Along with our move to the wine country, came the ability to eat outdoors for almost every meal. Unless it is raining or temperatures drop below 55 degrees, we are gathered around the outdoor table underneath a big ol' walnut tree. It's one of those dreamy simple things in life that I never really want to do without {again}.
I've been searching for vintage tablecloths and napkins to perk up our 'dining room', so when my wonderful friend, Estelle, gifted me with this French striped tablecloth {it is so soft and exudes summer} along with made-by-her-creative-hands-pretty-as-you-please napkins, I wanted to jump over her pink moon!
Don't you agree that a table setting is the ideal backdrop for what food you place upon it? No doubt throughout this outdoor season, there will constantly be plates of watermelon, vegetables, and other tasty courses upon our table as well as sweet endings too. One of my favorite summer desserts is a Banana Cream Pie. I like to use this simple recipe here with Dr. Oetker Organic Vanilla Pudding. If you try it, just one request ~ save at least one piece for breakfast the next morning. You will not regret it.
[Reverie-Daydream Images]
It really is the little things in life worth perfecting. Eating out side is one of my favorites as well.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful....the gift, the setting...all of it.
ReplyDeleteYou sweet doll, you! I love the way your table looks. I just knew you had to have that table cloth for your wine country living. But did you know that banana cream pie is my absolute favorite? No, really. I love it. Now I must try your recipe and of course, I'll be saving a helping for breakfast.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Let me know how the napkins hold up. It was my first attempt so there may be room for improvement. =)
Oh my golly! perfection!
ReplyDeletePS: don't forget this giveaway end today.
that pie looks sooo good!!
ReplyDelete♥ allister bee blog
Sounds just so wonderful Mel!! Love your gift of tablecloth and napkins!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
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Everything looks wonderfully summer... But the Crumbs little, precious fingers! So sweet.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm just going to admit that everything I see on your blog makes me want to move to Napa. Outdoor dinners? Yes please.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately the mosquitos would carry us away if we dined outdoors here. I would love to make our front porch a permanent place for dining.
ReplyDeleteFunny thing, I've also been saving up vintage tablecloths and plates hoping to spruce up our dining in the kitchen...Every aspect of life needs a little "extra."
Bon appétit, and I look forward to our chat,
Mandy
I love some Banana Creme Pie. I however find myself in Mandy's position. At this time of year in the Shenandoah Valley, the mosquitos are terrible.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! And I love your tablecloth.
ReplyDeleteWe eat most of our dinners outside on our balcony... it's a far cry from wine country, but it will have to do!
oxo
I am enjoying the next best thing Mel, our screened veranda is now finished and what a treat to eat "outdoors" each evening. Actually, I kind of live out there these days, even watching itune movies last night. Will definately try your Banana Cream pie, funny.........I have been craving it! Sounds like you are in the perfect spot. Enjoy the summer. Much love. Xo and xo
ReplyDeleteI look forward to the day we can share a meal underneath your walnut tree. xoxo
ReplyDeleteEmailing you right now to coordinate a time to visit!!! I love eating outside. XO!!
ReplyDeleteI so love that tablecloth and the napkins! Banana cream pie?? Oh, yes!
ReplyDeleteI adore Dr Oetkers!!!! The photos are sublime. Pity the pie can't come through the screen.
ReplyDeletebeautiful!! I agree that linens make a table... so pretty!!
ReplyDeleteI love Estelle too, and that table setting!! Simply gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWe are headed to Sonoma in a few weeks, and I can't wait to fall in love with wine country all over again (as I do every single time I visit =)).