Fete de la Bastille

Bonjour!
The past weekend Dan and I co-hosted a fundraiser auction dinner with our neighbor Robin benefitting our neighborhood association. Ten Francophile winning bidders were entitled to a feast.

Robin graciously offered her French revival architecture home and she and Dan prepared the menu. Of course, I was responsible for the tablescape.  They didn't have to ask me twice.

 Our dinner was originally set for July to coincide with Bastille Day which was our event theme.   However, due to extensive water damage in Robin's home, the dinner had to be postponed.  Unfortunately, two of our generous donors were unable to attend the rescheduled dinner so we were set for 8.

   As soon as I received the menu it was clear that a formal ambiance would be the only fitting setting for these l'eau a la bouche dishes. The " French Empire" era immediately came to mind.

 I went online to Zazzle to create personal menus for our guests.  I found a very beautiful shade of blue for the cards which also became an inspiration for a 3rd theme color with the already decided burgundy/red and gold.  I used a combination of the most baroque fonts available on the site which are Flemish Script,English Adagio/Presto/Vivace and Garamond Bold/Italic.  

I chose Haviland china for the first 2 entrees.  Host Robin's beautiful deep red silk drapes in her dining room was the inspiration for the colors burgundy-red and gold.  I immediately knew this set would compliment the table and room perfectly. 

Flowers were purchased from my favorite local wholesaler, Flora Fresh Inc.  Floral design is probably my most favorite part of creating tablescapes.  

I used Valhalla china by Noritake  for the 3rd and 4th entrees.

Mocked table setting

A couple days prior to the dinner I created a couple of mocked table settings that included the Noritake set which I shared with my Facebook friends/family to help me decide between the Noritake and Haviland.

Noritake Navy/Gold border china on deck in the butler's pantry

The Haviland received a few more votes but since the Noritake was such a close contender I decided to use both.  The Haviland for the first and main course.  The Noritake for the 3rd and 4th course.  Finally the glass gold rim plate for dessert.  It worked out perfectly.

First up on the  menu was the "moules en crème et Pernod" (Mussels with cream and pernod).

Next was the "Boeuf en croute" (beef wellington) with creamy green peppercorn sauce!

Beef tenderloin brushed with dijon mustard sauce wrapped in duxelle and prosciutto in a puff pastry served with steamed asparagus and fingerling potatoes,fresh herbs and garlic.

The  third entree was pan fried goat cheese salad with hazelnut vinaigrette.

The fromage cart was rolled out for the 4th entree with delicious cheeses from various regions of France with cranberry raisins,dried apricots, quince and sweet liqueur.

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Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoyed the photos.  I will be linking this post to Naps Between The Porch's Tablescape Thursdays so be sure and visit the website for other great table setting ideas. Until next time, au revoir.