Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Good-Bye Summer Tablescape


You know I love this day! Seeing what everybody brings to the table with their dishes -- I can't wait to see what they have in store this week. I seem to still be stuck in Summer -- I know, the calendar says "FALL", but I honestly think in Virginia, we get our very best Summer weather in September (unless there's a hurricane). September starts out hot and ever so slowly the mornings become a bit crisper and the air a bit less humid -- but still perfect for all the outdoor activities you might want --going to the beach, hiking in the mountains....or joining me for a meal at the outdoor cafe. Isn't it delightful?

Won't you join me for a light meal at our "sidewalk cafe"?


Here's a place set just for you.


Let's sit here under the umbrella and enjoy the view.


A colorful birdhouse attracts a little yellow butterfly.


We wouldn't want to disturb this little bluebird sitting on her nest. Perhaps if we're very quiet she'll serinade us with her cheerful chirping.


Isn't it a perfect day for riding our bikes? You may remember this from a recent treasure hunt at a local antique store.


Do you know what this cafe set was in it's "previous life"?


A bird feeder! Also purchased at a local thrift shop this spring - I couldn't bring myself to use it as a feeder though. It's a bit on the shabby chic side...but that's ok.


I thought it would be a simple meal today. Perhaps a salad, with bread and some wine to drink. Perfect for outdoor dining...don't you think so?


The napkins came from Tuesday Morning, the placemats came from Marshalls, the flatwear came from Target, napkin rings from eBay and the butter pats from an antique store.


My bluebird plates came from eBay -- this one is Homer Laughlin.

This one is a little different and a bit smaller - the only marking on the back is a very faint M.


Would you care for a refill of wine?


Oh my! What's happened to our little bird? Do you suppose she's already started her southern flight?


And what do I see here?


It's happening...isn't it?


You've all been telling me for weeks...


yes...I know...


...it's time...


...to say...Good-Bye sweet Summer...



I'll see you again next year!



To see lot's of tables filled with inspiration, be sure to visit Susan at "Between Naps On The Porch".. She's always got a place set just for you!

47 comments:

  1. Martha, I love the little side cafe lunch theme. So cute

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  2. Oh girl, I hear ya. This Ozarks farm chick hangs on to summer kickin' and screaming all the way!!! Today I'm finally washing the old 'kini and beach towels. I was wishing for just one more swim day, one more rose,....

    What a lovely farewell to summer complete with visual this post was. So glad I popped in. You have a wonderfully blessed day!!! Enjoy

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  3. All looks really sweet and love the candles as well.
    Thank you for sharing a tablescape with us.
    d from homehaven

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  4. Hi Martha,
    This is just charming! I really like your centerpiece (and what fun that it started life as a bird feeder!). Your bluebird plates are very beautiful, and the butter pats are a nice touch!

    Hope the rest of your week goes well.

    Bill

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  5. I love your table. It's so hot and humid here now that my turkeys would be sweating if they were real! So funny about the turkey paper towels! DH always joked that I had to be the first in town to get them!!! I even made some muslin fingertip towels and decoupaged some paper towel turkeys and pumpkins on them. The glue finally gave out on them after about 10 years. :D Jewel

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  6. How adorable!!! I love the vintage salt and pepper shakers on the little bike! So cute!!! I'm not ready for summer to leave...I want it to cool down a bit though. It won't get too much cooler here until October so I'm just not ready to decorate for fall yet.

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  7. oh the birdfeeder is too cute, a table on a table is my kinda table!

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  8. What a lovely post. Makes me sad to say goodbye to summer and the sweet little bird!

    Christi

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  9. What a wonderful goodbye to summer. I, too, am ready for fall but not quite ready to let summer go either. I love the little cafe set and the bicycle. Those bluebird plates are gorgeous!

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  10. Love the birds on the china and the napkins are great! Fun table!

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  11. Oh, how cute is this! The umbrella/former bird feeder is adorable! Love those bluebird plates! Good job!

    Katherine

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  12. Yes very cute. I like it when people do something different with the tables. Once I even saw that someone put food out. Lol.

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  13. Great post, Martha. I love the little umbrella feeder! It was cute the way you did the falling leaves. :)

    D

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  14. Love those bluebird plates that you found on E-Bay....

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  15. Love your centerpiece. It's very cute....Christine

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  16. That is so pretty! I just love the centerpiece...adorable!

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  17. Ooooo! This is great! Hopefully summer will bring more sun and less rain to us up here in WNY next year! :) Thanks for sharing! Come by and check out my giveaway - I think you'll like them! :)

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  18. Love your tablescape! The "cafe", the birds and those plates are perfect!

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  19. Very creative, Martha! I love how you re-purpose items....a bird feeder for a centerpiece....who knew??? LOL

    ♥ your little bike with the S&P containers...or are they vinegar & oil?? Whatever, it is just darling.

    Rettabug

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  20. I just love everything about this tablescape. The birdfeeder umbrella table is adorable. I wouldn't put it outside either. I love the nice oversized placemats. The ones I have hardly have room to put your glasses on, let along all the other stuff. I need to get little butter pat dishes. The napkins are so pretty. I love the oval blue bird plates. Good find.

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  21. Martha--I will miss summer too, but I am always thankful to live in a place where we do see a changing of the seasons--I like variety! I love the little patio set--what a good idea to use it! I have been looking for some butter pats myself! Lovely table!

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  22. OH, Martha Martha Martha! What a delightful table! I love it. I adore those precious dishes with the little blue birds! Now, if you really want to hang on to summer - come on down to my house! It's going be warm here for some time!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  23. This is adorable! I love the chick in her nest and the cafe set. The dishes and napkins are gorgeous, too.

    I hate to see summer go, too, but fall is a beautiful season, too.

    Jane

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  24. What a fun tablescape to say farewell to the summer of 09.
    Joyce

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  25. Love those bluebirds. Thanks for visiting my site ... yes, I have pretties ... and after 30+ years of collecting ... I'm out of control! I love your tablescape ... I have a friend who entertains with small platters. She uses a combination of several patterns/types and everybody loves them! Great table ... enjoyed my visit!

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  26. What a lovely way to say goodbye to summer. Your bird feeder was just, too, cute. My original guess was that it was a plant holder. There is a real sense of whimsy about this table and I love that. Anyone, looking at your table, would feel welcome in your home.

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  27. How sweet to dine in your little sidewalk cafe! Such cuteness on your table!
    Brenda

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  28. That little cafe table is ADORABLE!!!

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  29. Thank you for dropping by and enjoying my "Lovely Tablescape!"
    Your cute little centerpiece decorations made me realize that I forgot a centerpiece.
    Or could the ketchup serve as one?

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  30. Hello Martha,

    What an absolutely delightful table! I adore (and am coveting) those precious blue bird dishes! I really need to find some of those!

    I love everything about your tablescape! Thank you for sharing.

    ~ Tracy

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  31. Well, it sure was summer in NC today ! Your table is very pretty.

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  32. The thing I like most about blogland is your can dream and dreaming has no season. I love you summertime table and the little bluebird plates are so cute. Nice tall tale too ;-)

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  33. It's still feeling like summer here in NY too. Last week was fall and this week summer?!

    Love the bird plates - whimsical and just fun. And the napkins are lovely.

    - The Tablescaper

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  34. Lovely 'scape with the pretty dishes and cute birdfeeder turned centerpiece! The birds would have felt very "classy" eating at a feeder like that! I can see why you kept it for yourself!

    DD

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  35. Is that the most fun summer, cafe tablescape or what? Love what you did all the way down to the candles for atmosphere!

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  36. Your dishes are so pretty and the birdfeeder is just tooo cute.
    Sandy

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  37. Did the little bird every return to it's nest or did it fly south for the winter?

    Thanks for droppin' by and leaving your sweet comment.

    Ya'll have the greatest weekend!!! Blessings........

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  38. Martha,

    I thought I was the only one left hanging on to summer, but I think I have found a partner in crime! Our weather seems to mimic yours. September remains a warm month yet the sun isn't so unbearable...

    Perfect time for a lunch at an outdoor cafe! I love what you have 'brought to the table'. The bird feeder is adorable. Maybe you could use it as a candy dish... I love your plates. Although they have different markings, they coordinate beautifully.

    You seem to be an ebay aficiondo!! How does the shipping work when you order such small items as napkins rings, etc? By weight?

    Thanks for visiting my table and your comments. Have a lovely weekend, Martha!!

    xoxo
    Janie

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  39. What a pretty summer table. It's still around 102 degrees where I live so it was a little difficult getting into a fall tablescape. I may be inspired by you for my next tablescape and go with something outdoors since it is still so hot here. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  40. You are just too sweet! Thanks for the love you left on my post of my journal!
    GIRL! I love those plates! I love it all, but those plates jumped out at me!
    You, my friend, have found your place to just "be". Great job!
    YAY!
    Karen - Some Days Are Diamonds

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  41. What a sweet table! Your centerpiece is just darling. I love the little umbrella. I love summer too, but am a little anxious for cooler weather. Thanks for sharing!

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  42. Hi Martha! Oh, you have lovely little grand girls! I'm so looking forward to whatever God wants to give us. Thanks for popping in to see my mosaic.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  43. Well I am in Ca. and it has been so darn hot, I cannot say I will miss summer, tooooo hoooot I do love the cool evenings to go out and sit by the fire...stop by for a visit....

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  44. Martha, I hope your little dog is feeling better. What's up for tablescape tomorrow? I have one done for fall. Have a good evening.
    blossom

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