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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

A Provençal Tablescape and a recipe

This is how I remember Provence. Blue skies. Bright yellow sun. Good food. Simple. Relaxed.


Beautiful flowers. Lavender. Where'd those pinecones come from? Oh yeah, directly imported from Haute Provence ;-).

If I can't fly there one a whim, I can bring the flavors to my kitchen!

 A tablecloth "Fabrique en France". The colors of Provence.

A rattan charger, so casual. A floral plate the color of the water.

A cheerful salad plate, happy and carefree.

Blue napkins corralled in rattan holders, easy folds, easy look.

Flatware straight from the kitchen, homey.

A golden orb to hold the red

French Countryside crystal, curvaceous, one for white, one for water.

Golden bubble hurricanes to hold honey colored candles.

Lavender is not in season, so the kalanchoe was happy to step in.

 A pitcher with grape relief












Regan, the silverware inspector at work.. he just can't leave well enough alone..

See the paw go after the silverware?

Now that is how the silverware should be.. askew! At 10 months, I think he's in the terrible 2's!

Cast:
Tablecloth - Sylvie Jourdan, France possibly Williams Sonoma
Chargers - World Market and Pier One
Napkin Rings - World Market
Napkins - Tuesday Morning
Blue floral dinner plates : Queen's TJMaxx
Salad Plates _ Le Cadeaux
Flatware - Gorham
Water and white wine - Mikasa French Countryside
Red wine - Stein Mart
Amber Bubbleglass Hurricanes - Home Goods
Antique English barley twist candlestick
Pinecones - New Mexico

Poulet a l'estragon
(Chicken Tarragon)

Ingredients:

  • 6 boneless chicken breast halves
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Preparation:

Sprinkle chicken breast halves with salt and pepper; dredge with flour. Set aside remaining flour. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Brown chicken on both sides, Remove chicken; keep warm. Add onion to skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
Add wine to skillet; increase heat to high and cook until liquid is almost evaporated, stirring to loosen browned bits on bottom of skillet.
Reduce heat to medium-low; add reserved flour, stirring to a thick paste. Add tarragon and chicken broth. Return chicken to skillet; cover and cook until tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove chicken breasts to a hot platter. Add remaining butter and heavy cream to the skillet. Heat through; pour creamy tarragon sauce over chicken breasts.
Tarragon chicken recipe serves 6




Be sure to drop in and visit for added inspiration!





42 comments:

  1. Marlis how wonderfully Provencal! I am dreaming....

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  2. Marlis, What a beautiful table. I've never been to Provence region so I appreciate you sharing your memory of the area with us. I love blue and yellow together and your table looks so fresh and sunny. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. Hi Marlis,

    It's PERFECT! I love it! It looks just so exactly right. I feel I'm there in France already!

    Sarahx

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  4. Beautiful tablescape. I love all the layering. That is what really makes a table pop and makes it interesting!

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  5. Absolutely exquisite!

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  6. Beautiful tablescape! Love blue and yellow together.
    Everything looks wonderful!

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  7. Perfectly exquisite! Oh my, so in love!!

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  8. Homey?!!!?!? I am LITERALLY laughing out loud!!! That is TOO funny!!! Didn't think we'd catch that, did ya? Hilarious! My side hurts now. :-) I've never been to Provence, but this table looks the way I would imagine it to be. You did a really great job with the photography, too! The photos with the dappled sunlight are gorgeous!!! Great charger/dinner plate/salad plate combination, too! This is beautiful and simultaneously bright and soothing. It makes me want to drink a glass of really good wine. It's only 3:20 in the afternoon, but I'll make an exception and blame it on your table! :-) Thanks for stopping in today, too. Glad you liked it! Have a good week, wild woman!!!

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  9. Alycia.. you are too funny..
    hom·ey/ˈhōmē/
    Adjective: (of a place or surroundings) Pleasantly comfortable and cozy.

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  10. Oh Marlis, I LOVE your Provencal setting! SO Beautifully done. That tablecloth is "To Die For"... and I also love your china cabinet in the background...I'm trying to strain a look inside(I got my nifty magnifying glass out)...And finishing off with a trip there was Such a Treat...Thank you so much for sharing.
    Happy Valentine's Week to you,
    Hugs,
    Donna

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  11. We could be the "Two French Ladies" this week. Your table is gorgeous. The colors just remind me of Provence. So sunny and bleu and such a beautiful linen too. I loved the video of Provence. It reminded me that I made lavendar sugar in the fall and haven't used it yet! I felt transported today!
    Merci Marlis!

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  12. Oops! I forgot to say I can't wait to try the recipe. I love Tarragon Chicken - fantastic flavors.

    I wonder when Regan will start doing his own tablescapes - just like my granddaughter! He will end up on America's Funniest Videos!!

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  13. The colors and textures are wonderful, Marlis! Gorgeous table!

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  14. You really captured Provence on your table, Marlis. Tres magnefique!...Christine

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  15. This is one of your most beautiful tables. I love the plates and all the other rich blues and yellows.

    I really loved the way it looked with the sun shining across it. Just really stunning.

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  16. I love how you mixed the provincal with the more traditional calico pattern - it works and it works beautifully! This room was made for photographs. Every pic taken here takes on a magical quality! Love this post!

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  17. The yellow flowers remind me of the fields of Southern France, where those yellow flowers grow profusely...too bad they actually smell really awful. The tablecloth...well...if God looked kindly on coveting...etc., etc. Don't you adore your French Countryside. I'm using my regularly these days. Thank you for sharing your wistful design...it takes me straight to Provence in the blink of an eye. Cherry Kay

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  18. I love everything about this beautiful post. That recipe looks very good too.

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  19. Marlis:
    What a wonderfully warm and inviting setting. I am new to your blog, but I WILL be back!
    Hugs, Lisa

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  20. Beautiful table & tablecloth! Love all your flavors & colors of Provence. Your sunlight streaming across your table is lovely~

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  21. Hi Marlis,
    Loved your provencal tablescape.
    The colors are so pretty, and your tablecloth is exquisite. Just love it. Loved all your photos, very very nice.
    blessings, Nellie

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  22. Those colors are so beautiful! I always wonder why I have so many earthtones in my home because I am so attracted to blues and yellows...and pinks too! What a gorgeous tablescape!
    Shelley

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  23. Since I am a lover of blue and yellow, this has to be one of my favorite tablescapes this week. It is just so inviting with the warm yellows. The blue chintz plates are amazing, too. You really created a winner!

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  24. Marlis, I adore this tablescape! That tablecloth is beautiful, and your dishes are perfect. I've looked at each photo twice, and I'm going to go back and look again when I finish my comment. Definitely one of my all-time favorites! The chicken recipe sounds delicious. laurie

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  25. Beautiful warm and "sunshiney" (something we all need right now) tablescape. I have to chuckle because I have those same Mikasa French Countryside water and wine goblets as you and Entertaining Women! Beautiful pattern. Thanks for the lovely and quick vacation escape! Mrs. S

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  26. I love the amber glow with the cobalt. It's a stunning combination and I LOVE your blue and white floral dinner plates.

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  27. Marlis this is wonderful! Your table takes me back to France and wishing I was there. Love the colors, the layering..everything. Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for reminding me how beautiful it is there!

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  28. Marlis, this is so beautiful. I was transported back to France. Everything is so perfectly executed. Love the colors and the tablecloth is to die for. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Ginger

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  29. What an amazing tablescape. Looking at your table, I now know what it feels like to have the warm Tuscan sun shining on me! Thanks for warming up my day! BEAUTIFUL!

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  30. Marlis, this table just makes my heart sing! It has all my favorite colors -- and that tablecloth is just exquisite! I love the way you've added a casual, homey touch with the rattan elements. You have inspired me to try a new idea with my everyday dishes! Thank you for visiting my table this week!

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  31. What a beautiful table...love the blues, yellows and bits of green. Not counting the salad plates, the tablecloth is my favorite. Thank you for sharing a bit of yourself, Marlis.

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  32. beautiful, happy table, so many wonderful shots~

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  33. What a wonderful table! I feel like the whole table should be lifted and set down in the middle of a beautiful rolling orchard.

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  34. Your table is exquisitely put together. The colors are spot-on, and I love the casual feel.

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  35. Oh marrly...I don't know where to begin, everything is so beautiful and perfect, everyone went Freanch and I Asian for this Thusday. I love your dishes, I love the blue ones. The tablecloth is so gorgeous and yeah, so French. The rattan are just the right touch.
    Hope you visit me to, I love your oppinion, you're one of my fav log friend.
    XOXO
    FABBY

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  36. Love that! You mixed so many patterns beautifully! And the chicken sounds wonderful!

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  37. Marlis,
    You know I think you are one of the most talented people in the world, but, girl, you always lose me with the cat. Cats belong...well, in my opinion, cats don't belong at the table. Because if they are "at" the table, I know where they're going next...on the table! BLEH!!! Yes, I know there are folks who love their kitties, but I'm not one of them and it turns my stomach to see cat and dishes/food in the same scene. I remember having to graciously excuse myself when I went to a house for dinner and as I was ringing the doorbell, the cat jumped off the table. Yes, I am also severely allergic to the nasty critters. This is nothing against you or those who love them, but I don't want to look at them or worse yet, be near them.

    The table is beautiful, as always!!!

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  38. Martha, you will be glad to know that Regan doesn't get on the table. Evah! Being in training, he still tries his best to bring the silverware down. Just bring out the squirt bottle and he skedaddles away.. ;-)

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  39. Hello gorgeous,
    Am always late visiting you but at least I manage to see your beautiful pieces.

    You absolutely captured Provence ambiance, with that sun stroke in your table, isn' it Lovely?

    Loving every piece.

    Happy TS,
    /chie

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  40. The colors of Provence...so rich and you have used rhem well. I have a similar tablecloth in a different color combination. Don't you love linens from Provence?

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  41. Hi Marlis
    thanks for the visit and for the lovely comment!
    Wonderful your tablescapes!! thank you so much for sharing it.
    Have nice day
    Hugs

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  42. Another beautiful table, Marlis. I don't think you can ever go wrong with blue and yellow but your combination of textures really makes it all stand out. I love amber glass so my heart went pitter patter with the candle hurricanes and the stemware. I love the barley twist candlestick too! It's all so pretty!

    Nancy

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Thank you for visiting and commenting. I love reading your thoughts. Blessings, Marlis