Everyday Living

Tablescape Tuesday: Brunchin’ On The Porch

~ Food & Entertaining, Tablescape Tuesday

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:16

I hope all of you are enjoying weather like we have had here in the Appalachian foothills…it’s as close to perfect as it gets!  And yes, that means an outdoor tablescape this week! But today we won’t be in my garden or on my patio…we are taking it to Katy’s front porch!  If you remember, Katy is our chosen daughter and we have been decorating her craftsman-style bungalow for several months…on a budget.  She has done an outstanding job of making her front porch inviting and vibrant with a fun mix of colors.  While I set the table, Katy prepared a wonderful brunch…it was such a sweet time!  Come on over to Katy’s…you are invited to join us on the front porch!

See more of Katy’s home here and here.


What a happy porch to enjoy brunch!


Don’t you just love the bright red door?


Brunch was served on Katy’s bistro table…the fun fabric was found at Hobby Lobby!READ MORE

Tablescape Tuesday: Mother’s Day & Our Good, Good Father

~ Food & Entertaining, Tablescape Tuesday

“…Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:28-29‬ ‭

Ever have those days when the gentle hand of God is so very evident?  Last Friday as I pulled up at my Daddy’s house, the brightest red lilies greeted me…so bright that they almost hurt my eyes!  When I reached the door, it was the first thing he talked about…he wanted to make sure I noticed them!  The lilies have been there for years, but on Friday, they were really showing out…and it was no coincidence that on Friday we noticed them more than any other day.  Because Friday was a significant day for us…it was the anniversary of a day that changed our lives, and many others…forever.  You see, it was the ninth anniversary of my Mother’s home going, and her gentle and loving hands had planted those lilies many years ago.

We have a good, good Heavenly Father who understands and knows our griefs and sorrows, who even experienced them while He was on the earth, and He reminded me of His love and care with those bright red lilies.

The anniversary of her death is very bittersweet for me.  Bitter because I miss everything about her.  And sweet because her life was well-lived and her Godly legacy lives on.

It is a reminder that the way we live our life matters…every single day that we are given will echo into eternity.

My Mother’s legacy continues to be far-reaching…into the lives of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even into the lives of those who never met her!

The way she lived her life for the glory of God will affect people for years to come.  

Oh, I can’t wait to tell Ella Mae about her great-grandmother…how she faithfully loved and served God and others!

With no specific plans for this Sunday, and eagerly awaiting our first grandchild’s arrival, I thought there would be no better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than to set a table in our garden with my Mother’s lilies!


Blue and white tablescapes are always a favorite…


…and with the pop of brilliant red lilies it is perfect for me!READ MORE

Tablescape Tuesday: Outdoor Bliss!

~ Food & Entertaining, Tablescape Tuesday

“The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours;
the world and all that is in it, you have founded them”
Psalm 89:11

Maybe you’re noticing a pattern on Tablescape Tuesday…I just can’t make myself go inside!  The weather is beautiful, the pollen is gone, and the puffy white clouds against the most gorgeous blue sky is calling my name!  Oh yeah…and we spent the weekend planting our flowers and vegetables!  Bliss!  There is no reason to stay indoors when God’s beautiful creation is literally in my backyard!  Grab a glass of sweet iced tea and have a seat at our fun and fruity tablescape!


Late Sunday afternoon is a favorite time to be outside in our garden space…


…but, I must admit that I have to incorporate a better system of taking all my tableware out to the garden.  Right now, I am making lots of trips from the kitchen to the garden!READ MORE