al fresco {the basics}

Al fresco season is officially here and I have been pulling out all my essentials for a lovely outdoor feast. If you are starting your al fresco arsenal from scratch here are a few basics that will surely make your party the talk of the town...and yes a conversation piece bottle opener, like this horseshoe really is essential.

(kim seybert napkin rings, burlap wrapped vases, horse shoe bottle opener, nickel lantern, round rush placements and wicker acrylic tray)

'tis the season...

...for al fresco dining. I may have mentioned that I am going to Italy in little over a week (ok, I know I have mentioned it but I am just a wee bit excited) and I just officially made my first dinner reservation (in Italian)! I am so excited to experience Italian cuisine and even more so to enjoy a rustic dinner outdoors looking over the tuscan countryside....

(veranda, elle decor and casa viva)
Have a lovely weekend!

the great outdoors

Happy Earth Day! I hope you all find a way to celebrate the natural environment we live in--even if it is just an al fresco dinner with friends (even better, one that is made using locally grown ingredients).

(via country style)

sunday {supper} setting

I love Sunday evenings and unwinding from the weekend by preparing a complex meal (think homemade pasta) for friends. As I am in the middle of the Rocky Mountains serving in fabulous and formal beach setting is incredibly appealing at the moment. Especially if it was under a seaglass tinged chandelier and served on a lovely mandarin greek key adorned table covering.

(via haynes robert)
Hope you are having a lovely Sunday supper, wherever you may be enjoying it.