Monday, October 11, 2010

Dining Out...Outside!

I love to eat out...
...outside, that is.
The children were out of school on Friday, so we enjoyed the long weekend with perfect, cool weather.
If I had to polish, I would never use this old tray!  I like the patina of the tarnish...or at least, I tell myself that I do!
My 'partner in crime' waits patiently for the steaks.  Toby is our adopted dog.  My husband's uncle passed away last year at the age of 98 and Toby didn't have anywhere to go.  Our lab of 16 years had recently passed away, so we welcomed Toby into our home.  He is now 11 years old and is the best dog in the world!  Rob's parents drove to Pennsylvania and back to South Carolina to bring Toby to us!
My table is an old door from a farm house that my parents renovated years ago.  My dad was throwing it away, so I snagged it.  It is solid and very heavy!   
Some of the last flowers from summer fill a milk jar next to my swing.
It doesn't take much to make an outdoor spot cozy...just grab a blanket, a couple of pillows, the fresh air...perfect.
I bought the old, rusty chandelier for $15 at a flea market.  It hangs outside year round from a piece of copper wire that has now aged beautifully.
The saw horses were in my husband's shed.  I painted them white, and they serve as the base for this makeshift table.
 The children gathered the weeds and flowers for this little urn.  This little task makes them feel so important!  The centerpiece sits low, so conversation is not hindered.
I think we will use this exact set-up in a few weeks for my brother-in-law's wedding shower.  It offers a hint of fall with the subtle color and apples.
I am just messin' with the camera settings...I have a point and shoot Coolpix L100 for those of you that have asked.  It takes pretty good pictures for this amateur, but I am cravin' a big ol' snazzy one! 
This bench and grain sack float all around our house for extra seating.
Here is a better view of the door...I mean table!
Toby is licking his chops...he smells the steaks!
This antique wooden caddy holds an assortment of vintage-looking flatware.  The placemats came from Blackhawk Hardware in Charlotte, NC.  The quilt on the swing is from the Pottery Barn Outlet many years ago.
~
Enjoy taking your family out to dinner!

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I have edited this post to join in at Centsational Girl's Home May'd Outdoor Party!
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131 comments :

Rebekah Lindenmayer said...

Awww. This is so lovely and makes me want to get out back and clean up my dirt patch. I love the saw horse and door table, my dad has one like that great memories eating wonderful food with amazing family around that table.

Nita Stacy said...

What a beautiful setting for Dinner Out. I got a kick out of seeing Toby waiting patiently for his steak. I think old dogs are just the best...don't you?

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

What a gorgeous blog you have! This is absolutely one of the prettiest outdoor settings I've seen..in or out, it doesn't matter, it's so inviting, charming and lovely.
I'm your newest follower! So glad to have found your blog.

Nancy

It's me said...

O Christie it all looks very nice and cosy.....like your lovely doggie !!....Tobby....have a nice day honey......love Ria...

Anonymous said...

Beautiful table! I love the flatware mix in the tray and the bottle of flowers. It's all wonderful.

The Tablescaper said...

So refreshing. Love the apple shots!Great story about your beloved dog.

Thanks for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

ChRiS said...

everything is so beautiful but what is more beautiful is that you and your family gave Toby a loving forever home.

Design Love said...

Gorgeous. I want to find vintage utensils with pretty handles now......and that swing...it's calling my name! Looks like you have a fantastic property.Overlooking water??? Oh my goodness, it's heaven!

Cindy
xo

bj said...

Great shots....how fun to live on a lake.

Unknown said...

Such a lovely al fresco meal. I love the old doors new use and bowls of apples are about my favorite centerpiece. Toby is a handsome fellow and bless you for giving him a home....I am betting a home with children is quite an adventure for him :)

Blessings!
Gail

La Table De Nana said...

You have a lovely spot and make the most of everything~

Megan said...

This is so pretty! It's like one last farewell picnic to summer before Fall is completely here! I love the utensils! I may have to start looking for those now!

Sherri said...

Beautiful photos and outdoor table setting! I love the old door and caddy. Plus the amazing hanging candleabra. I SO would have loved to dine 'out' here!

a quiet life said...

just love all your pics and setting, wonderful way to start my day here~

Love Being A Nonny said...

I love the chandelier outside!!!!!1 Oh, this post made me want to come sit down at your table!

Andrea said...

I have memories of wonderful home made meals cooked by my grandma, eaten outside in her lovely garden. I too love eating outside! Love the story about Toby. So nice to hear you gave him a loving home!

Unknown said...

very nice outdoor setting, I love the eclectic feel!

Sarah @ Cozy.Cottage.Cute. said...

I really like your makeshift table. Such a cozy spot to eat!

Jocelyn said...

Love your outdoor outing! Even Toby looks so relaxed :-)

Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

Diann @ The Thrifty Groove said...

What a fun dining outdoor table! Everything looks so fresh and pretty!

Vicki said...

I love the bench with the grain sack cushion. These are great pictures. I'm enjoying this fall weather too.

Amy Kinser said...

Ok, everything about this outdoor setting is absolutely fantabulous!!! The table (door) is incredible. The chandi is wonderful. That swing is fantastic. The grain sack on the bench is perfect. (ok, running out of strong adjectives) I LOVE it all!

Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

Doors make great tables! I'd love to have a picnic on yours. That quilt and pillows on the swing are beautiful!

Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

I think I just became your 300th follower! Congrats!

Donna said...

Wow, what gorgeous photos! I think you belong in Romantic Homes magazine :) I love your door turned table, that's just such a fun idea. And I really love your grain sack cushion. Your yard is lovely, too!

Kathy said...

I really like your pictures --first the good old dog we have an 11 year old yellow lab too -they are the best :-) I just love how you have the table set and the apples with some leaves still attached really is nice --Just lovely

Tony said...

very cool! I've been wanting to buy a door at the restore but wasn't sure what to do with one. since i have no patio furniture, this WILL be the solution! I love how you started the post. I need to change my idea of "eating out" to mean outside :)

Kimra
http://crafty-cove.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

So pretty outdoor setting, fantastic shots! Love the box with the flatware!

Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

Oh, you have me wanting to move near you and have a cookout! What a lovely place you've created! And that VIEW! Gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing! I loved it all! Visiting from Cheri's.

High Street Cottage said...

Saw you on The House of Roses, love the vintage flatware! Very pic-nickie! Fall is the perfect weather for dining out, tami

Brenda Pruitt said...

You got some great shots there. And you certainly have a beautiful setting for an outdoor feast. Love to see blog dogs. They seem to complete the scenery of our lives. And glad the children had a task. It's all so lovely! (Drooling over that eclectic flatware.)
Brenda

Emreen said...

A wonderful outdoor setting... Lov the colorful cutlery on display , the apples and the centerpiece (urn ) ... .! I would love sit on that swing all day and do nothin at all.. ;-) ;-)

Anonymous said...

Oh my!! those are some gorgeous gorgeous pics.. Your outdoors looks beautiful... So lovely!! :-)

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful place to eat.....and your table looks terrific!
XOXO to the handsome Toby!

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Your table and setting are beautiful! Please stop over and visit when you have a chance.
Robin

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

I forgot to comment that Toby is beautiful, too!

Olive said...

The the table/door and the setting is splendid. hugs♥olive

Jami said...

First, I want to sign up for the Toby fan club...you can tell how sweet he is just by your picture.
Second, I'm amazed those photos are from a point & shoot camera...the whole post would fit perfectly in Country Living magazine.
Third, I'm completely jealous!! You have created the most beautiful outdoor area!
smiles!

Vintagesouthernlife said...

Your table and the setting is beautiful. It looks like a magazine. The children's centerpiece is lovely and I know they enjoy being a part of things.

I'm glad you were able to get Toby. He looks like a sweetheart. Annette

Roberta said...

OMG I love your view and your cutlery tray...I collect them and I just might have to adapt your table idea because my folding table deteriorated outside this summer...left it out too long in the sun and rain and the darn thing fell apart. Now I'm off looking for a replacement. Will probably look for a small round bistro table for DH and I to enjoy. But I like the idea of an old door as a back-up for when company comes around. Have a wonderful week, fondly, Roberta
http://con-tain-it.typepad.com

Kelli said...

wow I thought your garden looked great and then I saw the sea view and have decided you should adopt me too! beautiful photos

Purnima@a creative project said...

wow.. beautiful..so cozy.. love the flowers in the milk jar!!!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Such a magical setting. Love your table and chairs and your tablescape is gorgeous. The swing is stunning. Such pretty linens. What an inviting spot. Thanks so much for linking to TTT. Hugs, Marty

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Your setting and table are so charming!! I love it! Just so pretty! :)

Laurie from Laurie Jones Home said...

This is so wonderful, I'd never leave that table, how comfy and cozy! Beautiful!!

White and Rust said...

I love how you turned a door and saw horses into a table, I may have to make one myself someday! Cozy table setting, I want to eat out there too!

Lynda Howells said...

lovely ruby tuesday images. with the dark nights drawing in on us here in UK, these images really cheered me upxxlynda

oops! said...

What a clever Idea! I have an old door, and I am going to have a party on it!!! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!!

Kendra@Creative Ambitions said...

Just gorgeous! I love everything about your outdoor space! I even love Toby... so precious! What an awesome table... so when's dinner? :)

Sunny Simple Life said...

Oh my Gosh I think you live in Heaven by the looks of it. Gorgeous.

Suzanne MacCrone Rogers • Italian Girl in Georgia™ said...

Completely charming!

Anonymous said...

Fantastic!!!!...love the "door" I mean table!..So inviting!...Great pictures too!..And I would love to have one of those snazzy camera's but fraid It would take me forever to learn how to take pic's!
-J0
-LazyonLoblolly

Cassie Bustamante said...

when can i come over- that looks utterly inviting! i love fall, apples, eating outdoors, repurposed doors.... heavenly! thanks so much for joining my party!

The Style Sisters said...

I want to come over too! You should host a part for all your bloggin buddies! Wow this is just perfection of a fall outdoor dining experience! I love love love the old door used as your table on saw horses! Your cute handled silverware is awesome! Where did they all come from? Thank you for linking up to Centerpiece Wed and sharing this delightful autumn dinner with us.

Karin

Robyn said...

Christie, I love your old door turned table and all of your beautiful photos! I love tarnished trays too. Love to collect them from thrift stores. I am robyn from thepinkpeonyoflejardin!
So glad I found you!

Rebecca said...

I'd eat out more too-lovely-really like the silverware!

Celly B said...

I love the rustic door for your table! What an idyllic setting. It looks like Toby has found the perfect home.

Coloradolady said...

I just love that you used that door for a table. It is so pretty in the outdoors. Everything looks so charming and inviting too! Thanks for linking in today...Happy VTT!

Unknown said...

Love it... Simple yet oh so elegant... it will be amazing for a Fall wedding! You can feel the crisp cool air just from the photos... Yet the sun shines through the trees warming your skin! Just enough to wear a shawl? Lovely!

RaineyGhoul!

Gail @ Victorian at Heart said...

Great table. Love you creativeness. The setting is beautiful and the vintage flatware adds charm. Thank you for sharing your inspirational post.

Unknown said...

Great fall photos! Great Table and what a view! Thanks for the inspiration!

Mary said...

Lakeside dining at its best! Love your door repurposed as a table top. Glad Toby is settling in with your family :-)

Julie said...

Great use of a beautiful door. Looks like a great place for dining!

Lori@Paisley Passions said...

Oh my goodness! I think that family parties would NEVER end out there in a space like that! I LOVE the table! Thanks for linking up to Thrilling Thursday @ Paisley Passions. Hope to see next week :)

~Lori S.

Show Me Mama said...

Oh, my this is so gorgeous and breath taking. I love everything about the place. The table, chairs, bench and of course the apples, they all look so great. I wish I was invited to this nice cozy outdoor event.LOL Very nice.
I am your new follower. You can visit me at http://showmemama.blogspot.com

Tracie said...

What a beautiful place to sit and relax! Love all the stuff, the candleabra is my favorite!

Sally Annie Magundy said...

So charming, I love very bit of it, especially Toby!

Happy VTT,
Sally

gail said...

everything is just beautiful! love the grain sacks but really just love it all!
gail
adventuresininnkeeping.blogspot.com

reprise vintage said...

so pretty! i would love to escape away to your place!

Unknown said...

I'm so jealous- I've been looking for an old door to turn into a table. Yours look great!

Heaven's Walk said...

What a breathtaking view from your beautiful table! No wonder you love dining out there, girl! :) I have a coffee table my hubby made for me from an old door - glass window panes included. He just added legs, laid a piece of glass over the whole thing, and it became an instant coffee table! Your grain sack cushion is awesome, too! I'm obsessed with grain sacks, especially the hemp linen ones. Beautiful job! Happy WW!

xoxo laurie

Alycia Nichols said...

Great outdoor setting! And I love that you used that milk bottle for flowers!!! Everything looks wonderful...even the "weeds" in the centerpiece! You're so funny!

Unknown said...

How fun...I love your idea for a table!

HaPpY vInTaGe ThInGiE tHuRsDaY!

Sarah

Unknown said...

What a wonderful spot! Could just come and sit a spell there.

Kristen said...

What a fabulous place to enjoy a lovely dinner. All the details are perfect. I love the door as table.

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Oh please save me a seat!! What gorgeous photos ~ just love your blog ~ so happy I stopped by!

memakingdo said...

I love your setting what a fun and gorgeous setting! I would never have thought to use an old door and saw horses but I may just have to now! I love it! Thanks for linking up to Your So Very Creative!

Pam Kessler said...

Gorgeous photos. I actually used an old door on saw horses as an emergency table at a family reunion one year. My Mom was mortified at the thought, but we got lots of compliments on it.

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

I'm on my way over, lol! Really these photos represent the perfect day. Just beautiful!!

Vanessa said...

HOLY COW! I think I am going to be the #80 comment! Just had to stop back by and say thanks for linking up this gorgeousness to my party this week! And for your sweet comment too! I, too, have been convicted about how much of a place in my heart/life I give "blogging" and don't want that world to come before my real world. And, I really don't want it to take His place in any way. You are a blessing to me, my friend! :-)
Vanessa

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

What a lovely spot for dining and relaxing!

Jessi said...

I love the strawberry silverware! And the door/table!

Anonymous said...

I love, love, LOVE your outdoor table and the whole set-up! I adore eating outside, and also anything vintage draws great appreciation from me. Beautiful!

Dreamgoddess said...

What a perfectly beautiful setting!

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

~*~Just beautiful..you must live on a lake..such pretty surroundings! I love the door you turned into that wonderful table too!! Hugs,Rachel~*~

Deborah said...

I love the quilt on the chair, the cheerful place mats and the wonderful cutlery. I am sure you had a wonderful time with the kids in such beautiful surroundings.

Denise C said...

Your posts always leave me breathless. Truly. I think I forgot to breathe while I went through this one. You create masterpieces with things actually within reach. A door and sawhorses painted white. Red check place mats. The mis-matched and completely fabulous cutlery. The swing. Mmmmm. What a lovely setting you created. I'm still waiting to hear that a magazine has hired you!

Denise C said...

One more thing - Toby. I loved your story on his background. He looks so wise and full of character.

The Decorative Dreamer said...

I must have missed this one on Monday, glad you added it to Inspiration Friday. I hope you have time to visit my post for Inspiration Friday. It's my way of thanking you! :) Love your outdoor setting. The cute little wooden pieces on your swing to hold flowers are adorable and another fabulously simple idea!

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Fabulous! I think I might just join you for a piece of apple pie and sit on that swing all evening.
A fabulous friday's favorite for sure:-)

Lindsey said...

I want to eat lunch there. What sweet memories you're making!

Joani said...

Simply gorgeous. Luv it.

philben5 said...

Okay I am so inspired by your pics! Love everything, especially the mis matched silverware! Amazing. Thanks for inspiring us.
Blessings

Dharma said...

Just visited SC for the first time ever this summer. Your yard is beautiful.

Sherrie said...

Everything looks sooo cozy! Beautiful photography!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Christie...

Ohhh...this is gorgeous, my friend! The perfect picture of a beautiful autumn day...and enjoying a meal outside!!! I just adore your old, chippy door...urrr, I mean table! It's lovely! And the chairs...my grandma and grandpa had those kind of chairs...sure brought back alot of fond memories for me...seeing them! I love the pretty red plaid placemats...so perfect and sooo pretty with the bowls of red apples! The urn you used for the centerpiece...is FABULOUS!!! Sooo frenchy...I love it! Your kiddos did a fine job filling it with pretties for the table! I also really enjoyed your swing...you're absolutely right...adding a pretty quilt and a few soft pillows...makes for a very cozy and comfortable setting! I just love it!!! My friend, your beautiful outdoor...autumn table...deserves to be in a magazine! It's autumn dining at its very best!!! Such ambiance!!! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!

Warmest autumn wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Tiffini said...

I am so in love with this!! You have the perfect backyard for daydreaming and coffee. Love it all...even the dog. We have two of those...lol!

Rebecca said...

Hello
This is all very beautiful and relaxing! What a wonderful place to spend the day. Your door is fabulous and I love the swing.
Blessings
Rebecca

Karen said...

Christie, I haven't been following you for long, but I absolutely adore everything you put your hand to. I haven't had time to look around much. What a beautiful setting and so relaxing. I think that might contribute to all these comments girl. (everyone is needing alittle R&R)
Thanks for sharing,
Joining you at Vanessa's.
Karen

Thepearsonfamilee said...

Beautiful! It makes me want to come have dinner with YOU! Visiting from shabby nest!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

This post is just so incredibly beautiful! I love your style so much and you do a wonderful job of creating a warm inviting atmosphere! Thanks for joining Feathered Nest Friday and sharing this! GORGEOUS! :)

Megan Gunyan said...

I'll be comment 100! Wow, this is such a wonderful layout! I love all your ideas outside. It's so beautiful. You should submit it to a magazine or something! I hope you can join my link party and giveaway going on now! alittleknickknack.blogspot.com

Julie L. Light said...

Fab-u-lous...I can see myself having a delicious lunch here!

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Christie, this setting is just gorgeous, very creative and just perfect for the family. LOVE it all. Thanks for linking up with VIF!
xo,
Debra

Rhiannon said...

absoultely fabulous!
who wouldnt love dinning there!

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

Everything is just perfect, Christie! I wouldn't change a thing...even if this were all in my yard. I would loved to sit in that swing and bite into one of those juicy looking apples. ;)

Seeing this reminds me that I need to do another al fresco tablescape soon myself. I did one in one of my fields months ago. You can see it here:
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/2010/01/serving-up-serenity.html

Thanks for linking to my party. I look forward to having you join me each week.

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

Holly @ Roller Coaster Life said...

I love this!! It is just perfect! That swing does look really cozy! Now I am dying for a swing! Thanks =)

Sarah said...

What a beautiful setting! It's perfect for alfresco dining. I adore that box full of fun flatware. ~ sarah

Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys said...

The entire place is so inviting! I LOVE the quilt on the swing. It's so beautiful.

Anonymous said...

This is so fun! I love this idea! Old doors are so versatile! I am your newest follower! I found you through Favorite Things Friday!

Unknown said...

What an amazing job! The door table looks great. :)

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Christie, as always, I just love the way you put things together. What a wonderful use for an old door! I am also admiring the wood wedges on your swing. I'm going to have to show that to my husband, so he can make me some to set something on when I am sitting on the swing. Your red plaid place mats and the quilt on the swing make this such an inviting setting. Thank you for sharing this great setting for Favorite Things. laurie

Susanne said...

Love that table. I can just hear you stopping your dad from tossing it, Nnnoooooo! Slow mo sound effects. Very cute silverware in the caddy too.
Susanne.

Entertaining Women said...

Don't you just adore the effect of natural sunlight on table linens! This could be the scene in a hit movie about the joys of country life and dining al fresco. Absolutely, stunningly fantastic! Thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay

Unknown said...

This outdoor setting took me back to when I lived in the UK. Now I have relocated to Portland, Oregon, and I have to say I have enjoyed my Sunday evening with a jolly big glass of wine and enjoying your blog. I am new to blogging, so thank you. Cheryl
www.bigwhitegoose.blogspot.com

Katie said...

You set a lovely table and tell such a charming story! I feel like I could be reading Country Living or something like that! Thank you for sharing it at A Crafty Soiree. I hope to see you next time too:)

Sixpence and A Blue Moon said...

I believe this is where heaven is...at your house. :)

Holly Lefevre said...

Wow! I want to be there. This is just absolutely gorgeous. I am tickled pink! Thanks for linking up. I am a new follower too!
Holly
504 Main

Jules said...

What an awesome idea for an outdoor table! I love it! Our niece actually took an old door and place a piece of glass over it, had legs made for it, and uses it for her dinning room table. I love the look of old, simple, and yet a tough of country elegance to things!

I Love Pretty Little Things said...

This post is soooo Pretty! I absolutely love everything about it. It looks so cozy and inviting!! And, Toby, what a gift for your family...ENJOY!!!

Kathleen said...

Love your old dog! Love his sweet old soft gentle looking face and eyes.
You excell at making everything look very inviting! Love your blog

Amanda said...

I've been hanging on to this for a while :) I've featured you on Craft Gossip here
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/9-revamp-projects/

If you would like a "featured by" button, you can grab one here!
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/

Amanda said...

I've loved this post since I first saw it. I've featured you on Craft Gossip here
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/9-revamp-projects/

If you would like a "featured by" button, you can grab one here!
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/

Janet Marie said...

Beautiful. One of my fondest memories of a dinner party I had included two doors and four sawhorses. Gorgeous pictures!! :)

Linda @ bushel and a pickle said...

So longing for spring! Looking through your site and enjoying the "view"...thanks.

Funkytime said...

this looks gorgeous! your checkered tea towels remind me of my suitcase makeover i just did!http://fun.kyti.me/index.php/2011/04/birthday-in-a-suitcase/

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Such a beautiful outdoor spot, overlooking the water. Delicious and summery.

Fondly,
Glenda

KK said...

I love your place. That table...and chairs. Man. and the chandelier...very nice. And Toby is precious!

Kelsey said...

Wow! Lovely!

Sandy said...

Where did you get that wonderful assortment of vintage looking flatware? I just LOVE them!!

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