easy end-of-Summer entertaining . . . and a vintage tablecloth

I took a few weeks off from blogging while we hosted my husbands family in our home.

Although I took a few weeks off from writing, I still managed to take photos along the way (smile).

August is a wonderful time of year to dine al fresco . . . and so we did.

We enjoyed most of our meals outside on a long table covered with this vintage table cloth, as the morning and evening breezes were a welcome break from the heat.

I've become a big fan of easy entertaining.

For me, this means little fuss. Sometimes it can be as simple as adding a table cloth and a few flowers to your setting, which can make a casual gathering feel special.

 

a simple setting . . .
Shortly after I got married, my mom surprised me with several beautiful vintage tablecloths that she bought at an antique store.

I adore them . . . and love to find special occasions to use them.

When my husbands family was here, I chose to dress our dining table with this white one.  Its golden yellow hem reminds me of August . . . and has the feel of Summer winding down into Fall.

I love its golden tones, as it pairs well with beautiful end-of-Summer flowers like sunflowers and black-eyed Susans (an all time favorite of mine).

When our home is full of family . . . 
                   I try to make hosting a little easier.

So I place a tall stack of white plates on the side table in our dining room . . . along with a tray of forks and a pile of napkins . . . for quick and easy use.

I also keep plenty of vintage pitchers filled with ice water, as well as a stack glasses nearby, so that our guests can easily enjoy a glass of water.

  

Flowers . . . I love them!

I'm a big fan of small bouquets like this one, especially for casual gatherings. They're quite pretty placed down the center of your table . . . and low enough that your guests aren't struggling to see one another across the table.

I love how simple touches like these can make casual gatherings feel special.                                                                               Cheers!

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Simply Suzannes at Home

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