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Monday, August 2, 2010

Hors d'oeuvres and the Succulent Suitcase


As I mentioned earlier today, the new suitcase full of succulents was going to be the centerpiece for our wine and hors d'oeuvres table this evening.

As the sun was setting, we had a lovely glass of Italian wine with olives, parmesan and gouda cheese. After all, we are "on vacation!"
The light was magical, the air cool and breezy.

We admired the succulent suitcase. What a find! "Perfect for this outdoor coffee table," Mr. A remarked.

As the light faded, the tractors came out in the neighboring vineyards. It was fascinating at first watching them go up and down the rows until we realized they were probably spraying! Even though we are far enough away, we headed inside for dinner....

I'm joining Susan for Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer. Thanks Susan for hosting.
Artie over at Color Outside the Lines is having his first ever blog party, so I can't wait to join him for Vignette Friday! Thanks Artie for hosting!

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40 comments:

  1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderAugust 2, 2010 at 11:28 PM

    Dearest Delores,

    That succulent suitcase is a dream!

    Greetings from Georgia/USA

    MariettesBacktoBasics

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  2. A Runner's MindAugust 3, 2010 at 12:07 AM

    Love the darling "suitcase"! Relax about the spraying...What's wrong with a pesticide or two? asks my farm boy husband! The tractors out in the fields in the dark look so spooky!

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  3. MaggieAugust 3, 2010 at 4:55 AM

    The succulent display is lovely, I can just imagine sitting on that terrace with a glass of wine, watching the day draw to a close.
    Maggie

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  4. BethAugust 3, 2010 at 5:08 AM

    i seriously need to go on a vacation! Since I can't stay at your wonderful house, can you tell me are there any places around there to stay that have gorgeous views like you have???? I would LOVE for DH and I to be able to sit out and drink wine and enjoy without heat, humidity and mosquitos! I really would love to know about the area you are in and if there are places to stay very similar to yours! Thanks!!!

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  5. JoanAugust 3, 2010 at 5:21 AM

    I admire your suitcase so much! I went back a post and found its story. What a conversation piece!

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  6. TamraAugust 3, 2010 at 6:06 AM

    What a view!!

    The vineyards run behind our home but stop about 100 yards to the left of the property behind us. So from inside our home we can't see them. I keep saying I wish they would bring them right over to the hills right behind us but then I wonder about the "spraying". Maybe it's better I just get to see them driving to and from my home.

    Isn't it nice to vacation in your own home? I think so.

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  7. Linda @ A La CarteAugust 3, 2010 at 6:30 AM

    Beautiful view, lovely wine and that succulent suitcase is wonderful. I lived in Napa, CA years ago and loved the weather there.

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  8. Glenda/MidSouthAugust 3, 2010 at 8:31 AM

    What a beautiful place to enjoy the beautiful view.

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  9. CindyAugust 3, 2010 at 8:45 AM

    What a beautiful setting! I would never want to leave that spot, in front of the pool, with the view and the wine! Gorgeous! Love the Succulent Suitcase too!

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  10. jisabirdAugust 3, 2010 at 8:47 AM

    Tell that vineyard they need to go organic;) Although the tractors at night did make for a lovely if slightly spooky photograph.

    Beautiful table setting and beautiful view. Thanks for sharing.

    J.

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  11. jninecostumesAugust 3, 2010 at 8:51 AM

    Hard to focus on the succulents when you have such an amazing view! The suticase came out looking very classy, perfect for a centerpiece, nice and low.

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  12. Entertaining WomenAugust 3, 2010 at 8:56 AM

    You were blessed with a gorgeous evening and beautiful view. The succulent suitcase was a lovely appointment. Thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay

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  13. HelenAugust 3, 2010 at 9:31 AM

    From Bend Oregon .... hello! Your photos and table design are spectacular!

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  14. Lori @ Projects PlentyAugust 3, 2010 at 11:41 AM

    Wow, love your succulent suitcase planter but I was slightly distracted by your home and the view... amazing. What do you call those pools that look like they go into the horizon? I know I have heard a term... will have to look that up.

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  15. BonnieAugust 3, 2010 at 12:43 PM

    I would love to be your guest for wine and cheese with such a gorgeous setting. Your succulent suitcase is so clever and fits with your table and view.

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  16. A Lasting First ImpressionAugust 3, 2010 at 2:27 PM

    That view and setting is AMAZING!!!! I think that sitting there with a drink must feel completely magical!!! Love the new suitcase, so very cool. What a great find!

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  17. A Hint of HomeAugust 3, 2010 at 7:54 PM

    What a gorgeous view! The suitcase is so sweet!

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  18. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereAugust 3, 2010 at 8:20 PM

    Delores, You have such an amazingly beautiful view and what a wonderful place to relax with a glass of wine! Hugs, Sherry

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  19. HeidiAugust 3, 2010 at 8:49 PM

    Hi Delores,
    OMG, I just can't get over that view! I would never tire of it, and can imagine sitting there on a warm evening, heaven!!
    Love the wicker suitcase with the succulents, how clever you are. It's perfect for your table.
    Yum, your appetizers sound delicious! All my favorite foods, but then most foods are my favorites!
    XO
    Heidi

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  20. Barbara JeanAugust 3, 2010 at 8:54 PM

    too cool succulent suitcase.

    blessings

    barbara jean

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  21. Light and VoicesAugust 3, 2010 at 10:35 PM

    What view! Succulent suitcase was a wonderful idea for your party/

    Joyce M

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  22. Privet and HollyAugust 4, 2010 at 6:26 AM

    I could feel the
    breeze on my face....
    taste the wine...
    the cheese....
    and see the sun set.
    Magic! Thank you!
    xx Suzanne

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  23. The Style SistersAugust 4, 2010 at 8:15 AM

    STUUNNNNNING! Wow what a view! I love the suitcase filled with succulents. Please come and link up to Centerpiece Wednesay...link up as many times as you would like you have many posts that are so incredible. You inspire us! We are drooling over your home and all your creative ideas.

    Karin

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  24. Lori EAugust 4, 2010 at 11:40 AM

    I love the shot of the wine being poured. My mouth waters.
    Spraying? Ugh. Good idea to head inside to eat. The succulents are so cute. Great idea.

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  25. mimiAugust 4, 2010 at 5:16 PM

    I am having a serious case of Napa envy right now! Your view is incredible and your home and gardens just so lovely! Loving the succulent suitcase, might have to cook one up of my own!

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  26. ~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~August 5, 2010 at 6:06 AM

    What a view! Is it wrong to feel jealous? We live in a lovely area too but we are in the valley so No View for us, but we do have a stream. I love your centerpiece so unique. Spraying, don't even get me going I'm a natural gal. Thanks for sharing.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

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  27. OliviaAugust 5, 2010 at 6:20 PM

    Oh my sweets, how delightful! Love it!
    Hugs,
    Olivia

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  28. Sweet Bee CottageAugust 5, 2010 at 6:37 PM

    Ahhhh....it might have even been worth getting sprayed to enjoy that view, the setting, and the delightful edibles! (Not really - I know getting sprayed is NOT good.) But still....beautiful!

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  29. niartistAugust 5, 2010 at 7:40 PM

    YAY! Delores, thank you so much for playing in my first ever Vignette Friday. *(If you wouldn't mind mentioning the link to the post so that your readers can see the other posts! :)) I love that succulent suitcase - that's an idea that I think is gonna be replicated all over blogland. What a gorgeous look, and of course - no one can pull it off like you. I am in love with your house - and the views! OY VE! When I'm in town would you adopt me!?!? LOL! Thank you so much for this, and everything! You're a constant source of inspiratioN!

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  30. Patti @ Pandoras BoxAugust 5, 2010 at 7:40 PM

    The suitcase is so unique...BUT the view is to die for - Lucky you...hopping over from Color Outside The Lines

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  31. Donna@Conghaile CottageAugust 5, 2010 at 8:09 PM

    What a clever idea to use a picnic hamper for a planter... and your succulents are PERFECT for it!

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  32. Dandelion and DaisyAugust 5, 2010 at 8:28 PM

    Such a beautiful view, I would never want to leave....hopefully, they don't spray often!

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  33. VictoriaAugust 5, 2010 at 8:44 PM

    Oh goodness gracious me oh my...is that seriously your own house??? I'm speechless! Will you adopt me? Goooorgeous!!!!

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  34. Bella's Rose CottageAugust 5, 2010 at 9:59 PM

    Hi Delores... The wicker suitcase is so charming... love that idea! Your view is a beauty:-)
    Bella

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  35. Blue Ridge Altered ArtAugust 6, 2010 at 3:52 AM

    That is a beautiful idea. There is so much in our lives we throw away and if we would stop and think, we could give it a new life. Thanks for helping us think outside the box.

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  36. MarthaAugust 6, 2010 at 8:00 AM

    How clever and I do so love succulents -- didn't put enough in my garden this summer!

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  37. My Dream CanvasAugust 6, 2010 at 6:41 PM

    Wow, I am speechless!!

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  38. MarlisAugust 6, 2010 at 8:03 PM

    your patio is beautiful and the succulents in suitcase (sounds like a dish??) are amazing.

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  39. The Blackwood CottageAugust 9, 2010 at 12:50 PM

    Oh, I really need to tame my envy but I do wish I was there sipping wine and taking in the view!
    machelle

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  40. Kathryn Bechen February 4, 2014 at 9:47 PM

    Oh what an amazing view of wine country! How blessed you are!

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