Summer colors are bright, warm and bold. They joyfully shrug off the heat!
Today brought normal summer temps, a welcome relief from the weekend's
heat index values above 100! To take advantage of the break, I thought
we'd have lunch al fresco. With a view overlooking the koi pond, I set the bistro table with a fun and whimsical shoal of fish, using melamine dishes in a super cute design.
The koi pond is located in the far corner of the back yard and is fed by a curving stream. The pond was part of the complete overhaul of our yard we undertook last year, detailed in part 2 of a series of posts.
To up the cuteness factor, I added one of my favorite sets of salt and pepper shakers.
Comfy pillows carry on the theme. What you see snaking through the railing is a rope light we've set up on a temporary basis until we finish with the lighting in the backyard. It casts a pretty light behind the bistro table, and more importantly, lights up the railing down the stairs.
The largest koi is about 18 inches in length. He loves jumping in the water and making quite a splash! My mother-in-law gave him to us when she sold her house, along with several smaller ones. They've adapted to their new home and the fish we already had.
On the table the colorful dish designs are matched by the napkins and placemats. I've doubled the placemats in turquoise and lime.
Ombré goblets shade from turquoise to lime, repeating the placemat duo.
We currently have 15 or so koi and goldfish in the pond. This pond is deeper than the one it replaced, which is more suited to the fish, allowing them to hide more effectively from the herons and owls that visit from time to time.
I enjoy the way acrylic napkin holders refract the light like the ripples in the pond!
I think we're ready for an easy summer salad with buttery rolls and homemade ice cream for dessert!
A great way to enjoy a lazy summer day! Colorful, fun and whimsical!
I hope you have a chance to enjoy dining al fresco! For a beachy summer table starring this dishware be sure to visit Under the Sea.
The moderate temps are perfect for getting outside to dine, and I'm looking forward to more of both! What a great play of color and theme you've got going there, Sandra. I love the blue/greens, and the fish motif always reminds me of real life scuba and snorkeling in marine parks. Your koi are incredibly healthy. What a great escape, right on home turf!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rita! I'm so delighted to spend more time outside after a summer of rains and heat waves. I love blue and green combos, and I had fun adding such a bright green to the mix. We've had a pond for a long enough time to learn a thing or two, mostly protecting them from herons, lol.
DeleteSandra, I would enjoy sitting at your table and enjoying your menu and the koi pond. You have set the mood perfectly and I love the colorful dishes!
ReplyDeleteSandra, I would be delighted to sit at your table and enjoy your menu. The koi pond is lovely. You have set the mood perfectly and I love the colorful dishes!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pam! Come on over! It's incredibly relaxing to watch the koi swim about. Aren't the dishes fun?
DeleteOh my goodness Sandra. Your koi pond is gorgeous - how beautiful is that? Love your table with the bright turquoises and lime greens - perfect for summer and perfect for the setting. Love the dishes as well. Wow, what a beautiful spot!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kim! I'm really happy with the way the pond and the rest of the backyard has turned out. We're spending much more time out there.
DeleteSo gorgeous! I would love to have Koi pond or any kind of water feature in my yard.. this is beautiful. A perfect place to set your table! Come link up to my party https://karinskottage.com/2021/08/refreshing-august-centerpiece-wednesday-linky-party.html
ReplyDeleteKarin :)
Thanks, Karin! I love to sit by the pond and listen to the water tumble over the rocks. I'll be happy to join the party.
DeleteSuch a beautiful setup. I would love to join you for lunch someday :P
ReplyDelete#HomeMattersParty
Thanks, Kim! I'll pick out a shady spot!
DeleteSo peaceful looking out there. I enjoyed seeing your fish pond. Thanks for sharing you post with us. #HomeMattersParty
ReplyDeleteThank you, Donna! I'm so happy with how the koi pond has turned out -- and so are the fish!
DeleteSandra, this is so fun and colorful. A beautiful place to enjoy lunch. The fish are so fun to watch. Love your choice of fish accessories. I am happy to feature your lovely table at Love Your Creativity.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Linda! It was so fun to style it. We've got mostly orange and white fish and they're easy to follow in the clear water. The big fellow is developing quite a personality!
DeleteSandra, I love your colorful table setting and your koi pond is just lovely! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm--pinned!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cecilia! We have really enjoyed the pond and I'm looking forward to planting more ferns and such when the weather cools down.
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