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Saturday, August 2, 2014

Summer Dining Alfresco


Hello, dear friends!
How is your summer going? It has been a beautiful summer so far, and I have been enjoying the lovely warm days. I can't believe it is August already, and it's almost back to school time. Just got back from our vacation in Cape Cod, and it seems like summer has gone by so quickly!
Today, I thought I will share with you some pictures of a summer tablescape :)


Dining alfresco under the apple trees is a wonderful way to enjoy the balmy days of summer:



A pot of red impatiens sits inside a white lantern and is hung from the branches with a wired burlap ribbon:







Elements of a summer tablescape:

Flavored water in blue mason jars to quench your thirst on a hot summer day:


Ice cubes made with strawberries and blueberries or any other fruit of your choice not only add flavor to the water, but look so colorful as well:


The place setting:
  
Elements of a casual place setting:
Two layers of dinner napkins in red and white:



I found these adorable berry napkin rings in an outlet store called Anne and Hope in Providence, Rhode Island. Don't they look so pretty with the red napkins?


A closer look of the place setting:


A navy blue and white striped dinner plate is topped with a smaller Crate and Barrel white salad plate. The blue and white striped dinner plate is from their Country Living Collection:

I love the nautical look of these adorable plates.
A rim shot of the plates:

A red soup bowl sits on top of the white salad plate:

Love the black coiled tip fork from Pier 1:


As centerpiece I inserted a pot of pretty blue lobelia inside a Coca Cola crate:

I love lobelia with its delicate and dainty blooms 

Cute little blue ceramic birds added as accents


A galvanized bucket full of summer blossoms sits on a bench


Dining alfresco is another wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful days of summer:

Before I sign off today, I will leave you with a few pictures from our vacation at Cape Cod:
The pristine beaches of Cape Cod:

The Pilgrim Monument erected to commemorate the Pilgrims' first landing in America on the  Mayflower at Provincetown, Cape Cod:



So, how are you enjoying your summer?
Thanks for stopping by! It is always a pleasure to have you visit me.
Enjoy your weekend!

~Hugs, Poppy~

Linking to:
French Country Cottage:Feathered Nest Friday




Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Adding Color to my Summer Porch


I love puttering around in my yard! The last few weeks have been hectic! I have been busy weeding, mowing, and getting my garden ready for the summer. I have been basking in the glory of warmer temperatures and beautiful sunshine!
I love adding summer colors to my front porch!

Summer annuals provide the opportunity to add gorgeous color to any corner of your porch instantly!

 Fragrant pink Dianthus looks beautiful inside a black metal plant stand next to the front door:


 In addition to using them as candle holders, lanterns make pretty planters and add interest to your front porch. 


The blue lobelia contrasts prettily with the white lantern:



I placed the potted lobelia inside this burlap cinch bag found at Walmart.

Loving the contrast in color and texture between the delicate blue lobelia and the burlap bags.

Next, I added a big fluffy burlap bow to the top of the lantern:

Evergreens in urns sit on both sides of my front door:

Another plant stand filled with colorful annuals sits on the other side of the door.


A view of my summer front porch.


A closer look at the blue potteries filled with pretty annuals.


I love planting geraniums in my flower beds and planters. 

Vibrant pink geraniums in pretty blue clay pots scream summer to me:


Pretty pink stocks

and cascading verbenas mixed with yellow daisies:


A basket overflowing with beautiful annuals adorn my front door:


The potted flowers are placed inside the burlap cinch bags and then inserted inside the basket:


Wave petunias in yellow and purple mixed with pink verbenas:


A closer view of my front door over looking the white railing in front:

Summer: A celebration of colors!


Thanks for stopping by!
Are you enjoying the glorious days of summer?
My heartfelt thanks to the wonderful hostesses for graciously showcasing my Spring foyer at their fun weekly parties:
Thank you ladies! You make me smile :)

~Hugs, Poppy~

Linking to: