Parisian Table Decorating

If you have wandered along the Parisian streets in wonderment at every charming window; if you have smelled that particular Parisian scent, that you can’t quite describe, but that takes you back in time, then this is Paris! If you have marveled at the way the simplest arrangement of wildflowers, is so perfect in that chipped crock, then “who would have ever thought,” that you are in love with the aura, the decadence and the “je ne sais quoi,” that is Paris!

The Parisian table decorating seminar at Papillon Mignon is designed to help you understand, “the magic” of the “French touch”; and in particular, how it relates to table decoration-an art that they have perfected, with such creativity, with such charm, and yet, with almost a lack of effort. Why is it then, unsurpassed by none?

The first afternoon’s “get acquainted drive”, through the Seine-et-Marne provence will give special attention to the charming villages, of the cobblestone streets and the private chateaux. Of particular interest, is the Musée de Ganne, the famous inn of the Barbizon painters that we will visit on a later sight seeing afternoon.

Three morning seminars will be held and conducted by Holly Howard, interior decorator and 18 year resident in Europe. (She is fluent in Italian and has a good understanding of French and Spanish.) She was written up and published in many “Vogue” magazines during her 35 year active and creative career.

·      The first of the series of meetings will be an introduction. The fabulous French and their tables! Why are they so magical and what are their secrets?

·      The following day there will be an excursion to Paris to see the best flower artists:

*Pascal Debrée- Camélia Blanc- only white blooms.

*D Rosé- A rose to suit every mood.

*Christian Tortu Carrefour de L’Odéon-simple metal mesh vases compliment the graduated shades of color, just as the foliage complements the flowers.

*Au nom de la Rose- scattered rose petals are an insignia.

We will lunch in the delightful tearoom of Flamant in Rue Fustenburg, and we will keep a discerning eye on their table decorations and the wonderful adjoining flower shop.

This will be followed by a visit to Mis En Demeure the epitome of elegance in table decorating.

·      The second morning seminars will be demonstrations of the “how to do” beautiful and varied Parisian table decorating. The “up close” setups are presented by Holly Howard and Parisian experts in table design. Emphasis will be on the “French know how.” A varied “gamete” of settings, ranging from simple bistro displays to the “formal with a flair”.

*Excursions-a side trip will be taken to the Chateau de Fontainebleau and the magnificent forest. It is possible to wander much of the palace on our own, visiting sites that evoke the 19th century heyday and extravagant living. The furnishings in the grand apartment of Napoleon and Josephine are marvelous. The Musée Chinois (Chinese Museum) holds the empress Eugénes collection of treasures including far eastern porcelain jade and crystal.

*A second trip will be taken to the Auberge Ganne, Corot, Rousseau, and company would frequent this inn after painting to brush up on their social life. The artists painted every available surface. It is fun to see the originals on the upstairs walls.

The third seminar will allow you to try your hand at creating beautiful settings with the help of the experts. A varied array of interesting and fun props are provided so that you can create the beautiful table and flower arrangements you have watched and admired. Help will be given and an emphasis will be on variety and creativity.

The Au Revoir cocktail is arranged for the last evening.

 

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