Dining Alfresco

Dining outdoors is one of my favourite pleasures. I don’t even mind being bundled up in a cardigan or shawl or both and a beautifully laid table in the garden for breakfast ,lunch or supper will always make me smile. How can anyone resist .

We try to do it as often as the weather permits either very simply or pulling out all the stops with fine linen,china and silverware. How pretty it all looks when the evening draws in and the tea light are lit. I have been collecting an abundance of mis matched china and chairs for this very purpose. Cut fresh flowers for the table and fruit from the trees but always use line napkins.

Inspirational dining

Some of the very best!

I beg Mr.Lee to make the garden twinkle, hopefully this year I will get my wish and have lights in all the trees.

A table lamp too.

Magical lanterns

Solar lights make a fabulous addition to the garden, tea lights never seem to last and I have dozens of lanterns.

I wonder if I can get an electrician to put a chandelier outside for the next party… why not!

At present I have tiny white teacup and saucer tea light holders from Habitat. They are perfect for tea parties and I adore them. Hang them from the trees , I also have metal hanging hearts that look so pretty when lit by a tea light too.

http://www.livelaughlove.co.uk/hanging-heart-tealight-holder-p-563.html?osCsid=6d9bf575b0d2ea8a89d304babcd639f7

It’s so hard to find a decent tablecloth… I scour charity shops and markets but often find an old linen sheet or an Indian throw work brilliantly too. One of the most splendid tables I’ve ever seen dressed used a silk rug… trés Morrocan

Cut and pressed glass and Summer roses, a winning combination.

How inventive, painted cans look super. I will fill anything I can find with flowers for the garden…. metal buckets, terracotta pots even the sweet little coke bottles made of glass look pretty with a single bloom. Jam jars will always be perfect.

Alice at her tea party in our garden this Summer

It was a glorious Summer day, not a cloud in the sky. The Mad Hatter was in attendance, even the white rabbit was on time. The doremouse was of course asleep in the tea pot.

Simple oasis cones decorated with Crysanth’s , giant cups and butterfly buns. Garden chairs mixed with white kitchen chairs with floral cushions for comfort. Plenty of rabbit shaped jelly too.

The dormouse missing the feast, Union Jack cocktail sticks and trays gave it an English feel. Not forgetting bunting.

Cucumber sandwiches are a must, Pimms for the grown ups and orange squash for the children served in vintage tea cups.

Tea cups. The more the merrier.

How I love vintage china….  my collection is growing, hurrah!  I use them for everything. How useful they are. On ones windowsill planted with Busy Lizzies or for a decadent chocolate mousse pudding. I may be an addict.

Hello, my name is Mrs.Lee and I have a teacup habit.

I adore little old lady tea sets and simply can’t get enough of them. Mis matched are better and have numerous uses.

I use them for everything.. on ones windowsill planted with Busy Lizzies or filled with a decadent chocolate mousse for pudding. What a joy to find these beauties. Cake plates and candle holders. I must I simply must add them to my collection.

http://www.notonthehighstreet.com

I’m sure one could make them but aren’t they sweet.

How about stacking them for fairy cakes.