Tea and Muffins on the Bistro Table

Welcome to the deck! Today I decided to have breakfast at the bistro table, before the heat and humidity sends me back inside. It's been a while since I set a table on the deck; I'm not sure why that's the case. I enjoy being on the deck, particularly in spring and fall. We had replaced our original deck and made it larger when we totally renovated the back yard.  I described the structural transformation of our yard in Backyard Renovation Reveal and the long process of finishing the deck in Deck Update: Railing Installed.

 

In the spring Greg cleaned the furniture on the deck and patios while I was recuperating from minor surgery that was complicated by an injury sustained during physical therapy. Then this summer the deck, pergola and storage area were stained a medium brown with reddish undertones that really complements the cedar of the pergola.

 

Greg made mini strawberry muffins that I served on a figural tray comprised of raspberries and delicate flowers with handles resembling branches. The set was one that Greg had given his mother a number of years ago, which he brought home when we were clearing out her house. I like its summery vibes. He had given his grandmother a similar set that that evokes spring with cherry blossoms. I used that set in Spring Flowers are Everywhere — in the House and in the Garden.

I love the charming tea pot which suggests a birdhouse, with entwined branches for a handle and a raspberry for a finial. The sides are covered with vines, leaves and more raspberries. The little bird has just alighted to enter the birdhouse. It reminds me of the blue birds that stayed for a time in our yard in the spring.

The hexagonal shape of the cups match that of the tea pot. This photo depicts the backs of the cups (if you're right-handed) with more of the figural design than the fronts.

The trellis pattern of the plates suggest the garden, as do the flower napkins. I've often used these plates in my tablescapes since I find that their design works with a variety of patterns. Underneath I've placed pretty blue placemats.

 

To continue the garden theme, I used metal rings decorated with birds sitting on branches to hold the napkins.

 

 

I love sitting at this table, overlooking the garden. Here you get a view of the stream and the metal bridge that crosses it (with a small blue rug to help the furry ones cross the bridge when it's slick).

Finn patiently awaits a muffin. He is absolutely sure he'll get one — or at least part of one!

 

  

During the months of July and August, early morning or evening are the best times to enjoy the deck. Tea and muffins definitely enhance the experience!

 

 

Thanks for joining me today for tea and muffins!

Table details

Tea set and tray | Fitz & Floyd 'English Garden'

Plates | Block 'Blue Skies'

Napkin rings | Lenox 'Chirp'

* Table details are provided for identification/information only. Dinner at Eight is not affiliated with nor compensated by any other entity.