Bienvenue! Welcome to The French Table, a shop that could very well be on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, but is actually located on Lower Roswell Road in East Cobb. Tracy Kreiner Barnes, the shop’s co-owner, says she wants her customers to experience the unexpected when they enter, describing The French Table as “elegant whimsy, but most of all — peaceful.” The shop offers French-inspired and custom furnishings, along with interior design services, seasonal décor, table settings, jewelry, and much more.

Although The French Table is new to East Cobb, Tracy has been a member of the community for many years. Her background in local real estate sales led her to this new endeavor. “While I was selling real estate, I began to stage my listings,” says Tracy. “After success in this area, I then started staging houses for other realtors. That became my ‘happy place’ – that place where I really loved what I was doing. Fast forward to the present, The French Table takes it to the next level.”

Tracy’s love of everything French is rooted in her mother’s choice of décor. She grew up in a home filled with French-inspired furnishings and embraced that style as she decorated her own home.

During the past year, Tracy has made her long-time vision come to fruition as The French Table opened its doors in September. She describes the journey as a collaboration of several friends, attributing many thanks to Carol Bachman Dlin, business partner; Amalie Swan, creative director for special events; and Beth Warshaw and Catherine Wright, shop managers. “I had the vision of The French Table for many years,” says Tracy. “So when we found the perfect location, it was easy to create.”

The French Table has also become a family affair with her son, Cameron, and her daughter, Carly, lending their business expertise. Cameron is involved with the design of The French Table’s custom furniture line, Bebe n Me Home, as well as the technical elements of the shop. Carly assists with the inventory, serving as Tracy’s righthand person when it comes to choosing just the right pieces for display.

You can find The French Table at 4665 Lower Roswell Road, flanked by Ming’s Asian Kitchen and Cherry on Top Delights Bakery, at the intersection of Lower Roswell and Woodlawn Roads. The honey bee logo, long a symbol of French royalty, welcomes shoppers.

Once you enter, Tracy says her goal is to appeal to the senses. Beautiful furnishings and décor for the eyes, French signature fragrances for the nose, music for the ears, and comfortable furniture and fabric for the touch can all be found. She adds that she is still working on the sense of taste and will incorporate that soon.

Although The French Table’s peaceful ambiance invites shoppers to linger and look, the prices are reasonable so customers can take home their favorite items to enjoy. “As I search for quality in all the merchandise, I also keep a price point in mind for my customers,” says Tracy.

For your holiday shopping, visit The French Table with extended seasonal hours of Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-7pm and Sunday, 12-6pm. Online shopping is also available at www.thefrenchtable.com.