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Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Dining Alfresco with Lemon and Lime

On the chance we would not get our daily round of rain or thunderstorms this afternoon, I set a table for two on the deck. We enjoy dining alfresco, but late summer is generally not the best time for it. Even in the shade with the fan on it's usually too hot and humid. There's a slight breeze today so we may be in luck!

 
I add slices of lemon or lime to iced tea because their tartness adds an extra layer of refreshing coolness. This idea became the inspiration for the table.

 
I used dark rattan chargers layered with our everyday dinner plates. The woven chargers and trellis pattern on the plates reflect the garden setting.

 
For the salad I chose the lemon and lime plates from a citrus set that consists of these and two varieties of oranges. I like that the plates include whole and sliced fruits and bright green leaves that seem they've been picked straight from the tree!

 
The bistro table was purposely chosen because it is small, encouraging a private tête-à-tête.
 
 
There was room enough for a bouquet of summer blooms placed in a galvanized French flower bucket.

 
A different shade of green is provided by the iced tea glasses. I was surprised to learn that I had won these two in a drawing at the Annual Collectible Glass Show that my daughter and I went to last summer! More of the gorgeous antique, depression and vintage glassware at the show can be found in Part 1 and Part 2.

 
Napkins are secured by rings in a leaf pattern. I doubled pale yellow and white napkins with a jolt of fringed lime.

 
A variety of clear bright greens counteracts the heat, yet is perfect in a garden setting.

 
I didn't have many flowers blooming in the garden today so I went with faux stems in shades of white and ivory. The hydrangeas have a hint of green, perfectly mimicking the ones in my neighbor's yard.

 
We are still in the midst of the backyard renovation...begun in early May. But the last two photos provide a hint of what is to come.



 
Table resources
Dinner plates | Villeroy & Boch 'French Garden'
Glasses | Anchor Hocking 'Burple Green'
Flatware | Mikasa 'Italian Countryside'
   
     
     
 
  
  
  
   

32 comments:

  1. Beautiful alfresco setting! Happy September!

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    1. Thank you, Sarah! Looking forward to a cooler September!

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  2. Gorgeous and cheerful table,Those green glasses are wonderful!Hugs and blessings.

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    1. Thank you, Maristella! I love the deep green of the glasses. Take care, hugs!

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  3. Sandra, this is so pretty! Love the plates and the table looks wonderful in the garden setting. So inviting. Its good to have at least one last reminder of summer...

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    1. Thanks so much! My blog follows the calendar in terms of seasons, but it will essentially be summer here for another month. 91 degrees again today, and forecast for the next six days!

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    1. Why, thank you! So glad you stopped by, Rebecca!

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  5. Pretty place setting, it all goes so well together.

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    1. Thank you! It's satisfying when it comes together the way I envisioned it. Thanks for visiting, Anita!

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  6. Sandra,
    Also hoping for cooler weather in September. Your tablesetting looks cool even if the temps are not. Thanks for visiting my Eiffel Tower telescope post. Those photos were taken a few Septembers ago in Paris on a cool, rainy day.

    Judith

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    1. Thanks, Judith! All of our trees provide plenty of shade so it's quite nice under them. Paris was on our agenda this fall, but we're postponing for awhile.

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  7. So pretty Sandra!! I felt cooler just looking at this refreshing tablescape!! Love the green stemware and your cute lemon and lime plates~ I'm looking forward to cooler temps!
    Jenna

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    1. Jenna, thank you! We have really been enjoying that little table. Now if only the renovation could get done!

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  8. The plates are so pretty and fresh. I hope the weather held up for you to enjoy the dinner outside. #HomeMattersParty

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  9. So pretty!

    Thanks for sharing this post with us on the Embracing Home and Family Link-up party. We hope you join us again this Friday!

    -Cherelle

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    1. Thanks, Cherelle, I'd love to join you again!

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  10. This is so pretty Sandra! I always love yellows and greens together on a table.

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    1. Thanks, Kim! I think just about everything makes a pretty combo with green.

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  11. Sandra, this is a perfect table for two. I love the Pier 1 plates and I am thrilled that they will continue an on-line store. This setting is so fresh in spite of the heat and humidity.

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    1. Thank you, Pam! The tartness of citrus somehow seems to counteract summer's heat so much better than sweet things.

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  12. What a beautiful spot for dining alfresco. It looks very cool even if in real life it doesn't right now but before long it will be very pleasant.
    I love your salad plates. They layer beautifully with your
    everyday dishes with the lovely border. Again, your garden spot is delightful.

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    1. Thank you, Bonnie! We have really been enjoying our time on the deck this year. And the backyard is beginning to look almost finished!

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  13. This is beautiful, Sandra! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm--pinned!

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    1. I'm glad you liked it Cecilia! Thanks for pinning!

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  14. I love alfresco dining, and this is perfectly delightful! Such a blend of the greens and yellows, calming and pretty! I am ready for the heat to break here in Florida so we can enjoy dining out againg!

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    1. Thank you, Chloe! I was really pleased with how it turned out since it was impromptu. I'm looking forward to more alfresco dining in the fall. Hope you get cooler weather soon!

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  15. This is such a great tablescape. Look for your feature tomorrow on Charming Homes & Garden Link Party.
    Rachel

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    1. Thank you, Rachel! What a lovely compliment to feature my post!

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  16. What a beautiful refreshing tablescape! Love the lemon and lime colors! Your florals look like fresh cut flowers! Your backyard renovation looks very interesting!!

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    1. Thanks, Liz! It's amazing how realistic some faux stems can look -- so I gladly use them when fresh ones aren't available. We're pleased with the renovation so far; I just wish it would finish!

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