French Country Cottage Inspired Gatherings - by Courtney Allison (Hardcover)

About the Book

Entertaining starts with setting a fabulous table. In Courtney Allison's signature French Country Cottage style, she showcases a myriad of romantic table settings for every occasion. Courtney provides the styling expertise to host your own French Country Cottage-inspired gathering, whether in the backyard, at the beach, under an old oak tree, or in a country barn. A simple picnic; coffee by the lake; a cheese board for friends outdoors; a bistro table for two; a long table for a formal meal--each setting exhibiting Allison's dreamy style for you to emulate. The pièce de résistance in every venue, any setting, is the gorgeous arrangements of seasonal flowers; Courtney's bouquets will take your breath away, from spring to fall, for outdoors and inside.

Book Synopsis

A layered mix of tableware and flower arrangements set the stage for inspired entertaining.

Entertaining starts with setting a fabulous table. In Courtney Allison's signature French Country Cottage style, she showcases a myriad of romantic table settings for every occasion. Courtney provides the styling expertise to host your own French Country Cottage-inspired gathering, whether in the backyard, at the beach, under an old oak tree, or in a country barn. A simple picnic; coffee by the lake; a cheese board for friends outdoors; a bistro table for two; a long table for a formal meal--each setting exhibiting Allison's dreamy style for you to emulate. The pièce de résistance in every venue, any setting, is the gorgeous arrangements of seasonal flowers; Courtney's bouquets will take your breath away, from spring to fall, for outdoors and inside.

Review Quotes

In French Country Cottage Inspired Gatherings (Gibbs Smith, 2020), blogger, author, and photographer Courtney Allisonâ (TM)s second book, Allison applies her design aesthetic to entertaining. She gives advice and shares her experience on topics such as linens, lighting, place settings, and flowers. Some of her signatures include vintage silver, etched-crystal wineglasses, and rustic containers of lush blooms.--Alice Welsh Doyle "Flower Magazine" (5/1/2020 12:00:00 AM)

French Country Cottage Inspired Gatherings makes me feel like I'm about to jump in the pages and experience a magical evening filled with laughter and memories with a friend or a group of friends. I actually will picture very specific people in my lives sitting in the seats in the images!

The book is just filled with photos that will make you happy and inspired! This would be a great book for a gift, for the hostess, new homeowner, or anyone who just loves pretty romantic photos, and French anything, hmmmmm no wonder I love it!-- "Diana Elizabeth" (6/26/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"... captures the warmth and emotion of entertaining through meaningful moments throughout the seasons, making the book an ideal gift for loved ones to enjoy year-round.
From Courtney's favorite florals to the essential elements of the rustic yet elegant style for which she is known, the book's 224 pages overflow with breathtaking images and practical style ideas for implementing the designs in your own home. Romantic date nights on a lakeside dock, lush garden views, and an evening in an orchard surrounded by nature's bounty are only a few of the many stunning scenes.
Whether you like to keep your get-togethers small and intimate or desire an extravagant affair, this book is sure to inspire your inner host and delight those who receive it as a present or those who gift it to themselves."--Holly Seng "The Cottage Journal" (12/7/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"Lush photography transports the reader to a dinner for 2 on the dock, a chic barn celebration, a harvest dinner table, and a flower meadow picnic. And as with any excellent book on entertaining, Allison includes a chapter on the elements and layers necessary for successful entertaining, as well as menus. While quite practical, this book is also sexy escapism at its best. You'll get happily lost in its pages."-- "Interior Design Master Class" (10/26/2020 12:00:00 AM)

I learned many subtle but important party planning tips while reading this book, and the pictures will provide endless inspiration for not only entertaining, but styling my own French country tablescape decor at home. There is something fabulous and delightful on every page, and I know I'll be thumbing through this one for years.-- "Fab Everyday" (6/12/2020 12:00:00 AM)

If you're like me, and love pretty things, you'll want to check out Courtney Allison's new book called French Country Cottage Inspired Gatherings. Her incredible eye and attention to detail shine ...
Even if a large social gathering isn't in the cards anytime soon, the book provides a perfect place to escape into images of beautiful celebrations that will inspire you to add a little something special to your dinner table tonight.--Shanna Hatfield (7/22/2020 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Courtney Allison is the author of the blog French Country Cottage and book by the same name. She also has a floral line with Balsam Hill and works as a freelance photographer and stylist for magazines and brands.