The week started out with a 39 degree low but it now appears that spring has arrived in sunny Phoenix.
On the front porch I cleared off all of the winter décor and hosed everything down. The red cushions that looked so cheery all through the holidays now appear tired and faded. The desert sun does a number on outdoor fabric even in the winter.
I plan on giving the bistro set a paint update before summer arrives. Dark bronze probably, although I am tempted by the thought of turquoise. Hmmmmm.
I began with a vintage French linen cloth and topped it with a large basket I have had for years. Next came a plastic liner topped with a coconut fiber liner. I saturated it with water so it could easily stretch apart to fit the basket.
The basket was filled with gerbera daisies, pansies, miniature petunias, coleus and alyssum and topped off with a bit of Spanish moss.
On lovely afternoons I will sit out on the front porch watching Sweet boy and a gaggle of neighborhood kids play baseball or soccer in our cul de sac. Often a neighbor will join me.
Care for a wee bit of refreshment?
This Polish tea set is a longtime favorite of mine.
The peanut butter cookies are a bit of melt in your mouth heaven. Care for a bite?
You can take care of any crumbs with a napkin I made from antique ticking.
Two pillows I had made last year were repurposed as soft and fluffy seat cushions.
Want to know the best thing about having a table on the front porch? My awesome neighbors leave me wonderful goodies.
Phyllis’ spectacular blossom’s now grace a side table next to Mr. Décor’s favorite reading spot.
Yes, it is a sweet spot full of promise and hope to be sure.
Let’s hope the blooms last at least a few more weeks before the heat sets in.
Hope you have a spring in your step today!
Laura
Linking to:
A Stroll Thru Life, BNOTP, The Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Common Ground, Addicted To Decorating, Southern Hospitality, Someday Crafts, Savvy Southern Style
Hi Laura,
This looks so lovely. I think the cushions, the tabletop vingette and everything is so pretty.
hugs
Sissie
Laura your front porch looks amazing!
Your touches of spring is just beautiful Laura! I have yet to touch any of my porches yet…pollen is so bad right now. Hope you have a wonderful day, Gail
Very nice, Laura. The flowers in the basket go so well together.
What a beautiful and comforting looking porch. So Springy! My porch furniture has to be painted too and new cushions made. I need to get busy!
Blessings
Linda
What a lovely display! I love changing up the colors of things, I love spray paint!!
chris
Just lovely! A perfect place to sit and enjoy spring. I love your basket & all the goodies!
Looks BEAUTIFUL Laura!!! Loving the tea set!
How divine miss Laura. You're always so gracious and have stellar manners when entertaining. Right now is the most perfect time to take advantage of our weather, as we all know how hot Arizona gets in the summer! We are blessed, though, that we have about 355 days of sunshine and our spring and fall temperatures are to die for……I'm just a little prejudiced as I was born here. Here's to a lovely day.
Love ya'
Meri
So cheerful and what thoughtful neighbors you have. I'd love to be left those delicious looking cookies as well 🙂
I am sad the 39 weather is gone. I am going to try not to be sad about the heat that is coming and enjoy our glorious days right now 🙂
I love this set, Laura! It goes so well with the crosses you have hanging above, too. I have a set about this size right outside our front door. Here at our new condo it is the only thing that will fit there comfortably, but it is nowhere as pretty as yours.
I did want to put some kind of flowers on the table though and you've inspired me to use one of the baskets I already have and just get a coco liner. I love the look and feel you created. It makes me want to sit out there with my coffee in the morning! I will hope my recreation will make me feel the same way.
Looks very inviting and Springlike!
Lorraine
Looks like there's one cookie left.
I'll be right over. Wouldn't miss it for nothin', “settin'” on the front porch with ye, Laurie me lass.
*wink* Lovely, friend!
Oh my I love your little bistro set! It would look SO fabulous in turqouise!!!
It looks so inviting! I say go with the turquoise, you can always change it again…
Laura such an inviting spot to relax after the efforts of all of your projects!
I too would love to see the bistro set in turquoise( You can always change it again later)
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
The 2012 Artist Series
Oh my goodness, Laura, leave it to you to make my front-of-the-house decor look lame. I mean that with much love. ♥
We don't really have a porch – we have a stoop which I extend to the garden around it.
Funny you mention the bistro set in a possible turquoise… Sarah was oohing and ahhing over just such a set at Hobby Lobby (for something like $139), that she wanted to have to use as a photo prop. I was thinking that I could spray paint our existing set, which isn't quite as cute but would still look good.
Anyway – everything you do is charming.
Love,
Linda
How beautiful! I love that basket of flowers. Picturesque setting!
I think the bistro set would look great a turquoise color!
I think the bistro set would look great a turquoise color!
Happy Spring Sweet Lady!
Hiope that the rebirth and joy that Spring brings fills your home and heart and overflows on your family and loved ones.
Take Care,
Teresa
Beautiful front porch…love the basket of flowers on that oh so cute bistro table…
Thanks for the inspiration! My front porch is getting a total overhaul this year and I'm collecting ideas. ~ Maureen
Your front entry looks so pretty. With the wind we are getting here today everything would be bouncing along across the fields.
Hope you stop and take the time to enjoy this lovely resting place and visit with your sweet neighbours! 🙂
So lovely and welcoming. All of the little details make it a place anyone would want to be. Watching kids play while visiting with a friend…. you have made it very inviting.
Happy Spring to you!
It's always such a pleasure to read your blog and soak up inspiration. I hope life is getting better.
Avec cette dernière publication on sent le printemps s'installer sérieusement et cela fait du bien après cette période de grand froid…
Une adorable place pour prendre une tasse de thé tranquillement. Adorable petite coin salon…
gros bisous
Laura, I'm voting for turquoise, too. Right now aqua and turquoise are my two favorite colors. I'm wanting to paint my kitchen aqua. What a great idea to put the coco liner in your basket. I have the perfect basket to do the same. Your porch looks like a lovely place to spend a while.
An inviting spot for a quick tea break. Lovely
Oh Laura, What a beautiful basket. I love this style basket. And the flowers are so pretty! Yayyy for Spring and I wish our temps would come back to the warm side!
Have a lovely day!
What a lovely welcoming spot! To enjoy some tea and cookies …
And I love the idea of turquoise. Seems like you could really pull it off in the Southwest!
🙂
Linda
This looks so lovely! I just want to sit down and have some tea and cookies. And you sound like you have beautiful people for neighbors!
XO – Marion
PS – LOVE that so many of your ideas are affordable!
So pretty and warm!
What a welcoming front porch!
Oh, Laura, it is so pretty! I love it all, the cushions are gorgeous and the polish tea set is just gorgeous! Beautiful entryway!
Beautiful Laura. Love the setting, love the crosses,and the way you have the tea cups displayed is adorable. Thought you would like to see some of the goodies I bought with my card.
Brrrr- It's in the 60s in Georgia! I love your front porch! Your table and chair set is lovely! The basket is GORGEOUS! I think I would have to stay there all day! What nice neighbors! Your roses are lovely! Everything looks so fresh and springy!
Lovely! And I think turquoise would be a very fun pop of color! You can always repaint them if you get tired of it!!
I love this beautiful tea Laura! I also like your spring wreath in the next post.
Sherry
I say go for the turquoise on the bistro set – I think that would make you smile every time you stepped outside!
Looks very pretty. I just planted a couple of Hibiscus at the new place…i was sooo excited!
lovely porch Laura…brightens up my day…enjoy your spring.
One word, Adorable!!
Love the entire vignette, and those cookies are making me hungry. Beautiful table setting.
First of all I WANT that tea set, my hubby is Polish and we have a few pieces of Polish pottery but nOT as pretty as that design!!! LOVE the pillows too. I would leave you a goody too if I could sit there with you! XO, Pinky
Can I come over? I love peanut butter cookies. You did a beautiful job on the porch.
Beautiful! Looks so inviting and your presentation is so hospitable. I'd love to come join you for tea!:)
You have been extremely energetic this week – great touches to make a house a home.
Bisous
Love it thanks for sharing joann
Hi Laura,
I LoVe your tables in the first place.
You have so classy taste and I so like it.
TY for sharing.
TY for the great idea.
Happy TS,
/CC
Laura,
If you save me a spot on your porch one day I'll be there to keep you company while you watch Sweet Boy and other neighborhood children play. Do you mind if I bring my shaker and martini glasses? 😀
You've created a wonderful spot to socialize or read and relax.
Love,
Deborah
FairfieldHouseNJ.com
You KNOW nature has been turned on its ear when PHOENIX had a 39 degree low this past week while KANSAS CITY never got down past the 50s for a low!!! What in the world is going on??!?!!!! Beautiful porch setting! Love the teacups!
Beautiful porch perfect for spring with those blooming flowers and cute bunnies! Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)
Have a nice day.
Looks like it could be right out of the the English countryside. 🙂
Darling!
~Liz
Hi Just hopped over from southern Savvy..your porch makeover is fresh! LOVE IT! Hope you'll visit me .Sunny