Tuesday, August 2, 2016

A Summertime Alfresco Evening





Hello, and welcome to the Alfresco Tablescape Blog Hop sponsored by Chloe Crabtree @ Celebrate and Decorate blog.
Join me for a summertime alfresco evening here in the deep south with a table set for two. I'm in my garden nestled under the shade of the trees enjoying a nice breeze perfect for alfresco dining for my husband and me.




Hydrangeas, my favorite flower, fill a vintage McCoy pot as a centerpiece along with green nadina berries.  
The different hues of hydrangeas inspired my centerpiece and table elements. At this time of the year, the colors of hydrangeas change from blue or pink to lovely shades of blue-green and smoky purple.



Setting a table surrounded by the beauty of God's creation stirs up so many memories for me. 


It's getting close to our anniversary and I'm feeling a little romance in this setting.



 The green hydrangeas on the bush in the background were all blue just weeks before. 



Dining in the freshness of the open air is so pleasant.



The phlox is blooming and butterflies are lazily flitting from flower to flower. Summer flowers make us happy because summer evokes pleasant memories 
of family vacations and a more laid back atmosphere. We want to get outside and enjoy nature.








Summer shades of green in the flowers and garden foliage inspired me to chose green Paula Deen plates for my alfresco tablescape. A floral napkin print with several colors worked well with purple stemware and since butterflies are everywhere in my garden I was reminded to use the butterfly napkin rings purchased on a wonderful trip with my husband to Provence.



Colors evoke moods or feelings and the ambience of the outdoors calms and relaxes.




Are you feeling relaxed and tranquil? It's time to escape the noise of the T.V. and pull of the computer and focus on your dining companions.




Can you smell the flowers and even the fresh clipped rosemary in the tiny votives? Are you getting hungry?


Our menu:
Grilled salmon (my husband's speciality) with lemon-dill sauce 
Roasted asparagus
Tossed green salad
Lemon icebox pie with graham cracker crust




I've enjoyed sharing my Alfresco Tablescape with you today as part of the Alfresco Tablescape Blog Hop. View other alfresco tables here and here. Join all the other fabulous tablescapers all week. Links are given below.







38 comments:

  1. Gorgeous Bonnie! Your table is perfectly set for dining with the butterflies and to escape the summer heat in the shade of the trees. I love the greens and purples of your hydrangeas, napkins and pretty amethyst goblets. Your collages are beautiful and I love the photo with the armillary in the background. Your menu sounds delicious too!

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  2. Loving the beautiful arrangement of flowers in the McCoy pot! Very nice! Your tablescape is so serene, and pretty! Lovely color scheme! ~Rhonda

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  3. Bonnie, you have a perfect spot under the shade for a romantic dinner for two! The colors are so dreamy...the hydrangeas are gorgeous paired with your stemware and plates! Butterflies in the garden with the sound of bees is such a peaceful setting, my friend! Your menu sounds delicious! I would love to sit in that spot, but I won't interrupt your table for two! Blessings~

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  4. So pretty, Bonnie! I absolutely adore the purple hues of the hydrangeas. Mine don't turn that lovely shade, but every year I admire a neighbor's whose does. The greens of the nandina berries and plates, purple of the stemware - really pretty and, yes, romantic. A most Happy Anniversary to you & your husband!
    Rita

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  5. Bonnie, you certainly know how to set a beautiful and charming southern table. The hydrangeas as your backdrop and centerpiece make such a lovely setting. How appropriate using the special napkin rings your and your husband purchased white traveling romantic Provence! Dinner sounds divine. Happy Anniversary to my dear friend and her husband!

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  6. LOVE the soft purples and greens Bonnie, this setting is so serene and simply gorgeous! Your table is indeed romantic, and your menu sounds perfect for an anniversary dinner, especially the fact that you are cooking together! Just beautiful, Happy Anniversary!
    Jenna

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  7. Absolutely beautiful! The white tablecloth, the violet stemware, the centerpiece are gorgeous! Sheila

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  8. What a lovely tablescape and the setting against the woods and all of the hydrangea is just perfect. I love the colors you have chosen, the green and purple along with the violet stemware and green plates is just a perfect coordination. Thank you so much for joining the Alfresco Tablescape Blog Hop!

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  9. Love! We have very similar tastes - if we ever join forces, look out! Your hydrangeas are gorgeous - so vibrant! I had hoped mine would turn more to pink when I first planted them, but they've always been more blue - until this year! The votives - perfection and I adore your glassware! Lovely, lovely setting and so romantic. Happy Anniversary to you!

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  10. Such a beautiful and romantic table setting!! I love hydrangeas too and I particularly love how you've pulled the colors from the flowers to drive the look of your tableware. Those purple goblets are fabulous!!

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  11. What a lovely tablescape and the setting against the woods and all of the hydrangea is just perfect. I love the colors you have chosen, the green and purple along with the violet stemware and green plates is just a perfect coordination. Thank you so much for joining the Alfresco Tablescape Blog Hop!

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  12. Bonnie, all I can say is WOW! This is absolutely the most gorgeous table setting ever! I love your outside dining. And dang that menu sounds good. We too love grilled salmon. The pictures are stunning. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  13. Bonnie, your Alfresco tablescape is gorgeous. I adore your hydrangeas. The lavender goblets are so striking. Such a beautiful setting for you and your hubby to enjoy. Kudos to you for setting a lovely table for two. The menu sounds delicious.

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  14. Bonnie, your table is just beautiful. The colors really compliment your garden and the menu sounds delightful. You have some amazing butterflies enjoying the flowers.

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  15. Stunning! Between the gorgeous hydrangeas and those purple glasses I just wanted to pull up a chair! Very romantic indeed.

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  16. Its been a pleasure meeting you all at this blog hop! Your table is swoon worthy! I love the flowers, they make the table pop so much! You have outdone yourself. Have a wonderful week.
    Maria

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  17. Bonnie, you've created a beautiful tablescape. I love the combination of colors and flowers. Hydrangeas are one of my favorites, too. I can't believe the butterflies! Nature was contributing to your setting.

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  18. Oh Bonnie, I am indeed feeling relaxed :) What a beautiful setting for an evening supper in the garden - everything is lovely! And I must say that the menu sounds delightful! Salmon is my favorite {{smiles}}

    Love and hugs to you!

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  19. I'm sure you are truly living with thanksgiving, Bonnie! What a blessing to have a butterfly join your romantic dinner for two. The colors, flowers, stemware, votives and antique McCoy pot are all divine! But, if I ever get a chance to visit your neck of the woods, don't let me near those butterfly napkin rings! Priceless! Kim @ CoziNest

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  20. Good Afternoon Bonnie,
    You certainly have a wonderful gift for welcoming us to your backyard retreat with your gentle words and table setting.
    I adore the hues you chose to work with as they evoke romance, elegance and charm. I could smell the soft scents of Summer and nearly hear the Summer breeze as well. Beautiful in each and every way!

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  21. Oh Bonnie, your table is just so pretty, and your setting is the dreamiest, most romantic ever! Your centerpiece of your hydrangeas from your garden look so lovely. I never would've thought to use nandina berries! The rosemary in the votives would add to the senses on such a pretty evening. Have I ever asked you if your crystal is Franciscan, by Elyse? It so looks like my wedding crystal! Your photos are stunning, Bonnie, and I loved seeing the butterflies in your garden and on your napkin rings...a sweet reminder of your trip to Provence. I want to come to your house for that fabulous menu!

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  22. Wow Bonnie, this is GORGEOUS!! Your photography is wonderful, and you made the most of your lovely outdoor setting. I love the colors you've chosen -- lavender/purple have been favorites of mine for years, and of course green goes with so many things. I would pick my favorite thing on your table, but it's all so beautiful. :) I do especially love the floral napkins, the green plates, and the amethyst goblets. Your menu sounds delicious, too.

    Happy Anniversary to you and your husband, Bonnie, and have a lovely week!

    Hugs,

    Denise

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  23. Bonnie, this is absolutely gorgeous. I love your amethyst goblets and soft green touches. With your beautiful details and your garden backdrop, you have summoned heaven on earth.

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  24. Who wouldn't want to shut off the TV and walk away from the computer if they had a gorgeous tablescape like this to dine at?!! The setting is breathtaking and the colours you've combined on the table are fabulous. I really love those purple glasses! Hope you and your hubby have a happy anniversary! This Alfresco Blog Hop is turning out to be so inspiring especially when we get to visit spaces like this!

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  25. Beautiful combination of green and purple. It makes for a soothing and relaxing setting. Hydrangeas really make a statement, don't they? I love them in all colors. The use of silver metal really makes it elegant. So perfect in its natural surroundings. A great dinner menu too. It will all make for a wonderful memorable time.

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  26. A little romance is good!! Your color combinations are terrific and beautifully reflect what is around your table. Good work, Bonnie!

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  27. Wow! Gorgeous! You have some stunning colors used on the table and the surrounding area. I love your garden chairs!!!

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  28. This is such a beautiful tablescape! I love the hydrangea centerpiece in the green McCoy planter. I love purple and green mixed together-so pretty!

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  29. Your pics are beautiful! I love your garden setting. Everything you've put together just looks beautiful. I would love to eat outside once the heat dies down. Maybe this Fall!

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  30. Beauty captured on a table! So amazing. I love the butterfly napkin rings. Everything is so fresh and natural. It totally captures nature on a tablescape!

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  31. Those purple goblets are just divine and your photos make me want to come over for lunch!! Beautiful!

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  32. Bonnie, what a beautiful table. I ♥ to pair purple and green together, they just seem a natural. The stemware is a gorgeous shade of purple. Your hydrangeas are magnificent.
    Enjoy the weekend!

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  33. Gorgeous setting, Bonnie.
    After slowly scrolling down and enjoying the loveliness you have shared with us I was feeling quite relaxed.
    Your purple stemware is beautiful, just beautiful.

    I'm sure you and your husband enjoyed that delicious sounding menu too.

    Enjoy your weekend~~

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  34. Bonnie, this is so beautiful! Spending time outside is just so important for all of us and your tablescape makes me want to be out there. Love the butterflies and beautiful flowers.

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  35. There is something so serene about lavender and green! This is just beautiful my friend. Have a wonderful week!

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  36. I love dining al fresco! Your tablescape is so lovely. Your butterfly guest was such a pretty surprise!

    Summer is so fleeting here in Colorado so I take advantage of dining outside whenever I can.

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  37. All the images are so wonderful that i can't tell you.. thanks a lot for such good images...
    thanksgiving day

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  38. Bonnie, This table is stunning -- the colors, the contrast of the pottery and the sparkly votives, and the flowers and rosemary. Such a great idea to put the sprigs of rosemary in the votives! I would readily choose this table over tv and computer, and everything on the menu sounds delicious. So nice of your hubby to do the main course, isn't it? Linda

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