Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Shhhh!...Let's Have a Secret Dinner!

I almost forgot to refer you to our most gracious hostess, Susan. Please visit her and her participants at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
John and I will have a little get away from my mom, lol. I will feed her and put her to bed and then we are free to eat here. The table is small and she will have a difficult time going down and climbing back up from down there so I can't include her.

BTW, a few of my past holiday tablescapes are featured at
http://www.examiner.com/frugal-event-planning-in-tampa-bay/holiday-tablescaping-tips
Please stop by there if you have a chance.
Bubble amber goblets from Amazon and Chris Madden champagne flutes from Ross.



See the cannas by the tree? They are actually in between 2 tall trees.


I love these cross sectioned log plate chargers. I found them at Z Gallerie and I knew right away what I wanted to create with them. I only bought 2 because these were the only ones that were perfect, the others were all cracked or split in some places.


I have had the safari plates for a while. I usually use them when my hubby invites a bachelor over for dinner cause I think they have a masculine feel in them.



The bamboo flatware are perfect for outdoor use, don't you think? Too bad our actual bamboos could not be in any of the pictures since they are in the back behind the raised veggie garden along the iron fence.

Very casual, no tablecloth. I actually like to see the exposed iron on the table. It makes it feel more outdoorsy.

That is the only neighbor you can see from our backyard and all we see is her roof and it's only visible from one corner.



Behind there is a creek.



I have had the driftwood candle holder since I lived in Florida. It usually just sits in the bathroom by the kitchen. Yep, we have a bathroom by the kitchen and it has a direct access to the pool so it is convenient for swimmers. In fact, we have 5 bathrooms in this house, lol.
Anyway, I think I bought the candle holder from TJ Maxx (or is it Ross?) in Florida. Yep! I was already a shopper then too. It's all I used for the centerpiece since it's all that will fit on the table. Besides, we are already surrounded by plants, flowers and trees anyway.

The color of the sky is changing fast.



I think my monkey napkin rings are so cute. I found them at Z Gallery in Baton Rouge too. They were 70% off on clearance so I bought what was left, 4 monkeys and 4 lions. I like how they are standing on a log.




The sweet potato vines are spreading all over the place. Does anybody know how we can get some sweet potatoes without killing the plants? Last year, they didn't have a chance to spread like this because the deer would come and eat them up. I don't know why they haven't been around this year but lucky for the vines.


Now, it's really getting dark. I better turn on the lamp post lights.

Thanks to Susan for another fun meme and thank you all for coming and commenting. I hope you enjoyed your visit as I enjoyed putting this together.

42 comments:

Traci said...

What a nice, cozy atmosphere for dinner!

Lynn said...

How fun Christine, a nice outdoor setting! I love how secluded your yard is, mine is like living in a fish bowl-neighbors all around!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Christine, this is such a pretty setting and all of your dishes and accessories are just perfect. What great spot, it seems like a vacation retreat. Love it. Hugs, Marty

Debbiedoos said...

How sweet romantic, rustic, and maybe a little wild! Have fun Christine:)

The Charm of Home said...

Christine,
That is beautiful. I love the chargers, the goblets, and the garden. How perfect a setting. it is all really wonderful!
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine...Your gardens and tables are fabulous. Always gorgeous.

Did you type in http://backporchmusings.typepad.com
when you were adding the name? It is all so new to me, I am having a time figuring it all out. I am still trying to get the Follow thing figured out. We are leaving Saturday and I'm sort of visiting blogs while we prepare for the trip. When we get back I'll see what I can do to get a Google Friends Connect gadget at the new blog.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

What a pretty setting for a dinner for two! Enjoyed seeing your holiday tables on the examiner.com - thanks for sharing the info..

Marlis said...

I love your backyard! The log placemats are really cool. I bet you could use those for centerpieces too. Lovely setting and quite a nice spot for an intimate dinner for two!

Thanks for the sweet words while visiting!

Blondie's Journal said...

Everything looks beautiful, Christine. The first things I noticed were the sweet potato vines and the log chargers!! I know nothing about the vines, but the chargers are really neat! I love the safari dishes and the napkins rings. Wouldn't that be nice if they sold napkins rings with dishes that matched...maybe they do and I just don't know it. lol!

Your garden is looking gorgeous. I hope you had a wonderful dinner!

xoxo
Janie

Gloria said...

As soon as I saw this, I said: "Oh, this is a perfect tablescape for Christine to have for John." It looks masculine, yet very enchanting. Great job! And boy did I laugh when you said first that you will feed your mom and put her to bed -- like a little kid! And I laughed because I used to say the same about my Mom! LOL! :)
Best,
Gloria xxoo

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

I love your tablescape...especially with the candles lit. Love this little secret getaway dinner scene!

Blessings & Aloha!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

That is so pretty and exotic looking Christine!
You are quite the clever one!
Hugs,
Cindy

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Christine, I love the jungle themed table. Those are the cutest napkin rings. I love them and the wood chargers are just perfect.

Sue said...

I love how the chargers and the napkin rings are so perfect together. I also love driftwood, so of course the candle holder is something I really like. This is the perfect outdoor setting.

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

So romantic! I love your amber glasses!!!

Dolores said...

Wow, what a beautiful area for a quiet dinner..... Everything is so beautiful! I love the candle light.....

Michelle said...

Beautiful tablescape! I love all of it! :)

Kathleen said...

That is a very outdoorsy setting. The chargers are wonderful! I wonder if I found a log from a fallen tree if I could make them? No, I don't think so!
I hope John enjoyed his very manly table!
What did you cook?

Debbie said...

Oh goodness, those chargers are my favorite part. They are just perfect in that romantic woodsy retreat.

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

What a nice get-away spot for the two of you! Neat tablescape! Love those amber flutes and goblets, and those wood slab chargers! So many unique details!

Katherine

Just a dreamer said...

Christine, have you ever thought about doing a tablescaping book? You never cease to amaze. I really think you should consider it. JAD

Lori @ Dining Delight said...

That is the perfect spot for an intimate dinner for two and you've created a wonderful 'scape for it! Interesting centerpiece and love the wood chargers!

DD

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

I am so jealous- you know I love monkeys! Your garden is still looking great! You better buy sweet potatoes at the grocery- these won't kill you but they taste pretty bad! I have not tried them but a friend who is more of an adventurer than me did-said they were awful.

Tardevil said...

Hi Christine, I hope you're doing well! Everything looks lovely, as usual. Love the chargers, how green the vegetation looks & the bamboo silverware & amber glasses! Looks perfect!

Rajesh said...

Beautiful place. Lovely place to dine in the open garden.

Barbara Jean said...

what a beautiful, atmosphere, and wonderful setting you put together!!

Just saw your note about the shipping on doll high chairs. Have not checked into it. thought more that local people would come in to get them.

They are about 3' high. I think one of those pack it and ship it places would have to do it.
Let me know if you want me to check further.

blessings

barbara jean

Regina said...

Lowe the safari setting.

Awesome Christine.

Regards.
xo

Requi Tablescaping Escapades said...

This is the perfect outdoor get-a-away tablescape. Every element on the table is on point from the centerpiece to those unique chargers. It's rustic, romantic and outdoorsy. Plus, the atmosphere is wonderful.

All the Best,

Requi

Anonymous said...

Christine, I love your plate charger and your candle holder are sooo gorgeous. A perfect outdoor setting.
btw, thanks for the invitation! We are planning to go to US next year and if our schedule permits, I would love to meet you and your family.

Take care/Dredd

Rettabug said...

What a wonderfully secret get-away-from-it-all spot, Christine! You've combine such delightful & unique pieces to create this theme...I love every inch of it. That driftwood with the candles was perfect for the centerpiece & the rustic chargers & those DARLING monkey napkin holders just complete the scene beautifully. Very creative!!!

Sweetladyelaine said...

I felt like I was on a safari! Wonderful...Thank you for sharing!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Oh what a beautiful setting -- it feels so private. Love your chargers and those plates -- your bamboo flatware is the perfect compliment -- and the monkey napkin rings are cute as can be.

Beth said...

What a gorgeous place to dine, Christine! Love your safari dishes and flatware too. Hope all is well with you and your family.
Blessings, Beth

Barbara said...

What a beautiful setting! I realy like those chargers. I bet you just love sitting out here - just the two of you.

Tricia said...

Christie, what a delightful table for two! The setting is so romantic, especially by candlelight. What fun dishes! I know you enjoyed setting this special table!

LV said...

Thank you for taking us along with on this retreat away from home. What a lovely place. Regardless of the situation, everyone needs their space.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

What a sweet setting. I love those wood blocks for the dishes and of course the dishes are really cute. The monkey napkin holders were a great purchase, they are adorable.

Marigene said...

What a cute table...love the napkin rings, salad plates, but my favorite are the champagne flutes, just gorgeous!

Sandra said...

What a great outdoor tablescape and you have such wonderful unusual dishes that make it so much more interesting. Beats my Corelleware!

Entertaining Women said...

Everyone needs a secret garden, and yours is delightful. The tablescape is perfect for your al fresco rendezvous, and I adore the log chargers. Thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay

Kate Dickerson said...

Wonderful setting...and those log chargers are fantastic! Wish I had some, too!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Looks like a gorgeous setting for a dinner! Thanks for sharing! Coming over from bnotp :)

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