I have day dreamed about eating outside at a large harvest table with family and friends enjoying good food and fellowship and just being outside with nature in the chill of the air. Nothing formal in this setting so you can just show up in your jeans because I'll be in mine. This would be so much fun to do for Thanksgiving if it was warm enough. The weather here is very unpredictable in November. It has been freezing here with a fire in the fireplace or very warm and the air conditioner running like it was last year and like it still is now at the end of October. Today we are going to pretend it's warm enough to have our harvest meal outside and I'm joining a fabulous group of bloggers in the Holiday Entertaining Tour hosted by Lory at Designthusiasm so be sure to check out the links at the end of the post.
Welcome to my harvest table in my secret garden.
What? You didn't know I had a secret garden? Well, it's not really, but we will pretend it is today. This area is a little clearing behind our house where we store a few things and an old car is covered back here until Mr. Savvy does something with it. I might share a post about what it took to set this up. Hubby was a real trooper.
I thought this spot in the shade would be perfect.
I used everything I had on hand to create a mismatched rustic setting. Each plate is different. Six are my collected ironstone plates and two are an old patterned china.
The only thing I had to purchase was the seeded eucalyptus and roses for the centerpiece.
The ladders at each end were used to attach the string lights so we have lights out here when it gets dark which happens much earlier now.
I used a striped duvet for the tablecloth and these old gingham napkins.
I like to used my ceramic birds this time of year in my home and table settings.
The seeded eucalyptus and roses were the only new things I had to purchase for this table.
A basket of quilts and throws are ready if it's chilly and as it cools down when the sun sets.
Old stumps from a fallen tree that had to be cut up make great props.
The blue on the ladder is from paint that Mr. Savvy got on there in his garage painting his old Z28.
Let's eat!
I hope y'all will take some time to visit some talented ladies below as they share more holiday table ideas.
I hope y'all will take some time to visit some talented ladies below as they share more holiday table ideas.
If you missed Monday's posts:
Designthusiasm | French Country Cottage | Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Kelley Nan | Bless'er House | Maison de Pax
If you missed Tuesday's posts:
Town and Country Living | CitrineLiving | Sand and Sisal
Zevy Joy | Life on Virginia Street | Design, Dining and Diapers
If you missed Wednesday's posts:
Decor Gold Designs | ZDesign At Home | Randi Garrett Design
Ella Claire | So Much Better With Age | My Soulful Home
Coming Friday:
This is such a great idea, I am totally in love with it!! And the ladders with the string lights are brilliant, and at sundown the setting will be just magical. Fun to be partying with you! ps...please check/fix my link :-(
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy. There weren't any trees close enough to attach the lights to so ladders it was.
DeleteAlways so lovely Kim and I am waiting for the days to be able to eat outdoors again!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janet and I'm waiting for summer to move on out for good. Breaking records this weekend.
DeleteVery pretty! The weather is similar here--yesterday it rained but it was in the 70s. Today is sunny but cooler. Hard to say whether we'll be inside with the heat on or outside with the windows open come late November.
ReplyDeleteIn the fall, we move our table to a protected spot in the sun for maximum warmth. That way, we can use it all winter long. Winter evenings are too cold, but there are plenty of fine days for dejeuner sur la terrace.
We can't seem to let go of summer here. Very strange and the trees are late losing their leaves.
DeleteKim, I adore your table and the setting! What a brilliant way to string lights! I'd love to sit down and eat this meal with you in your "secret garden". Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Yvonne. After it was all set up I told my husband I wish my blog buds lived close by we would have a party!
DeleteLove the idea of getting to share a Thanksgiving feast al fresco! Beautiful and inviting table you created...happy holidays.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tina. I wish we could really do this.
DeleteWhat a completely lovely setting. You and Mr. Savvy really do make a great team. Well done to you both!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ann. He has been very helpful lately.
DeleteKim, a beautiful alfresco harvest table...creative way to string your lights!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pam. Had to come up with something.
DeleteBeautiful, Kim! I would love to enjoy Thanksgiving outdoors. We have an organic farm near us and they host harvest dinners with long tables like this. I've always wanted to go. Your "secret garden" is the perfect space for outdoor dining!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer. I wish we had an organic farm nearby. How much fun that would be.
DeleteKim I want to come over and hangout! Your table is so inviting and I'm a sucker for lights!!
ReplyDeleteCome on, girl. I'll set it back up. :)
DeleteI absolutely love the idea of using the ladders to hold the lights!! Very rustic and creative!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie. I was glad I thought of it since there weren't any trees close enough.
DeleteWow, you knocked this out of the park, Kim! LOVE the eucalyptus, I wish I had a source for it! What a great setting, wish we could all sit at this table with you, especially as the sun goes dowm. Love it all!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Pinky. I wish we could all gather around that table. It would be so much fun!
DeleteOh, I love your table, Kim! A beautiful, magical setting.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michael Lee!
DeleteYour secret garden setting is lovely! I love simple classic settings the most.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sheila!
DeleteKim--this is just a magical setting!! From the little white lights to the eucalyptus and gingham napkins, it's just dreamy!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Carol!
DeletePerfect setting for Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe the weather this year will cooperate...you just never know.
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
Thanks, Mary Alice! At this rate we will be swimming on Thanksgiving.
DeleteLove the Secret Garden setting. The duvet is a perfect addition to the table. Wouldn't it be great to have it outdoors? We do but the setting is Florida so no pretty quilts needed.
ReplyDeleteYes, an unused duvet makes the perfect tablecloth. Thanks!
DeleteThis is charming, Kim! Anyone would feel special dining there! I love the ladder idea, too! Looks like you have a secret garden now...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. Yes, it looks like I do now.
DeleteWell how cool is this? We sometimes camp the long weekend after Thanksgiving. A couple of years ago we took our camper up the night before Thanksgiving (to Cades Cove in the Smoky Mts.). Next day we hosted Thanksgiving dinner and then drove up to our camper - with all the leftovers LOL!! Glorious weather and I was amazed at all the families that met up at the campground to celebrate Thanksgiving (outside)!
ReplyDeleteI love Cades Cove and haven't been in years.
DeleteIt's about 30-45 minutes from our home. We have a view of the mountains from the front of our house. Heaven on earth!!
DeleteKim, I knew you wouldn't disappoint. I think this would be perfect. Love the ladders staying for a photo op. How relaxing and fun would this setting be
ReplyDeleteCindy
Yes, the ladders have to stay to hold the string lights up. :)
DeleteWhat a magical, lighted secret garden you have! I hope it will be warm enough for you to eat outdoors on Thanksgiving. I've often wanted to do that. Now I'm crushing on your stumps. Leo has already cut up our tree that fell and why, oh why, did I not think about keeping the stumps???
ReplyDeleteJane, this was just a set up for the tour and had all been put away. I'm not hosting this year. thanks!
DeleteOh I love the rustic outdoor tablescape Kim. I always enjoy entertaining outdoors whenever I get the chance. It is easy and relaxed.
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoy the farm style theme with orange roses and mismatched vintage china. All so charming and welcoming.
Happy autumn,
Janet
Thank you, Janet. Yes, a farm style theme. I didn't even think of that.
DeleteThis is so perfect; casual but 'dressed-up', unpretentious but so incredibly thoughtful and pretty to behold. I agree, the ladders are inspired for the string lights!
ReplyDeleteWhen does the party start - it might take me a few hours, coming from the west coast :)
Thanks, Kathy. I'm afraid it was all just pretend. :)
DeleteLooks like you created a little magic!
ReplyDeleteI love this, Kim. What fun that would be to actually serve a meal there...weather permitting. You did a great job (and a lot of hauling) lol
ReplyDeleteI have to make time to go check a few of these out. That tureen on Amy's table really caught my eye!
Have a wonderful upcoming weekend. xo Diana
Kim, what an absolutely charming idea! I too, enjoy dining outdoors and have thought about getting those heating lamps, but your basket of blankets is far more cozy. The centerpiece is so pretty and I just love the lights strung between the ladders!
ReplyDeleteThose pictures look like straight out of a magazine, wonderful tablesetting.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty, there is nothing better than dining outdoors. Here we can eat lunch outside on a sunny day year round, so long as we dress well, but it is too cold at night plus at this time of year it gets damp in the evenings which is a shame because I just love stringing up lights and eating in the dark, alas that will now have to wait until next summer! Strange weather here too, still no rain at all although a little cooler than usual in October but we also still have lots of figs and tomatoes ripening!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Did you consider hanging quilts and blankets on the ladder? I always enjoy your blog and beautiful ideas. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteKim, This outdoor eating space is gorgeous! I love the string lights on the ladder and the basket of quilts too. The table setting is very pretty. You really got creative with this one! It must have been fun setting it all up. Nothing nicer than being able to dine outdoors!
ReplyDeleteIt's just magical, Kim! This is my kind of play. Love the ladders with the lights and all the rustic yet cozy and inviting feel.
ReplyDeleteIf our crazy weather stays as is, you could totally eat Thanksgiving dinner out there.
ReplyDeleteThat would be an amazing setting for Thanksgiving! The lights on the ladders are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteWhat a magnificent outdoor space! Each and every detail was so lovely and inviting, beautiful Kim!
ReplyDeleteYour secret garden is gorgeous, Kim! Love how you used what you had and made such a beautiful spot to eat outdoors.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful Kim- I love it all!
ReplyDeleteOh Kim....you are so talented! The ladder strung lights is brilliant. I've always wanted a secret garden and your is beyond beautiful (and doable)!!! Love it!
ReplyDeleteKim, those gorgeous roses with the big pumpkin and the greens on the table are just spectacular! I love the roses so much because they are so unexpected--at least to me--and provide just the right touch of elegance. All of the big pumpkins are great colors. I must get some seeds and grow some like that next summer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful eye candy! I hope Thanksgiving is warm for you so you and your guests get to use this idyllic setting.
I would LOVE to visit your "secret garden" Kim! What an unexpected treat! Wonderful styling and so welcoming.
ReplyDelete