Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Tuesday Inspiration: Alfresco Dining and a Winner


With the weather finally getting warmer, it's time to think about alfresco dining.

I'm always looking for outside dining inspiration like this rustic table under the oak tree.
Notice the succulents? This is Mary Steenburgen and Ted Dansen's home in Ojai.

House Beautiful
I love the zinc table and metal chairs in the Napa Valley home of Patrick Wade and Dave DeMattei

More rustic beauty, designed by Sandy Koepke.

A Provençal setting, designed by Bunny Williams.

Miresparis
A very, very rustic table somewhere in the South of France.

House Beautiful
The chickens are wondering what's for lunch. This setting, designed by Penelope Bianchi is in Santa Barbara.

A lovely lunch alfresco!

Now is when a rustic burlap tablecloth just seems right.

However, a fine white linen one will be unexpected.

Campagne Decoration

A dramatic birdcage centerpiece dominates this outdoor table setting. Love the little olive trees in wood pots!

Campagne Decoration
Talk about dramatic! Everybody gets their own fur in case it gets chilly!

Rue
How lovely is this rooftop terrace designed by Celerie Kemble!

vignette design
I love dining alfresco and have quite a few places set up to do so.
We take a lot of family meals at this table.

vignette design
A smaller venue under the arbor.

vignette design
We also dined under the tent for many years.

vignette design
In Asti, there's our favorite place under the Mulberry Tree.

vignette design
And in case it is too hot, or too rainy, we can eat here.

vignette design
Whether it's hors d'oeuvres, lunch, or a late evening meal, food just tastes better alfresco!

I'm excited to announce the winner of the $50 gift certificate to Timeless Settings is.....
Drumroll please!
Congratulations Donna!

(Winner was chosen, using the Random Number Generator)


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21 comments:

Helen said...

Each one of these photos ~ scrumptious! I can't even choose a favorite. Spring is slow coming to Bend Oregon ... I am so ready to dine alfresco.

Low Tide High Style said...

Dining outdoors is one of my favorite things about the summer! Your outdoor dining spaces rival any of those created by the designers and styled for magazines!

Kat :)

Marlis said...

So much inspiration! Loved each photo. You keep inspiring us every day. congrats to Donna!

Laura Everyday Edits said...

new follower after sawing you another blogroll.

visiting from http://imnotatrophywife.com

laura

Unknown said...

This has been a very encouraging post! I've needed patio furniture for a couple of years but there have been so many other priorities that this has been pushed aside. You've given me inspiration that some "reclaimed" items can look just as beautiful! I love those paint chipped yellow metal chairs! Time to hit a flea market or estate sales!

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

The photos are beautiful but I still say YOUR homes are the MOST gorgeous settings!!!!! I just shake my head in wonder, and admiration!!!! Love every single thing that you do girl. XO, Pinky

savvycityfarmer said...

... oh my heavenly days ... the moss chandie I jiust posted would complete any one of these settings!

how coincidental

Anonymous said...

*sigh* what stunning summer inspirations.. wow!

NanaDiana said...

Beautiful settings- each and every one of them...However, yours are as wonderful as any of the top designed ones! Lovely...and Congrats to Donna- Hugs- Diana

Gerry said...

Those are just beautiful and I have to say the photos of your dining spaces are just as lovely as the pros. I am so ready to start dining outside! It has been such a long winter and these pictures have given me so much inspiration to set my table on the deck IF it ever stops raining here. Can't wait!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Thanks for all the inspiration. Time to get busy and put one together. hugs ~lynne~

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

We love dining al fresco too. Our newly built pergola will be perfect for that. I love the pictures you have shown.

Congrats to the winner!

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

Thank you SO MUCH Delores for this wonderful giveaway!
Your pictures are WONDERFUL and each and every setting is beautiful "BUT"...YOURS is the "BEST", it's the most gorgeous setting AND "What a Room with a View"!!! "Priceless"!!!
Thank you again, and again...
Have a wonderful week,
Hugs
Donna

Victoria said...

enchanting spaces all of your personal spaces are wonderful and Sandy Koepke's love her juxtapostion of elements has been in my file for a quite sometime

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Fabulous inspiration Delores, and photos of your dining spots fit right in with those from magazines. laurie

Kathysue said...

Delores, Your setting is as beautiful as any of the others you have pictured. So lovely and inviting. I could spend hours there looking at that gorgeous view. You have it designed so beautifully, you are a real talent my friend,Kathysue

for the love of a house said...

fabulous photos!! this, too, is on Dan's to-do list: build outdoor dining table;).... poor Dan!

joan

Sarah said...

Delores, I could slide right into any of these inspirational settings. Alfresco dining is how I prefer to eat. Add in an incredible view or setting and it's heavenly. Gorgeous photos! No question you have beautiful spots for alfresco dining. ~ Sarah
PS
Congratulations to Donna! I'm thrilled she won.

Mary said...

There's nothing better than dining alfresco...under your arbor, mulberry tree, or tent, they are all perfect spots~ especially with a dog at your feet! Congrats to Donna :-)

Bonnie said...

Your Alfresco dining tour was lovely. I loved them all.

Lord Cowell said...

Great blog, full of inspirational ideas. I just had to add you to my blogroll.
Regards,
David.

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