Summer Blessings

Happy June! Our weather has been glorious, with beautiful spring-like weather. As Southerners, we know the humidity is coming soon, but we will enjoy it for as long as possible.

Today, I am joining blogging friends and fellow table stylists for a summer tablescape blog hop sponsored by Rita @Panoply.  Twenty total bloggers are participating. Thank you, Rita, for organizing these hops.

I've set the table on the patio today using my favorite colors, which are blue and white. I've added a little green color and texture using Bordello Pinheiro chargers.

I chose an Asian planter with a footed saucer for the centerpiece container. 

Hydrangeas are my favorite flower, and cutting them from my garden brings me much joy.

Johnson Brothers Blue willow plates coordinate with the blue and white floral tablecloth and say welcome summer. Officially summer begins June 21, but everyone will agree that summer activities begin when the kids are out of school.

You can see a little of my garden in this photo. I have a few white and pink hydrangeas but mostly blue. The last time I counted, I had over 80 hydrangeas of various kinds.  With the extreme cold at Christmas, I was afraid it would affect the hydrangeas, and grateful I did not lose any.

I do have a story to share about the Blue Willow plates. In the late '80s, we lived in Fairbanks, Alaska. There was no Amazon, or eBay, then. Southern Living magazine offered a mail-order sale on these dishes, and what a great blessing that was for a young army wife who loved dishes and did not have a source. I am still enjoying them. According to Google, The Blue Willow pattern's exact origin is unknown; however, it's believed it was first made in England during the late 1700s. There are conflicting stories about who created the pattern, too-some claim that Josiah Spode invented it. While others say, John Turner did.

There are key motifs in the Blue Willow pattern. These include willow trees, pine trees, the bridge with three men on it, a fence, a boat, a teahouse or pagoda, and two birds in flight.

Bamboo cutlery adds more texture and contrast. Blue goblets from an estate sale complete the tablescape.

This is my favorite napkin fold. It is Carolyn Roehm's signature napkin fold. 

"All which we behold is full of blessings." William Wordsmith

I wish all my followers and table stylist friends a restful and happy summer. I named this post "Summer Blessings" because I am thankful to enjoy a slower pace. What summer activities do you have planned?

Click on the links below to view all the summer tablescapes. Each blogger would love to hear from you.

Panoply - Up, Up and Away With Summer Dining

Home is Where the Boat Is - Hydrangeas and Butterflies

Everyday Living - Welcoming Summer With A Garden Tablescape

Life and Linda - A Boho Alfresco Tablescape

Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Summer Plaid and Polka Dot Picnic

Living With Thanksgiving - Summer Blessings

Debbee's Buzz - Alfresco Bee Theme Table and Florals

The Painted Apron - Boats, Floats and Fish!

The Little Yellow Corner Store - Pucker Up Lemony Tablescape - It is Time to Have a Bee-utiful Day!

The Cat's Whiskerz - A summer picnic tablescape for Canada Day

Pandora's Box - Summer Blues

Me and My Captain - Florida Blue Crab Summer Tablescape

From My Carolina Home - Welcome Summer Tablescapes

The Bookish Dilettante - Summer Tablescape:  Old Glory
My Thrift Store Addiction - Summer Picnic Brunch under the Texas Mountain Laurel

Red Cottage Chronicles - Lemon Tablescape for Summer

Hyacinths for the Soul - Long May She Wave

Celebrating Everyday Life - Create a Chic Seashell Table Setting This Summer

Dinner at Eight - A Summer of Colors

Bluesky at Home - Pretty Table for a Ladies Dinner Party

Wishing you many summer blessings! By the way, the as I close this post, the humidity has arrived!

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