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Friday, August 20, 2010

What a nice evening last night! The weather was perfect with just a little breeze; the food was tasty, and the fellowship was (as usual) the best.

I set up two tables in the backyard and covered them with quilts. I had to borrow chairs, so the look was mixy/matchy; but that's kind of how we live at my place. Blueberry muffins were housed in domed cake stands.






Tapers were placed in blue Mason jars and held there with rock salt. Food was served family style.









Tableware was wrapped in some of Mom's old linen napkins and tied with a ribbon. The toothpick was for fun.









Water was kept on ice in old graniteware pans. One old pan was stuck under the table and was used to clear off dirty dishes to make way for cookies (from Sarah) and peach cobbler. Clean dishes were stacked upside down to stay clean; fresh forks were held in an antique spoon jar until dessert was served.





For as long as our group has been together, I've hesitated to entertain the group. First, because I'm rather out of the way for most of them to drive. Second, it was always a toss-up whether to host the meeting outside (iffy weather) or inside (spots on the furniture courtesy of grandbabies and spots on the carpet thanks to a long-gone dog). But the beauty of this group is that we are friends; and friends may see these goofs, but they get together for the fun of being together. Thanks, ladies, for a great evening!

12 comments:

Melanie said...

Huge yard!! Looks like so much fun. The weather was nice there... we've had clouds and rain for 2.5 days... sewing weather I guess. Aren't you glad you had them over. Great quilts on the tables.

Barb said...

Perfect! This is such a fun read, to hear all about your special evening with friends! Fun and relaxing with friends in what I am sure is typical *Mary* style...you did good my sweet friend! Blessings to you from my part of PA!

Kim said...

Such a gorgeous set up!! I loved the pics and reading about your great evening! Just my style! Have a great day!

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

Love it Mom! I'm so glad you were able to take some pictures. It looked so great. I'll have to remember some of these tricks for when I do some entertaining.

Diana Ferguson said...

What a great setting! You did fantastic. Wish I could have been there in person....

Sara said...

I love the beautiful way you decorated your tables and yard. It looked like a comfortable place to enjoy the day!!!

I would have never thought of rock salt to hold the candles in place - thanks!

Audrey said...

As a guest at Mary's party - it was even more fabulous than the pictures show. The weather was perfect - and I mean PERFECT. No one wanted to leave! A wonderful evening. Thanks, Mary!

Pokey said...

Oh, how inviting, Mary. I'm dropping in next time!

Shakerwood said...

Too bad I don't live closer! It looks like an absolutely fabulous time! I know how you feel about people coming over. We live out in the country also but only 4 miles from the interstate. Everyone that comes over (if we can get them to) says how far it is. I remind them that it is just as far from my house to their house as it is from their house to mine! LOL

Cheryl said...

Such a pretty set up and using the quilts how lovely. I loved the candles in the jars with rock salt, will be borrowing that idea. It all looked so lovely and peaceful, what a great time you all must have had.

Angie Berry ~ Berry Homespun Primitives said...

What a sweet setting! That looks to me like it would a great time of lingering fellowship. I don't care what one's home looks like when it comes to spending time together but I do care what my home looks like so I can understand where you are coming from. We live outside of town, kinda out in the country so I understand what you are saying about people coming out that far. We do worry too much, I do believe. But your setting is extremely inviting, very warm and welcoming! I love all the attention you paid to details! =]

Angie Berry ~ Berry Homespun Primitives said...

I was also thinking that if I came over, you would probably have a hard time getting rid of me!!