Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Summer Celebrations



Welcome to my garden and a tablescape set just for you. Summer has not officially arrived on the calendar yet but our weather in south Alabama says summer has arrived. My garden is shady so I invite you to have a seat and let's visit. 


I am participating in a Summer Tablescape Blog Hop sponsored by Rita @ Panoply. There are 23 table stylists participating in this blog hop. You can find the links to their tablescapes at the bottom of this post.  Please leave them a comment so they will know you enjoyed their post.


My hydrangeas are blooming and I had a delightful time cutting blooms and making an arrangement for this small table in my garden. 


It has been a number of years since I had enough hydrangeas to make a large arrangement and still have  other blooms left in the garden to enjoy. I look forward to my hydrangeas blooming all year.
 This tortoiseshell vase is one of a pair given to me by my daughter-in-love's mother. I wish she could be here and have a cup of tea with me. I used the tortoiseshell vase in another tablescape here.





The cheetah dishes are fun to use and work nicely with the tortoiseshell vase. I've been amazed at how many accent colors work well with these cute dishes from Hobby Lobby.


The checked tablecloth was also a gift, from my husband's aunt when she downsized. I'm getting a lot of use from the things she passed on to me. Thank you, Joyce. I loved the pattern and color play it added to the tablescape.



 The bamboo flatware is new for me. I have secretly wanted some for years and when I found them on sale I gave in. I love the variety and texture it added. I keep learning that all the elements of design each play an important part in design but I think texture really makes a difference. The vintage brass teapot is another example of variety and texture pleasing the eye.



This little bistro set from Lowes bought years ago normally resides on my porch but I could not resist a photo op in front of the hydrangeas. These hydrangeas are an old variety named Nikko Blue.

"In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explode, and every sunset is different." John Steinbeck


Memorial Day was on May 30th. It is the day we honor those that have fallen in the service of our country. We had an informal dinner party for six for the occasion. It had been so long since we entertained because of all the problems with Covid. It felt so nice to have friends over again.
 Our menu was: Rack of pork, potato casserole, green beans, and Key Lime pie. 


I did a smaller than usual arrangement for the table so as not to impede conversation and enjoyment. You will chuckle at this comment from my husband. As I was setting the table, he said, "Now Bonnie, don't get carried away. Just keep it simple! "

Summer has two patriotic holidays, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. 
Memorial Day kicks off the beginning of summer. School is out. Life is at a slower pace.  Picnics, ballgames, swimming, biking, hiking, camping, vacations, and on and on will be happening. Let the celebrations begin.
 In the tablescaping world, the sky is the limit for your imagination in planning a fun summer tablescape.
 Enjoy the links below to jumpstart your imagination for a summer tablescape.

Click on the links below to view the blog hop tablescapes.


Life and Linda - A Taste of the Tropics
 Plaid and Paisley - Yellow and Blue Alfresco Setting
Hyacinths for the Soul - Tis the Season of Patriotic Tablescapes
Home is Where the Boat Is - Anchors Aweigh on the Pontoon
Thrifting Wonderland - Butterfly Garden Table Setting
The Little Yellow Corner Store - Sweet Old Summertime
Red Cottage Chronicles - Dining Al Fresco - A Summer Tablescape
From My Carolina Home - Summer Sunshine Tablescape and Hop
Living With Thanksgiving - Summer Celebrations
The Bookish Dilettante - Beach Reading Tablescape
The Painted Apron - Let's Go Fishing
Belle Bleu Interiors - A Summertime Luncheon in the Garden

Have a great summer.




27 comments:

  1. Good Morning Bonnie, Your Nikko Blue Hydrangeas are so abundant and beautiful and make the perfect backdrop for an alfresco table! Your tortoiseshell vase makes such a handsome vessel for your hydrangeas and I love the pairing of your cheetah dinnerware with the blue and white checks and new bamboo flatware! Three cheers for your red, white and blue table set for Memorial Day with friends! Your hubby’s comment sounds like something mine would say. :) As always it’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you. Happy Tuesday ♥

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  2. Good morning, Bonnie. What a beautiful sight with your blue hydrangeas in the background of your lovely table. I love the checked cloth from your aunt mixed with the cheetah dinnerware. Texture is important and your new bamboo flatware adds just the right amount. I also loved seeing your Memorial Day table and how wonderful that you are entertaining again. It is always a treat to be invited to your garden and enjoy a beautiful tablesetting. Have a wonderful day!

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  3. I adore hydrangeas, and yours are gorgeous. That blue checked tablecloth is perfect with them. Fun cheetah dishes! Isn't it wonderful when something you've wanted for a while goes on sale!

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  4. Both are beautiful, Bonnie, but I especially love your outdoor table. And those blue hydrangeas are just fabulous! So full and showy! Perfect for a gorgeous centerpiece, even a single bloom!

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  5. GORGEOUS! I LOVE THE BLUE AND ANIMAL PLATES.

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  6. Bonnie, your hydrangeas are just stunning and so pretty paired with your leopard print plates! Pinned!

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  7. Bonnie, I have a serious case of hydrangea envy; more specifically, Nikko Blue hydrangea envy! Wow, those are truly impressive, both in the garden and on the table. I can see in the one side photo that you must have numerous bushes, as they appear to wind in both directions. A beautiful year, indeed! The bistro table is delightful, something I am keeping my eyes peeled for (but have a backup plan in mind too). The HL leopard china is adorable, especially combined with your new bamboo flatware and tortoise vase. All those textures and patterns really do make such a difference. Your indoor table was special too. Love your husband's comment, lol. I think they secretly love our trablescaping, don't you? Thank you so much for bringing your tabletop and garden beauty to this hop. It's very much appreciated!

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  8. hi Bonnie, I would have never thought to pair an animal print with blue and white checks but it is such a fun look in your garden! I do love the bamboo flatware and agree with what you said about the importance of varied textures. Your hydrangeas are breathtaking, both inside and out! I know you had a lovely evening with your friends at that beautiful Memorial Day table~ I love what your husband said!!
    Jenna

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  9. Bonnie, I love everything about your beautiful table and oh those blue hydrangeas are so very pretty. You are surely a stylist and I wish I had just a pinch of your creativity. Happy June beautiful lady. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  10. Bonnie, I have serious garden envy! I could spend hours in your shady, lush garden. Moving the table for two to this hydrangea paradise was brilliant! Your Nikko hydrangeas are show stoppers. Love the leopard dinnerware. Did you see that just today, MacKenzie-Childs introduced a leopard inspired design series? You may want to take a look. The tortoise and bamboo are winners in my book. I have a set of bamboo flatware which I have enjoyed, but it's resin. I'd like to trade up for real bamboo. Tortoise shell is a longtime favorite for me. I have a tortoise glass ice bucket on my bar cart. It's great for flowers as well. Perhaps I will fill it with blue hydrangeas.
    Thanks for sharing all the beauty.

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  11. Bonnie, blue hydrangeas where I live are as rare as chicken teeth! Like Rita, I am so jealous. Can't even tell you how much acid mix and coffee grounds I've tossed at my hydrangeas only to get a pink/purple color. I like the way you mixed the romantic with the traditional cheetah plates. It gives the table a modern edge that I love!

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  12. Wish I could sit at your beautiful table surrounded by those luscious hydrangeas, Bonnie. I remember when you showed those cheetah dishes from Hobby Lobby. They are so cute and look pretty with the blue and with your new bamboo flatware. Your Memorial Day table was so pretty and your menu was wonderful.

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  13. Bonnie, such a delight for the eyes. Your table in blue is lovely. Those hydrangeas are the star. A pretty blue and white tablecloth to compliment your pretty Nikko blooms. I love your cheetah dishware. I am surprised I don't have any. I have the resin bamboo flatware from Horchow. So glad you found your bamboo flatware on sale. A lovely spot to host a small meal. Your Patriotic table is lovely. I got a kick out of your husband's comment. Happy summer.

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  14. Bonnie, your table is so inviting set in your garden. I would love to join you in the shade among the beautiful hydrangeas. I am loving all the blue, the tablecloth is lovely and the cheetah dishes really pop. Red, white and blue always is welcomed and your Memorial Day setting is lovely. Have a wonderful summer Bonnie...........

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  15. Bonnie, your table is so pretty and in the garden with your blue hydrangeas - simply gorgeous. I enjoyed your husband's comment. Mike says that to me all the time, especially during the holidays. Have a wonderful summer and enjoy the days.

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  16. Oh my Bonnie, your hydrangeas are so big and blue, and fab-u-lous! I too am suffering from severe envy! The closest I got to hydrangeas are the ones depicted on several dishes in my summer setting lol. Your blue check cloth is perfect with the blooms. Love your unique pairing and beautiful styling with the dishes and new flatware. I too have been eyeing a set. Wishing you a most happy summer!

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  17. The garden setting for your "al fresco" table is delightful and the perfect setting for an intimate dining experience. The gorgeous hydrangeas set the scene and look wonderful with the blue and white checked tablecloth. The china adds a definite element of fun. Always special to be using new flatware.
    Lynne

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  18. I like both of your tablescapes, Bonnie! The one in the garden is so pretty with the hydrangeas and the blue checked tablecloth. I also like the combination animal print and bamboo flatware. Your chairs are stunning! I also like your patriotic tablescape with the pretty plate stacks indoors as well. You have such fabulous taste, My Friend!

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  19. Bonnie, I am so captured by your lovely blue hydrangeas. What a beautiful setting and your use of them in your tablesettings are gorgeous. They are such a tranquil blue. I love the intimate table in the garden with your blue and white checkered tablecloth and leopard print dishes. Such a unique contrast and something unexpected. I love it. It really adds to so much interest and intrigue to your table. Your indoor patriotic tablescape is vibrant and makes good use of the exquisite blue hydrangeas. I love your combination of patterns that make your table versatile and interesting. So lovely. Have a great summer ahead.

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  20. Bonnie, this entire setting is breathtaking. How, I would love to sit at this table and enjoy a cup of tea in your beautiful garden. Those hydrangeas are stunning with their vibrant blue color. All of the textures you have incorporated make such a lovely statement. The leopard print dishes look so pretty with all the blue. Your Memorial table is beautiful as well. I so enjoyed my visit this afternoon. Happy Summer, sweet friend!

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  21. Beautiful tables. Your garden bistro table is adorable and those hydrangeas are LOVELY! What a pretty setting for a cup of tea......and your patriotic table is perfect for summer holidays!

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  22. I love your 'wild' table set in the garden! The blues of the checked tablecloth and your awesome hydrangeas nicely offset the darker shades of the cheetah/jaguar plates, tortoiseshell vase and bamboo flatware. The brass teapot is absolutely lovely -- I've not seen one like it. I'd love to spend time here!

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  23. Bonnie, what a gorgeous setting to enjoy your beautiful blue hydrangeas. The shade of blue is truly spectacular. The blue check tablecloth (I’m so jealous.) is the perfect backdrop for your flowers and dishes. I’d love to have a glass of iced tea with you in this setting. .

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  24. Bonnie I wanna come live with you...your tables are lovely and your blue hydrangeas are beautiful. I can't grow them here in Florida but I did find some at the farmers market the other day though none as gorgeous as yours. Your cheetah plates are so unique. Love table hopping with you my dear prayer friend, Hugs always Kari @ Me and My Captain

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  25. Bonnie, How lovely both of your tables are! Those hydrangeas really are amazing! You obviously have a very green thumb and have so many blooms this year that you were able to amass such a considerable arrangement while still having a generous amount of blooms on your bushes! I am right there with you, I love to capture the differences in textures as I set a table. You have captured both textures and colors with your whimsical cheetah print dishes and shiny teapot! So very lovely in a beautiful setting!

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  26. Bonnie, I never would've thought to combine blue and white buffalo check with leopard print, but the result is fabulous! I'm loving your new bamboo flatware. It definitely provides some nice texture. The backdrop of those gorgeous hydrangeas is the showstopper! The bistro chairs also compliment the whole look. It was nice hopping with you. Happy Summer!
    Rebecca (Zucchini Sisters)

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  27. Good Morning Bonnie,
    I just love Blue Hydrangeas! The arrangement which you have created for your Summer Celebrations tablescape is set beautifully among your Southern gardens. Enjoy your weekend. Jemma

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