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

Orange Coral Tablescape

                       I'm joining "Happy to Design" for Sunday Favorites with this post from last summer.  It's so nice to have the chance to re-post some old stuff.  Thanks for the opportunity!  Enjoy this from Summer '10.

These photos were taken by my old camera and they are not nearly as good as I would like.  I am especially disappointed in the fact that the white tablecloth photographed as blue, but enjoy them just the same and I promise you can expect better in the future!

 There is something about coral that is timeless and iconic.  It is often used in decor and accessories.  I love it used tabletop.  I actually use it often, especially if serving seafood for dinner.  For warm weather, which we are still having plenty of in Georgia, I use this crisp orange and white combination, and most often outside.  I've set a table for two outside on our white deck.  We have waited all summer for "dining weather", so we will probably be eating outside quite often for a while.

 

I started with a white square tablecloth that I bought at a restaurant supply outlet.  I got four of them and I wish I had more.  I could never guess how often I use them myself or loan them out.  The centerpiece was inspired by a piece of white coral I have.  I just sat it on top of a piece of oasis and then stuck flowers around it.

The gerbera and white daisies keep it very simple and fresh.  Can you see the coral?

I started the placesetting with an orange woven placemat from Homegoods.  These will be given a work-out between now and Christmas, I'm sure.  The dinner plates are by Murval and I bought them at The Plantation Shop last summer. The flatware is some I've had for a long time, and I can't remember who makes it, but I use it often.

The salad plate is from Homegoods and it is by Mix and Max. 

I bought the bowl when I got the plates. I love the

little coral design inside as well as the outside pattern.

These stems are actually acrylic and came from Homegoods, and the water glasses, also acrylic, are from Walmart.  I laid them on their side so you could see them better. I don't mind mixing china with plastic, especially outside.  I even do it inside from time to time.  Some plastic has such style, that there is no reason not to.

 I bought these cotton napkins with the embroidered coral design at The Plantation Shop at the same time I found the coral plates.  They offered them in turquoise, too, so what do you think I did?  I bought them in both colors, of course!  I'll use the turquoise napkins in another post. The napking rings are from Pottery Barn, last summer.

 This little glass fish plate makes a cute bread and butter plate, don't you think?  I was hoping I could get a photo where it would show up. Who knows where or when I bought them.  The tea lights came from Pottery Barn.

 I think I got the porclein starfish at Boxwoods, but I'm not sure. I store them very carefully, as they are quite thin and fragile. I just love the way they are painted and the texture they give the table.

Next week I'll finally break out the fall dishes, I promise!

Linda