Provence style dishes: interesting options and features of choice

The Provencal interior style has not competed with anything for a long time: it does not need advertising, it is a self-sufficient and established style, the number of fans of which does not decrease. Provence (or French country) is not about common, recognizable features, it is about the thoughtfulness of every detail, emphasis on little things that create the image of a cozy, warm home. And dishes in the Provence style (including wall plates) are an obligatory style-forming attribute.

The style itself is aged in soft shades, sometimes it seems that they are diluted with milk, sometimes - that they are covered with a misty morning haze. This applies to walls, floors, textiles, furniture colors. And this also applies to cookware.

Characteristic shades:

• delicate pink and faded blue;
• lavender (accent shade in Provencal style);
• mint;
• lactic;
• delicate shades of brown and gray;
• beige tones.

Blotches of terracotta and blue are less common, but they are characteristic of Provence, although it is very important not to go too far with them.

More than three colors in the interior can be used, but carefully and with a clear arrangement of accents. So it is with dishes: the general background is one or two, but the details can be multi-colored, but should not dazzle.

There are several options, and all of them can be combined in one kitchen: porcelain, ceramics, wood. The basic principle of Provencal dishes is natural materials, classic shapes, pastel shades and discreet drawings.The ceremonial table service can be made of porcelain: it is served to the table on special occasions, the rest of the time it adorns the "exposition" of the buffet.

On weekdays, ceramics and partly wood are used. Ceramics involves the use of not only cups and plates: saucers and vases for jam, pots for hot pots, coconuts and fruit bowls, wicker baskets - in Provencal aesthetics there is a place for little culinary helpers.

Plastic is not about Provence. Even for so-called rough domestic needs, try not to use plastic bowls - it’s better to stock up on enameled bowls, cans, and mugs. They can be quite decorative, but they will not look like a product alien to the Provencal style of the era.

After all, the French country is dedicated to the aesthetics of the time when TV was a rarity, there couldn’t be plastic bags and plastic bowls in everyday life, and “grass” pots from Ikea replaced vases with real wildflowers.

Many sets of dishes in color and shape fit perfectly into the Provencal style, but there are doubts about the motives. If you are committed to the selection of dishes with perfectionism, you have to consider this point.

What motifs on the table tea service echo Provencal style:

• flowers (field and garden);
• fruits (especially bunches of grapes);
• lavender fields (and generally everything related to lavender - a symbol of Provence);
• patterns with curls and waves;
• domestic birds;
• leaflets of various plants;
• wine (in wine glasses and bottles);
• prints repeating prints of postal stamps.

Of course, the main motive will be bouquets. But the flowers should be strictly field or garden. The landscapes of the province of Provence can also decorate dishes.

But if, in principle, you do not really like ceramic or porcelain with a pattern, there are more concise options. For example, the edge of a cup or saucer is formed by a not very wide color bar. Also, on the perimeter of the dishes, the author can draw a light wave. The dishes can be completely white, without any shade, but with an interesting texture.

Provence style is difficult to blame for the lack of democracy. There are no strict requirements for what the service should be, for how many people it will be, what kind of tureen should have handles. It’s all up to the owner, most importantly, no chopped strict geometric shapes.

How to set up a table for a dinner party.

• Tablecloth. Acceptable and standard plain white. If the celebration is special, and you want to emphasize this, then the option with a white tablecloth is priority. But if you want coziness and pleasant communication with relatives, and not emphasized solemnity, stop on a checkered tablecloth or with a small floral print. Again - dim. If the dishes are white, a linen checkered tablecloth (a lavender or mint color cage) is ideal for her.

• Separate your main meal and tea party. On the table, you don’t have to have many dishes - you should just refrain from an abundance of salads and snacks. Choose the main dish for which you invite guests - for example, chicken with apples. And then put it in a beautiful, wide enough dish that will be in the center of the table. If you want to precede his reception first (soup), first serve the tureen with graceful handles, where there will be a light vegetable or chicken broth (possibly with croutons).

• In the remaining saucers and vases - additions to the main dish, vegetables and sauces. It’s not worth it to make a side dish that’s heavy for the stomach, it distracts and deprives the dinner of balance. Again, remember: the main dish is one, which means that the plate in which you serve it should not compete with the main dishes on the table. She sets off her, serves as an addition, not a competitor.

• Glasses for cold non-alcoholic drinks can be colored - mint and lavender tones are a priority. Embossed glasses are ideal. Glasses for alcohol - on beautiful legs, also not necessarily transparent.

• Forks and spoons. Variants with a wooden base are appropriate. It is desirable that the base in color and design does not "argue" with the rest of the dishes.

• Additions. If you serve butter to the table, it should be in a neat nipple. If you need granulated sugar, keep a beautiful sugar bowl for these occasions. Desserts are served on beautiful coasters with a leg, and graceful shoulder blades with some recognizable Provence print.

• Accessories Decorate the table with a vase of flowers, whether it be a lush bouquet of wildflowers or freshly cut garden roses. Put Provencal style textile napkins on plates, they can be tied up with lace ribbons and decorated with the same garden roses, lavender, even simple daisies (put under the ribbon). For intimacy and creating a spiritual atmosphere, candles are needed on the table - in safe candlesticks. Castors can be picked up in the form of birds or chickens.

Wide flat plates with Provencal motifs can be placed on the wall as decor. They will be like original paintings with Provencal landscapes, lavender bouquets, caged birds, grapes and juicy fruits. There can be many plates, place them harmoniously, avoiding straight lines. Remember that a small print is a provence, large roses are already from “another opera”.

I would like to draw attention to one important rule: when you create a certain style in your house, do not show how hard you try. Simply put, any focus on perfect compatibility, fear of introducing the slightest alien element into the interior, emphasis only on brand attributes makes the atmosphere artificial, inanimate.

In the Provencal style, its naturalness, simplicity, a call for vitality, the value of traditions and the absence of pomp are valuable. And in the dishes too.

An overview of Provence style cookware is available in the next video.