Monday, May 2, 2011

A Brilliant Idea


After years of eating outside without light, I finally came up with a solution. I found this outdoor galvanized pendant on Ebay last year, originally sold by Pottery Barn and had the electrician wire an electrical outlet at the base of the Mulberry Tree.

We hung the pendant from a branch which ended up perfectly centered over the cement table. It came with 25 feet of cord which we hid in the branches, winding it's way down the trunk where it could be plugged in as needed. Brilliant!
We couldn't wait to see it lit up in the evening.

But wait! I had another brilliant idea. I found these moss bowls at the hardware store in Healdsburg and the light bulb went off in my head to fill them with succulents and hang the baskets from the Mulberry Tree with rope.

I thought three would be the best, all spaced equally around the tree.

It seems that succulents really thrive in this climate.

I am planting them everywhere!

It's getting towards evening and the wind is picking up. The three baskets are still hanging!

We were excited to plug in the light!

Brilliant!


The sun is setting in the courtyard...

And in the vineyard...

It's our favorite time of day...

Watching the birds perform for us...

We're wondering what took us so long to come up with this brilliant idea!

Before, even with candles, we couldn't see our food or each other. My niece even brought her miner's hat once so she could see her dinner!
I'm happy to say that there are now no more summer evening dinners in the dark!

It's not too late to enter my giveaway from Timeless Settings!
Click here for details. The winner will be announced tomorrow.

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31 comments:

Tamra said...

Yes it is absolutely brilliant! Do yourself a favor and put a dimmer switch on it. We found that sometimes after dinner we wanted to still sit outside but wanted to dim the lights a little so we could still see each other but wanted to see the stars. Mood lighting is good everywhere dahling! lol

You will probably eat out there every night this summer.

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

What a lovely setting and fantastic idea!

Amy Kinser said...

This is just beautiful. The setting is gorgeous!

Catherine said...

What a breathtaking setting. Your ideas are genius and inspiring. I want to plant tons of succulents now. The photos are so gorgeous I want to walk into the setting. Love your blog.

Etta said...

Everithing adorable... I love the lamp and the hanging plants... BEAUTIFUL!
kisses
Etta

Linda in AZ * said...

*** Oh Y*E*S, girlfriend... this is alllll FAAABULOUS (annnnd, THIS compliment comes from one who, as you know, LIVES in the desert!)...

Have thought now, since moving here 6 years ago, about doing just what you did, and it DOES INDEED look tres wonderful, and soooo "personal"... "Succulent nursery here I come!"... (American Express Card warming up in the oven as I write! Smiles!)..

Big hugs to all,
Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

That was a great idea, Delores. Love the hanging bowls, too.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Great idea! What a beautiful view, and I really like the succulent baskets.
Have a great week.

Marlis said...

Absolutely lovely. I planted a bunch of succulents this year too, thanks to you! You inspired this great idea. thanks again. I love your lamp. It's perfectly patina'd too.

sheerserendipity said...

I love the lamp and great idea for the hanging baskets full of succulents! Your view is beyond spectacular, I would never leave that backyard!

Rose H (UK) said...

The lighting looks great!
Love the hanging baskets around the tree :o)
What is the name of the little 'pea' plant succulent please? My aunt used to have them and I'd love to track some down but it's difficult without knowing the name!

mama c said...

Wow, what a view! I love the way you hung the beautiful succulents under you tree, Very peaceful setting!
Char

Southerncook said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your hanging lantern. I adore your concrete table too and those baskets of succlents, welllllllll what can I say another Delores brilliant idea that I am adopting. Succulents are showing up here more and more too and why not since our summer heat here in N FL is horrific. Thank you again Delores.

Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

Privet and Holly said...

Delores, do you ever take
in that view and need to
pinch yourself?? So very
beautiful and I love your
new light!
xx Suzanne

Kathy said...

It is all so special...right out of a magazine..love coming here!

Petie@inspirednesting.com said...

Brilliant indeed! Love the look and love the succulents. Your views are spectacular!

Sarah said...

Brilliant idea, Delores! We have lights in the trees and on the terrace, but I've often wished for a light hanging down over the table. I'll have to see if something like this would work hanging from our tree. Thanks for sharing. It all looks wonderful. ~ Sarah

Angela said...

BEAUTIFUL!! I love outdoor spaces!
~Angela

cge4211 said...

You certainly chose the perfect dining lamp. It looks so great with those beautiful weathered gray chairs. The succulents look lovely hanging from that fabulous tree, with the limbs so wonderfully covered with Lichen. That even co-ordinates with the gray chairs and lamp, but then you always seem to choose just the right touches. Thanks for sharing! Carolyn in NC

Stephanie said...

The baskets hanging from the tree look gorgeous!

Lori E said...

Well we all love candle light but it is nice to have a a lamp to plug in. Your view is so gorgeous. I picture many warm evenings out there with great friends and conversations.

Ashley lamps said...

Everything you did is beautiful. :D
Love it.

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

OMG!!!! Your view is awe inspiring!!! I would never get tired of seeing that!!!!!!!!!!!! And I never do when you show us in pictures like this!!!!! The succulenys in the moss bowls are gorgeous and I LOOOOVE the new light! It is perfect! I love your neice and her great idea:):):) This post is gorgeous. I want succulets now, not sure how they would do here though. It;s worth a try!!!!!! XO, Pinky

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Can you also tell me about the cement table???? I have always LOVED it too. Where did you get it etc>????? Thanks!

Kathysue said...

Hi D, Omgosh it is brillant and so picturesque. Seriously looks like a beautiful spread in a magazine. Love the hanging moss bowls, what a perfect setting you have made for your home!! Love love it!!
Kathysue

Julio Muao said...

Great post Delores! Love the new light fixture,moss bowls and views. Thank you for the cyber sunshine!

Unknown said...

I have this same lighting issue... brilliant solution! I saw a similar fixture at Home Depot the other day. My mind is already working on it!

bj said...

SIMPLY AMAZING...:)

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

It's wonderful! I'd love to sit under that light and dine in your picturesque surroundings. laurie

Cyndy said...

FABulous idea as always
FABulous view!

sure lovin ur succulents. Its been in the 90's here in the OC and so ready for the June gloom

Cyndy
http://stores.ebay.com/Cyndys-BEACH-HOUSE?_rdc=1
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cyndys-Beach-House/206794556021103

Anonymous said...

How lucky you are to live in such a beautiful surroundings Delores -this is absolute heaven . Your blog is only one of very few I check out regularly ,(there are to many exciting blogs out there - I would go nuts trying to keep up with more !)
(BTW ,thanks for checking out my experimental blog last year..I just wanted to see how it is done ,and it is a LOT of work : / )
Best wishes ,Agusta (Iceland )

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