The View from my Shore

Today I am linking up with  Watery Wednesday.  Thank you for hosting.

The view from my shore

My Dish Room

I had taken over a bedroom in our tiny cottage when we moved to the lake and converted it to a pantry.  It was serving me quite well until I found these delightful tablescaping blogs....now it over-floweth.

This is my kitchen storage

See that doorway just behind the cabinets?  Welcome to my pantry.

Behind the door ~

My shelving is made by Plano which I purchased at Walmart.  It comes 4 shelves to a package and I cut the tubular legs on my mitre saw to the size I need.  I've reconfigured this little 8 X 10 room often.  I'm not sure it can handle much more, but it is great to be able to close the door on it.

back to the kitchen ~ a spot above the refridgerator for pitchers.

Now, these areas held all my dishes BEFORE I discovered tablescaping.  My new purchases found a spot on the floor.

another unit to the rescue ~ this one on wheels.

This has got to stop!!!

But how does one resist when the colors are so perfect?

I think ITLLDO needs an addition!!

Thanks for stopping by and a huge thank you to The Tablescaper for hosting this fun blog....You have gotten me in soooo much trouble ~ but how fun it is!

First picnic of the season

What a glorious day for a picnic...the first of the season.  A simple tablesetting, using everyday china, old cotton tablecloths that have been washed so often they no longer need ironing, and the colors of the season, red, white and blue.

My garden is starting to bloom, mostly in blue.  A few sprigs of Bridal Veil Spirea, some geranium blossoms and blue Centaurea make a last minute centerpiece.  The lighthouse candle holders are a recent Christmas Tree Shop purchase.

It's more of a challenge when one prepares dinner as well as a tablescape.  Tonight our lake neighbors are joining us for a locavore dinner of Coho salmon, fresh from the lake, warm pasta and tomato salad, fresh roasted asparagus from the farm down the road, garlic toast and rhubarb pie.

An incredible sunset tonight....

and finally, the blue hour!!! 

I think ITLLDO.

Please join Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for some amazing tablescapes.  Thank you for hosting this fun party, Tablescape Thursday.

Red White and Blue

Can it be?  Has Summer really arrived on Lake Ontario? 

I'm joining the Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday with my first picnic of the season,a pre-Memorial Day dinner on the deck with  Lake Neighbors.

I picked a few flowers from my garden for a last minute centerpiece and placed two lighthouse lanterns  (Christmas Tree Shop) on each side. 

Simple table, delicious meal, wonderful friends and a great Lake View.

Thanks for stopping by.

Perfectly beautiful Lake Ontario

Lunch with Girlfriends

Two of my high school girlfriends joined me for lunch a couple of weeks ago, and I actually served food on my first set of dishes purchased after discovering Susan's blog party, Tablescape Thursdays, over at Between Naps on the Porch.  You've seen these dishes before, but I really didn't have many followers back then.

Lunch began with Cream of Asparagus soup, a wonderful recipe I found at StoneGable.  Thank you Yvonne! I followed your recipe and added a hint of cumin which is one of my favorite spices. Yummm!

Next came a fresh salad with Priscilla's dressing...so fresh and light.  One day I will share this recipe.

The entree was a creation of my own and I didn't get a picture of it...grilled portobello mushroom sandwiches (p.mushrooms marinated in homemade Italian dressing, garlic toasted whole grain baguette, slathered with fresh pesto, fire roasted red peppers, provolone cheese and romaine)  I must record that recipe before I forget how to make it!

So here is the dessert....individual lemon souffles with real whipped cream.

A lovely day on the lake with good friends (and Annabelle keeping us company)

placemats ~ Kohl's

napkins ~ TJMaxx

plates, bowls, mugs ~ 222 Fifth ~ Belize from Marshall's

salad plates ~ Pottery Barn clearance years ago

Goblets ~ Christmas Tree Shop

individual teapots ~ Christmas Tree Shop

flatware ~ Gorham Studio (my every day stainless) 

dessert plates ~ vintage (does anyone know what they are?  They were left here in the cottage by previous owners)

Thanks for stopping by ITLLDO.  Now head on over to Susan's Between Naps on the Porch for lots of great tablescapes.  Thanks, Susan, for hosting such a fun blog party ~ Tablescape Thursday.

Coastal Centerpiece

I am very excited to be participating in the new Centerpiece Wednesdays  blog party, hosted by the Style Sisters.  I'm afraid I'm not very creative when it comes to centerpieces, so I am here with my simple coastal elements, more to learn than to promote my own.  I look forward to viewing all of the entries and hopefully some great tutorials.

The elements I used are very simple and inexpensive.  Since our home is on the lake, I love it when I find coastal accents such as the lighthouse and adirondack chair candle holders.  All came from last week's shopping trip to The Christmas Tree Shop.  The fishing net, as well as the sign in the window were previous purchases from Bealls in Florida.

A few shots after dark.....

I really must study the manual for my little PHD (push here dummy) camera. I have way too many reflections from the window... Hope you get the idea though.

I just had to step outside on the deck to capture the sunset.

I welcome your comments and suggestions.