I do.
Summer bring cups of coffee on the patio in the mornings
and warm evenings out under the stars.
Every day.
Summer bring cups of coffee on the patio in the mornings
and warm evenings out under the stars.
Every day.
It invites lingering just a bit longer and enjoying just a bit more.
For me-
it also means dinner parties, brunch with the girls and celebrating everyday occasions.
it also means dinner parties, brunch with the girls and celebrating everyday occasions.
Hosting a simple but elegant get-together is one of my favorite things to do all year long-
but especially during summer because you can set up and host the party outdoors.
A table that is outdoors under the sun or stars
seems to bring an extra layer of magic.
seems to bring an extra layer of magic.
Maybe it is the undeniable charm of using nature as your backdrop.
Or the way that a weathered top on that old farmhouse table
mingles perfectly with a place setting.
Or maybe it is the fresh air and the sounds of birds singing and crickets chirping in the distance
that play a certain kind of music that you can’t find on iTunes.
What ever it is – the word that comes to mind is
enchanted.
When I was asked by Joss & Main to style
and throw a special garden party for them – I could hardly wait to get started.
I had 3 areas to style-
a dining area, sitting area and relaxing area.
The first space I styled was the dining area on the pea gravel patio and
a simple mix of french cottage and wicker chairs were the starting point.
After that, it was all about the table setting and ambiance.
The table setting
I wanted something simple for the centerpiece that complimented
and didn’t take away from the lush green background.
Did you know that when I go shopping for flowers at the market
that sometimes I have nothing in mind for what I want to use?
Sometimes I wait for something to inspire me and that is what goes in my cart.
For this table- I knew I wanted something with greenery
and something that was soft in color.
Not rosy or pink- but soft and faded almost.
I chose fresh mixed eucalyptus garland- which is one of my absolute favorites
&
pale peach roses.
A couple of sprigs of snapdragon mixed in added a little more charm
and for the vases-
vintage silver goblets were perfect.
Up next- the ambiance.
Candles, lanterns and moonlight for evening
and nothing but the warm sunshine lighting the table
for a brunch.
Keep it simple.
The place settings
Again- simple. I love a place setting that doesn’t overwhelm.
I have been crushing on white and gold big time recently-
and these embossed dishes were absolutely perfect
Pretty much love any dishes paired with gold flatware right now
so simple gold it was.
The Serving Table
Why not have a dessert table in the garden?
A curvy little table was perfect for tucking in among the lavender and boxwood
and setting all kinds of treats on.
For brunch- it was croissants, fresh fruit and yummy sweets
but for a dinner party- you could set wine and cheese and crackers on it.
A few favorite recipes
I chose 3 of my favorite recipes for entertaining that are easy to make
but that also pack a lot of wow factor on the table and on the tastebuds.
Like a fresh blueberry topped cheesecake
a vegetable flatbread wrap
and spinach salad with strawberries and feta.
You can find all the recipes
at the Garden Party event
Up next- sharing more about the fireplace seating area
and remember when I told you that I took a walk on the wild side?
More coming your way.
Happy Monday everyone!
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Karen says
Absolutely stunning Courtney, its always so beautiful and inspirational here.
Elizabeth says
Beautiful !
Sarah says
Courtney, I would love to be a guest at one of your alfresco dinner parties. Love the long table, the mix of chairs, and the fabulous table setting. You inspire me!
Blondie's Journal says
Courtney,
You went above and beyond your normally beautiful table settings with this one and suggestions for three different occasions (I have to check out the recipes). Beautiful place settings and centerpieces. I really love the table you have your desserts on. I'm loving gold as well and am searching for old china with the gold rims…so popular for weddings 30 years back (if not more recent).
As always-love your roses!
Jane x
Unknown says
Absolutely elegant.
Vintage silver goblets and pale roses, snapdragon and eucalyptus. Very chic.
Anonymous says
Everything looked great ! My favorite is your table scape it is beautiful .
Have a great day.
Debbie says
Hi Courtney…I was just shopping Joss and Main and saw your feature. It is beautiful!!!
I actually ordered some things from them….as I usually do. I love my dining chairs like yours…one of my favorite purchases.
Debbie
xo
Pinky at Designs by Pinky says
I have SOME of those gorgeous embossed dishes and would love more. Do you know where you got them??? Your setting is exquiste, LOVE those roses and eucylyptus. Let me know if you remember where you got the dishes. Thanks!!!!! szpinky2aol.com
Courtney says
They are from Joss & Main~ Here you go~ https://www.jossandmain.com/French-Country-Cottage-16-Piece-Isabella-Dinnerware-Set-in-White~TVL3354~E19222.html
sandi says
I clicked several times on the recipes & Joss & Main's page came up overtime?? Please help.
Courtney says
So sorry about that. It appears the page has moved- I re-linked each of the recipes in the post so they should be updated and correct now. Happy weekend!!