Monday, July 29, 2013

Summer inspirations . . .


Summer is a quiet season for our family.

For us, it's about . . . relaxed and lazy evenings and weekends, simple and fresh dinners ~ al fresco, feasting on an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, spur-of-the-moment trips to the beach, and long, leisurely visits with friends and family.

Our home takes on an equally relaxed feel.

 

Last Summer our home was filled with cool greens and blues . . . 

                   and this Summer its about navy blues, warm reds, yellows, and cool whites



If you follow my blog, then you've probably noticed that Chevron prints have made their way to our dining room table quite often. Like here and here.

Although I fell in love with this navy blue and white Chevron print, I wanted to pair it with a simple, warm-colored fabric.

So, I trimmed a basic burlap with burlap trim for a table cover . . . and then made a simple runner with the navy blue and white chevron print fabric.

What I love most about this combination is that it's OLD meets NEW . . . 
                    warm, old-time burlap meets new, modern Chevron. I quite like it!  

 

 

My mom bought me this beautiful blue and white pitcher 20+ years ago while antique shopping in a small town in Kansas. 

It typically finds a special place in my decor during the Summer months. 


Whether brimming with vibrant flowers, or filled with sweet lemonade, it's a charming beauty. 

I love that it came from an antique store deep in the country. If it could speak, I'm sure it would have many stories to share.  



I wrote in my July inspirations post, that daisies and sunflowers always remind me of Summer, so they tend to find their way in bouquets around our home June through September.

I love the whimsy, fun-feel of daisies . . . the bright sunshine-feel of sunflowers, and the formality of white hydrangeas. 


White hydrangeas can dress up a simple daisy and sunflower bouquet, beautifully.


Ahhhh, lemons . . . (lemon zest, in particular) 


They find their way into many of my Summer-inspired recipes, sweet and savory.

    Lemon zest adds vibrancy to dishes. 

So you'll typically find 2-4 lemons on my kitchen counter at all times, especially through the Summer months.


Staple flowers in my home, no matter what the season, are white hydrangeas. 

You'll find them in bouquets around our home, year round!  

~ photos from our family room ~

 

Fresh herbs are often a part of my Summer decor too. Farmer's Markets sell huge bunches of them for 25 cents!

They're so green and full and lush . . . perfect little bouquets, so why not buy your favorite ones and display them on your counter-top!?!


I think that displaying them is not only attractive, but they serve as a reminder to add them to your dishes. 

Did you know that you transform an "A" dish to an "A+" by just adding fresh herbs on top!? It's really that simple.


Well friends, that's about it for now. I hope you're enjoying your Summer.

            Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you come back again soon.












35 comments:

  1. I love all the blue and yellow...my favorites! Thanks so much for sharing at The Scoop!...hugs...Debbie

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  2. I stopped by for the lemons, but I would love any of your bouquets. Lovely.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ms Lemon!
      Thanks for stopping by! I'll be sure and leave a few lemons for you on the porch :0)
      Have a great week,
      Suzanne

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  3. Pretty post.Loved the greens, sun flower ,lemons ,the blues whites and everything.Do visit my post too.Thank you..:):)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Crystal!
      Thanks for stopping by, and leaving such kind comments.
      I'll stop by and say hello too!
      Have a great week,
      Suzanne

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  4. Your pictures are breathtaking. I love your sunflowers too. You definitley captured the essence of summer in your pics. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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    Replies
    1. Hi Marty!
      Thanks for stopping by!
      Hugs,
      Suzanne

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  5. Visiting from Savvy Southern Style. Very pretty summer ideas. Love the blue pitcher from your mom! Things we cherish.....

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  6. Gorgeous inspiration Suzanne! Love, love, love fresh flowers and freshly cut herbs in the summer. Stopping by from Savvy Southern Style.

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  7. LOVE sunflowers in a blue pitcher! Lemons too:) Pinned your lovely setting:) I posted DIY Doily Jacket this week:) Swing by

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    Replies
    1. Hi Michele,
      Thanks so much for stopping by, and pinning my setting!
      Have a beautiful week,
      Suzanne

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  8. Such beautiful images of summer! I host a weekly party called Seasonal Sundays and would love to have you link. The link goes up at 7 pm EST on Saturday evening.

    - The Tablescaper

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    Replies
    1. Hi Tablescaper!

      Thank you for stopping by!
      I have visited you before, and would love to share at your Seasonal Sundays this weekend.
      Have a beautiful week,
      Suzanne

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  9. Anonymous6:39 PM

    How lovely! I love all of your beautiful florals! Those sunflowers are so pretty!
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  10. Suzanne, Your summer sounds delightful ~ sunflowers, lemon kissed treats, and impromptu trips to the beach. I love to have white hydrangeas in our home year round too. They are so fresh and last a long time. I have a blue calico pitcher too. I think it needs a bouquet of sunflowers. '-)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sarah!
      So happy you stopped by!
      It sounds like we appreciate the same beautiful things :o)
      Be sure and stop by again!
      Have a beautiful week,
      Suzanne

      Delete
  11. These pictures are just beautiful. My favorite is the white pitcher with hydrangeas. I found you link on the Insipre Me Please weekend blog hop.
    Katie @ thecasualcraftlete.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Katie!
      Thanks for stopping by and leaving a thoughtful comment.
      Have a great weekend!
      Suzanne

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  12. I love the combination of blue and yellow. The antique pitcher is gorgeous! I can't believe that you can buy herbs that cheap at your farmers market. Not the case here. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  13. I love lemons,and they look so pretty paired with the blue! Thank you so much for joining us and sharing at Best of the Weekend! Pinning to our party board. Enjoy a happy weekend and please join us next Friday :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lisa!
      So happy you came by!
      See you Friday!
      Have a beautiful week,
      Suzanne

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  14. Hi Suzanne all of these looks wonderful! I love white flowers especially white hydrangeas. All photos are beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing all of these.Would love to have you visit me sometime.
    Have a fabulous day!
    Hugs from Portugal,

    Ana Love Craft
    www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

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  15. Hi Ana!

    I'm so happy you stopped by, and hope you come back again!
    Have a beautiful week,
    Suzanne

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  16. Love all of these flower arrangements. Pretty!

    Ellya

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Ellya!
      Have a beautiful weekend,
      Suzanne

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  17. All your flower arrangements look so beautiful! The lemons in the pictures are a nice addition. My favourite though are the fresh herbs. They look so wonderful and fresh.
    New follower via "All Things Thursday".
    Bismah @
    http://simplemamaathome.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Simple Mama!
      Thanks so much for stopping by!
      I love fresh herbs too! I find that I use them the most when they're in my site :0)
      Have a beautiful week,
      Suzanne
      PS Thanks for following along :0)

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  18. So many beautiful pictures that just exude Summer! I was totally taken in to your tablescapes. I featured this post today on Posed Perfection from last week's All Things Thursday Blog Hop. I hope you'll be back tonight to share more beautiful projects.
    Blessings,
    Nici

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  19. Incredible images! Thank you for sharing, you are being featured Sat at The Inspiration Exchange:). Jen-City Farmhouse

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jennifer!
      Thanks so much for stopping by!
      I'm so excited that I'll be featured Saturday! See you then!
      Have a beautiful weekend,
      Suzanne

      Delete
  20. Looks like I commented before, but I think I just want to come sit at your table - I just love your flowers and photos.

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