While my tendency is restraint when it comes to color and decorating (indoors AND out), look at nature! Thank goodness earth doesn’t hold back. (Although the tornadoes in my neck of the woods? Um. We can do without that twirl, Mother Earth.) So much budding and greening happens in spring, drawing us outdoors. While we still haven’t created our pea-graveled French inspired courtyard, these European-crafted Cafe Style Parisian Dining Simplicity are ready for it. They work gorgeously where you want to create a sweet Frenchy moment anywhere. In the mood or market for Parisian Bistro style?
Cafe Style Parisian Dining Simplicity?
At the moment, my black bistro chairs are on the front porch and the white ones are on the back deck. Both those outdoor spaces feel rather modern Frenchified. Here are a few qualities to admire about beautiful cafe style Parisian dining simplicity.
Small Cafe Style Parisian Can Make a Statement
They work so well on the tiniest of apartment balconies, porches, patios, and decks!
You can find these high quality, heavy, metal bistro chairs by FERMOB in an array of colors HERE and HERE.
Demystifying French Bistro Style
There isn’t a singular way to get your bistro on. I tend to automatically think of: casual, tasteful, inexpensive food, mocha moments, relaxing afternoons that stretch long, whispered conversations, sipping, and perhaps a bit of people watching.
Small, intimate, French bistro style dining appeals to me since I would rather be outdoors in a peaceful setting than in a bustling, crowded, noisy restaurant.
Bistro Menu Ideas
Please serve me these yummy favorites when we’re getting our bistro on (also I need all of the ingredients to be fat free…hahahaha):
Crustless Crab Quiche
I used to make this years ago, and it’s perfect for folks who can’t have gluten.
Croque Monsieur
This is a crowd pleaser, and you can make them with your favorite cheese. I love Gruyere.
French Onion Soup
More cheesy things on our bistro menu? Mais oui!
Chocolate Pot de Crème
Ever made this? Looks delectable.
Could Your Garden Use Bistro Chairs?
These black Fermob Outdoor Bistro Side Chairs are truly special–designed and hand-forged by Old World artisans in Europe.
We’re talking heavy metal pieces designed for hotels, restaurants, and high end, discerning establishments.
Their steel frames and tops are treated for rust-resistance before a scratch resistant exterior furniture powder coating is applied.
Price can vary for cafe style chairs, and the price tag on these babies reflects European craftsmanship. I have owned mine for years, and they continue to: sit comfortably, stand up to harsh weather, and endure the test of time.
I am one of those sufferers of CHD: ‘chair hoarding disorder.’ While a cure is elusive, I shall continue to keep an eye out for curbs and dumpsters where orphaned chairs (even broken down, homely seats) are abandoned.
(Psst. The French mirror resting against the wall in the gravel? A gardener broke it while leaf blowing so it went directly to French country heaven.)
Jarcuterie is an Easy Way to Bistro
I blogged about jarcuterie and styled a decidedly affordable bistro set in this story.
I could spend hours online considering French bistro chair possibilities! This 3 piece set was under $100 which is about what a nice dinner anywhere costs these days!
The fact that all three pieces can collapse for easy storage?
Not too shabby.
French Stripe Seagrass Baskets
These have a fun Frenchy stripe, and if you need a touch of rusticity on a porch or anywhere, these may do the trick.
While I used my baskets occasionally in our former courtyard, now they live in my closet/dressing room. If they are in stock, snatch them up since they sell out all the time.
You will find woven baskets in the trunk of my SUV, bedside holding books, working hard in the laundry room, stowing towels in a bath…every space needs ’em.
For me, seagrass recalls balmy weather, beachy relaxation, and simple pleasures. Plus…they are JUST so dang practical!
Stripe Throw
One of the things I appreciate about Turkish towels for the bath, beach, and table is their versatility.
How can you use these Striped Turkish Cotton Beach Towels?
As a beach towel,
picnic blanket,
shawl,
sarong,
throw,
tablecloth,
or table runner.
Um. What can it NOT morph into?
A word about the color of this towel.
While I ordered the black, ‘dark grey’ or ‘faded black’ is a more accurate description. They are certainly not a jet black like the cafe chairs. (With the sunlight in the photo below, the color appears blue, which is not the case in person.)
Even if you don’t entertain, you just may love the look of bistro chairs for their silhouette. They invite rest, calm, stillness, and comfort.
And I’ll take a little more of that as spring unfolds and summer inches closer.
French Farmhouse Accents: Napkins
I have eaten breakfast and lunch out here and even worked on the laptop.
BTW, the round black table is vintage Ikea shopped from my basement. Is it time to spring for the Fermob coordinating table RIGHT HERE?
Create Your Bistro Oasis With Less Stress
Frequently, we simply need to get started and not overthink our designs.
When you start with intention, gather a few new additions, and shop your house for leftovers, you’ll soon be on your way.
I placed pretty French things in my baskets to score eye candy for you, and I foresee styling them in all sorts of fresh ways through the seasons.
Oh yes you do indeed need your MILIEU in print subscription…Veranda too, mes amis!
For someone who seems to thrive in all white interiors, what say ye about these night sky finds?
Score more romantic moments HERE.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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