Motif Monday Linky Party - 1 - Fleur-de-Lis Times Three

Welcome to our very first Motif Monday Linky Party!

Follow us so you won't miss an invitation!

I am posting a bit early so that you will have time to decide on your table!

(Click on the pictures throughout the blog for better resolution and zoom.)

My motif of the day (really 2/21) is the Fleur-de-Lis. I happen to be a French teacher (among other things) when not tablescaping. The typical Fleur-de-Lis motif is explained here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleur-de-lis. I have numerous souvenirs from trips abroad and gifts from friends and students that reflect my love of French culture. 

(I should point out that I teach Spanish, too, and my background is really political science and statistics along with language studies and linguistics. And I paint. And do web development. These are my paid jobs, not even my hobbies! So, if you're one of those people who think French teachers only have eyes for France, that's not me! I love it all!) 

The bookend below and the hatbox are two examples of Fleur-de-lis motifs. The hatbox is interesting because each Fleur-de-lis is formed by wheat bundles.  I know the Limoges box doesn't have the motif of the day, but it is my favorite! It reads, "Paris - Atlanta," on the front and back. On the sides it reads, "4386 miles." I love that it has a car on it...never mind the Atlantic Ocean!

The tatted doily was made by my great-grandmother. She passed away when I was seven years old, and I love having some of her treasures.

These are some of my lovely French books I have purchased at various antique shops here and abroad.

The coaster on display is of the gardens at Versailles. The design seems to echo a Fleur-de-lis.

 The sugar and creamer are Lismore.

The silver is Sir Christopher by Wallace. Love the sugar tongs! I bought these when I was expecting Emma, my oldest daughter, who is now in middle school.  She is a co-author on this site - the one obsessed with Audrey Hepburn. See her last post here:  http://tablescapex3.blogspot.com/2011/02/all-audrey-all-time.html

I have to say I started out with more fresh fruit and cheese. I nibbled a little while taking pictures. 

Mmmmmmmm.

The embossed faux leather tray was purchased at The Pottery in Commerce, Georgia many years ago. It was $1.00, I think. Too bad The Pottery closed. Wall-to-wall bargains. I wish I had bought more. 

The chocolate pot is an antique Lenox pattern, P72. Most of P72 was made for Tiffany & Co., Ovington Bros., etc. This piece and the 12 snack plate and cup sets I have in this pattern were an UNBELIEVABLE deal I found on eBay. These pieces date from 1917. The cobalt is stunning.

The detail on the early Lenox is fabulous!

The antique cotton napkins were passed down in the family, are hand-embroidered, and are at least 70 years old.

This table would make for a nice afternoon coffee, tea, or chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) gathering for three. 

The weather is actually perfect in Georgia this time of year for an afternoon on the porch. Looking and nibbling at this table, I realized that I need to head to Panera for some croissants. Of course if we added croissants, we would not leave out Nutella! My children adore it! I keep a stock of it in the pantry. Even though Nutella is Italian, it is a very popular item for breakfast or snack time in France. The history of Nutella can be found here: http://www.nutellausa.com/history.htm

A beautiful February day - 67 degrees at 5:00pm!

Caught my younger two children playing outside while working on the table.

And they caught me!

Speaking of being caught, Ava (conveniently wearing a Paris shirt) caught a lizard. Older brother Carson smiles proudly at her success.

Thanks for stopping by! 

Please click on our sponsors, link up below, and leave a comment if you want! 

Please let your readers know you are sharing here, too.

http://tablescapex3.blogspot.com

Blessings,

Andrea

What motifs do you like?  We look forward to your sharing!

If you want to host a party on your blog, InLinkz is fantastic! You can read about them at their link above. Click on the links below to visit our online friends!

Sharing at:

http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/

http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/

http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/

http://www.simplysweethome.com/

http://restoreinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/02/restored-it-wednesday_15.html

http://www.allthingsheartandhome.com/

http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/2011/02/52nd-table-top-tuesday-giveaway.html

http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/

http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/

http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

http://bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com/

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/
http://ljm-alacarte.blogspot.com/
http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/
http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com
http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/
http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

It's So Very Cheri

Skip to my Lou

Giggles, Glitz, and Glam

Tip Junkie

Today's Creative Blog

Breath of Fresh Air

Crafty Geordi