Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Red, White and Blue Tablescape Hop just in time for 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!

We are happily celebrating Independence Day with lots of Red, White and Blue!
This is just one of the many patriotic tables you will see in our Red, White and Blue Tablescape Hop going on this week.  Chloe Crabtree, of Celebrate & Decorate organized a great group of bloggers who are eager to share their version of patriotic tables with you. 
All of the links to the other wonderful bloggers will be at the bottom of this post and updated as the week goes on. 
I chose to set my table up on my bottom deck, under the shade of the upper deck.  The only thing I didn't think of is that since I was in the shade - the photo's were a bit trickier to take.
There are lots of shadows in these photos, but I hope you can see them clear enough to get some ideas for your celebration.  


 My table is actually a couple of crates with a board over the top, then covered with a picnic tablecloth.  It is just the right height to enjoy a burger or hot dog as we enjoy some summer fun, while waiting for the fireworks to begin.
I channeled my inner child when decorating this bicycle for my centerpiece!
We used to decorate our bikes and join the parade when we were little kids.
How many remember putting cards on your spokes with clothes pins to hear that motor like noise as you rode your bike?!?
If you are really observant - you will see that I turned my bike around halfway through taking my photos!! You might, also, see our older dog, Brandy, making an appearance in a few photos - although it may be just a foot or a leg- she does not like to pose for photos - but when she finds a comfortable place to lay - I usually let her be because she is getting up there in years and she has a hard time getting up and down anymore. 
What is an Independence Day celebration with out a flag to wave and some sparklers for when it gets dark outside?!
There is something about Coca-Cola that seems so Americana -I will be using my retro cooler to have some ice cold drinks ready to go when our guests arrive.
Here is our younger dog, Lucy.  She thinks she was the model for the pillow - but I am not going to tell her that I think it was a black lab - not the Golden Retriever/St. Bernard mix that she is!

 We will be having between 25 to 30 family members over to enjoy the spectacular fireworks show our little lake puts on.  We also have a water ski show during the day - that is put on just to the left of our house - so we can view it well from both decks. I will have to set up some other eating areas, but this one will probably the favorite since it is in the shade.

Here is the line up for more Red, White and Blue fun at our Tablescape Hop-
just click on the links to see more patriotic inspiration!

Monday
Belle Bleu Interiors  |  A Casa di Bianca


Wednesday



Thursday
Camelot Art Creations  |  Celebrate & Decorate




Friday
My French Twist | Me and My Captain




I hope you enjoy your holiday.
Stay hydrated and be careful with the pyrotechnics!
Thanks for stopping by,
Ann

Sources:
Red Check Tablecloth - Hobby Lobby this spring
Red placemats -Bed Bath & Beyond several years ago
Blue denim chargers - Hobby Lobby several years ago
Red, white and blue melamine plates- Williams-Sonoma - for a steal in the middle of this winter
Flatware - World Market several years ago
Blue plastic tumblers - Target last week
Blue hem stitch napkins and the Bike - HomeGoods - I added the decorations
Red check napkins - Pier 1 several years ago - but they may still carry them
Patriotic Pillows - Joann Fabrics - 70% off!

I will be linking up up with they following:
Celebrate Your Story @ Celebrate & Decorate
Reader Tip Tuesday @ Jodie Fitz
Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch 
Inspire Me Tuesday @A Stroll Thru Life

Monday, June 18, 2018

Refreshing Summer Table

It's such a hot and humid day, I chose to stay in this afternoon and set a table for all who may need a refreshment when they come in out of the heat.
This bright lime green and pink table setting was inspired by cans of sparkling water when I picked up some flowers at Trader Joe's.


Just as the plates say - setting this table helped me "chill out" after working outside this morning.

And a wonderful flavored sparkling water will hit the spot.  I gave up drinking pop (yes, I am from Ohio!) or soda, as most know it, about a year ago.  So flavored waters are a nice treat now and then.

I haven't bought any popsicles in a long time!!  But I am thinking I may try making some fruit popsicles this week.
I hope you find a way to stay cool in this summer heat.

Thanks for stopping by and getting a dose of refreshment!
Ann

Sources:
Green Buffalo Check Napkins and Table Cloth - years ago at a in Walnut Creek Ohio
Pink round placemats -I think I bought those at Bed Bath & Beyond years ago
White Chargers - Old Time Pottery, years ago
Green and White Polka Dot Plates -Signature Dots from 2010 -Elder-Beerman years ago - bummed they are closing!
Yellow plaid plates - Pat Catans - Michaels had them as well this spring
Popsicle plates - Michaels - last week for $1 a piece!
Pink flatware - Target a couple of years ago

I have linked up at the following parties:
Celebrate Your Story @ Celebrate & Decorate
Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch



Monday, June 4, 2018

Summer Fun at the Lake

Even though the calendar doesn't say so, summer is upon us here at the Lake.
I wanted to set this up down by the water but there was too much wind today.
We can see the beach from our property across one section of our little the lake.  If the wind is blowing in the right direction we can hear happy beach noises, laughter, and screams of delight from the little ones as the play in the water.
I thought these chargers look like waves in the water. Seeing as we are a small inland lake - we don't get big waves until one of the larger ski boats go by.
The plastic tumblers have come out of storage and are our go to cups in the summer time.
I could not find a cute napkin ring - so I cut some beach balls out on my Silhouette and attached them to some simple white rings I had.
These girls cracked me up when I saw them at HomeGoods  several months ago.  Even though I had several other things I was purchasing - I just could not leave these two girls in the store - they had to come home with me!
This one reminds me of my oldest sister, Barb!
This one is my other sister, Carol!
(I was the baby of the family)
We used to go to Huntington Beach on Lake Erie every summer when we were kids. While our bathing suits were not quite this retro - they were closer to this then what I see at the beach now!!!
 I am dating myself when I say we used to wear swim caps!?!? Anyone remember those?  I was always wishing for one with a flower on the side!

I hope your summer is starting off with some fun!!
Thanks for stopping by,
Ann

Sources:
Tablecloth - Target this week
Both striped napkins and blue hem stitched napkins - Homegoods several weeks ago
Chargers - Pier One - still carry them
Striped Plates - on clearance two years ago at Dillards
Blue salad plates - Dutch Valley Gifts - Sugar Creek, Ohio
Tumblers - Target
Plastic Wine Glasses - not sure!!  Online purchase in the middle of winter two years ago- dirt cheap
Oh - and the sand is brown sugar - local grocery store!

I am linked up at the following parties:
The Scoop @ Confessions of a Plate Addict
Celebrate Your Story @ Celebrate and Decorate
Reader Tip Tuesday @ Jodie Fitz
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style