after the storm

after the storm
Welcome autumn!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

breakfast for two...

With our low humidity, sometimes during the summer we can sneak in an early breakfast or late dinner and still be comfortable outside.
When WB finished his brick masterpiece (patio and walk) last November, we realized we would like having a small table for two. We tried using the rim around the fire pit. That worked well until it was cool enough for a fire. There just wasn't enough room between our plates and the fire to be comfortable.
We wanted a table that we could easily move from patio to grass and back again. Because it was November, there weren't a lot of options for patio furniture. We ended up ordering this table. It was exactly what we wanted - easy for me to be able to move around by myself, a little table for two. We started out with a leisurely breakfast or a soup dinner and it was perfect. It wasn't until the first night we brought out full sized dinner plates that we realized how small it really is. Some plates fit, just barely and others, not at all. But for two, it is just perfect.
With such a small table (23" in diameter), there isn't much room for a centerpiece. I used some old salt and pepper shakers as little vases. Our mums bloom here twice a year, usually in April and November. I have no idea (maybe our cool, rainy spring?) why I have mums blooming in July. I am afraid I won't see them again in November when I really want to see them. It looked a little empty so I added some blue plumbago, a real trooper during our hot summers.




Two hummingbirds were dive-bombing me as I was taking these photos. I am guessing there must be a nest close by or perhaps it is a territorial thing.
The sun was coming in and out of the clouds (yes, there were clouds today!) and rising over the trees as I took these. The lighting changes from photo to photo.
I like natural fibers, especially cotton and linen. I also hate to iron. Although I love tablecloths, not ironing beats a gorgeous tablecloth almost every time. I saw these cloths at BB&B. It was being sold as an indoor/outdoor tablecloth which convinced me I would not like them. The second time I saw them, I saw that the package had been opened so I felt it. I decided to try it. I bought the smallest one that would fit one of my tables. It washes beautifully and doesn't shrink. It doesn't need any ironing. It isn't real linen but it is close enough for me.

I hope you too are enjoying some dining outside. Please join Susan and everyone else for more tablescapes.

35 comments:

Vicci @theplaidbasket said...

What a nice table for two...it looks so peaceful....great photos

a quiet life said...

such a pretty setting... again we have the same taste from bees to lemons, and of course the garden. the plumbago is so refreshing~

Needles Everywhere said...

Fabulous. I think the tablecloth is wonderful and will have to check it out. It's my favorite thing to eat outside. Those dishes are just perfect. What a great setting.

Maria said...

I love your flatware and I have those same glasses. Love your table! I think I also have the same tablecloth! But I love seeing how you've taken these things and arranged them in your own unique way! Love it!

Rachel said...

A garden party for two- perfect! Love it :)
I didn't catch the name of the purple flowers, they are gorgeous!

Donna (Timeless Settings) said...

So pretty and tranquil!

Donna

The Tablescaper said...

I agree with Donna - pretty and tranquil.
Wish I could send you some NY humidity.

- The Tablescaper

Sweetladyelaine said...

A pretty table for two in the great out doors!
What could be better! Love your sunny dishes. Thank you for sharing.

Tricia said...

Oh, your gorgeous table is ready for a magazine or catalog shoot! Wonderful photos! I love the fresh green and yellow, and the plumbago adds a splash of blue. So inviting!

Melissa Miller said...

Barbara it is serene and beautiful. Lovely!

Marigene said...

I love your little table for two. The green and yellow placesettings are so pretty.

Splenderosa said...

Barbara, this is just so lovely. I would love to see more of your garden. xx's Marsha

niartist said...

Oh Barbara! This is gorgeous! I'm working on the garden walk Saturday, and I'm doing a tablesetting under the pergola (I wrote a big blog about it - so follow me over and check it out) and I'm looking for inspiration - of course, I knew I could come here and find tons! I'm loving everything about this! GORGEOUS! So, don't be so surprised if you see me copying parts of it next week when I play in TT Thursday! :) Can't wait! Thank you so so so so much for the inspiration! :)

craftyles said...

So beautiful. I love the yellow bowls on the wonderful plates. The yellow and green are so perfect in the outdoor setting. Also love the salt and pepper little vases. Cute!

Marlis said...

Your little table sounds like my kitchen table.. intimate. It's beautiful and that tablecloth is divine! Your setting is really a knock out. there's an old adage that in all things beautiful the eye must have room to rest or everything becomes overwhelming. Your table decor is perfect!

xinex said...

I love your very intimate setting, Barbara. The S & P shakers turned vases was very clever. Love the dish colors and the tablecloth is very pretty...Christine

Nicole said...

I love this! It looks so inviting and peaceful. Thanks for visiting me and being so kind. :)

Erin said...

Glad you stopped by! Your outdoor tablescape just looks so idyllic! I wish I could be sitting out there with you...

MJ said...

Hi, thanks for commenting on my blog earlier today. I do love the tablecloth too, just need to do a more romantic tablscape with pattern or color to make it work. I have to tell you that I love this tablescape for 2 and would like to feature it on my Table for 2 Tuesday weekly that I will be starting very soon. I also would like to ask you where it is that you got those lemon plates (I LOVE LEMONS...its a theme in my kitchen) I just have to get those so hopefully you will say that you bought them recently at a chain store. lol Nice blog...I have been here before but now i have you bookmarked and will follow.

Petie@inspirednesting.com said...

Love your tablescape....looks so serene and peaceful. Outdoor dining is a luxury here in the northwest...only so many months out of the year, but then it's awesome.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving such nice comments.

Signing Out said...

This is so pretty...very fresh and colorful for summer. I love your bistro set, too.

Designs on 47th Street said...

I am so glad you stopped for a visit so I could find your blog too! I absolutely adore your little table setting. What a darling little quaint table for two with beautiful dishes and a color combo I adore.

Thank you for sharing with us and I hope you'll come back and visit again. :)
Donna

Jami said...

Thanks for stopping by and for leaving such kind words. I'm so glad to find your blog.
Such a lovely breakfast table! It looks so fresh and inviting!
Smiles!

www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

So very pretty! Love the color combo! Just delightful!

Katherine

Anita Diaz said...

Gorgeous! Gorgeous! LOVE that tablecloth! I also hate the ironing part. I'll have to look for that if I ever get over there. Love these beautiful colors! Thanks for stopping by and for your nice comments! Funny, I get these ideas in my head and I have to go with them!

emptynester3 said...

Such a nice setting- love those bowls! and the clever, sweet salt and pepper vases! Thanks for visiting! Love, ~Nana~

Rettabug said...

What a perfect little corner to sit with your loved one! Cozy & cute!
The tiny little flower containers were a brilliant idea & your blue plumbago is gorgeous!! I had that growing at my FL home. Gorgeous color & a real heat lover.

Your butterfly photos were awesome, too!!

Anonymous said...

Lovely! I would like to be joining you for a morning coffee and chat.

Fifi Flowers said...

LOVE your breakfast for two!!! TRULY LOVELY!!!

Deanna said...

So glad I could come by and take a peek at your pretty tablescape! Absolutely lovely.

I have such fun tablescaping and think seeing tables like yours lifts my spirits. Thank you for sharing.

Appreciate the kind comments you gave over at homehaven,
d

The Charm of Home said...

Okay, this many weeks in a row... I am pretty sure I am going to like all of your tables! This is so pretty and peaceful. I could see myself having some lunch here. Without that bobcat! LOL

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

What a lovely spot for your table! I love the lemon plates but I absolutely adore the bee flatware. Have a great weekend!
Hugs, Sherry

Maria said...

Barb, thank you for the kind words about my tablescape. I got my rattan chargers at World Market. I've also seen similar ones at Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel, but World Market was cheaper :-)

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh.. this is so pretty.. Love the patio furniture.. And your table is perfect..

I love your green & yellow combination.. its gorgeous!

Dream Mom said...

Love the tablecloth-looks very natural. The table looks so pretty out there, like something you'd see in a magazine shoot. The flowers are just perfect. I can't say I blame those hummingbirds! Well done.