Cedar Hill Farmhouse

updated COUNTRY FRENCH

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A Bit of France on the Back Porch

By Anita 56 Comments

This post was graciously sponsored by BIRCH LANE.

cheese-and-fruit

Bonjour and welcome to our al fesco dining tour! Karianne of THISTLEWOOD FARMS started the tour on Monday with her post. Now I want some of that sweet corn she was serving. Oh well, I don’t have corn on my porch, but I do have some drinks and a cheese tray. Come on over and let’s enjoy a little time outside dining al fresco. I’ve said it before, but this is my very favorite place in the whole world. This is where I love to entertain my friends and family.

When I was younger I loved traveling especially to France. I soaked up the culture, the joie de vivre and the lovely people. As I have gotten older, I realized I don’t have to travel to get a slice of France. I can do it at my own home, n’est-ce pas?

bar-area

For starters, in Provence, I saw so many people dining outdoors. So we dine al fresco as much as we can. I set up plates, glasses and dishes on the porch so guests don’t have to go far to get a refill. I use an old ironing board to serve guests.

iron-board

What flatware do I use? I use Laguiole flatware. It’s gorgeous, oh so French looking, and of course, made in France.

 

black-silverware

I’ve gathered all of my flatware for the afternoon in a vintage ironstone creamer. This set is black with a marbleized finish, so pretty.

french-flatware

Come on over and grab a chair. I saved you a rocker. The rockers will go with just about any decor, but I wanted you to see how beautifully they work with my antique French settee (formerly a crib.) Can you see the pasture and the woods beyond? The house sits up on the hill, so you have a nice view of the back 20.

I’ve used a European wagon in French blue for my coffee table here. I set a cheese tray on the settee. I love tasting cheeses. I’ve got a smoked Gouda, a sharp Cheddar and a goat cheese on the tray.

 

crib-bench-and-rockers

The faux olive trees may be my favorites. I just love them. They are not real, but they look just like the real thing. I have an olive tree in my backyard, and I love using cuttings from the tree, but they only last a few days before they turn brown. These faux trees have the details down with leaves that have a silver underside. Of course I had to add something fresh from the farm. These are bluebells I cut from the pasture in a vintage silver pitcher.

olive-trees-and-bluebells

The wonderful thing about rocking chairs is that you can move them around the porch to wherever you want them. Remember the daybed that was on my back porch? I moved it to the city, so it’s not on my porch any more. I put these rockers where the bed was. Here we have a great view.

rockers

Can I get you another pillow?

white-rocker

The nice thing about the olive trees and my flatware is that I can bring them back to the city pretty easily. The rockers are a bit bulky to transport. I wanted to show you how well the flatware and the olive trees work in the city. Evie and I took a trip to the local bakery around the corner. I wanted baguettes but they didn’t have. It’s a small bakery, so you have to choose from what they decided to bake that day. I choose a Rosemary and Garlic sourdough bread. They had just made fresh pesto, so we bought some of that as well.

front-porch

Oh my goodness the smoked Gouda was good, but that fresh pesto was spectacular.

front-porch-cheese-and-bread

When we came inside, I set the faux olive trees on my dining room table and thought they looked so pretty I would have to show you that look as well.

olive-trees-on-table

This post was brought to you by Birch Lane.

BL_PR_AlFrescoCampaign_Image1

Here is the shopping guide for the post.

ROCKING CHAIRS (They are on sale right now.)

FAUX OLIVE TREES (Also on sale!)

ALSACE LAGUIOLE FLATWARE (Yup, it’s on sale too!)

Be sure to check out tomorrow post over at STONE GABLE.

 

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Filed Under: porch, Project, tablescape, vintage

Comments

  1. Shannon@Belle Bleu Interiors says

    July 27, 2016 at 07:54

    Anita, your porch looks absolutely gorgeous!!! I love everything about it! I simply adore French Country Design. I loved the antique baby bed made into a bench. It looks like such a comfy space to sit and enjoy a sweet tea and just watch the world go by!!!

    Reply
    • Anita says

      July 27, 2016 at 10:48

      It is very comfy Shannon. Thank you!!!

      Reply
  2. Gee says

    July 27, 2016 at 09:22

    the rockers are pretty, but the crib turned settee is what caught my eye. Everything is so luvly…
    Cheese and crusty bread, just perfect!!
    hugs, Gee

    Reply
    • Anita says

      July 27, 2016 at 10:47

      Thanks Gee. That was a labor of love.

      Reply
  3. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    July 27, 2016 at 11:29

    Dining on your porch must be sheer bliss!….love all of the beautiful details and love those faux olive trees!

    Reply
    • Anita says

      July 27, 2016 at 11:33

      I wish you could come Shirley!!

      Reply
  4. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    July 27, 2016 at 12:24

    Oh, Anita! Such a gorgeous setting for your French al fresco dining! How very clever to use an ironing board as a sideboard. I love getting my French fix from you!

    Reply
    • Anita says

      July 27, 2016 at 12:32

      So sweet Yvonne. I’m excited to see your al fresco dining post tomorrow!!!

      Reply
  5. KariAnne Wood says

    July 27, 2016 at 12:37

    Anita,

    Best use of rocking chairs ever. 🙂 Your porch looks so pretty!

    Happy day friend!
    karianne

    Reply
    • Anita says

      July 27, 2016 at 12:41

      Thank you KariAnne! Everyone needs a rocking chair on the porch.

      Reply
  6. Lisa J says

    July 27, 2016 at 14:10

    I must have that ticking mattress! Where can I purchase?

    Reply
    • Anita says

      July 29, 2016 at 09:44

      Lisa, I had it custom made. Where do you live?

      Reply
      • Lisa J says

        July 29, 2016 at 15:11

        Santa Fe, NM

        Reply
        • Anita says

          August 2, 2016 at 16:59

          Lisa, I can probably have it done for you if you are interested. I would need to know the size you want, and I’ll see what I can get it made for and the shipping costs.

          Reply
  7. Angelina @ Peonies & Orange Blossoms says

    July 27, 2016 at 19:02

    Your porch looks like such a nice place to sit back, relax, and have an iced tea!

    Reply
  8. Linda says

    July 27, 2016 at 23:48

    Hi Anita. I discovered your blog a few months ago and just love all your stylish ideas. I looked for your book at my local library and they didn’t have it. So…. I requested they buy it, and they are ordering it! So excited to be able to read it and look for more beautiful French decor. Your ideas are fresh and humorous as well. You definitely have a gift. Linda

    Reply
    • Anita says

      July 27, 2016 at 23:54

      Thank you Linda!! You are so kind. Thank you for requesting my book be added to your library. That reminds me, I was going to donate it to a few of the libraries near me. I need to get that done.

      Reply
  9. Marilyn Walker says

    August 7, 2016 at 15:33

    Anita, I started following your blog months ago. As a child we lived in Poitier, France, outside of Paris while my father served in the United States Army. Housing on base was full so we lived within the town of Poitier. This experience developed a love of French and Provençal decor within me. When I found your site I was thrilled. The content is fresh, appealing, and fun to follow. Keep up the good work. ?

    Reply
    • Anita says

      August 7, 2016 at 15:50

      Merci Marilyn!!!

      Reply
  10. Julie ann says

    August 7, 2016 at 15:53

    With a porch like that, I sure wish you were my next door neighbor. I would be stopping by much too often, I’m sure. What a pretty setting!

    Reply
  11. I also continue to love your blog! As a transplanted Louisianian, I love good French decor! says

    August 7, 2016 at 16:23

    Love the crib converstion! Charming!

    Reply
    • Anita says

      August 7, 2016 at 16:26

      Thank you!!! You are so kind.

      Reply
  12. Deb J says

    August 7, 2016 at 18:45

    Everything is gorgeous! Especially love the ironing board and daybed.

    Reply
    • Anita says

      August 7, 2016 at 21:53

      Deb, it’s one of my favorite pieces.

      Reply
  13. Rebecca says

    August 7, 2016 at 22:09

    I love the French wagon on your porch . It’s lovely.

    Reply
  14. JanM says

    September 13, 2016 at 06:37

    Your style promotes the value of a healthy down time!! The simple beauty reflects a warm, genuine time with famy and friends. Love it!!

    Reply
  15. Patricia says

    September 13, 2016 at 07:09

    Tres charming! Both the porch and the dining room. I was admiring your drapes. Did you make them? Love the trim detail.

    Reply
  16. Beth says

    September 13, 2016 at 07:28

    I also love dining alfresco and am now on the lookout for an antique ironing board to use as a buffet… how clever!! I also love the use of the blue wagon as a coffee table. It could be moved so easily. Thank you for not being too trendy and for staying with your style. You have great taste. I also enjoy reading about your family life. After all, the reason we want beautiful spaces is to share them with the people we love!

    Reply
  17. Dee Dee Mitchell says

    September 13, 2016 at 07:29

    I love your porch display!! The crib turned bench is gorgeous. I also love how you used the ironing board, and I love the coffee table.

    Reply
  18. Allison H. says

    September 13, 2016 at 07:37

    Such great ideas! I have a daybed on my back porch as well, and now I know that the old steamer trunk in the basement should join it. Thank you!

    Reply
  19. Penny Bohlen says

    September 13, 2016 at 08:19

    Just love how you use different items in your decor, beautiful. I especially like the ironing board.

    Reply
  20. Paula Bradshaw says

    September 13, 2016 at 08:22

    I absolutely love the bit of France’ on the porch! Makes my heart sing ?

    Reply
  21. Sherry says

    September 13, 2016 at 08:35

    You have a beautiful hand at decorating.

    Reply
  22. regina ball says

    September 13, 2016 at 08:58

    Absolutely gorgeous. Love the blue bells on the wagon.
    Regina

    Reply
  23. Deb says

    September 13, 2016 at 09:32

    I almost feel embarrassed to say that this is the first time that I noticed roses displayed like you did in this blog. I always “fluff” mine out in the vase. I am so inspired that guess who is coming home with roses from the grocery store so that I can display them like yours! Sooooo European and lovely.
    Thanks for all your tips.

    Reply
  24. Angela Christian says

    September 13, 2016 at 10:22

    Hi Anita,
    Love the ironing board as a serving table!
    I bought your book and love just looking at the pictures! It’s a lovely coffee table book as well!

    Reply
  25. bj says

    September 13, 2016 at 11:05

    everything looks fantastic…
    as i am about to draft a post on cute carts, wagons and such, may I use one of your pic of your cute wagon to add to my post, along with a link right back to you…? Thanks, Anita

    Reply
    • Anita says

      September 13, 2016 at 11:10

      Of course BJ and thank you for thinking of me.

      Reply
  26. Brenda Wilson says

    September 13, 2016 at 11:11

    It all looks so beautiful! I love the olive branches and trees as well, going to search for some faux for my home. And I love, love love all your pillows!

    Reply
  27. Paula Couch says

    September 13, 2016 at 11:12

    I love your porch and enjoy the same things! This has given me some inspiration for my porch! Thank you!

    Reply
  28. Paula Couch says

    September 13, 2016 at 11:14

    I love your porch! You have given me inspiration for my porch! Thank you

    Reply
  29. Kitty Murphy says

    September 13, 2016 at 11:29

    Love the French look. My style

    Reply
  30. Trisha says

    September 13, 2016 at 11:33

    I adore your vignettes. You have wonderful taste and have one of my favorite blogs. I really like the faux olive trees from Birch Lane. I like how you showed them in various settings as well. I have to say your idea of using a beautiful antique ironing board was my favorite. Have a wonderful day.

    Reply
  31. Sali Miller says

    September 13, 2016 at 11:47

    Your website has really helped me to bring French influence to my home. I have decorated with a theme in mind before. I love this comfortable and serene style!

    Reply
  32. Linda Pemberton says

    September 13, 2016 at 12:00

    OMGOSH!!! I am just flipped out over your farmhouse. I’ve been following your blog for a month or two now and picked up on the Houston connection. Hmmmm…..Texas. I live in Pflugerville, just north of Austin. Then I found our your farmhouse is in Round Top. Antique Nirvana!!!! I’m head over heels in love with your decorating style. You are so blessed with a beautiful family and talent. I am in awe. I recently stopped in Giddings and shopped at 2 little antique shops there. Can’t wait for your next emails to come out.

    Reply
  33. Rosalie Osmond says

    September 13, 2016 at 13:19

    Your alfresco porch snack looks so delicious and sooooo French! The converted child’s crib and blue wagon are perfect additions to your French-themed setting. I love to use olives in my home decor as well. I have a bunch of flaux long-stemmed olive branches in a basket on top of one of my amoires and a lovely iron-olives chandelier above my kitchen table. I also stenciled olive branches above the two arched doorways in my kitchen. I’m going to see if I can find one of those sweet flaux olive trees you show in your photos as I think one would look very nice on my kitchen island. I really like how you incorporate the darling little trees in different settings in your home.

    Reply
  34. Sandra Huntley says

    September 13, 2016 at 16:52

    I love your blog, and I especially liked this one on your porch. It is very inviting, and comfortable looking. I really liked the use of the antique ironing board as a buffet, very ingenious. Good reuse of the ironing board, I mean there are limited uses for them.

    Reply
  35. Marilyn says

    September 13, 2016 at 18:40

    Yes, yes, yes to all your beautiful outdoor eating and French touches!! Thank you Anita..

    Reply
  36. Roxann Johnson Schwarze says

    September 13, 2016 at 21:05

    Anita the porch looks so comfy and cozy!!!!! Love….love….love the pillows!!!! And of course everything else!!!!! Always so fun to see your posts!!!!! It all makes me smile!!!! ♡ Roxann ♡

    Reply
  37. Julia S. says

    September 13, 2016 at 21:17

    How lucky you are to have such a lovely porch! I love dining outside. My family does not, but I persist for breakfast, snack time and sometimes for dinner, I went out to the back yard and realized I had really not given it a good look, so I am going to spend time this weekend cleaning it up a bit.

    Loved your ironing board idea and your dishes.

    Reply
  38. Lynda says

    September 13, 2016 at 22:12

    Wow, stunning, simple but stylish, so many ideas I so want to try.

    Reply
  39. Mary Stevens says

    September 13, 2016 at 22:51

    Love the back porch such great ideas

    Reply
  40. Barbara Mann says

    September 13, 2016 at 23:28

    Just looking at your back porch gives me such a sense of calm. How lovely it is.

    Reply
  41. sandra bryant says

    September 14, 2016 at 16:46

    love the view and i’m sure the afternoon ambience is more than wished for so pretty

    Reply
  42. Linda Bernhardt says

    October 27, 2016 at 09:23

    I just love all of the stuff you do , and I love the day bed , so awesome and the wagon , It is always an excitment to see what you do and I can never wait to see what elas you got to show us , I love it all,,,,,I love doing the retro stuff , but never find the time to get it started,,,AWESOME SITE AND LOVE IT , CAN NEVER WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU HAVE TO SHOW US NEXT ….KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK ,,,

    Reply
  43. Norma Rolader says

    February 13, 2018 at 09:59

    Beautiful serene and so welcoming

    Reply

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