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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Comfort Food on the Terrace



Last week was a particularly tough week for Mr. Pressed Pants, so I fixed his favorite meal (meatloaf!) and we had a nice meal down on the lower terrace.  We've been missing one of our favorite couples, so I used their names on place cards just for photographing. 

It was a beautiful evening and we relaxed and talked and talked.  This shot is taken from the upper terrace.

I started with this beautiful French script fabric in a pale turquoise with this grey/brown print.  I didn't even hem the edges, but please don't tell my mother!

I picked up the bird theme on the cloth and added small bird nests and a velvet leaf just for a place card.

Yes, Michael, we wish you were here.

And Barb, too!!!!

I added these wire chargers, then a cream plate and a chocolate brown plate, both from Target.  Then this cream faux French flatware.  (Cheryl from JoJo's Joys is looking for some of this to add to her stash.  Does anyone know where this is still available?) 

These cream linen napkins are held in place with these beautiful feathers that I made into a napkin ring.  The colors are perfect for this tablecloth, don't you think?

The glassware is a mix of clear and aqua glass.  The aqua is Martha Stewart's from Macy's.

And these French tumblers are a favorite of mine.  I think these say "a glass of friendship".
That was my inspiration for "inviting" Barb and Michael to the table.

This pewter piece held oil and vinegar.

I loved the "patina" on these candlesticks.  They came from my favorite Atlanta store, Boxwoods.

They aren't old, but they look a bit aged.  The colors couldn't be better for this table.  They are usually in one of our guest bedrooms.

 
I used this faux bois pot for the flower arrangement.  The flowers all came from the floral wholesaler.  The cream gerbera daisies and hypericium showed up nicely against the wood color and......

these scabiosa seed pods were my surprise element.  I just love these.  I never saw them before.

Look how the brown stripes on the pods mimic the wood.  I'm so glad that they are sort of dry, so I have been able to keep them for future dried arrangements. 

Want to look at it again?

This was a very serene table, and a lovely evening, even without our "guests".

Since these pillows from the guest room were the perfect shade of linen and trim, I brought them down for a little extra comfort.

Before and after dinner, we moved to these chaises, which are on the same level as our dinner.  We sat and let the frogs, Canadian geese, and the owl serenade us.

I used this little turquoise tray for our appetizers. (Melon wrapped with prosciutto)

And for sentiment, I added a couple of acorns which have already fallen on the terrace.

Missed you, Barb and Michael.  It would have been a fun foursome!

You could have been another set of love birds at the table!!!!

Join the party at Between Naps on the Porch
for Tablescape Thursday

17 comments:

  1. OK, so I'm going to be yammering on about this table for quite awhile. This is beautiful!!!!! Where to start? Hmmmmm....the fabric you chose for the table covering is magnificent! I love this kind of fabric so much, but don't own even a scrap of it! What's wrong with me??? (Don't answer that!) Since sewing isn't really my thing, I use a lot of fabric "as is." No harm in it from where I sit! The velvet leaves are so pretty, and their color is a great complement to the hues of the table covering. I just saw that exact flatware today! Ramon & I were in Topeka, KS. for a job interview, and I got to window shop while he was doing that. I can't remember if I saw them in Tuesday Morning or TJ Maxx. It was one of those 2 stores. Seems like they were $20 for a set of 20 (four 5-piece place settings). I'll look here in town tomorrow (weather permitting) and report back. Tell Cheryl to check out those 2 stores, though. The feather napkin ring....fabulous!!! Makes me feel all Carol Channing-like! LOVE the candlesticks and the floral arrangement is fabulous with the scabiosa seed pods!!! They really make the arrangement super special and lend a TON of personality to it! This is a wonderful, wonderful table, Linda! Right on, sister!

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  2. Linda~ What wonderful fabric...it's the perfect foundation for your table! I love all the elements you've pulled together~ your French tumblers, candle holders & flower arrangement! The seed pods you found are wonderful, I'm not familiar with them~ they do look like they would dry easily. I adore your woven cloche on your side table. What a wonderful spot you have for dining & relaxing!

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  3. Linda.. you REALLY nailed it with this one.. just so elegant & casual all rolled into one... I too LOVE Boxwood Garden shop...and your candlesticks from there are divine.. your patio is the picture perfect setting for your love bird dinner!one of my favorites..

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  4. I love it ! Thanksfor sharing!Beautiful.

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  5. oh gosh where to start.. love love love the colors and the fabric is just perfect.. oh try steam a seam - it's a tape you can just "hem" your ends and you are done! Your plates are pretty and your special touches are what make this table fabulous.. xo marlis

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  6. Beautiful...your centerpiece is so unique with the scabiosa seed pods...love the candlesticks.

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  7. Beautiful color palette, and the little details are exquisite. I bet your guests feel very special when they are with you!

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  8. i love your fabric, so many pretty elements~

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  9. I saw them last at Home Goods for the same price as Alysia indicated. Your tablecloth is wonderful, just fray the edges and go for it.

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  10. Comfort food on the deck-life doesn't get much better then that!
    I love the table you set and I too love that flatware and tablecloth.

    Carolyn

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  11. Wonderful! Sorry Mr Pressed Pants had a bad week but I bet your meatloaf made up for it! I've seen that flatware at Horchow online and at World Market. Hope that helps - Jennifer

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  12. Alycia said it all so well, so "Ditto!" No really, the colors, the textures, the French script fabric....some of my favorite elements combined for a romantic, elegant welcome to cooler nights. Thank you for sharing your beautiful design. Cherry Kay

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  13. I forgot to tell you the other day when I left a comment: Meatloaf is Ramon's favorite, too!!! He could eat it every week!!! I'm tellin' you....2 peas in a pod we are! :-)

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  14. Beautiful table! And I never told my Mom when I just used unhemmed fabric for a tablecloth -- or draperies!

    Tell your friend to check out Horchow.com for that flatware -- or very similar. They have several types, many colors. Click on "colorful settings" to see.

    Best wishes -- Cass

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  15. Oh I do hope that Mr. Pressed Pants has a better week -- I'm sure your meatloaf was just the thing to lift his spirits. What a pretty table -- soft and delightful. Love those pretty seed pods....I would use them again too, if possible. Love all the textures on your pretty table. I'm sure your friends were there in spirit.

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  16. Wow! This is a stellar table. I don't quite see the pale aqua color in the photos of the tablecloth, but it is gorgeous none the less. Velvet leaves? What a perfect touch. It's all so soothing and comforting. Wish your friends could have been with you.

    I'd love to have you join us at Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  17. I hope this has been a better week for Mr. Pressed Pants. It always grieves me when my man is going through rough times and I know there's not much I can do about it except try to make his home life peaceful. That's certainly what you did for your sweet hubby with this tablescape! Serene, calm, peaceful ... I'm sure his stresses were diminished at least for awhile as he soaked in his time with you around this lovely table. So thoughtful of you!

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