Make Merry! Made: Provence-inspired spring tablescape

I’ve got a little seasonal inspiration for you today that I think will translate well to a variety of events – particularly rustic weddings, showers and informal dinner parties.

Photo by Norm Plate for Sunset

When I came across this photo on Sunset I immediately felt inspired. The gorgeous yellow, lavender and bright green palette was so refreshing and spring-like… even though lavender doesn’t bloom until the summer, I knew that it was the perfect inspiration for a spring dinner party. The lavender led me to thoughts of Provence, and that’s what I built the theme around.

I gathered the elements of our tablescape with Provence and our yellow/green/lavender color story in mind:

• Antiqued terracotta pots (found at local garden store), which I then whitewashed with a mix of cream-colored paint and water, and filled with herbs and grasses
• Low bowls in a yellow/gold china pattern from HomeGoods to mix with my basic white plates
• Green glass bottles, also from HomeGoods, for holding extra water at the table
• Yellow, gold and green french napkins from Touch of Europe – my one splurge
• I also wanted to work in fresh lavender and hints of rustic twine (I found both at Home Depot).

The result was a tablescape that felt fresh, casual and bright. As the sun went down, the flicker of candelight against the green glass and gold-rimmed china really brought in the rustic, intimate feel I was going for.

For placecards, names were printed in bright green ink on round tags from a metallic cream-colored paper. The tags were then tied with twine onto small bunches of fresh lavender and placed onto the yellow and gold china bowls.

I haven’t (yet!) been to Provence, but maybe one of you that has can help us judge whether or not we hit the mark?

I hope this inspires you!