dinner with friends

by Sharon Santoni

table setting for dinner with friends

Ask the question “what did you miss the most during the Covid lockdown”, and most people will reply that they missed their friends and their family more than anything.

Here in France our lockdown is over now, and life is slowly returning to normal, although we still take precautions and we’re being sensible about wearing masks, and not hugging people.  Best of all we have been able to invite friends and family back and have had some memorable dinners and lunches together.

flowers on lunch table

Honestly what can beat a couple of hours around a table catching up on news, chatting and laughing, sharing a good meal and a glass of wine?!  We are at the start of summer which means that tables are laid outside, in the shade of a parasol.   Flowers are cut from the garden to decorate the table, comfy chairs are prepared with cushions and delicious menus concocted.

Our meals here are mostly created using seasonal and local food, which means at the moment we eat a lot of asparagus, strawberries, salads.   In these pictures of a dinner with friends I served a gazpacho soup as a first course at lunch.

Entertaining at home has always been a vital part of our lives here, but at this moment, post Covid, it seems more precious than ever.  I hope that if you are still in lockdown, that you will soon be able to get back into this more normal rhythm.

flowers as centerpiece for dinner with friends

And to help us all get into the mood, our next edition of My Stylish French Box is called Diner entre Amis, or Dinner with Friends.   I have curated this box with care, as always, including some of my favourite tableware items and accessories.  I hope that our subscribers will love this edition, and that new clients will be tempted to join us for this very French and very festive, beautiful box of French products for you and your home.

water with lemon on table for dinner with friends

To order your box click here

To read reviews from clients click here

To see what we have included in our past boxes click here

 

 

9 comments

Nancy June 14, 2020 - 3:17 pm

Hi Sharon: Will the little wicker vases be available in your shop? I love them.

Reply
Sharon Santoni June 17, 2020 - 3:41 pm

HI Nancy, I’m afraid not for the moment. I bought those in the south of France many years ago, but I am on the lookout for something similar to add to the store πŸ™‚

Sharon
x

Reply
Emm June 15, 2020 - 11:37 pm

You set a beautiful table, Ms. Sharon, but you say “post Covid”. France seems to have handled the lockdown well and is, I gather, safely emerging. The US has not and is not. We are still in a resurgence of the first wave of massive infections, alas, so leisurely al fresco luncheons are probably not a (safe) thing for this summer.

Reply
Sharon Santoni June 17, 2020 - 3:40 pm

Thank you Emm! Yes, I know that for many people the covid lockdown is still very present, but we hoped that this box will give us all something sweet to look forward to. Here in France, I have been surprised how well the deconfiement went, that people are being careful, but actually going out shopping and seeing friends and family again. Which is very reassuring

take care

Sharon

Reply
Lisa June 17, 2020 - 3:43 pm

This is such a pretty table! I’ve never bought your box before, but really this theme makes me want to make my first purchase!

Merci beaucoup

Lisa

Reply
Sandra June 17, 2020 - 5:41 pm

Good Morning Sharon ….What a beautiful setting I’m in love with your beautiful Wicker Chairs as well . Can you share your resource for them ?

Reply
Lucia Donahower June 17, 2020 - 6:22 pm

Hi Sharon, I love your beautiful table. And how lucky you are to be able to share a meal with friends and family again. Here in California, San Francisco Bay Area, it’s still in lock down mode. Although, we visited Sonoma yesterday and restaurants and businesses are starting to open there.
I was able to purchase your magazine at a French Store in Sonoma. I love everything in it!
Congratulations, you do a fantastic job with the writing, and photography.
Have a wonderful week.
Lucy

Reply
Deborah H June 24, 2020 - 4:02 pm

I absolutely loved your youtube video! The time and attention you spent on putting together this beautiful tablescape was so relaxing to watch, and inspirational as well. By any chance would you mind sharing where your beautiful blouse is from? The red is very flattering on you and the cut is perfect. Merci!

Reply
Fred Mike February 29, 2024 - 12:42 pm

Reading this made me nostalgic for those pre pandemic gatherings. Your commitment to still taking precautions while enjoying the company of friends and family is admirable.
Temporary Fence Panel Rental in Kingston ON

Reply

Leave a Comment