Ready For Lunch On The Lanai...

No. Martha isn't coming to visit, but I decided I wanted to do a little moving around and cleaning of our lanai last weekend.

I took a "before" photograph, but I'd already moved the patio furniture out. So, let's get started with the makeover, shall we?

• Before •

• After •

For the makeover, I took out the dead or dying plants, swept the brick patio, and added a rug to make it easier to slide the chairs when sitting around the table. Then it was time to set the table for you.

Of course, I used my shoreline-themed dishes. After all, we are in Florida! The placemats were my mother-in-law's years ago and are some of my favorites. They're just perfect to use with any of my dishes, but they're especially wonderful when I set the table with these dishes and a seashell look.

I love adding natural and white starfish as accents with the napkins, and their neutral color is perfect for my theme.I've had these napkins for a long, long time. I love the tonal embroidery on the cotton fabric.
These are beverage tumblers we've had for over twenty years. I guess they're getting close to "vintage". They're plexiglass, so they're safe around the pool, too. Fill 'em up with unsweet iced tea and we're ready to spend the afternoon on a swim float.
I think my glass containers filled with seashells make lovely accents around the house. I just grab them and add them to my table as a centerpiece when we have guests. Add a sponge or piece of coral with an interesting shape, scatter starfish about and, if the meal will last into dark, a candle with imbedded shells completes the centerpiece.
I hope you like the finished look on the lanai. Bromeliads and crown of thorns in full bloom add touches of green and red. We're ready for a meal with friends, or just a breakfast together on a Sunday morning. Thanks for joining me on the tour!