Hello sweet friends! Welcome to the June edition of the Pinterest Challenge. This monthly event is hosted by the amazing Cindy of County Road 407. I just love how her table featured a quilt. Today I am sharing the Three Top Tips For Dining Outdoors. If you are coming over from A Stroll Thru Life may I say, “Welcome to Storybook Cottage”. I loved Marty’s centerpiece!
Three Top Tips For Dining Outdoors
This month the challenge is a beautiful summer table. Our lovely inspiration photo comes from Sanctuary Home Decor.
The image features:
- An outdoor setting.
- Wooden table and chairs.
- Glass bottles and jars.
- Homegrown flowers.
- White plates.
- White table linens.
The main focus of Karen’s post was the gorgeous peonies she had grown in her own garden.
A few summers ago I had planted an English-style butterfly garden behind our shed. This year the peonies blossomed at the end of May. Yes, you really can grow peonies in Texas. But there were still other gorgeous blooms to be had in June.
I always plant a variety of daisies. It is my daughter’s birth flower. (There are also morning glories for my son.)
Here you can see Gracie hunting something under Paul’s Glory Hosta. This gem was planted in memory of my dad.
I left the pink hydrangeas blooming but clipped the white for my centerpieces.
1. Set A Comfortable Table
For me the number one rule when dining al fresco is to have comfortable seating. Rickety or splintery chairs and tables are avoided. Shaded areas are preferable to being out in the blazing sun. If it is mosquito season then citronella candles are lit. Comfort is key!
Mr. Decor set up our well-loved wooden German fest table under the shade of our great oaks. I layered on a piece of antique linen for interest and to soften the look of the wood. It was held in place by the homegrown hydrangeas placed in simple glass mason jars.
2. Baskets and Totes
For many people, the hesitation in dining outside is the extra work. Stop running back and forth. Use baskets and totes to cart your tableware, food, and anything else you may need to the dining site. They also make clean up much easier.
3. K.I.S.S.
Keep It Simple Sweetheart.
I kept the table setting very simple.
Nothing is too precious but it is still pretty to look at.
Even the menu is easy. The hardest part was cooking the corn on the cob. Why yes, my holders are dachshunds!
I’ve done a farm-to-table feast and although delicious, it is really hard work.
It’s summertime and the living should be easy! Even Gracie the doxie is smacking her lips at this simple fare.
What is your favorite way to picnic?
Up next is Our Southern Home with a gorgeous table full of hydrangeas.
Enjoy!
Laura
For more lovely inspiration please visit the homes below.
I love this, Laura. It’s so light and airy and very cheerful, yet there is a casual elegance to it. It’s the table I’d love most to sit down to. (And I love your napkins!)
Hi Laura, This looks like such a cozy spot for the summer. Great job incorporating the elements in Karen’s.
laura in Colorado
I love your table under the oaks, so perfect and the menu is absolutely perfect too. So beautiful and fun.
Laura, I love how you put together your tablescape and the spot you chose under your oaks is the perfect spot. The combination of blue and white is so soothing and I love how you matched your napkins to the blue mason jars. Your menu is awesome and what summer barbeque picnics are all about!
Your table under the oak trees is such an idea set up for outdoor dining and I found your tips spot on!
Beautiful my friend! My doxie loving heart is adoring the corn on the cob holders. r pink hydrangeas have tons of buds. Very unusual for us to have consecutive years of great blooms on the pink hydrangeas. Limelights are always a homerun but not the pink
Laura, the dachshund corn pokers are adorable and really add to the picnic scene you’ve created!! I love how your table has a nice summery feel with the checked napkins and simple plates. Pretty and perfect!
Happy summertime to you,
Barb 🙂
Love little Gracie and I love your tips! I totally agree on everything. Especially on the keeping it simple. But my fave thing…. is the corn on the cob holders! LOLOLOLOL. You are so funny! Now that I think about it, isn’t having hotdogs kinda like a smack in the face to Gracie?! Love your table and the way you angled your tablecloth.
This is so fresh and summery, Laura! I love the white, scalloped tablecloth on the wood table and the gingham napkins. What a wonderful spot to while away a summer afternoon. Of course, you really would need a straw hat or a bonnet on;)
Love your simple al fresco tablescape, Laura… I think your plate of food is the quintessence of an outdoor summer meal! Yum!
Your table looks perfect for summer, Laura! I can relate to keeping it easy for the summer heat here in Texas. That basket/tote is a brilliant idea. I love how long your table is and how you’ve decorated it with aqua accents. Happy Summer!
Love your color choice Laura with the napkins, jars, flowers and what about those corncob holders! LOL! By the way your back yard is gorgeous!
What a perfect spot for an outdoor summer table Laura. And I may be bias being that I have a dachshund but the corn cob holders are just perfect! You did such a great job!
Great tips, Laura. Shade is always required for summer dining. Your hydrangeas look gorgeous and I love the shade of aqua in your place settings. Your meal looks delicious. Stay cool.
Great tips! Your table set under the shade of Oak trees is the perfect place to enjoy a summer meal.
Laura, your table is simple and beautiful. I love the white hydrangeas and the pops of turquoise. And those dachshund corn cob holders are awesome!
This looks great! I love the picnic/cookout elements that you incorporated!
Your table is perfect for outdoor dining! So inviting. And your little dog corn holders makde me LOL. 🙂
Niky @ The House on Silveerado