Tuesday, August 19, 2014

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!






LET'S STAY in touch!







17 comments:

  1. Beautiful Suzanne. Everything you do is always spot on and so elegant. I could get lost in all the beautiful colors, and textures. Sharing on FB today. Too lovely no too.
    Blessings,
    Shari

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  2. You are so good at this. I love my visits to your blog. Your pictures and posts are always so beautiful and inspiring. So glad you're enjoying these last few weeks of summer. Dining outside won't be until October for us- darn mosquitoes!

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  3. It's a beautiful tablecloth and I love your sunflowers! :)

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  4. Beautiful! I like the lower bouquets of flowers on the table, too. Much easier for conversation! I'm sure your guests felt very pampered with you as hostess!

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  5. I love vintage tablecloths with all my heart. Yours is beautiful. And, of course, I love the flowers.

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  6. So pretty, so timely. Still summer, but the golden yellows can easily hint towards the mustards and butternuts of autumn. Nice - still light and airy... :-)

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  7. Lovely pics and perfect "easy" entertaining advice! So true that a few simple touches make the occasion more special but its the visiting that's important. I have a hard time remembering that and often stress myself out!

    DD

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  8. Gorgeous pictures, so enjoyed my visit.............
    Blessings, Nellie

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  9. So beautiful and I love the sunflowers. You photos are amazing!

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  10. Your photos are always so elegant
    Jenna

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  11. Such an elegant "easy" way to make guests feel so special. Your picturea are beautiful.. Thank you so much for sharing at Share It One More Time. Cathy

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  12. Just lovely! Sunflowers just pull me in every time, and your small bouquet is gorgeous and adds the perfect focal point to your table. Thanks for sharing!

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  13. Beautiful pictures Suzanne, the vintage tablecloth with the gold trim and the sunflowers are a perfect combination for a late summer table. I love it!

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  14. Such a pretty tablescape! Love the sweet vintage tablecloth!
    Pinning and sharing!

    Thanks for sharing on SHOWLicious!
    ~ Ashley

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  15. So pretty! Love the simple dishes with the lovely table cloth. Thanks for sharing at On Display Thursday, come again!
    -Leia @ Eat It & Say Yum

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  16. What a wonderful gift from your Mother - gorgeous tablescape - beautiful floral arrangements! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  17. Your beautiful pictures always draw me in!

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