Coral and Turquoise On the Coral and Turquoise Terrace!

Since this isn't a terribly hot evening, we're having a couple of neighbors over for a simple cook-out.  I couldn't wait to use these pieces which I've had for years with our new cushions and tablecloth on the stone terrace. 

Even the flowers are re-runs from an event earlier in the week. 

I added a piece of white coral, some sea shells, and a bit of sea glass to make the centerpiece a bit more interesting.  Then I snuggled a votive with an orange candle into the mix.

Then I added these little china starfish.

I started without the orange placemats, but the plates were lost on all of that pattern.  That's ok, since, even though the cloth is outdoor fabric, I probably won't have to wash it now.  :-)  

Here's the placesetting I settled on. 

These dishes are from a wonderful store that has closed in Atlanta called The Plantation Shop.  They are made by Murval and are very heavy, which is good for outdoors.  I thought the bamboo flatware would be a good choice to go with them.

I think I bought these embroidered napkins at the same time at The Plantation Shop.  I'm wondering why I bought eight napkins and only 4 placesettings of the dishes.  Maybe that's all they had, but I sure wish I had 4 more.  The coral shaped napkin rings were from Pottery Barn, I think.

I really don't remember where I got these coral stemmed plastic glasses.  Aren't they cute?   I have no problem mixing "real" dishes with plastic, or melamine, or even paper.  Many would faint at the idea, but I say, that unless you are entertaining royalty, the mix is interesting and fun.

Since I had these cute little bowls to match, I decided to serve gazpacho as a first course.  It's perfect for a summer night, and soooo easy.  I was at the Alpharetta Farmers' Market this morning and all of the produce I needed for it was so beautiful.  It was a no brainer. 

Serving soup also meant I got to use these spoons from World Market.  I got some other serving pieces like this, too, but I was already bordering on coral overkill!

Something tells me that I'll be using this frequently this summer, as it is the perfect combo for our new outdoor colors.  You can see a post I did about them here.

See that dock at the lake at the bottom of the lawn?  I bet the men will be down there fishing before dark.  Janet and I will be reading my new copy of Annie Falk's Hamptons Entertaining.  It's so inspiring that I think I might plan another dinner party for tomorrow!

Joining:

Tablescape Thursday

at

Between Naps on the Porch

Share Your Style

at

No Minimalist Here

Centerpiece Wednesday

at

The Style Sisters

Show and Tell Friday

at

My Romantic Home

The Scoop

at

Cedar Hill Farmhouse

Inspire Me Tuesday

at

A Stroll Thru Life

Table It

at

Rustic and Refined

Home Sweet Home

at

The Charm of Home

Sheltered Nest Friday

at

French Country Home

Wow Us Wednesday

at

Savvy Southern Style

Make It Pretty Monday

at

The Dedicated House

Fridays Unfold

at

www.nancherrow.com 

Moonlight and Mason Jars (Wed.)

Celebrate It Sunday

at Celebrate and Decorate