Friday, May 14, 2010

Dining Outdoors....first time this year!




It all started with this pink rose...

...the first rose from our garden.



I decided that life is just simply too short to not eat outdoors at a pretty table...with fresh flowers and placemats...the "good" china...and matching napkins. 

Right?

Then why do I usually just slap down the first plates I see (aka...hideous scratched $0.50 IKEA junkers)....use the paper towel sheets for napkins...and bring out the ugly plastic water bottle to the table? 

Let me tell you...there is something wonderful about sitting down to a well-set table. 

There just is.

Even my boys loved it.


And yes....I am nerdy enough to bring out my new pink rose painting just because it matches. :)

















We were giggling here because Toby said "Where's my 'meef'?" ...as in a cross between beef and meat?



and a picture of my little Finny, just because...



Oh how I love summer. Well....spring.....but it kind of just felt like summer.

36 comments:

  1. This is just SO pretty Tracey! Its all so perfect! Have to agree, I love a well set table.. so much more fun! :) Make the most of the dining out weather...we are still waiting for it to arrive here...!

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  2. How fun! We contemplated about eating outside but just didn't feel like setting up the patio!
    Love the new painting!

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  3. aaaaaaaaaaaah aren't those moments just the best????? Still nothing that looks(feels) like spring here....rain and wind:(.....But you are so right, use the nice stuff you have, enjoy it everyday! It gives everything just that little bit more.....

    enjoy your weekend!!

    Lynda

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  4. that looks absolutely wonderful! I wish our deck was big enough to fit an entire table. enjoy the weekend!

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  5. Everything looks soooo inviting and welcoming, Tracey! So where's my invite?! Okay... teasing =)

    Loved the photo of Toby carefully opening his napkin. And I thought your beautiful rose painting was a perfect addition to the setting!

    Victoria @ DesignTies

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  6. love your outdoor dining area...beautiful.

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  7. Owwww all looks very nice !! and sun !!

    We don't have sun here....it is raining and windy....and cold.............i hope the weather will be good quick !! i need sun !!

    Happy weekend enjoy !! hugs from Ria

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  8. Ooooooooooooooh I so love the last photo just makes me smile!!

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  9. Your table looks beautiful and your family is too sweet. I hate to say it but it's already almost too hot and sticky here in Houston to be outdoors in the evening. The mosquitos are rampant and I won't mention the other big ugly bugs that are just about to come out in full force. I'm a big downer huh?!
    Enjoy the weekend. :)
    T

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  10. Your table looks so welcoming. I love eating outside! Can't wait for our weather to change so we can enjoy the outdoors. Your little boy is adorable!

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  11. I does feel like summer these passed few days doesn't it?!? I love it, and I love your sweet little dressed table. Makes me want to have a tea party. That painting is gorgeous by the way, and I don't think it's nerdy to bring it out cause it matches!!!
    Nancy

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  12. i think i would eat out there everynight...looks awesome suzanne

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  13. How fun! Everything looks so cozy! AND I just love that you brought your rose pic outside! too funny!

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  14. Beautiful table!! We have had so much wind and rain so Im still waiting. Something about eating outside for the little ones...don't they eat better and behave better?
    Loving the stirped pillows!

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  15. How fun! And what a pretty table setting. Where are the striped pillows from? I really like them!

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  16. Oh, how sweet! And your table setting is scrumptious. If you could only see how messy our back porch is... :)

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  17. I love dining outdoors. Your table looks so inviting! The Rose Painting is the perfect finishing touch!!!:)

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  18. I'm so glad you visited my blog...thanks to Canadian Cottage...and all the sweet compliments!! Your home is lovely and your style so fresh. I love the outdor table setting...so pretty!! I look forward to following your blog. Take care,
    ~ Jo

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  19. Sooooo fun! I want to redo my deck this year and fill it with magic! Your sweetpea is adorable. Lets hope this weather lasts for more than a few days. xoxoxoxo

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  20. Looks so gorgeous and inviting! I see lots of fun, cozy, memorable summer evenings in your future! :-)

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  21. oh that looks lovely, so elegant! Rachael:)

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  22. How inspiring. i just love dining alfresco.

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  23. Very pretty. Good old Ikea. I love the styling.

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  24. Hi! I stopped over from Koralee's...
    Your blog always puts a smile on my face with the bonus of a few giggles too!
    I totally agree with you about setting a nice table... it does take mealtime to a whole new level!
    I discovered this by visiting beautiful tablescaping bloggers... they've changed the way I feel about dinner {well some nights ;o)
    enjoy your weekend!
    smiles~
    ~Maria

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  25. Aw tigg! Sooo pretty!!!
    i love how in all these pics tobes always is in it somewhere doing something!! heee heee. always a lil monkey. him an finny are SO cute. can't wait for ya to come stay!

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  26. You're right. My mom did this, especially with company, but sometimes even when it was just us. Just because. Thank you for reminding me.

    I just gave you a Trendy Blog award, because I love your style. I hope you stop by and pick it up and pass it on. You deserve it! :)
    xoxoxox

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  27. It looks like so much fun! We've had RAIN, RAIN, and more RAIN! ;(

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  28. Hi Tracey! I tried to reply to a comment you left on my blog but then realized that you don't have your e-mail address listed on your blogger profile, so my reply landed in internet-space, not your inbox.
    This is what I replied:

    You're quite welcome - and you totally deserve it! I love your pictures and aspire to become a better photographer like you! I love your blog and your ideas.

    Thank you for following. I'm notorious for mis-haps and ooops moments, so I've gotta keep it lighthearted or give up. :)

    Hope you had a great weekend.
    Blessings!
    Shelle

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  29. Such a lovely rose and table. And your boy Finn is adorable! Love his chubby little cheeks and grin.!

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  30. I didn't see the picture of the baby and think I got the names mixed up. Both Toby and Finn are such cuties. They look like they have a lot of fun.

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  31. What gorgeous table set, Tracey! Love your color combination. Do enjoy a lot of this kind of sweet precious moments this Spring and Summer! xx

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  32. Gorgeous! I love all the pics and your dinner looked so fun!!

    ~Morgan

    Meet Virginia!
    Meet Virginia!
    Meet Virginia!

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  33. Oh Tracey, on a very dark, rainy and cold Autumn day, this post has just lifted my spirits! How much fun does this outdoor dinner look:) Hope you enjoyed your 'meef', that is just the cutest!!!! Hope you are having a lovely week. Hugs ~ Tina xx

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  34. lovely! it was a great evening for it on friday!!

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  35. I have those same pillows. I also have 2 cute boys and a blog about my house. I'm glad I came acrossed yours. Its really cute. Plus you've inspired me. We're eating outside tonight!

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  36. So pretty, I love eating outside when it warms up! Enjoy your spring :)
    XO
    Kristin

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Thank you so much for your comments! I love reading every single one :)