + love the white flowers xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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Agnes Irene November 24, 2015 - 9:55 pm

Good friends, delicious food, flowers from the garden – sounds like a wonderful, cozy evening.

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stacey snacks November 25, 2015 - 2:05 am

I wish these friends were at that table!
Those flowers are gorgeous as is all you do.
xo

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Tonya LeMone November 25, 2015 - 2:09 am

Just wanted to tell you how much I LOVE your book. It is beautiful in every way and candy for the eyes. Thank you for the countless hours of research and photography. It makes a wonderful gift for my “French” friends!

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Linda November 25, 2015 - 2:15 am

As usual, your flower arrangement is exquisite! The table setting must have been stunning. Pumpkin soup by the fire – what a lovely way to entertain friends.

Linda

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Perry November 25, 2015 - 2:36 am

So lovely, serene, cozy and welcoming!

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Steven November 25, 2015 - 3:22 am

Lovely. Just that……..lovely.

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Katherine November 25, 2015 - 5:17 am

I love anemones. On my first visit to France I stayed at Hotel Particulier in Arles, there were large vessels of anemones in the parlor. Every time I see them know, it takes me back to that time. So romantic.

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Pamela November 25, 2015 - 7:57 am

Your center piece is so pretty, and the table looks so inviting,it looks ready for a feast. Your gathering with friends and good food ,and being blessed to enjoy the fellowship of each other. That’s what we do state side for Thanksgiving..
Be Blessed.

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Marilyn November 25, 2015 - 6:39 pm

How I would love sitting at this table with beautiful flowers, setting, and pumpkin soup. The atmosphere of a day in the country, the quiet fire, and beauty just touches my heart.

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sylvia faye November 26, 2015 - 9:42 am

Very warm and cozy setting and I think there is nothing more relaxing than a beautiful flowers and hot soup and a warm fire and good company………c’est belle….
Sylvia Faye

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Lynn Minnick MyGREENLifeandRealEstate November 28, 2015 - 2:31 pm

We are still in the throes of Thanksgiving weekend here in the states, and one of our traditions is to share the things for which we are thankful. I am thankful for your blog and for the beautiful way in which you share glimpses into your French country life. It brings me back to my beloved France, and reminds me to slow down and bring more beauty into our daily lives here.
Merci et bon weekend!

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