Happy Tuesday dear friends! Even though summer has not officially arrived, but with temperatures in the high 80’s and low 90’s, it definitely feels like summer!
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.””
Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV)
Summer officially begins on Thursday, June 20th. To say hello to the hot and humid season of summer, I set a table in the garden!
I am excited to join eighteen table stylists for a Summer Tablescape Blog Hop hosted by my sweet friend, Rita at Panoply. You will find all of the links for creative tabletops at the bottom of this post.
Summer temperatures in our Appalachian Foothills can be oppressive! However, I had a lovely late afternoon with a gentle breeze to set my table!
My favorite place to set a table is always outdoors…a garden table or a picnic table by the woodlands!
A love of mixing patterns is definitely front and center on this alfresco table!
The April Cornell tablecloth is at least twenty years old and is made for a rectangular table. I folded it to make a square on my round garden table. The unique ‘Artesian Road’ peacock bowl was used as a vessel for several varieties of hydrangeas!
“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”
~John Lubbock
For a hello to summer, I pulled out a favorite china pattern, ‘Artesian Road’ by Tracy Porter. I purchased the pattern from Horchow when it was introduced in 2003. The pattern was discontinued in 2012. It is hand-painted with multicolor florals, peacocks, and a bamboo border. I have 8 – 4 piece place settings and several unique serving pieces. I checked prices on Replacements and was shocked at the increase in value!
Napoleon tortoise flatware is also from Horchow and is still available. I try to always have at least one item on my table that has a memory attached. I think I may have shared the story surrounding the napkin rings. While our son was away in his first year of college in 2004, he surprised me at Christmas with whimsical dragonfly napkin rings. He doesn’t like to shop and is certainly not into anything associated with tabletop accoutrements. I think I might have shed a couple of tears when I opened his thoughtful gift, which I love, and still use twenty years later. The napkins add more pattern mixing to the table. They are part of a set of reversible and quilted placemats that I almost used. Wicker chargers add texture to my summer table.
June’s light and shadows dance across the table!
The aqua colored glasses were found many years ago at Tuesday Morning. I still miss that store where I could always find something I wasn’t looking for!
“Then followed that beautiful season…Summer…Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.”
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
As I stepped out into the evening, a warm breeze brushed my cheeks, my nose tickled from something the likes of freshly mown hay, my eyes were dazzled by dozens of tiny illuminating flickers, and my ears were stimulated with sounds from the darkness; chirping, low croaks, and high pitched buzzing oscillating from the trees. Such chaos turned to peaceful harmony as soon as I realized that it was only the voice of a summer night!
~Butch Richardson
It has been an unusual and puzzling gardening season. I hope to share the happenings in an upcoming post.
For beautiful summer tables, festive ideas, and lovely inspiration, click on the links below!
Panoply – Summer Meadow Bistro Tablescape
Hyacinths for the Soul – Summer Whimsy Tablescape
Home is Where the Boat Is – Stars and Stripes Alfresco Tablescape
Everyday Living – Say Hello To Summer With a Garden Tablescape
The Bookish Dilettante – Red, White and Blue Summertime Tablescape
My Thrift Store Addiction – Flower Fairies in the Garden Summer Tablescape
Life and Linda – A Margaritaville Party
The Cat’s Whiskerz – A Tropical Tablescape for Summer
The Little Yellow Corner Store – A Fourth of July Tablescape – A Star Performance
Pandora’s Box – Pineapple Delight
Thrifting Wonderland – Morning Tea in the Garden
Corner of Plaid and Paisley – Summer Road Trip
The Painted Apron – Summer Sea Shells
Red Cottage Chronicles – Summer Afternoon Tea Party Ideas
Dinner at Eight – Summertime Gardens for the Table
Belle Bleu Interiors – An Early Summer Tablescape in the Garden
Celebrating Everyday Life – Simple Homespun Patriotic Table Decor
Mantel and Table – A summer Pink Tablescape – Beautiful Indulgence for One
Me and My Captain – Small Backyard Space? Come Sit By Me
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable summer!
Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Good Morning, Dear Pam! Thank you for having us in your garden, and I am so happy to sit at your beautiful table. The gorgeous Peacock bowl filled with hydrangeas perfectly matches your AC tablecloth and the Artesian Road china. How exquisite it all is! But the napkin rings are my favorite, as your son bought them for you when he was in college! That tugged at my heart as I have two sons, and I know how much they dislike shopping, but when they purchase something for their Momma… it is extraordinary!
Thank you for having us and giving us such wonderful inspiration!
Thank you for visiting, Nancy. The china even though discontinued remains a favorite. Yes, it was a very special gift from our son and only child. Most guys don’t care anything about shopping. Have a wonderful week!
Good morning, Pam, and hello summer! Your mix of peachy coral and aqua is a favorite for me, both in wardrobe choice colors as well as decor! That Artesian Road pattern is so gorgeous, and the peacock bowl a real commanding centerpiece! Like you, I am using a set of napkin rings that are special to me, in that my daughter thought of me when she found them in an artisan shop. Coming from a son is even more thoughtful! I love all the pattern play here, with the napkins and tablecloth grounding the china. Your garden setting is stunning, no matter what the challenges in any given year. Butch’s descriptive narrative of a summer night couldn’t be more accurate!
Thank you so much for bringing your designer talent to the table in this summer blog hop!
Thank you, Rita for your encouraging comments. Especially thank you for you organizing and keeping the hop fun and successful!
Again you show your talent and pull all the colors together in your beautiful garden. It took me awhile to read your blog this morning because each picture and comment spoke to me. Butch’s comment made me close my eyes to take it in. Spring and Summer are my favorite times of the year. Daylight goes on and on allowing one to enjoy the fullness of Gods world. The warm breezes Butch spoke about make my heart sing. We have a new baby boy born last night to the family in the back of our house. And the joy of the Lord is present.
Alice, your sweet words warm my heart. I just read them to Butch and he said to thank you. How precious a new baby boy born last night! Yes, the joy of the Lord gives us strength!
Absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you, Jain!
So beautiful. I would love to sit at your beautiful table in the garden. Love all the pretty colors. Happy new week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you, Kris! It would be fun to have you! Happy week to you!
Ooooh, Pam! This is going down among my favorite tablescapes!! I love every detail…the AC tablecloth, the exquisite Horchow plates, and that gorgeous peacock bowl. Your story about Seth made me a little teary too, in a good way. All the quotations are spot on, especially a certain Mr. Butch. Is it me, or is summer hurtling by? I may have mentioned before my neighbor across the pond has peacocks. They are beautiful when they strut around our yard with their fans spread, but other times they just tear up my containers (that is when I call them buzzards with pretty feathers!).
Thank you, thank you Roxanne. Butch came up with the quote last night. Peacocks are beautiful but I have heard they make terrible messes. Before we turn around, autumn will be here!
This is such a pretty setting and I especially like your peacock centerpiece – your flowers are arranged to perfection! The colors of your dishes are so unique and I would enjoy sitting in your yard at this table! Happy summer
Your are so sweet and thank you, Patti!
You*
You are the Queen of mixing patterns Pam, and this table immediately caught my attention with the beautiful and unique tureen of hydrangeas sitting on the floral AC tablecloth! I am crazy about the Tracy Porter plates, love the colors and the bamboo rims~ the Napoleon tortoise flatware is so pretty and of course the dragonfly napkin rings are special indeed 🙂 The aqua glasses are wonderful, light and airy for summer temps~ I always love visiting your garden setting and I love Butch’s quote about the voice of a summer night!
Jenna, you are so sweet. I have always loved mixed patterns even as a child with my clothes!
Good morning, Pam! I look forward to hearing about the puzzling situation. Hmm. But, I must share about all this beauty! The dragonfly napkin rings and Artesian are my favorites. Anything “woodlands” you create always speaks to me!
Butch’s quote is also my favorite!
I can’t believe summer is almost here. You always display the beauty of all seasons–and help us all appreciate it even more!
The “kids” will all arrive this weekend and my PET scan is this Thursday. On June 20th, I’ll have another treatment. I’ll welcome summer with a shot of healing, I pray!
As always, I’m sending so much love and blessings to you all.
Karla, the garden has puzzled us this year. There is always much to learn. Thank you for your sweet comments, always. I am so very happy your “kids” will be arriving this weekend. I pray every minute will be special. We are praying for your PET scan on Thursday. Sending love and blessings to you and your family, my friend ❤️
What a lovely table Pam! The peacock vessel is so unique, and pairs perfectly with the beautiful flowers. I love the range of colours and patterns you have used on your table. The centrepiece is shades of pastel and the deeper, richer colours of the place settings pair so well together. Your April Cornell table cloth is so pretty, as are all her patterns! I have one on my wish list. We are lucky to have had a proper spring this year in the north, but the heat and humidity is forecast to settle in later this week. It is been a pleasure to join you on this hop today.
Thanks so much, Maureen. Enjoy your summer!
Pam, I’m always charmed by your beautiful garden table settings and I love the pretty dish pattern you featured. Of course, your gorgeous hydrangea centerpiece immediately caught my eye–pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
Thanks so much, Cecilia. Thank you for pinning!
I enjoy seeing your garden in your posts because it is absolutely beautiful! I love your pretty table as well. The centerpiece is simply stunning: I love the different hydrangeas that make-up the peacock’s “feathers.” I’m pinning it! No wonder I admire your table because I’ve been a Tracy Porter fan for years! I think it’s a sweet story about the dragon fly napkin rings. I agree that it’s always a good idea to surround ourselves with heartfelt gifts. I look forward to reading about your garden adventures soon.
Thank you, Ricki Jill. I am a fan of Tracy Porter’s work!
Pam, your table is lovely. Love the Tracy Porter Arteson Road pieces. So unique and eye catching. The peacock bowl looks fabulous with your lovely flowers. How special to have these amazing pieces. I have the dragonfly napkin rings too. Your son sis a great job finding those. AC tablecloths are always so pretty. Mixing and matching is a nice touch. I always enjoy seeing your fabulous tables outdoors. A pleasure hopping along with you.
Thanks so much, Linda. Enjoy your summer!
I always love your garden tables, Pam. Every detail falls into place and they are so welcoming and cheerful. Always a good tablecloth and great flowers, too!
Thank you, Jeanie! It is something I enjoy greatly!
Pam, What an exquisite outdoor tablescape! I love the April Cornell tablecloth. I always seem to find new designs that I wish to order. And I am surprised to see Tracy Porter’s dinnerware. I have some of her Chirstmas pieces but had no idea there were other lovely pieces. These plates are priceless. They can be used in so many possibilities. Your use of them with the April Cornell tablecloth is a match made in heaven, especially when you add the peacock vase filled with such a lovely variety of hydrangeas. The story of the dragonfly napkins rings given to you by your son is very touching. It brings tears to my eyes too. I enjoyed the small sayings about summer between your photos. It really emphasizes the beauty of summer even more. Enjoy the entire season!
Thank you, Marsha. Your comments are heartwarming!
Oh my goodness Pam – this is a beautiful table! As Jenna says, you are definitely the queen of mixing patterns. I love the Artesian Road pattern and that peacock bowl with the hydrangeas is stunning. Love the AC tablecloth and that it’s over 20 years old, and the same with those darling dragonfly napkin rings that were a gift from your son. I also love how your aqua glasses pick up the aqua in the tablecloth and the mix of the tortoise flatware. Of course your lovely garden and Sunshine Cottage provide the perfect backdrop for your table. I can’t wait to hear about unusual and puzzling gardening season. It was a pleasure to join you on this hop and wishing you a glorious summer!
Your comments are always so sweet, Kim! Happy summer to you!
Your garden table is beautiful Pam! I’m late visiting as I was out the door this morning to walk the dogs and then work on my TOT post before the weather reached the ‘sweltering’ mark. I had to come in and rehydrate and take a break so it took longer than I planned. 🥵 I love the variety and colors of your pretty hydrangeas in your ‘Artesian Road’ peacock bowl! I spy some Chaste tree blooms too…ours are a little behind yours and just starting to bloom. I’m always awed by your garden variety of April Cornell linens. This one might be my favorite and blends beautifully with your dinnerware. The aqua stems, sweet dragonfly napkin rings and tortoise flatware all provide such pretty color and textures to your garden table. Love Butch’s quote, he’s such a poet! As always, it’s a treat to join you at the table. Happy Tuesday, stay cool! 🌸💗
Thank you, Mary! I will be working on my TOT tomorrow. I dread the heat and humidity that seems to bother me more that I am older😉
I loved your use of peach as the dominant color in your tablescape, Pam. It was a bit unexpected an a beautiful entry into summer. the flower centerpiece is gorgeous and your garden is lovely. Such a beautiful setting to sit and contemplate the natural world. Your guests will truly enjoy this lovely setting. Loved the April Cornell tablecloth and the dragonfly napkin rings are so sweet. thanks for sharing this with us.
Lynne
Thanks so much, Lynne!
Pam, this so lovely! Oh, that peacock bowl! How stunning filled with your beautiful hydrangeas- truly awe inspiring! I love the mix on your table, Tracy Porter’s dishes, that tortoise flatware, it all combines so wonderfully well with your deft hand at combining color and design on April Cornell’s tablecloth.
It’s always such a joy to join you here. Xo Lidy
Good morning, Lidy. Thank you for your sweet comments. You encourage and inspire, sweet friend! Happy Wednesday!
Oh Pam, this is all such a feast for the eyes. Your garden blooms in the peacock bowl are gorgeous. The colors and floral pattern of the AC tablecloth pair so beautifully with the Tracy Porter china. I love how you always put a special memory on your tables. The sweet dragon fly napkin rings are perfect, and I know you must treasure them so. Butch’s summer quote is so eloquently written. It describes a summer night perfectly. I feel your plight about such a strange gardening season. Everything here has been early this year. We have had lots of rain and little sunshine. Now, we are jumping into high temps and humidity. All the aggravating pests are early too. I guess that is just the way it goes sometimes. I have so enjoyed my visit today. Have a wonderful day, my dear friend!
Thank you, my friend for your sweet comments! We do our best to persevere with our gardening woes!
Oh how beautiful, Pam!! I love the Artesian Road pattern, especially the bowl and your gorgeous centerpiece! You’ve really captured the spirit of summer! I’d love to sit down and be surrounded by your beautiful garden! Just stunning my friend!!
Thanks so much, Barbara. It would be fun to have you join me!
Pam, lunching in your garden is always top of my list. Wow, that bowl of hydrangeas in the center is such a pretty centerpiece! Love the way you presented them. The Artesian Road pattern is lovely. I found a set of dinner plates at Goodwill years ago. I’ve used them, but not often. I think I’ll pull them out and set a table. Thanks for inspiring me! I love the bamboo rim, the color, and all the detail. Such a beautiful pattern atop the vintage April Cornell. I’m crushing over your tortoise flatware. May need to find some pieces of that. Happy Summer!
Just gorgeous, Pam!!! I love, love, love your garden setting as always!! The table you have created here is wonderful. Your peacock bowl and centerpiece is spectacular I love the colors in the chins and complimented so well with the April Cornell tablecloth your napkin choice!! I love the story about the dragonfly napkin rings, so special❤️ I am always in awe of your floral shows- both on the table and in the garden! Wishing you a wonderful summer☀️😎
Thanks so much, Ann for your sweet and thoughtful comments. Happy Summer to you!
Oh Pam, your table is so warm and welcoming. I particularly love the Peacock container for your gorgeous hydrangeas!! But the story of your son giving you the napkin rings!! So thoughtful and sweet. As a mom, I just love stories like that 🙂 Your April Cornell linen is superb, I love how you folded it to make it work for your table – creative thinking wins again!! Your tables are always such a joy to take in. Thank you for giving us a seat to soak it all in. Sending hugs~ Jennifer
Pam, I enjoyed seeing your charming dishware again. I love the unusual color for the base and the mix of the garden and paisley motifs. They seem care-free, a perfect choice for a summer table. The texture of the chargers and napkin rings are a lovely counterpoint to the sleek china and glassware, not too delicate, but not too sturdy either. I love the dragonfly napkin rings and the sentiment you shared. I look forward each summer to the dragonflies alighting around our koi pond. Hoping your week is cooler than ours over here in Georgia!
Thanks so much, Sandra. Our week is upper 90’s and no rain! Summer in the South!!
Pam, Last week we were enjoying wonderful cooler weather and lower humidity so we were outside doing things. Today it’s pretty hot already so I’m catching up on my blog reading before working on projects. Your tablescape is gorgeous! The peacock centerpiece is outstanding with the beautiful hydrangeas! This particular set of dishes is indeed a favorite of mine. I love the design and color. The glasses are a lovely too. You know I love the AC linens. Happy Monday and stay cool! Clara❤️
Thank you, Clara. You are so very sweet to always read and comment. Yes, definitely use the cooler weather to work outdoors. It is in the upper 90’s and we need rain! Happy week to you ❤️
It is always such a joy to stop by and visit you, dear friends. Your blog is a breath of fresh air! I realized when I began reading that you posted this on my dear sweetheart’s and my 36th wedding anniversary! Oh, how good God has been to us! I pray He richly blesses you both.
Happy belated anniversary to you and your husband! Thanks for stopping in!