Ecole du Bon Gout: October 2011

Chers Amis du l'Ecole du Bon Gout! The very best experiences of my trip to Provence were spent visiting with good friends. Much of this time, we were seated around a dining room table or in a salon in comfortable chairs next to "occasional" tables. Today, I will address the subject of these small to medium sized tables which are so important to the comfort of both the guests and the host as well to the décor of a place of social interaction.

If you are visiting with friends "chez vous", there will probably be refreshments served before the main meal. It is therefore helpful to both the hosts and guests to have enough table top space easily available for the guests. This can best be accomplished by some smallish tables located at arms reach. These tables can also assist everyone by having drawers for napkins, cork screws, coaters, etc all close at hand.

Some tables are especially composed to assist in serving beverages as in a "rafraischoire" table ( See the last two photos attached here.) A smallish table can serve well for a special dinner when you want the intimacy of dining "a deux" and not lost with your special guest at your banquet table for 16!!!

Other tables are occasions of thematic display. For instance, a small writing desk can add a very decorative and animated "lived in" look to a bedroom or living room.

Find here three photos of finished installations, followed by photos of small tables available now or soon at Au Vieux Paris Antiques. Shop phone # 337 332 2852

Mes Amities,
Robert E. Smith