Dining Delight

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Ladybug Luncheon

Here is a fun summertime tablescape I was inspired to create thanks to my sister, Sandi who does stone art. She gifted me with some cute ladybug stones awhile back and this week, I finally got the chance to play with them. A coordinating red and black tablescape evolved into a Ladybug Luncheon.

Ladybugs are such a cute insect and Sandi definitely captured that with her painting on the tiny stones.

I set up a table for two in the backyard.

I don't have a lot of polka-dot or ladybug decor but I managed to put together some items that fit the theme.

The only thing I purchased new was a package of these adhesive ladybugs from the Dollar Store.

I stuck a few on some glass mugs
- not sure I'd want just any bug on my drinkware, but these guys (gals) are okay with me ;)

Using dishes, table linens and accessories I already owned, I created a fun ladybug picnic look.

I placed a few of the stone ladybugs on these small wooden pieces Mr D cut for me a few years ago.

The placecard markers were also set on birch log pieces.

A combination of ladybugs, boxwood stems, ribbon, pebbles and a mini-chalkboard were arranged in a glass votive holder.

A card table was set over the firebowl that is the usual focus in this spot. I cleared away the other furniture and arranged some plants around the table.

Of course, the centerpiece had to be ladybug themed :)

Two of the stone ladybugs were placed inside glass vases filled with sand. A trio of these were set on a black rectangular tray filled with pebbles.

I love the little hearts she painted on them!

Red handled flatware coordinated with the dishes and theme.

I used two of these railroad type lanterns in black and red tying contrasting ribbon on each.

More of the stick-on ladybugs were placed on this birch-look vase.

A combination of faux and real flowers along with some fresh boxwood stems make a pretty arrangement on the table.

What's a luncheon without an invited guest?

A place was set for my mom, Maxine.

I made a simple lunch for us.

Bowls of Thai Curry Sweet Potato Soup were served atop the small birch chargers.

My favourite lunch - avocado toast. I like to add a bit of balsamic vinegar drizzled on top.

For dessert, Caramel Cheesecake.

A summer luncheon all inspired by...

...these little cuties!

These stone ladybugs were just the beginning for my sister as she has developed her skills further and now does memorial/portrait pet stones. See here for more pics/info.

Thanks for visiting!

I'll be linking this post to these wonderful blog parties:

Saturday Sparks on Pieced Pastimes

A Bouquet of Talent at Life on Lakeshore Drive

Sundays at Home at Love of Home
Silver Pennies Sunday at Silver Pennies

Dishing It & Digging It at Rustic & Refined
Amaze Me Mondays at Dwellings
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Show & Share at Coastal Charm
Celebrate Your Story at Celebrate & Decorate
Brag About It Tuesday at My Husband Has Too Many Hobbies

The Scoop at Stone Gable

Inspire Me Tuesdays at A Stroll Thru Life

Tuesday at Our Home at Our Home Away From Home

Tutorials & Tips at Home Stories A to Z

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Sizzle into Summer at DIY by Design
Share Your Style at Essence of Home

Share Your Cup at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs Olson
Home & Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life
Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch

Grace at Home at Imparting Grace

Home Matters at Life with Lorelai

Inspiration Gallery at Craftberry Bush

Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Foodie Friday & Everything Else at Rattlebridge Farm

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Celebrate Summer Tablescape

I know a lot of you in blogland have been thinking fall but I'm just not there yet. There is still lots of summer left to enjoy and in fact, I want to celebrate it before it's gone. With that in mind, I put together this tablescape that would be perfect for a little summer celebration involving some bubbly and a few appetizers.

Summer is the ideal time to invite friends over for a drink and some snacks.

Setting a pretty table for simple or even store-bought snacks can make any get-together seem more special.

You don't need to get as elaborate as this set-up but here's a look at some ideas on how to start.

Begin with some sort of tray or shallow basket. I've used a round metal tray to group some key items and then build around it.

Inside the tray, some shell-shaped appetizer plates fit my summer-time theme perfectly but you can use any dishes that are suitable for the type of food you are serving.

Arrange the appropriate stemware for the beverages you will be putting out for your guests. Below, you see I've chosen some champagne flutes.

Those of you who follow my blog know that it has been a time of celebrations around here with Mr D's retirement (here) and our daughter's engagement (here).

Some of our wonderful relatives whose family own a winery gifted us with this fabulous Gray Monk Odyssey and how perfect it is to use to celebrate a summer day.

Finding a unique way to dispense any required cutlery/flatware makes the display even more interesting.

Here, I've placed appetizer forks in a glass vase filled with sand and a white shell.

Cloth napkins in coordinating colours can be displayed in various ways on your table.

I like to line a tray with one and add some under decorative elements on the table.

Try to limit your colour palette to just a couple of colours for a more cohesive look.

If you go with the basics - the dishes, stemware, flatware and napkins arranged nicely in/around a tray, you will have a pretty table display for your gathering.

However, I like to go a bit further (of course) and add decorative elements that fill up the spaces on the table.

A backdrop is created by adding height in the way of this floral arrangement.

Tall candleholders provide the next height layer to the backdrop.

These decorative shell items were placed on each side of the table as part of the backdrop.

The key to getting a pleasing look, is to vary the heights of all the items in a gradual way.

Then fill in any spaces with decorative shells, birds, stars and greenery to create a summertime vibe.

This table was set up on our sundeck which is just off our kitchen. In hot weather, I often like to set the food on our kitchen island and have guests step inside and help themselves.