Welcome to Monday Morning Blooms!
Pam, Mary, Shirley and I always look forward to sharing our flower therapy with all of you, and with each other.
My plan for today's floral arrangement was that I would go out and buy flowers, set up a table outside in the garden, really take my time with the flowers, and make it glorious! But my plans changed. This past Monday, we had almost hurricane force winds in our part of Southern California, and two huge fires began. We live between these two fires, 20 minutes drive each way. We were so blessed to be totally safe, 90,000 people had to evacuate in our area.
Our gardens took a huge beating. Not only did the strong winds uproot trees, plants and bushes were shaken to their very core. Everything was covered with huge black ashes, as well as smaller grey ash. I put the beautiful outdoor setting on hold and we began working on cleaning up the mess and saving as much of our garden as we could. And I was grateful that our beach town is not in the fire zone. {by now, the fires are almost contained.}
I am also so grateful that most things in our garden are doing well. We were able to tie two trees to two sides of a fence {!!} to keep them from snapping and/or flying away in the worst part of the storm. The winds have gone, and our garden has been mostly set to rights.
Our local farm stand is close by and I ran and picked up some local produce there and paired it with a few things I already had. Because Monday Morning Blooms is my favorite, and I was going to make it happen, even if it wasn't perfect or what I had planned on.
I made a use what you have fall centerpiece.
For this centerpiece, I used what I had, and added some produce. It began with a few little white pumpkins, and these beautiful juicy plums our farm stand had. I just added a few things from there.
I don't know about you, but we have been carefully having our children and little people over for dinner outside. Social distancing in place, each little family sitting on one end of our very long outdoor table.
For this table setting, I began with our Bronte Throws. There is something cozy and homey about a table layered with plaid wool, isn't there?
An antique French compote was the base for this centerpiece. Beginning with a few branches of eucalyptus layered on the bottom, then three mini pumpkins nestled in the center. Gorgeous wine colored grapes hang off one side, and a couple of large plums join the party.
Pears are in season right now, and the d'anjou pears are a stunning chartreuse color and a good complement to the deep wine colors.
A sunflower and a few little mums left over from last week's living room bouquet proved to be the last touch this centerpiece needed. Which proves that sometimes, you can use what you have and even a few flowers make everything lovely!
I used one of our antique bread boards at each place setting. The flax napkins are really towels, they have the prettiest sheaf of wheat embroidered on the front.
Late in the afternoon, the sun dappled over the garden and our table.
Each place setting has vintage brass and bakelite appetizer forks and knives, the burnt orange of the handles couldn't be more perfect for this table.
As the afternoon sun began to set, I served soup and salad. The best of times, when my family's laughter rings around our table. I cherish these times in my heart, never more so than this year.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Please be sure to visit my girlfriends - they never cease to amaze and inspire me with their talents, generosity of spirit and kindness.
AND WE HAVE EXCITING NEWS!!
On November 16th, we are partnering with a luxurious linen and tabletop company
to bring you beautiful tabletop inspiration to help you celebrate
and make your holidays special.
Our sponsors are offering a most gracious and luxurious giveaway to one lucky reader!
- Please stay tuned -
SHIRLEY at Housepitality Designs
and me, LIDY at FrenchGardenHouse.
A BIENTOT
Shop for the best in French Antiques, furniture with the patina of age, vintage accessories to delight you and your family & friends, and French Country utilitarian pieces. Treasures that make your home fresh, beautiful, inspirational and above all uniquely yours. Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com
39 comments
Sandi, what a sweet memory! You are right, sometimes the best arrangements are the ones we “gather” from here and there. : )
We’ve been keeping informed on the California fires and I pray quite a lot. It’s terrifying to me. My son lived in San Diego in 2007 when there were huge fires. He was trapped with no where to go except to head toward the ocean as per instructions. We called him every hour overnight to keep him awake. His area missed it thankfully.
I absolutely love your table and that beautiful centerpiece. It’s natural, organic, sweet, and fun! It is perfect for outdoor dining as you have here, but equally perfect indoors. I love the sunflowers which are quintessential for fall!
I know many of us who are older are strictly avoiding all family members during this pandemic. We began seeing our chidden after the initial quarantine was lifted in May, but carefully—-masks and staying far apart…no get togethers or parties, just coming to and fro to each others homes. And we hugged and kissed those grands! Right now my husband and I are staying completely away from friends and family as the numbers are spiking and flu season is upon us. We’ve also have some family members and friends who have tested positive so it reinforces us to stay put for now.
Be well, Lidy. Sending love and hugs!
Jane ?
How wonderful that you were spared from the devastating fires, and you were able to clean up your gardens. What a beautiful table with such a lovely arrangement you made with all that you had going on. Your sun dappled photos just draw me in, Lidy! I so appreciate you visiting my blog and your kind comment.
Beautiful setting and thank heavens you were safe and didn’t need to evacuate, I feel your anxiety, our house burned down Aug 17th in northern California mega fires, fortunately we weren’t there when it happened and had already purchased another home we were transitioning to retire to, but seeing 31 years there disappear will always leave a mark. With smoke and ash, not to mention those winds I too was terrified would start something new, you were a real trooper to feel creative! Your photos are gorgeous and sadly I am now leaving here hungry …
Your table is so inspiring and beautiful…How cheerful! Those napkins are precious…The centerpiece is amazing…I would love to join you there! Congratulations!
You wouldn’t know your garden had high winds. Thankful you are safe from storm and fire. The table setting is just lovely.
Before my boys were married, I was always hopeful that they would bring flowers for Thanksgiving dinner, well, it took until they had wives for them to show up with a plant or flowers. So, I would run around the yard (sometimes in snow) snipping this and that, ramming it all into a pumpkin or a mini-tureen to put something on the table. Surprisingly, some of these arrangements/centerpieces were amazing. Necessity is the mother of invention…great post and such a lovely cheese server…couldn’t help but notice that gorgeous transfer ware piece, Sandi
Donna, thank you for your visit. Honestly, the garden is minor, these fires have been so devastating to so many! I am grateful.
Dear, sweet Lidy! I am so concerned about tomorrow, and I know Jesus told us not to be. My anxiety threatens to overwhelm, but I keep clinging to the hope that God will hear our prayers for mercy. Sending love and hugs your way today!
Mary, I wish you could all join me here! {the ashes are almost all gone : ) } No, I want to be you when I grow up!! You never cease to inspire me with your creativity, friend. Wishing you a happy week ahead! xo