When my sis arrived, we were having an awful spell of disgustingly humid weather. I don’t know about the rest of you, but humidity does my house no favors and it is my least favorite weather condition. I do not have central air (radiators, not ducts). I do have a couple of window units, but only use them when the situation is really dire. In this case, it was very humid but not especially hot, so I left them off. As a result, my house was sticky, smelly, damp, ugh!
So I was delighted to wake up on Monday to fresh breezes and a distinct drop in humidity levels. Plus as an added bonus, the sun was shining. So I thought it would be lovely to have a leisurely breakfast on the deck.
I may have mentioned before, I am the type of cook that has to dust her stove. In other words, I don’t really cook. But I can cut up some berries, brew up some coffee and toast some english muffins. Well, actually, my sister did that part (she got the cooking genes in our family).
I may not cook, but I can set a pretty table.
A mix of vintage and new. The monogrammed glasses came from Goodwill. How could I pass them up? The cafe au lait bowls were ordered online for what I confess was some exorbitant sum. The numbered plates are from Target. The pitcher and ironstone bowl for the berries were both garage sale finds.
This is how I roll. Spend pennies on most stuff, but occasionally splurge on something special.
Can you see my fabulous napkins? Those are from Jeanne d’Arc Living, and I bought them online (you can order some for yourself here). I only break them out for special people.
My deck happens to be a particularly lovely spot for breakfast right now because my Limelight hydrangeas are in full bloom.
The Key Lime hydrangeas next to the photo cottage are looking pretty good as well.
This, in a nutshell, is why I love hydrangeas. They are covered in blooms, with absolutely no effort made on my part at all. The flowers last forever, and when dry I will add them to my window boxes where they will look good all winter as well.
You may have noticed my deck chair pillows. I have to tell you, I made a mistake when ordering them from Restoration Hardware. I got them on clearance, and I thought I checked the size, but when they came, they were far too wide for my chairs. So, my friend Sue chopped off a bit from each end (thanks goodness for friends who can sew).
I was worried it would look ridiculous, but I think it works. If I hadn’t told you, would you have thought they were meant to be this way?
My sister and I lingered over breakfast for quite a while. Partly because it was just so darn idyllic on the deck.
And partly because we were pouring over these.
Yep, we are planning a trip! And it’s going to be an exciting one. Pretty soon I will have some more awesome travel photos to add to my gallery wall, and I am so excited! I’ll share more on that soon. But meanwhile, we set place no. 4 for you, want to join us?
q is for quandie 
First off you crack me up “have to dust the stove”. The setting is so nicely done I love the whole dang thing. The # plate, napkins and RH pillows in particular are fab. Budapest hey, do your family roots hail from that region?
LikeLike
Thanks Victoria! Nope, no family roots in Budapest. But it has always been on the list of place I’d like to see.
LikeLike
Love the whole setting…wish I could be your #4, but alas, I’m stuck here. I hope Debbie appreciates that fact she’s special enough for the “good” placemats! LOL I laughed out loud at that one. Nice that you can spend some quality time together!
LikeLike
Wish you could be our no. 4 also. You would qualify for the special napkins too! I’m sorry you are stuck at work without me.
LikeLike
Yes, Terri I do appreciate the special napkins. I am having a great time here visiting with Linda and Mr. Q. Will have to get Linda to set a nice breakfast table again when I make the biscuits and sausage gravy.
LikeLike
Love your deck and lookalike a great meal! What a great red building!
LikeLike
That is my Carriage House, where I do all of my painting and where I hold my twice a year sales!
LikeLike
It was so nice meeting you Deb and enjoying a pink grapefruit margarita too! Linda, why did my hydrangea just stop flowering one day and now it does nothing, doesn’t grow and doesn’t flower. Maybe it needs a yard like yours, ha!
Also, PLEASE let that 4th plate be mine. Glad you two (& Mike) are having such a good time!!
LikeLike
I NEED those lettered plates! Did you get them recently ? I can not find them on the Target website. PS. The lilies and irises you gave me are growing! They had an initial shock, but are now doing great. Thanks so much!
LikeLike
No, sadly … I got them a year or two ago. They didn’t have them for long either. I’m so glad the lilies and irises are growing. I’m sure they will come up like gangbusters next spring!
LikeLike
Yes, please! I’m on vacation next week! I’ll be number 4! Actually, I have a question. Speaking of cool graphics on things… Do you stencil or apply graphics using a transfer method? BTW, even tho I’ve been painting and re-purposing for years, I’m SO inspired by your work. You have caused me to dig out the milk paint and explore it’s quirky, unpredictable nature!
LikeLike
I stencil. I have a few favorites from Maison de Stencils.
LikeLike
Did your sister have fun seeing how you post on a blog? Sisters are so wonderful especially when they jump in and help!
Budapest…Be still my heart.
Ginene
LikeLike