“For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation”
Psalms 149:4
Blogging has opened up a world that I had no idea even existed! When I began two years ago, I never dreamed that I would “meet” so many wonderful new friends! I have found the blogging community to be such a warm and inviting one, and now you are all a part of my Everyday Living! I feel as though I have sat on your sofas, tasted your delicious recipes, and conversed with you all through your kind and gracious comments!
Last weekend, Butch and I were able to drive over to Birmingham to meet Shirley from Housepitality Designs and her sweet husband for a late lunch! We hit it off and it felt as though we had known each other forever! I was the guest blogger for her yesterday, and if you haven’t met her, be sure to run over and see Shirley’s beautifully decorated home as she shares sophistication on a budget…she is so talented! I so enjoyed my time with her and it made me think…I sure would love to have all of you into my home for some sweet time around my coffee table! Today, you’re invited to sit down and make yourself comfortable…we’ve got some chatting to do!
I decided to keep it simple and prepare an assortment of “sweets” to set up on my coffee table….because who doesn’t love sweets?! Serving in my family room is more casual for this small get-together, and I don’t have to prepare a full meal! I love to cook for guests, but you can easily buy many wonderful desserts from your local bakery or grocery store…and the kitchen stays clean!! In the foreground is sliced brioche topped with goat cheese, apricot preserves, and a sprig of thyme.
A mini angel food cake topped with raspberries and blueberries, doesn’t get much easier than this…and at least we get our serving of fruit in!
Using a tiered stand for serving is great because it adds height and you can see all of your options! This peacock one is “Artesian Road” by Tracy Porter.
My silver coffee service sits in a rattan basket rather than using the large silver tray…perfect for this casual gathering and provides texture! The dessert plates and mugs are also “Artesian Road”.
A tempting selection of chocolate-covered pretzels, lemon squares, macarons, and shortbread biscuits to enjoy with coffee…all of which I, of course, had to sample! Which will you choose?
I mixed roses from the grocery store with cuttings from my garden to fill the rustic birch container.
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Six different macaron flavors…fig, lemon, salted caramel, apricot, coconut, and pistachio. I took a class to learn how to make these heavenly French confections at Sur la Table, let’s just say, I prefer to let the professionals make them and I will do the eating!
With a nod to my favorite season of autumn, I added antlers for more texture. You know I love to mix rustic with a little elegance!
My coffee table is an antique that I found at least twenty years ago…it remains one of my favorite finds!
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
Psalm 34:8
As you all know, I love color and I’d rather mix than match! My family room has an English Country feel…things collected over time that have stories, memories, and sentimental value….things that are truly irreplaceable! My style is quite different than the current “farmhouse look”, but in staying true to what I’ve always loved my motto is, “your home should reflect your own personal style, whether that fits with the current trend or not!”
How do you entertain? I would love to hear your ideas! I’ve sure enjoyed chatting with you!
It was such a joy to meet Shirley! Be sure to check out her blog!
Linking with Pieced Pastimes, Silver Pennies, Life on Lakeshore Drive, VMG206, Coastal Charm, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Imparting Grace, Katherines Corner, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup, 21 Rosemary Lane, Love Of Home, Rattlebridge Farm, Rustic & Refined, Poofing The Pillows, What Meegan Makes, Celebrate & Decorate, McCall Manor
Thanks for the ‘sweet time’ around the coffee table Pam! I’m wild over your leopard print rug and mix of color in your home. 😉
Mary, thanks so much for your gracious comments! The macaron class was so much fun and our confections turned out so tasty, but there are a lot of steps and they are finicky (humidity)! Our instructor was loads of fun!
How sweet it is, indeed. Pam! Love that you were able to meet you with Shirley. I’ll have to pop over and catch up soon. We’re still on the road….
The Artesian pieces and that rug.. be still, my heart!
Rita, drive safely and enjoy your trip!
What fun Pam! It’s so special to meet fellow bloggers in person… I must say, from your photos, I can almost taste those macaroons! Lovely display of goodies on your pretty coffee table and your Artesian Road pieces are gorgeous! I have always wondered about the classes at Sur La Table, oh and I did see frozen macaroons at Trader Joe’s, I wonder if they are any good? Thank you for a sweet time!
Jenna
Jenna, thanks so much! I really would love to meet you for lunch in Birmingham one day when you are in town! I have had two cooking classes at Sur la Table and I loved both of them, lots of fun!
Pam, I had to chuckle when I read your blog today. I, too, love color in abundance!! When my daughter decided to decorate her home in the farmhouse style of gray and white, though beautiful, I felt I had failed???? Thanks for another beautiful post!
Pat, that is funny. My sweet DIL is very simple in her taste for their home, very basic…no pattern! I guess it is great that we all have different taste!
Yes, I love your family room! I love all the details and layers of items from your travels and decorating expertise. Maybe we should form a N. MS and N AL bloggers meet and greet! I didn’t know Shirley lives in our “region”. I see why your coffee table is a favorite. It’s so pretty – and a good size, too. So many delicious desserts fit there, with silver set and all! Beautiful flowers top it off perfectly. Thanks for inviting us to join you in your family room. I feel like I just spent some sweet time with you. Blessings to you today, my friend!
Kim, I really wish we could get together for lunch sometime with Jenna and Bonnie, and others that I might not know. Shirley is from NC, she was in Birmingham to tour the Southern Living Idea House. But, Butch and I drove to Birmingham after church and had the best time with Shirley and her husband…great folks!
Pam, your family room is gorgeous, and it is definitely my style! I’m a color and pattern person, and I love the mix of your colors and patterns. Your coffee table is beautiful. I have been looking for one like it. All of your treats look delicious set upon it. I hope that you have a wonderful and blessed day!!!
Shannon, you are the sweetest…I could tell you like pattern and color. And I keep reading that color is making a big comeback, it never went out of vogue for me! Happy Tuesday!
Pam, this was such a delightful post! Your home feels so warm and inviting; and I would love to share coffee table chat with you any day! Everything looks wonderful!
Thanks so much, Shenita!
Pam, as always I love your use of color and pattern in your home! It’s a visual delight!
Jan, thanks so much!
So nice that you got to meet up with a friend from Blogland ♥
summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
It was very nice, Summer! Thanks!
What a lovely table she set! It all looks fabulous.
Thanks, I loved setting my coffee table with sweets and guest hosting!
Isn’t it funny how we feel we get to “know” people through our blogs. They do open us to a bigger world. My only regret is I just can’t get to everyone. Oh yes, I love sweets so save me a place.
I feel the same way about blogging Pam. How fun that you met Shirley! She certainly is a talented lady. Everything looks so yummy! I would have to have a shortbread and a lemon square. 🙂 Oh, a salted caramel to go. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Would certainly love to meet you, Jann!
How fun to meet new blog friends! Anytime you get out the silver coffee set, it’s an official shin-dig!
Leslie Anne, I guess you are right about the silver coffee service! Happy Thursday!
I enjoyed your Sweet Time presentation! How fun that you could visit with Shirley. I have to believe it was enjoyable! I’m weak kneed when it comes to desserts and would enjoy each bit of it all! I enjoyed how you set everything up and viewing your room beautiful room
That all looks so yummy! Glad you got some ‘friend’ time!
“Friend time” is the best!
Pam, thanks for the invite to tea. You have a wonderful selection of sweets. I enjoyed my visit. Sylvia D.
Sylvia, that’s so much for visiting, and I am so glad you enjoyed!
I do visit Shirley’s blog sometimes but I will check out your guest post!
Well, let’s see. I just ate two of your chocolate covered pretzels and I might have a third, lol! I am laughing because I have not had dinner yet and suddenly I am not craving my dinner at all, just sweets 🙂
Deb, I would rather have sweets than the meal!
What a great spread of sweet treats! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
Thanks so much, Sherry!
I’m in love with this little sweet buffet and everything else you do! Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, have a great weekend!
Love sharing with Celebrate Your Story!
Oh I wish I was sitting on your sofa enjoying your “sweets”. I like your flower arrangements, thanks for sharing your sweets with us.
Thank you for your sweet visit, Judy!
One of the reasons I enjoy your posts so much is because it is NOT farmhouse and IS full of color and pattern. I grow weary of seeing so much gray and white. I love your table scapes and window treatments and I love the idea of doing what you love and what fits your personalty instead of doing what everyone else is doing because it’s the “in” thing.
Bonnie, thank you so much for the encouragement! The “in” thing changes so often and then if you follow that idea, you are constantly changing. How do people afford to do that? Happy Sunday!