I know that the official start of summer is still a few days away but it was the perfect day for a welcome summer party. The sun shined, no wind and a marvelous 80 degrees.
With the help of my sweet Father we carried my kitchen table outside and tucked it in between the two pine trees. I used a painters drop cloth for the table, vintage linens, various plates. mason jars for cups. A few sweet treats, fresh strawberries and the lights from Target I've been wanting to hang.
My Dad wanted me to leave the table til dusk so you could really see the lights and he was right. I left them lit over the hammock and it's just beautiful. I wish I'd listened. I felt bad I didn't want the table to be gone for breakfast in the morning :) I'm already planning my next photo shoot at dusk so you get the full effect of the lights. All my seating has been collected over the last few months from various sales. I used three of the wood folding chairs, the two metal chairs I painted and the bench that got a coat of chalk paint (remember it was the green one?).
Wish you could all come over and sit awhile under the trees with me!
xo Suz
Linking to Between Naps on the Porch.
Linking to Blue Cricket Design.
So pretty! I'm totally there!
Posted by: Carrie G | June 16, 2011 at 10:20 AM
*LOVE*
Posted by: lorraine lewis | June 16, 2011 at 11:26 AM
Okay...so how do I get to your house again ;o)...it looks amazing Susan!
Posted by: andrea | June 16, 2011 at 11:32 AM
ahhhhh gorgeous - can I come?
Posted by: northern cottage | June 16, 2011 at 01:30 PM
Beautiful pictures! I love that idea, too. Welcome summer. So cute.
Posted by: Melana | June 16, 2011 at 03:33 PM
Sooo pretty.
Posted by: Mindy | June 16, 2011 at 05:20 PM
you have such a beautiful and big garden.. love the green and big trees. what's on the other side of the fence?
Posted by: silla | June 16, 2011 at 05:39 PM
Such a pretty party! Love how you used all your new chair finds! Also, that is so nice of your dad to help you take the table outside. I have a big bench I want to take outside for photo's - I have the feeling I won't have a helper for that one!
Posted by: Lynda | June 16, 2011 at 06:47 PM
What a beautiful way to welcome the summer. All those delightful pastries too. I love those lights and have strands in my courtyard as well as my side garden. Thank you so much for going to all the trouble to bring the table outdoors ...there are some great photos here today!
Jan @ BellaCasa
Posted by: Bella Casa | June 16, 2011 at 06:48 PM
That looks like a magazine layout! How pretty! Makes me want to just sit.
Pat
Posted by: Pat | June 16, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Susan,
This looks a lot like a Country Living spread I saw recently. This is beautiful! Thanks for linking it to the Home Sweet Home party. Just a wonderful way to entertain for summer.
Sherry
Posted by: Sherry | June 16, 2011 at 08:28 PM
so so pretty - could just take a bite out of one of those strawberries! Visiting from FNF.
Posted by: Rebeckah@My Dwelling Place | June 16, 2011 at 08:38 PM
Is that the July issue? I subscribe but dont have mine yet!
Thanks for the visit !
Susan
Posted by: Susan | June 16, 2011 at 08:42 PM
I think my invitation got lost in the mail... LOL! What a beautiful setting! I can't wait to see the dusk pictures.
Posted by: Kristen | June 16, 2011 at 09:06 PM
Oh my, what a pretty scene you've set here. It looks so cozy and inviting. Evening pictures would be so beautiful.
Posted by: Tricia | June 16, 2011 at 09:26 PM
Oh so gorgeous!!! I bet it looked very lovely at dusk too! I have those same lights, btw!!
Posted by: Katie | June 16, 2011 at 10:02 PM
Your start of summer table is perfection, I can't think of anything that would need to be added or edited. Your ability to make your table setting look so effortless (I know moving that table must have been a killer) and inviting is truly special. I know it would have looked magical in the evening with your lights. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Miss Char | June 16, 2011 at 10:25 PM
You are SOOO adorable!
Posted by: Abby | June 16, 2011 at 11:09 PM
Absolutely beautiful - especially since we're in winter here. Love it.
x
Posted by: Lisa | June 17, 2011 at 01:36 AM
Beautiful setting and what a lovely way to welcome summer! I love everything about it!
Posted by: Mary | June 17, 2011 at 07:33 AM
Love your blog, come over for Vintage Inspiration Friday!
xo Debra
Posted by: Debra@Common Ground | June 17, 2011 at 08:29 AM
It's gorgeous! I had a great time and what a perfect way to start off summer! Thanks for the invite. :)
Posted by: Jennifer Rizzo | June 17, 2011 at 08:53 AM
It is a wonderful summer party. research papers
Posted by: Valakasblym8520 | June 17, 2011 at 09:02 AM
That is just one of the most beautiful welcome summer parties...EVER!! I love it.
Posted by: Tracy | June 17, 2011 at 09:25 AM
So pretty! Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Kerri | June 17, 2011 at 11:08 AM