french summer dining

by Sharon Santoni
A last minute decision to invite friends for supper
warm enough to eat outside
one friend brings wine, another turns up with delicious patisserie
a few flowers, a few candles, a rising moon
chatting, laughing,

teenagers mixing with adults and nobody in a hurry to leave the table

[blank]
summer evenings as they should be  …  simple.[blank]

48 comments

Passionedeco...perchè le case hanno un'anima August 2, 2012 - 10:59 am

Oh Sharon,
your dinners always make me dream. As you garden does.
We are not able to have a relaxed dinner since Giovanni was born…. I suppose that what the same for you when your children were little!!
;-))
Fra

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The enchanted home August 2, 2012 - 11:50 am

Totally charming!!!!! Do they ever want to leave? Be glad i am not living over there…with "impromptu meals" like that, I would be inviting myself over on a daily basis!

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Mrs. Sutton August 2, 2012 - 12:07 pm

Beautifully laid out. I love the colours – so Summery!
Paula x

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MyFavoriteFrenchAntiques August 2, 2012 - 12:25 pm

Knowing the importance of not being in a hurry is a wonderful life lesson.

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Magnolia Verandah August 2, 2012 - 12:35 pm

How perfect – just how life should be! Shame it can't be like this all the time. Beautiful.

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PSL August 2, 2012 - 1:00 pm

You are living my dream life! This is beautiful!

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Shilpa August 2, 2012 - 1:19 pm

Hi Sharon
Stumbled upon your beautiful space recently, read every single post from the beginning …so mesmerizing , since then I am having the sweetest dream ever :)…..thanx for sharing !!

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Pamela RG August 2, 2012 - 1:35 pm

Such a beautiful and romantic table setting. What kind of cake is that in the picture? It looks very delicious!

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La Table De Nana August 2, 2012 - 1:46 pm

What a perfect setting..and that little macaron edge cake is so so pretty.

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Delaine August 2, 2012 - 2:21 pm

You always seem to entertain with ease…and at the last minute!! I want to be like you! I worry too much when having guests! This setting looks like you have been planning for a week! The cake with the macarons looks delicious. Thanks for sharing, Sharon!

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Cara August 2, 2012 - 2:28 pm

gorgeousness!

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Sopa Azul August 2, 2012 - 3:17 pm

Just wonderful. :o)

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I Dream Of August 2, 2012 - 3:29 pm

I think if I had a seat at your gorgeous table, I would never want to leave. What a perfect summer evening. And oh, how I want a piece of that dessert! XO

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Nib's End August 2, 2012 - 4:44 pm

Exquisite table and garden! What joy to partake! In my neck of the woods simple means a blanket on the grass, a bucket of chicken, paper plates and a can of bug spray. But when the hot, heavy sun sets, the moon spins candlelight into the shadows, the fairylights of fireflies dance in the grass and trees, and the music of beloved voices laughing in the dark charms us with its sweetness. We swoon at stars for our dessert…

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Katy Noelle August 2, 2012 - 4:49 pm

I was dreaming of doing this, this summer, and, then, the drought completely knocked this out of my mind! But, it's rained, now, this past week and life isn't so pinched! (yaaaaay!) and, you've just put me back on track – easy and simple and glorious – spur of the moment – loving life! Thanks so much for this post!!! =]

Love,

Katy Noelle xo

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Aunty Belle August 2, 2012 - 4:52 pm

Forgive me, Sharon, but I did chuckle–"warm enough to eat outside"?? Here in Florida the alfresco dining remains an autumn / spring pleasure. Sweltering summer evenings are out of the question–except perhaps at the beach if the breeze is sufficient.

But how lovely your setting is!

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Amy August 2, 2012 - 5:11 pm

Perfect! And that dessert is absolutely beautiful.

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Our French Inspired Home August 2, 2012 - 5:45 pm

ahhh..to be one of your neighbors!

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Kris August 2, 2012 - 5:50 pm

There's nothing better than good friends, food and conversation. I would love a taste of that dessert! 🙂

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Anonymous August 2, 2012 - 7:11 pm

This is what I love the best in summer too.TG we have a lot of friends in our neigborhood to come over for a simple and easy dinner.This weekend it's my turn to entertain them together with the guests in the cottage.Lots of greetings to you and your friends on a warm august night from the starlit Plain in Hungary.Dorka http://www.dorottyaudvar.co.hu

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Leslie Jane Moran August 2, 2012 - 7:33 pm

I was so hoping that someone would mention that cake! Worth the trip chez vous methinks 🙂 Lovely summer post.

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The Blue Farmhouse August 2, 2012 - 8:08 pm

I love simple living, too! Beautiful post.

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PURA VIDA August 2, 2012 - 8:21 pm

what a delicious setting

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Mary August 2, 2012 - 10:17 pm

Leslie, I'm with you: that macaron cake is almost worth the trip across the ocean~!

Mary in Oregon

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La Brocanteuse August 3, 2012 - 12:24 am

Sounds absolutely devine and perfect…what memories are made of.
love
Colette x

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whiterose42 August 3, 2012 - 1:40 am

impromptu and gorgeous!

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helen tilston August 3, 2012 - 3:42 am

Hi Sharon

You are savouring the long summer days by dining al fresco. Until recently I always felt I need to cook dinner from scratch and refused help from guests. Now I welcome it when people bring a dish and it makes hosting more effortless.

Helen xx

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Leslie August 3, 2012 - 7:00 am

Hi Sharon,

Your table is lovely and I certainly understand why there is no rush to leave. Your linen, the lanterns, the glasses, and that dessert looks delicious! Looks like you were making memories 🙂 Those are the BEST times!

leslie

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Wild Oak Designs August 3, 2012 - 7:34 am

Beautiful table and the dessert looks yummy! Was that a cheesecake? Or ice cream?? It looks lovely…simple is always best.
Nancy

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Atelier de Campagne August 3, 2012 - 7:34 am

Hi Sharon,
You are a wonderful host, a great chef and in a exquisite setting, all the ingredients for a successful dinning. I'll bring a dish too!!!
Johan

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oh-my-home August 3, 2012 - 9:53 am

When I look on these photos, I can imagine You and Your friends sitting at the table 🙂 Everything looks great and You have right, the simple, summer evenings are the best.
marta

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FlowerLady August 3, 2012 - 1:05 pm

Simply beautiful ~ FlowerLady

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Brenda Kula August 3, 2012 - 3:30 pm

Your photos are always so beautiful and inspiring! Love your home.
Brenda

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LA CONTESSA August 3, 2012 - 5:03 pm

JUST PERFECT!The way I want it to be here in CALIFORNIA but its NOT more times then YES!Always, the best when the kids hang………..hold on to that!

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kristyn August 3, 2012 - 7:33 pm

this is simply stunning–and looks delicious!

xo,
kristyn
https://organicgrey.blogspot.com/

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stephy213 August 3, 2012 - 7:39 pm

Everything looks so dreamy! I dream of living the kind of life you do. Somewhere in the French or English countryside is what my dreams are made of. 🙂

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Terri ~the dressed up cottage August 3, 2012 - 8:03 pm

Warm enough to sit outside? In August? Oh my, it's SO hot here in the Midwest USA that it's barely tolerable INSIDE. Your pictures are dreamy and your little impromtu supper looks inviting.

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Ainosofia August 3, 2012 - 9:32 pm

L O V E L Y <3

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Suman August 3, 2012 - 9:46 pm

Ah, the perfect summer dream! Your pictures always take me to a different world. Thank you for sharing.

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Chris August 4, 2012 - 1:59 am

So charming and oh, so beautiful…it couldn't be better.
xoxo, Chris

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Suze August 4, 2012 - 8:23 am

Love the simplicity of your evening together sharing a lovely outdoor meal with friends.

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Jeanne @ Collage of Life August 4, 2012 - 12:45 pm

Wonderful Sharon…but your forgot the most important part…The Hostess! It would not be happening without you…how lucky your friends and family are to have you in their lives.
Sweet weekend thoughts…. 🙂 xx

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home improvement advice August 4, 2012 - 3:16 pm

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thanks

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Leslie August 6, 2012 - 1:27 am

I can only imagine! With 105 degrees in Arkansas….? But /beautiful!

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Leslie August 6, 2012 - 1:27 am

I can only imagine! With 105 degrees in Arkansas….? But /beautiful!

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Carmel September 5, 2012 - 2:28 pm

So gorgeous!! Making me look forward to the warmer weather now! We have just started spring here in Australia & meals in the garden are such a lovelyway to dine:)

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papa's pizzeria August 28, 2024 - 1:59 pm

That’s so amazing summer time with romantic dining. It’s amazed.

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Jan October 26, 2024 - 6:48 am

French summer dining embodies a delightful blend of fresh ingredients, outdoor settings, and a laid-back atmosphere. Imagine savoring a classic ratatouille or a crisp Niçoise salad under the shade of a café terrace, with the warm sun casting a golden hue over everything. This season is all about vibrant flavors and shared meals, making it a perfect time to explore local markets for seasonal produce. While indulging in these culinary experiences, one might also stumble upon some of the best shawarma in town, offering a delicious twist to the summer dining scene. Who knows, you might just find a hidden gem that elevates your warm-weather feasting!

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