Hello sweet friends! Did you have a lovely weekend? Today DTA is sharing several decor ideas in this Napoleon & Josephine Valentine Tablescape post. Grab a cup of tea as it is fairly photo-heavy.
The Entry
Setting the tone in the entry is a romantic grouping.
Flowers from Trader Joe’s are nestled in a vintage hatbox.
Napoleon’s Farewell to Josephine print by Laslett John Pott sits in a gold frame.
Napoleon & Josephine Valentine Tablescape
In the formal dining area, a romantic color palette of red, cream and gold was used.
There were a total of 24 guests in attendance. This table comfortably seated 10.
Eucalyptus, tulips, roses and baby’s breath were used in each centerpiece.
Romantic busts sport jaunty bicorne chapeaus inspired by artist Donna O’Brien.
Vintage sheet music hearts are a nod to Napoleon’s love of Italian opera.
Mini gold metal coins feature the profile of Napoleon.
A sprinking of pearl buttons completes the look befitting a tea for such accomplished seamstresses.
Bonbon party favors are placed at each setting.
Table Two
In the formal living area, a German fest table is set for eight.
While not an exact replica of table one, many similar elements were used.
The menu cards on the table made note of the French teas served.
First course: Mélange Ladurée
Second course: Fauchon La Rose
A bird’s eye view.
Larger bicorne hats add a fun touch.
Through the French doors, the antique button and Regency/Empire era sewing accouterments were set up.
The coffee table received a Napoleonic touch too.
A fun interactive element could be found in the mirror above the bar cart.
Bar Cart
While peering into the looking glass guests could see themselves wearing a fancy hat.
Table Three
Rounding the corner was table three.
Pale pink roses were paired with Bavarian china.
Buffet
The countertops were laden with delicious tea time offerings.
The pastry tray featured a sugar cone. In the Regency/Empire era this is how sugar would have been served. You can read more HERE on how it was stored.
Some of the patisseries featured vintage sword picks. A reminder of the Emporer’s, at one time brilliant, military career.
Menu cards had items described in French and an image of the tragic couple.
A variety of French cheeses were served with the exception of one. My hands-down favorite cheese is a grocery market staple, Boursin. It was also enjoyed by several of those in attendance.
Each guest brought a sweet or savory to share. The scones, madeleines, cakes, eggs, custards, toast points and more were all amazing!
Wednesday’s post will feature the regal attendees in their gorgeous Georgian and Regency/Empire era finery.
Joyeuse Saint Valentin!
Laura
How fun and your tables look amazing. I am sure all your guests enjoyed such a fun day.
Biggest wow, Laura. You know what I love most about your tables? You can actually see the table! Some get so full of huge centerpieces or so much decor that it’s so cluttered I can’t see anything. (Maybe they are smaller tables — it’s nice to have the length). I digress. It looks gorgeous. The favors look so pretty there. And how wonderful, everyone bringing their sweet or savory! Doing buffet with so many (especially with people bringing things) makes such perfect sense. It looks gorgeous, like everyone brought their A-game! (I love Boursin, too!)
Sweet Gracie. I hope she’s doing OK. You, too.
You went to so much effort! I hope everyone appreciated it. Everything looks amazing. Any chance of directions for making the ever-so-fancy tri-corn hats?
You should win an award for “Most Creative Original Idea.” I wish I hung out with you!
Formidable! Magnifique! Un chef d’oeuvre! (will the spell check allow this outpouring?)
I’ve been to weddings that didn’t measure up to this. Tu est vraimente une artiste!
Wonderful, all! I am in love with your flower arrangements, your bicorne chapeaus (the interactive mirror – perfection!). WHat a job moving all the furniture must’ve been. I know your guests appreciated all your labor.
Laura,
You out did yourself as always. Your table is beautiful and the buffet not only looks pretty but delicious. Everyone dressed up great. You’re very talented!
I’m sure all had a fantastic time. Many smiling faces.
.Cindy
Everything – food, table, details – is just amazing. I’m always SO impressed at your talent for detail. I’m sure everyone had a wonderful time and you will be talked about as “hostess with the most-ess for quite some time. Even with all the work involved, it must have been a fun time for you also.
Laura, everything was stunning and a visual treat for the eyes and palate on Saturday! I am soooo glad you shot photographs of all the lovely vignettes throughout your home of your tea tables!! The flowers were so beautiful in their teapots and so welcoming, as was your garden entry and front door (my photos turned out well and will be in my post). The turned place settings intrigued me and I would like to know how you made the bicorn hats also! Adorable!!! Napoleon did have a brilliant military career and the naval éclairs in the kitchen couldn’t be more regimented…
Thank you for sharing the day with us who attended and with us all here,
Bisous, ma amie,
Barb <3
What elegant and fun displays. Love the costumes, too. Happy Valentine’s Day week to you!
Laura, your beautiful tea must have been a hit with all your guests. Your tables look lovely, and all the food delicious. Did you make the petite bicorne chapeaus on the table? They are very elegant and a fabulous touch!
Gosh Laura, it’s all just wonderful! what a fun theme. I love transferware and it looks beautiful on your tables. Little puppy is too cute as well! Happy Valentines Day!
hugs,
Jann
What a wonderful way to celebrate French history. Love all the little details you put into the party, and your dachshunds outfit. Is she what is considered brindle coloring ?
Visiting from French Etheral 🙂