April 11, 2011

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!

13 comments:

  1. How beautiful, Donna! I love seeing that little corgi face looking through the door! He's saying to himself, "What's she doing now?"

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  2. Very nice changes - looks like your all set for springtime entertaining.

    Hugs,
    Penny

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  3. Donna what a stunning table!! I love your lanai! I love the placemats too!

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  4. Donna,

    Lovely. The dishes are gorgeous. Hope to be in studio today.

    Carol

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  5. Very lovely..very Florida. I love the rug. Great idea.

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  6. Hi Donna, It looks so inviting for a meal or just go and sit to relax. I love the new look. Fez looked like he wanted to help you decorate. Have a good day. We are at 33 degrees as I go out the door this morning for work. Take care. Your Missouir Friend.

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  7. If this isn't the epitome of Florida charm & entertaining, I don't know what is!! Such a welcoming table & I love how the run anchors the whole scene. I know what you mean about that screech when moving heavy metal chairs out there.

    Lots of work, but well worth it!! Next year, let's *do lunch* out there...I'll bring the Long Island Iced Tea!!!! ;-p

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  8. Just hang on, I'll be right over!

    xo
    Claudia

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  9. A lovely place, not only for a meal, but the entire day! Enjoy!

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  10. Yes, lounging on the lanai looks so very inviting. Love how you changed it up and put the "summer, ocean, seashore, seashells" vibe to enhance the mood of relaxing. Happy lounging with Sunday breakfast, friends, family or anytime that seems right...

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  11. I'll be right down for some sneaky snacks. :)
    Love it!
    xx, shell

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  12. Gorgeous!
    Thanks for sending some of your FL sunshine up our way :)
    Hugs~
    Michelle

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna