after the storm

after the storm
Welcome autumn!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

al fresco...

We have two old mesquite trees on our property. They are beyond the wall of the backyard so we don't spend much time out there. M has always said that between the two big trees would be the perfect place to eat dinner. He was right. We moved a table back there and it just may stay.
The shade back there gives us a nice cool spot even as the temperature continues to climb.
We are lucky to have a lot of bougainvillea so I used it to give the table a bit of a pop.
The vintage silverplate is "Park Lane" by Oneida.
I like the look and feel of recycled glass.
Almost everything on this table is made in Mexico, a nod to Cinco de Mayo.
We will miss these al fresco days.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch and Kathleen at Let's Dish. So many pretty tables!

Tricia asked about the plates. They are made in Mexico by Anfora. They were sold at Pottery Barn a couple of years ago as blue and white Puebla. Because they are handpainted, the design and color varies a bit from plate to plate. It is now directly available from Anfora.

22 comments:

Marlis said...

Barbara.. fabulous. I love love the dishes, the glasses, the flowers, the silver.. well just everything. Your center bowl is amazing. Your spot is so lovely. I love the shade and can imagine how wonderful it is out there. Have a beautiful weekend. xo marlis

Blondie's Journal said...

This is wonderful, Barbara! I love dining outdoors and you have found the perfect spot! The Bougainvillea is so pretty on your table as are the dishes and rustic glassware. Beautiful!

XO,
Jane

Tricia said...

Your table is just gorgeous, Barbara! I love the pop of hot pink from the bougainvillea. Your silverplate is the same pattern my in-laws gave us when they downsized -- I think it's so pretty! Did you tell us about the plates? If so, I missed it. I always love blue and white!

Robin said...

This table is sooo my taste! I love the flowers (hate to try to spell them, although I have them too!). The rustic table goes so perfectly with the dishes, runner, recycled glass and the lanterns. I just love it!

Robin
Robin Flies South

GailO said...

Gorgeous! Just love that pink with the cobalt blue...lovely place to relax with friends!

Entertaining Women said...

Our minds were traveling on the same plane this week. I think dining under the shade of a great tree is one of God's special blessings. Your design is fantastic! Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

Taunnie said...

Your table is sooo inviting. I can't think of a better spot to spend with family and friends. Everything is so pretty, the flowers, dishes, glasses (my favorite thing) and the table itself. I want a table exactly like it for my backyard. Have a wonderful weeekend!

Anonymous said...

The cobalt with the brilliant pink is so inviting. You know, I have no blue, but after seeing the beautiful pottery in Portugal, very akin to yours, I'm thinking that blue needs to be worked into my collection of dishes. I am so glad to have your creativity back!

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

Your whole setting is so inviting. I "LOVE" those dishes! I wish we could have bougainvillea here in Connecticut because I would have LOTS AND LOTS of it! It looks so gorgeous with your blue and white tablesetting!
Have a fun weekend,
Donna

Sue said...

Hi Barbara. More than anything else, I want to just walk into this shot and stay there. The light and setting is beautiful. The colours sing out to me. I wonder if you have a soundscape of insects too? From what you are saying I suppose it becomes too hot to eat outside soon. I am trying to imagine that as I look out of my rainy window. Instead I will carry these pictures with me for the day.

we three dogs and me said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. Love the blue plates and flowers. We used to have a very dense apple tree which we had a table that we ate many dinners on. Even if it sprinkled we didn't get wet. People must have thought we were nuts haha.

All The Pretty Dishes said...

I love your table and the flowers look so vivid...just the right touch!

Barbara F. said...

Fabulous table. I love the Anfora dishes. Perfect table for Cinco de Mayo and the rest of the season! Visiting from Let's Dish. xo

Alycia Nichols said...

Y'know what this reminds me of? When you open a Pottery Barn or Pier 1 catalog and see a table set out in a field with all the beautiful people smiling and having a good time. It's relaxed, bold, beautiful. Love it! You and I were thinking along the same lines this week with our blue, white and pink!!! Mesquite...that's what they use for grilling to get a good flavor, right? I don't know why I never thought of it as being from a tree! :-) Duh! I can be really dense sometimes!!! Enjoy your time in the shade of the lovely mesquite trees!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

I love it all; the dishes, the silver, the flowers and the recycled glasses and I'm with you, I love the look of them! Great wooden table too and al-fresco tablescape my friend. Thank you for your lovely and kind visit. Hugs,
FABBY

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh dear Barbara, I just became your newest follower, I don't want to miss your posts! Hope you like to do the same. Happy weekend.
FABBY

Kathe said...

Just beautiful! I love the pop of pink with the blue and white. Al Fresco dining at its best.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous table in a beautifully shady spot!
Sue

Scribbler said...

This whole setting is so beautiful! I so love bougainvillea and it really makes all the other colors sing. Thanks for stopping by -- it is always a pleasure to visit.

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi darling, what a gorgeous table. Your bougainavilea is gorgeous! I'm not sure we can grow it here, I'll have to check into it, it makes your setting even more gorgeous. hugs ~lynne~

Kathleen said...

What a beautifully inviting table! The rustic wood, the pretty plates and the vibrant flowers are just perfect! What a wonderful place to dine!
Thanks so much for linking to Let's Dish!
Mother's Day Challenge this Wed at 7! :)

Barbara said...

fun and beautiful table.