Hello sweet friends. After an unusually cool and rainy spring, summer will arrive on schedule Sunday, June 20! I recently read a Facebook post posing the question; if you could only live in one season, what would you choose? That was easy for me, it would always be autumn!
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Hebrews 13:16
The last few days we have experienced heat and oppressive humidity and those are usually good indicators for welcoming summer to Alabama!
My favorite place to set a table in spring, summer, or fall is the garden! “Grandmother’s Flower Garden” quilt is making a first time appearance on the blog!
This beautiful quilt was pieced by my beloved paternal grandmother. She passed away in 1977 at the young age of 67. She was quite talented in the areas of amazing handwork and delicious Southern cooking. I can still taste her cornbread baked in an iron skillet. My dear Aunt Jean (my namesake) gave me the pieced quilt top and I began searching for someone who quilted by hand. This was a few years before my Mother took up quilting. I was so fortunate to find a darling little lady who was in her mid eighties. Her quilting frames were set up in the middle of her small living room. I still have the memory etched in my mind as I approached her screen door and saw her quilting.
I am joining sixteen creative table stylists to bring you a Summer Tablescape Blog Hop hosted by my lovely friend, Rita @ Panoply. The links are provided at the bottom of this post.
Last week provided challenges for an outdoor table. We had intermittent rain showers daily and one day was a total wash out. Checking the forecast, it appeared that Friday would be the best opportunity for a rain free late afternoon-early evening photo shoot. Early Friday morning I drove to my dear friend’s hydrangea farm for a bucket of blooms and wonderful fellowship. By afternoon, I was hopeful as there were periods of clouds and sun, but no rain. However, rain showers were dotting the radar all around us. I kept watching and it looked like we might have a window of opportunity about 6 pm. I began setting the table at 5:30 so I would be ready once the sun had moved from over the table.
While photographing there were periods of clouds and then the sun would peak out briefly. But thankfully, no rain!
The table was simply set with American Atelier “baroque” chargers and dinner plates. Along with the quilt, the Crown Ducal hand painted salad/luncheon plates are the stars of this table.
This one depicts chrysanthemums!
Crocheted napkin rings that were made for me many, many years ago by one of my Mother’s best friends, lovingly called Miss Ruby. She and her husband did not have children of their own, but she had so much love in heart to spread around to many of us that knew and loved her. Her pound cakes were legendary!
It is hydrangea season in the South! The arrangement contains Snowflake, Invincibelle Spirit, Let’s Dance Moonlight, French, and Annabelle hydrangeas.
Clouds were gathering when I took this photo!
Beautiful poppies!
My favorite…hydrangeas!
About this time, there was thunder in the distance…
…and radar was showing rain all around us!
With haste I made some final pictures, keeping an eye on the sky!
Quickly, my Renaissance Man and I removed everything from the table and carried it inside the Sunshine Cottage. Within five minutes, it began to rain!
Camellias, our state flower!
Be sure to visit all of the links below. You will not be disappointed!
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a joy-filled day!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Pam, Another gorgeous table. Your grandmother’s beautiful quilt, hydrangeas, and gorgeous dishes are stunning! Despite your weather stress your post could not be more perfect. The colors, patterns, and textures are so lovely!
Great to view your beautiful post.
Lucious details! Love it all.
Thank you Rhonda!
Thanks so much Bonnie.
Just beautiful Pam! I adore your ‘Grandmother’s Flower Garden’ quilt paired with your vase of hydrangeas and Crown Ducal botanical plates, perfect for a garden table! I’m fortunate to have the same patterned quilt handed down to me from my grandmother. So glad you were able to get your table photographed with the rain showers! We’ve had the same stormy, unpredictable weather. It’s always a treat to have a virtual seat and join you at a table in your garden. Happy Tuesday ♥
Thank you Mary. I have spotted your beautiful quilt before!
Beautiful table, and those hydrangea blooms are gorgeous!
Thanks so much Carole!
The quilt is so beautiful and so special because your grandmother made it. I am sure one day, your darling granddaughters will use and tell the story of how it has been passed down. The story will be longer and even more special then. I am absolutely besotted by those gorgeous Crown Ducal plates. I love the fact that they have different flowers-each one so beautifully done and the pretty pink border and all those lovely colors. Happy to see the artist was able to have his signed name included in the design. I am swooning over them, really. Now to go back and pin them. Glad you made it before the downpour!!
Thank you Ruthie. Yes, I will pass the quilt to my granddaughters and hope they will treasure it as much as I do. Happy Summer!
Loved “Grandmothers Flower Garden” used as a tablecloth and the story behind it. I remember my on mama setting up a quilting frame in the middle of our small living room to hand quilt. Back in the day there was no air conditioning, only fans. She would invite her friends to come quilt and would serve them tea and cake for their reward. Love the plates. Gorgeous. I could tell by the light on each picture that you were cutting it short.
Thank you Alice. What a sweet memory of your mom quilting and inviting friends to join her!
I love your quilt and the flowers and place settings look so perfect with it!
Thank you Penny!
Pam, it’s always a delight to bee in your beautiful garden — regardless of the season! As lovely as your table setting is, I was intrigued and charmed by the story of the gorgeous quilt you used that was created by your grandmother. What an heirloom to have and treasure! I’m sure she’s smiling down on you from heaven.
Thank you Debbee. I am most happy to be the keeper of the beautiful quilt from my grandmother!
Pam, such a lovely table set in your gardens. The quilt is gorgeous and must be such a treasure. Grandmother’s Flower Garden is lovely. The love she put into making this beautiful quilt. My mom did some quilting too. Love the flower arrangement. I absolutely love hydrangeas. Now on to the plates, how pretty there are with their pink border. Each one with a different flower. So glad you captured this lovely table before the downpour.
Thank you Linda. The quilt is a precious treasure that I will hand down to my granddaughters.
I don’t know what is prettier-the quilt or your china! Or maybe the hydrangeas! Everything that I love. But the cherished memories of your Grandmother and Miss Ruby make it all so very special. You have such a beautiful blog. Thank you and thank your wonderful husband.
Ellen, that you for your sweet comments…so heartwarming!
Such a pretty, evocative table! Your Crown Ducal plates are indeed lovely but I have to disagree with you; I think your grandmother’s gorgeous quilt is the star of the table!! 🙂 You are so fortunate to have it.
Lauren, I agree the quilt is the definite star!
When I first opened the email with your post and saw that quilt….. I just KNEW it had a sweet and loving backstory. And sure enough…!
Yes, thank you so much Alycia!
I rarely have the nerve to use my quilts on the table but I love the look so much! It’s such a light, lovely, happy table. and oh, I love the story behind the quilt. I’m working on a piece about vintage quilts, which I collect, and how every one has a story behind it. I love the story behind yours, especially because it is by and about those in your family. What a treasure.
Thank you Jeanie. I will be looking forward to your piece on vintage quilts. I would never serve food on this keepsake.
Such sweet memories and gorgeous pastel setting…
Thank you Jain!
Oh how I love your grandmother’s quilt on your lovely table! So very pretty. Love all the blooms and those dishes. Now this looks like a girls party waiting to happen to me! You always pull together the most beautiful pieces Pam. Have a great week. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thank you Cindy. Hugs!
What a special tribute to your beloved grandmother, the quilt is beautiful and the flower arrangement you created compliments it perfectly! The china is gorgeous too! I wanted to set a table outside last week too, but it seemed like it rained every 5 minutes so I gave up! Luckily I set the table for today’s hop several weeks ago when I was at the beach. My favorite photos are always the ones with the beautiful grasses and greenery in the background…looks like we’re going to have plenty of sunshine this week!
Jenna
Thank you Jenna. Can you believe that tomorrow is the first day of summer? I am hopeful your beach home is ok!
We’ve been watching the storm via our Ring cameras, it was bad in the am but sun was out yesterday by 2pm!
Me encantan las fotos de la preparación de la mesa. La colcha es muy bonita y tiene un gran trabajo. Los platos son increiblemente bellos, me encantan…Bueno, siempre tu jardín es algo que hay que disfrutarlo a lo largo del año porque está muy bello en cualquier estación del año.
Te mando un gran abrazo
Pam, I love every single detail! Your garden always looks gorgeous, and I am such a fan of using quilts as tablecloths–not to mention your lovely hydrangeas and pretty floral plates! Swoon! It is a pleasure to “pull up a chair” to your charming table! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Thank you Cecilia for joining me at the table. It is a pleasure to blog hop with you!
Pam, your garden is beautiful, and I love the combination quilt with the hydrangeas. I also appreciate the scripture at the top of your post. 😀 I’m linking over from Linda’s blog.
Ricki, thanks so much for your sweet comments and for your visit. Happy Summer!
Enchanting post, just fabulous…Amazing dishes, gorgeous quilt, adorable flowers, heavenly garden…Breathtaking!
Thank you Maristella!
Love the pretty pastel color theme of this charming tablescape!! So pretty..The quilt is exquisite and so are your dishes!! And the garden back drop just puts the finishing touch on it!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Thank you so much Debbie for your sweet visit!
Sweet Pam, this is another gorgeous table! I love the use of your dear grandmother’s quilt. What a precious treasure and the perfect backdrop to your setting. The colors in the hydrangeas tie back beautifully to the quilt. Those sweet floral plates are so pretty and the perfect accompaniment. Everything looks just beautiful! Happy Summer, my dear friend!
Thank you my friend…Happy Summer!
Pam, What a gorgeous tablescape! That quilt is exquisite! Oh, the hours your grandmother dedicated to cutting and piecing those cloth pieces together. Many times those pieces were made from scrap material that made dresses, blouses, etc. So there’s even more history in a homemade quilt. I have several tops my grandmother made and I remember some of the dresses she made from the material. Your plates, napkin rings and colorful hydrangeas just define a typical southern summer. How you had to shoot it does too! It’s so pretty and inviting. Enjoy your day sweet friend. Clara❤️
Thank you dearest Clara. I know you treasure the tops that your beloved grandmother made. Can you believe tomorrow is the first day of summer?
Pam, how sweet to use your grandmother’s quilt for a tablecloth. Just think how thrilled she would be to know her granddaughter held it as one of her treasures. Everything looks so light and lovely; the china plates are beautiful and the flowers fit in perfectly with the quilt.
Photographing it in the garden was tricky for you this time, but the end results was worth it. I certainly appreciate your efforts to make it special.
Happy summer!
RR
Thanks so very much, Rachelle. Happy Summer !
Pam, I don’t think my earlier comment posted. Will try again with FB.
I think your grandmother’s quilt is the perfect for a garden setting.I like to use special quilts as table toppers. I think one just needs to be cautious. Your setting is lovely, but it always is in your garden spaces. The hydrangeas are gorgeous colors and perfect compliment to the quilt.
It’s a treat to be on this hop with you. Thrilled with all the delightful tablescapes.
Thank you Sarah. Cautious for sure, I would never serve food on it. Wishing you a wonderful summer dear one!
Pam, What a beautiful garden table. Loved that you used a family quilt with so many memories to share around the table.
Lynne, Thrifting Wonderland
Thanks so much Lynne for your visit. Happy Summer to you!
Pam, Miss Ruby’s pound cakes may have been legendary, but so are your tablescapes in the garden! I can only imagine the gut-wrenching feeling you had while testing Mother Nature with this tablescape. That quilt is an absolute treasure, and to have chanced it getting wet or, worse, muddy, would have been a shame. I have a tattered Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt I sourced years ago (and also used as a tablecloth). It was one that survived being purged when we downsized. Yours is just beautiful, and those Crown Ducal plates are wonderful (but I respectfully argue that the quilt is the star of this table!). I’ve never heard of so many name varieties in hydrangeas, but they are the perfect colorful complement along with the salad plates to this quilt and tablescape. This is a cool and calm look in what we know are the hot and humid days of summer coming. Thank you for bringing your style to the table, Happy Summer! (your season follows!)
Thanks so much Rita for your sweet and encouraging comments. I agree the quilt is the star.
Pam, It is always a joy to visit your beautiful garden. A table set in the garden is so lovely, and a perfect setting in your garden. The story of your quilt is so dear. What a treasure this quilt is. I love that you have used it as your tablecloth for the base for your beautiful summertime table!
Thank you Chloe. I loved using the quilt, naturally I would never serve food on it. Wishing you a lovely summer!
Pam, your summer tablescape is gorgeous, w/ all the components blending perfectly…your grandmother would be proud. I love your floral china! Happy summer, sweetie!
Hi Bobbi, thanks for your lovely visit and sweet comments. Happy summer to you dear one!
Hi Pam. Your table is simply gorgeous. I do love the quilt. I have the same pattern stitched by my grandmother in shades of pale green. It is a treasure to me. Love your Crown Ducal. I have never seen that pattern before and I am in love with it. Also, I never knew your middle name was Jean, mine is too.
Hope you are enjoying lovely summer days.❤
Hello Sandra, thank your for your sweet comments that warmed my heart. I know you cherish the quilt made by your grandmother. Yes, how nice to know we share middle names! Happy summer days ♥️
What a beautiful table and that quilt is just gorgeous! I’m so happy you got it all photographed before the heavens opened up!
I am swooning over those plates! And to be paired with your garden and your hydrangeas centerpiece… sigh…!
Beautiful my friend!
Happy Week to you!
Your sweet comments are so appreciated my friend!
I love Patchwork and this is Marvellous 😍😍😍
Thank you so much!
Now that we are experiencing summer in Maine, it has become a favorite season. During these months, my world is filled with beauty that I don’t experience in Houston which keeps me in awe. The quilt is a perfect back drop for you table highlighted with gorgeous hydrangeas.
Thank you Linda! I know you love the summers in Maine!
Such a beautiful garden table❤️I love the pretty pastel colors of both your special quilt and your gorgeous centerpiece, they really compliment your floral dishes so well. Kudos to you, squeezing your table in between the weather, I know that challenge well. Your photos come out wonderful despite your challenges. It is always such a pleasure to hop with you!! I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer☀️
Thank you Ann…wishing you a fun-filled summer!
I don’t believe that my first comment went through, if it did you can eliminate this. I loved everything about your post, from the beautiful hand painted dishes to your grandmother’s love quilt and the wonderful memories.
Thank you so much, Karen.
Such a pretty table Pam. Those salad plates are definitely the stars, but the hydrangeas and the quilt are pretty close seconds! So glad you were able to set it before the rain and thanks for sharing!
Thank you Kim. Thankfully the rain held off!
Oh Pam, your quilt and its story stole my heart. There is something about a quilt that speaks of home and love. I adore the pastel colors and it all works so beautifully with your floral arrangement and the colors you selected. Your crocheted napkin rings are a match made in heaven with your quilt. Both made lovingly by hand. I am so glad you were able to take all of your pictures before your rain and relief from the heat. Have a pleasant summer and as always, it is wonderful to blog hop with you.
Marsha, your sweet comments are heartwarming, thank you. Wishing you a wonderful summer!
I love the story of your quilt Pam! And your setting is so pretty.
Blessings,
Jennifer
Thank you my friend.
Pam, I’m go glad that the rain held off and you were able to set your beautiful table. The quilt is gorgeous and has such a happy feel to it. OMG, your hydrangeas are stunning. Again, such a wonderful mix of happy colors. Your setting is also so pretty. Loving hopping and seeing what you create.
Thank you Carol…Happy Summer!
Wow – good planning pays off again! So glad you didn’t get rained on – I would have hated to miss this beautiful table! Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos and your sunny personality! 🙂
Thank you Barbara for your sweet comments!
I’m with you – I’d definitely choose Autumn! Beautiful tablescape! I love all the colors.
Thank you Michelle!
Impending rainfall contributed a certain moodiness to your lovely table. And the garden setting is magical! I have a handmade quilt in that pattern that my parents received as a wedding gift. Well, half a quilt — my sister has the other half!
Thanks so much Sandra. Wow, did you really half the quilt?
Pam, your tablescapes are always so beautiful, and this one is no exception! That quilt though! Stunning!! And, what a perfect backdrop to those gorgeous plates. I have never seen crocheted napkin rings quite like yours. Truly unique and perfect for your garden tablescape! The hydrangea centrepiece makes my heart sing! Our hydrangeas are just starting to come into bloom, and I can’t wait to clip a few and bring them to the table! And, I agree completely – I could live in Autumn all year round 🙂
Thanks so much, Maureen. I know you can’t wait to cut hydrangeas and bring them indoors to enjoy!
Popping back again to tell you your tablescape is being featured at the Friday with Friends link party!
Thank you for adding this to the party fun.
Wonderful, thank you Rachelle!
Gorgeous colors! Love the way the salad plates co-ordinate so beautifully with the quilt. What a treasure!
Thanks so much!