Download Our Summer Menu Collection

Since summer entertaining should be a breeze, this collection, designed with simplicity in mind, features 20 easy-to-follow recipes and a few menu suggestions. Download this PDF, which includes recipes for starters, main courses, side dishes, and desserts.

Provencal Fabrics for Easy Summer Entertaining

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire · Shopping & Gifts

Provencal Fabrics on Sale!

Hot summer days and warm evenings beg for hassle-free entertaining – picnics, garden parties. Table settings to match the season makes outdoor dining easy. Today bright, cotton Provencal prints mirror images of the region; the cigale (cicada), lavender, sunflowers, and olives. Until July 31st, Remember Provence is offering 25% off all printed cotton linen (tablecloths, napkins, quilted placemats, and bread baskets).

blank

A Bit of History

Imported cotton started arriving from East India at the port of Marseille in 1564. By the start of the 17th century, these fabrics with their colour-fast patterns known as “les indiennes” were wildly popular. Local production began around the same time, although initially, the quality was inferior to the madras cotton from India.

Provencal Fabrics Easy Entertaining colorful-tablecloths-cotton-printed-calissons

Observing the popularity of the fabrics, style-conscious King Louis XIV asked his Minister of Finance, Jean-Baptiste Colbert to formalize the industry’s organization. This initiative dovetailed with Colbert’s protectionist desire to strengthen France’s manufacturing and reduce the reliance on imports. “Tout par et pour la métropole.” (Everything by and for France). In 1664, Colbert created the Compagnie des Indes (East India Company). Armenians living in Marseille skilled in fabric production, block printing techniques, and stay-fast dyes worked with local enterprises.

Provencal Fabrics Easy Entertaining dining-room-table-cloth-rectangular

Not only had the King noticed the popularity of these cotton designs, so had the French silk, linen and woollen manufacturers. The cheaper cotton fabrics threatened the well-established silk industry, and the fabrication in Lyon began to decline. A successful lobby effort by these industries resulted in a prohibition of both the import and production of les indiennes in 1686. The ban lasted 73 years, although like many prohibitions there are ways to side-step the law. The rise of Avignon’s Rue de Teinturiers is fodder for a future post.

Provencal Fabrics cotton-tablecloths-round-shape-printed-citron

Provence Fabric for Home

Remember Provence offers a broad range of casual designs to decorate your table. Whether you need to brighten up the dining room or are looking for a carefree look for your outdoor table, discover their Art de la Table collection.

Products by established Provencal textile houses made in France. Shop for tablecloths, napkins, runners, and much more. Shipping is available to 100 countries and Remember Provence has a 14-day return policy.

Provence cloth-napkins-citron-printed-cotton

For Pinterest Fans:

Remember Provence Fabrics JULY SALE

Please share this with friends and family.
Explore France
, , ,
Legal
All rights reserved. Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission. For usage information, please contact us.
Syndication Information
 
Affiliate Information
As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases. Some recipes, posts and pages may have affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, we receive a small commission that does not impact your price. Thank you in advance for supporting our work to maintain Perfectly Provence.

Related Provence Articles

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

Explore Provence’s Essence: 6 Stunning Villages Worth Visiting

June 25, 2025
When someone asks what villages in Provence are worth visiting. It is hard to answer as there are perched Medieval hamlets, famous wine villages, attractive seaside ports, and vibrant urban centres. This list highlights six (6) stunning villages showcasing the region’s rich history and vibrant lifestyle. Luberon Villages Provence is known for its picturesque villages …
Continue Reading
Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Local Food Producers · Provencal Recipes · Taste

The Summer Truffle Festival in Aups is a Culinary Treat – Don’t Miss Out!

June 23, 2025
Located between the Mediterranean coast and the Alps, the village of Aups sits at 505 metres (1,657 ft). Considered the capital of the Haut-Var, this mid-sized town has a population of roughly 2200 residents. However, on a busy summer weekend, Aups attracts many visitors. It is considered the “gateway” to the Verdon Regional Natural Park, …
Continue Reading
Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Hotels Provence & Cote d'Azur · Restaurant Recommendations · Stay: Accommodation & Rentals in Provence · Taste

Where to Eat in Provence? Domaine la Pierre Blanche is a Food Lovers’ Paradise

June 18, 2025
As the sun gracefully dips behind the Alpilles, the landscape is bathed in a gentle golden glow that dances across the grapevines, offering a prelude to an enchanting evening in Provence. This region’s luminous light, which has long captured the imaginations of celebrated artists, serves as a backdrop to the “Rosé Mule,” a tantalizing cocktail …
Continue Reading
Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

Provencal Villages: Céreste Reasons to Visit and Stay Awhile

June 13, 2025
Céreste is an authentic, unspoilt, and charming Provençal village. It is immersed in lavender country, steeped in history, and sits on the foothills of the Grand Luberon. While the region has many fascinating villages, we asked the owner of Mas de Grivet, a beautiful holiday rental home, what makes Céreste unique. The answers below should …
Continue Reading
blank

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).

No Comment

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.