French Connection | Dinner Party Advice

At a dinner party with French flair, the table setting is paramount. Lori Hedtler, owner of Devonia Antiques (561-429-8566) on Antique Row, put together a setting for PBI and provided tips for using antique French pieces:

Dinner Party advice from Lori Hedtier, owner of Devonia Antiques on Antique Row, West Palm Beach

What are some quintessential characteristics of antique French china, dishware and stemware?

Hedtler: I think of crisp white porcelain, delicate shapes, gold trim and gilt foliate designs, as well as beautiful color enamel decoration.

How do you mix antique pieces with modern elements?

We love to mix and match and find that modern shapes work nicely with antique designs. We have commissioned new custom chargers from the Pickard china company to work with the antique turquoise, greens and pinks. We also incorporate midcentury modern Venetian glass and contemporary placemats and napkin rings.

Any suggestions for tablecloths?

Use crisp white damask linen, perhaps with an urn and floral classical pattern—and knife rests to save the tablecloth! Devonia Antiques, West Palm Beach

The Menu:

Blue Provence - Palm Beach market and bakery - French-inspired cuisine - tartsfleur de sel - seas salt - from Blue Provence French market in Palm Beach

Blue Provence (561-651-1491) in Palm Beach offers French products and pastries shipped from France and many made fresh on-site. For the main course, pick up Chateau Virant olive oil, fleur de sel (sea salt), poivre blanc (white pepper) and Crane Crest real French dressing. For dessert, treat guests to one of Blue Provence’s homemade tarts, featuring beautiful berries and fruits and made daily during season.

Olive Oil - Chateau Virant - Blue Provence - Palm Beach - French market

Blue Provence - Palm Beach market and bakery - French-inspired cuisine - tarts

The Favor

French macarons are totally en vogue, so send guests home with a macaron trinket box ($12.99) from the Tomkat Studio.

French macarons - Macaron Trinket Box - party favors for a French dinner party - Tomkat StudioFrench macarons - Macaron Trinket Box - party favors for a French dinner party - Tomkat Studio

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