I have a friend whose husband was seriously considering the idea of moving to Arizona. They have visited previously in the winter and the spring and loved it. I said that before moving here permanently they should probably come experience a July or August here. They arrived early Thursday with large suitcases in hand. A Summertime Table, Good Friends, and Thanksgiving Turkeys
As per my usual happy hostess method, I set a happy holiday table.
A Summertime Table, Good Friends, and Thanksgiving Turkeys
It was bright and cheerful. Just like the Arizona sun.
I used several old favorites to create an all American look such as a white tablecloth and a vintage cloth as a topper. Red transferware and blue & white napkins completed the simple setting.
Red, white and blue daisies and a few scattered fireworks gave it a bit of patriotic punch.
The Menu
On the holiday menu was slow cooked bbq ribs, spiced apples, crock pot beans, corn on the cob (which I then cut off the cob) and a green salad. While the plate may not be spectacularly beautiful it was delicious! Indeed we had several other fabulous feasts all weekend long. Today I can barely button my pants.
Everything was simple but delicious. Dessert included. For Thursday I just layered pound cake, whipped cream, and fresh berries to create a parfait.
Our time together was filled with quite a few fun activities. But by Saturday the husband had changed his mind about moving. He said, “Everyone says it’s a dry heat. But an oven also has a dry heat. This afternoon I literally felt my skin cooking.” “Yes, I replied. That is why I try to remain indoors during midday. Today was actually a nice day at 111 degrees.” “A nice day? he questioned, No thank you. I don’t enjoy feeling like a Thanksgiving turkey.”
So with his newfound knowledge, they packed their bags and left early on Sunday morning to return to their home which was going to have a high temperature of 75.
As for myself, I was suddenly in the mood for turkey and turned on the bbq.
Laura
Your table looks a treat and your meal looks so delicious but I would be melting in 111F, no matter if it was dry heat or not! lol
I guess I had better stick to the Maritimes. 😀 It was 94F here yesterday and even with three ACs going, fans all over the house and every window covered, I still couldn't step foot outside! I am looking forward to the fall already! 🙂
Oh I so agree with him, even the dry heat is a little much. You table and dinner look amazing. So pretty. Hugs, Marty
That's what I try and tell everyone! LOL!! Every year it is harder for me to deal with it 🙂 I loveeeeee your table, looks beautiful!!!
Maybe they should try a different part of Arizona though… our family lives in Prescott where they have entirely cooler temperatures most of the time. 🙂
Your table decor is super fun as usual. I've been lacking in that department as of lately, but too busy being outside and planning our next fun excursions.
Love, Linda
Your table is gorgeous Laura!
I bought those same daisies for the 4th.
Love how you tied it all together.
I love visiting Phoenix, my friends, my son, my grand-baby.
But after visiting in August 2 years ago when Calista was born, I think I will stay here for now.
It reminds me of a blast furnace.
But come Jan. I will be wanting to be there bad.
Hugs,
Cindy
Laura you are a 1st Class Hostess! Everything looks fun and bright, The menu, yum!
You were so right to have your friends visit in the middle of summer! Phoenix needs to have the sidewalk spritzers like Palm Springs!!
xoxo
Karena
2013 Artists Series
Hi Laura,
I LOVE your festive summer table!! It's fun but also classic with the vintage table topper and the red and white transferware. You always have the best ideas! 🙂
I think you were very wise and a good friend to suggest your friend's husband visit in July or August before making a permanent move to Arizona. I don't think I could take that kind of heat on a regular basis throughout the summer. We have so much humidity here in the southeast (which I complain about frequently) but even with the lack of humidity, that bright sun and those high temps would be too much for me.
If we were forced to live there, I would find a way to manage, but I don't think I'd be as successful at it as you are. 🙂
I hope you have a great week, Laura!
Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
Your table was inviting and the food looked delicious. Too bad the heat got to them. After living here for over 30 years I'll take the three months of HOT in exchange for the nine months of perfect!
love it Laura!!!!! Prefect, love how you used the milk glass!
I think many of us would have loved to been able to make a choice….I am hating the hot…the older and the longer I am on chemo, it is is just draining me. But, oh well, alive is good, even if we are baking!!
Your table setting was stunning and the food you cooked looked very appealing, Laura.
I think most people are either “hot” weather people or “cool” weather folks.
I lived in Arizona for 12 years. Loved some of the people, day trips, the Mexican and Native American cultures, the thrift stores and huge variety of restaurants.
Did NOT like the intense heat because, being from New England, I'm a “cool” weather girl, through and through.
We are back on the east coast now. I'm still in touch with my Arizona friends and blog peeps, like you! Happy for that. Susan
AZ will always be home, as I was born and raised here. I loved the heat when I was younger, I even had callouses on my feet so thick I could walk all over the asphalt and sidewalks with no problem, but with age comes medical issues, menopause, chronic inflammation, etc., and the heat is difficult to bear now. However, I agree with one comment above….I'll take three months of extreme heat with nine months of perfect over 6 or 7 months of cold and snow anytime.
So, is Thursday or Friday better for a visit?
Hugs, N' Love,
Meri
Lovely lovely table of course.
I am one of those, who having grown up in a place where it rains and rains, and some years it rains all summer, and also having lived in a less hot but very humid place I actually prefer az weather on the whole. Yes 115 (or above, yikes) IS miserable but it isn't all year round. I have never found the perfect weather place, is Hawaii perfect year round? If so that is where I want to go.
Now if I had come to Az straight from the UK I think I might have run home screaming, but as I lived in a couple warmer (and humid, I loooooaaaathed humidity) places I think Az was not SUCH a temperature shock.
Haha, nothing like a good reality check, now is there?
Beautiful tablescape!
~Rita
Love your choice of tablecloth! Such a festive table. Sorry I could never handle AZ I can hardly take the heat in Illinois!
It is all so lovely Laura! And I'd love to live in Arizona most of the year anyway! maybe we could move there and just spend our summers somewhere cooler! LOL
What I'd really like is a 3 week vaca in Arizona every winter.
Loved your psot! Loved the table. The table is welcome and comfort. Perfectly charming. Dare i say homey in the very best way. As to heat, hot is hot dry or humid! Being from the south I never understood how people did not understand heat and hot and afternoons in the hammock or air conditioning!
Linda
Delicious food and a delightful table. But the heat. Oh my. I guess I'll be content on my island with its fresh breezes.
Sweet Summer Blessings 2 u!
We're just starting to heat up here in Kansas. I think it's something else.
Fun table you've set!
God bless and may the hot dog days of summer be doable.
d
Great post, Laura! I moved to Arizona to get away from the rain, but I am sometimes envious of people who live in cooler climes and can enjoy the outdoors during the summer.
I'll be interested to know if they STILL want to come! My mom often says that if she and my dad had visited her little Georgia town to consider a transfer in August instead of November, we might have grown up in Massachusetts instead.
Your table and all the fixings look wonderful and tempting! I think you were really trying to bride them through the eyes and stomach.
Your table looks so festive and pretty! Just perfect for a summer soiree. As wet as it has been here this summer, Arizona does sound nice, but I'm a pansy when it comes to heat.
LOL! How often I have used the analogy of a dry heat… Ya! like walking around in a convection oven! 🙂
LOVE your sweet table. I'm sure they appreciated your cool hospitality. 🙂
~Liz