I love outdoor living… even in January.
The fresh air.
A warm crackling fire in the pit
a little music playing …
Outdoor spaces are a big part of our home-
and we spent most evenings outside during the summer months.
We recently made some changes and started working
on a new area in the backyard in the fall…
it’s not share worthy yet…
but our farmhouse table and bistro chairs are set up in the new space
and with drop cloth drapery panels
& a little chandelier lighting
it is a perfect setting for evening dining in the fresh air.
I love a table that is welcoming as well as beautiful
One that incorporates vintage flea finds and newly found treasures.
I wanted something neutral and pretty for the table linen
and this drop cloth charmer was perfect.
I made this ruffly flirty tablecloth on a whim awhile back
and pulled it out for my peonies post the other day.
HERE if you missed it
I had questions about it so sharing a bit more today.
I used 2 drop cloths that I found at Lowes.
They have a brand that is softer and more ‘friendly’
for slipcovers and linens in my opinion
Some of them are scratchy and stiff- these are not.
I set one of the drop cloths on the table
(This table is about 9′ long and 3′ wide. )
and cut aprox. 14″ off the drop cloth edging all around.
(Bonus: dropcloths have a pre-made edging)
I then gathered and pinned it to the table top piece
as I went along
to create a soft loose ruffled look.
For this cloth,
I made the top a bit larger so that it draped over the edges on the table
and then sewed the ruffle piece to it.
I love the extra fabric draped on each of the corners.
I was thinking a comfortable loose, baggy slipcover feeling…
something beautiful, friendly & welcoming.
NOTE:
Drop cloths definitely need a good ironing when you are finished
unless you don’t mind the wrinkly look.
I love how the cream coloring works so beautifully with the chalkboard
in the dining room and is also perfect for the table outdoors as well.
I scoured flea markets & thrift stores for pieces
of mis-matched silver over the summer and found some beauties.
My favorites are old monogrammed and intricate patterned pieces.
*love*
Some feel a bit regal and are perfect for adding a little elegance.
Some of my pretty peonies are turning a bit brown at the edges…
but they are lovely nonetheless
and I am loving their sweetness paired with the
vintage inspired carriage house lanterns.
A simple but charming outdoor table
with a simple ruffled drop cloth table linen.
So whose coming over for dinner?
🙂
sharing at
miss flibbertigibbet says
Ahh to live in California….it is quite nice here in Va.(an unseasonable 50)but we couldn't dine outdoors much in January, I don't care how big the fire is! LOL Love everything as usual….sigh
Rosemary@villabarnes says
If I lived closer, I'd be there Courtney. Beautiful outdoor dining space. I love vintage silver pieces too. I picked up a bunch at an estate sale. They add so much to a tablescape.
ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says
Beautiful Courtney! I love those lanterns!!
Unknown says
Totally agree on the outdoor spaces! Love your chalk frame!
Love, Olga
Carolyn says
It is a very inviting place to have dinner-love the lanterns,the tablecloth and the peonies!It will be a long time before we ate our meals outdoors again.
Carolyn
Dani says
That is so beautiful!!! It turned out great!
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
Just lovely, Courtney! I love the tablecloth and your table setting. That is one thing I envy about your area of the country ~ having your outdoor areas really be a part of your home all year long.
Unknown says
I'll be right over! Man, I thought these photos were from a magazine! The should be in one. Stunning!! I'm freezing here in ma!
Maxwellhouseinteriors.Blogspot.Com
Maureen Wyatt says
Oh, what I would give to be able to dine outside in January! I'll be copying your tablecloth for sure. It all looks lovely. ~ Maureen
Ricki Treleaven says
Courtney, you remind me of my friend Barbara: She always looks for a reason to eat outdoors, and she has an area almost as lovely as yours! I love the vintage silver and the carriage house lanterns best. Your table is so, so romantic and pretty!
Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage says
These shots are sensational, Courtney! I can't take my eyes off of the one in front of that fabulous blackboard in the dining room. But all the photos have great ambience. What a treat!
Susan @ Real Girl Designs says
I love your outdoor setting, and the idea of a drop cloth table cloth is wonderful – I just bought some to make curtains for my living room 🙂
Deserae says
Stunning!!!! I am madly in love with your table cloth….the ruffles are just gorgeous!!! I might have to just make me one….you are such an inspiration :o)
~Des
Vintage Rose says
So pretty and inviting
Kirby Carespodi says
Lovely! It's just the ticket for dining outdoors (in May or June, here). I also want to thank you for sending so many wonderful new friends to my blog via your linky parties–I have met some great folks!
Okio B Designs says
I'll be right over! I'm so in love with your tablecloth. I can't believe you made that beauty from drop cloths!
Jeanine
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
Oh, I will be right over. Everything is so pretty. Love your vintage silver.
Elizabeth says
Oh, I love the tablecloth and the lanterns. I am a big fan of outdoor dinning also, here in Fl. we get to do a lot of it as well!
Becca says
Beautiful table, Courtney !! I love the lanterns … the peonies … and the tablecloth is awesome !! Always so inspiring !!
Eclectically Vintage says
Whaaah – I want to move to CA. Some day but in the meantime I can live vicariously through you! Love the mismatched silver.
Kelly
Gabrielle says
Lovely, Courtney…thanks so much for adding the extra info in the tablecloth! 😉 Hope you have had a great weekend…it's been a good one in Santa Fe…has been snowing all day. Where do you live in CA? We have lived several times in SoCal…
Audrey says
Hi Courtney … love the tablecloth. May need to make one for my dining table. I did no-sew drapes in the living room and love them. Love the outdoor setting too.
Blessings….
Audrey Z. at Timeless Treasures.
Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says
Courtney, what a beautiful setting! Everything looks gorgeous! The linens, the silver, the flowers…they're all just stunning!
Val says
Court, this is outdoor living at it's best!!!
Paulette, Jvona & Rachel says
You h ave inspired me to finish my back porch project! It's been about 70 degrees here this winter, and outside living is exactly what we need! Your table is beautiful!
-Paulette
The Porcelain Rose says
Beautiful photos!
I love vintage china and silverware…. and have an extensive collection of both. I keep my dining table set (decorated) most of the time and frequently use mis-matched pieces. I LOVE the idea of using mis-matched silverware. Great idea! Thank you for inspiring us.
lotus_513 says
All you created fascinated me! Even the title logo caught my eyes!!!! Lovely lovely. I must share this with my friends!
Lisa ~Suburban Retreat~ says
I'm on my way! You've created such a beautiful outdoor space and I absolutely adore your dropcloth table cover. Gorg.!
At The Picket Fence says
I wish I was coming over for dinner! It all looks so lovely and charming Courtney and I'm only slightly jealous that you can do anything outside right now. It is soooo cold here!
Vanessa
Pamela says
The beauty here always feeds my soul. It takes me so long to get through a post because there's so much to see in each picture. I love all the variety of silver you use. Love the lanterns.
Amy Chalmers says
The table looks so pretty. I can't wait to see the entire outdoor space with the panels in place. I buy the same ones you do, or at least was lucky to for my first time using drop cloths for my office drapery panels. I washed them first and then hung them and they were super soft.
Heaven's Walk says
I AM!!!!! I AM!!!
[Ignore the woman sneaking out the back yard with a ruffled tablecloth under her shirt however….]
xoxo laurie
Blondie's Journal says
Very pretty, Courtney! I love dropcloth creations and yours is just gorgeous with that ruffle. No wonder you spend so much time outdoors. The peonies are pretty, too! 🙂
XO,
Jane
flowerlady464 says
So jealous of that California weather right now! The setting is just perfect.
Eileen says
I'll be there! I'll hop on a plane for dinner out there any day. Your outdoor dining looks delightful, Courtney! Did I spot dropcloth drapes hanging in the background out there too? I love how you explained how you made the tablecloth. I agree Lowes has some great dropcloths.
Eileen @ cottage beach house
Sunflowers With Smiles says
Love your outdoor tablescape and tablecloth! Thanks for sharing!
Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says
Gorgeous tabelcloth and outdoor area Courtney. I have a thing for monogrammed cutlery too… I always wonder about its history.
Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says
Count me in! How I'd love to be able to eat outside year round! I love that tablecloth — thanks for the info. on how you created it!
Beth @A Little Country House says
so pretty! You live well 🙂
ShabbyMagia..... says
Che dire.Sono rimasta a bocca aperta per tutto quello che vedo nel tuo blog.COMPLIMENTI!!!!!!
Ti metto subito tra i miei preferiti.
Ciao Monica
Anonymous says
I am kicking myself for just the other day throwing out my dropcloths! Ugh! I LOVE the tablecloth idea…dang it, now I have to go get more dropcloths! Simply lovely!
Mari says
Courtney~Everything is just so beautiful 😉
Smiles~
Mari
Belle Maison Et Moi says
Wow! This is beautiful. Just found your blog and your home and ideas are gorgeous. I am now a follower.
Best,
Alicia
raggygirlvintage says
It's simply beautiful! I love sewing with dropcloths and have made pillows and runners, but never a whole tablecloth! I also buy mine at Lowes and find washing and drying them softens them up before I sew. Eating outdoors is a long way off for us, so thanks for sharing!
Tracey
Jennifer Spadaro says
I love this table cloth, it's just beautiful. I'm having a giveaway that starts today for a free pillow cover, if you'd like to enter. I entered for the book, and I hope I win! Thanks for sharing
Donna@anangloinquébec says
I love the idea of outdoor living in January! We need to do that with a lot of down duvets and a roaring fire since the temps tend to drop below -20 C or -13F….but there is nothing quite like it. Once again, everything looks lovely chez toi!!
Pam - @diy Design Fanatic says
So beautiful! Outdoor living in January is what I miss about living in California! Your table is gorgeous!
Fishtail Cottage says
so lovely!!! i swear, this is the year i'm going to bring home a sewing machine and attempt a few projects! what a great score on those gorgeous silverware pieces! so pretty! oxox, tracie
Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says
The table is so pretty with your gorgeous ruffled tablecloth, beautiful!
The weather has been so pretty we have been spending lots of nights outside as well 🙂
Thanks for linking!
XO
Kristin
Anonymous says
Drop cloth & ruffles… you're my kinda gal… it's adorably sweet!
Tricia says
Everything looks so beautiful, Courtney! I wish I could see it in person 🙂
Simply Simplisticated says
Hey there Courtney,What time is dinner I will be right over!:) lol Love the vintage feel of the dropcloth The colors are so soothing and beautiful.Lovely! Deidre~ http://simplysimplisticated4.blogspot.com
Unknown says
Beautiful – Boy, I want that chalkboard more every time I see it . . .
Jacqueline says
I am definitely going to have to try and make the drop cloth tablecloth. It is so fabulous in that fabric and it looks so casual yet chic! What a fun idea to get the inexpensive silver and mix and match. Perfect for the setting. I can't wait to see the finished place! I would love to be able to enjoy the out of doors year round! On my bucket list for sure!!!!
Heather says
Hi, my name is Heather! Please email me when you can, I have a question about your blog!
HeatherVonSJ[at]gmail[dot]com
Shannah @ Just Us Four says
Oh, how I wish I could be sitting around outside right now. We have snow on the ground which is wonderful but not so great for spending much time outdoors.
The table is gorgeous! I love the collected silver pieces.
Faded Charm says
Am I too late???? Love the look…so beautiful and inviting:-)
xoxo
Kathleen
Unknown says
Another gorgeous setting. Sigh….
~Liz
Debbie says
This is lovely. How lucky you are to be able to enjoy the outdoors like this, even in January.
aimee says
so beautiful it all looks so pretty im jealous lol xxx
Ticking and Twine says
Lovely tablecloth! It has inspired me but can I ask where does the 2nd cloth you mention come into play? Once you gather the cut off piece does it not go all the way around and you need to cut a second? do you happen to remember the brand on the drop cloths from Lowes? Thanks for any advice!
Tamera Beardsley says
Saw your post last night on wow us wednesday…have been thinking about your beautiful outdoor table…thought it only polite to tell you how much I LOved it…I also am a HUge fan of the meager drop cloth. Your tablecloth and settings in front of the chalkboard…pure perfection!!!
Thank so for the inspiration…Kudos my dear!
ChiPPy-SHaBBy says
LoVe the CONTRAST of the Chandelier/Chalkboard/RoSes!*!*!
Jeanine Burkhardt
{northern cottage} says
a simple table but really a simply beautiful table and setting and EVERYTHING! so well done!
http://northerncottage.blogspot.com/2012/01/northern-cottage-party-time-tuesday2.html
Unknown says
This is just so dreamy and beautiful. Love the tablecloth, the chalkboard, the silver..well, all of it!
Vintage Home says
EVERTHING about this entry speaks to me! I love using drop cloths too….your cloth is wonderful!
Pamela says
Beautiful as always! I wish I could figure out box pleats and ruffles!
Pieced Pastimes says
Loving the drop cloth tablecloth. The ruffles are just perfect and the table setting is beautiful!
Scribbler says
You always inspire me — and what beautiful china!
Roeshel says
Simply gorgeous!
Chatty Chics says
Courtney, so pretty! What an inspiration you are! Your table is beautiful too! What a lovely setting! Thank you for sharing at my place! PLEASE come back tomorrow and share another project if you can! 🙂
Melody
ChattyChics.com