G'day girlies. How do you like my latest table? I haven't entertained for a while but last weekend we had a little birthday supper for another English gal, so I thought some vintage style and nostalgic teacups would be a trifle nice…
The flowers were from Mr Beach Cottage and unbeknown to him tied in beautifully with what I had vaguely put together in the back of my mind and the little sprinkles I picked out of one of those revolting little cheap kiddies birthday packs, I love how it turned out…
I keep entertaining very very simple, my brain power can't take anything more than that, it's enough to get over the hurdle of actually inviting someone over. I am not one for elaborate shows of all day slaving in the kitchen – most often we have people over at the weekend when I am out for sporting activities all day and therefore have little or no time to prepare for it. I love to see a well-dressed table though and I don't always like it formal like this, a cafe-style lunch table is probably my favourite of all. I think though that table dressing is easily achieved, ten minutes of foofing around with the table in your undies belies you having flown through the door not long before, smelly soccer kids in tow and seriously needing a beer…
I like entertaining food to be easy to make and abundant, with a kinda cosy homey feel (no it doesn't have to be white) and for this supper I served easy shop-bought nibbles from the deli and then chicken with cream, mustard and tarragon – an idea from the fabulous Nigel Slater (one of my all-time fave cookery writers), a green salad, and a country loaf, followed by a classic cheeseboard, and then for those who liked French Apple Pie (one of my only desserts – I am happy to make this without placing any demands on my limited baking skills). And in this case because I was positively bursting to use my Noritake teacups, we replaced coffee with Assam tea…
You can find lovely dressed tables this beautiful Thursday over at Susans blog. A place where you'll find your draw dropping at the eye candy that is Tablescaping..
As always, a post full of charm & grace with the reality of thrift shopping for something extra specially nice.
That looks really smart, I hope your friend loved it
mel xxx
Your table shows that simplicity can be very beautiful. I love that pop of purple with all the white.
So frESh! anything you serve at a table like that will taste yummy! I really need to foof my table more… thanks for the reminder that it can been done quick and and on the cheap!
LuLu
So pretty. I love the touch of purple and the lace topper. Wonderful!
Table looks great and food sounds delish. When can we come over?
wow what a beautiful table setting!
Hello! What a lovely table you’ve set. So fresh and inviting. I love the lace and the purple flowers! Everything in your cottage is refreshing and inspiring. I lived on the coast of FL for 11 years. The coastal living experience is like no other. Just lovely.
Alisa
White with a touch of color, always one of my favorites…, and I like how you use the little tealights, just like that.
Wow!…love the table setting…so simple, yet elegant. Gotta love it when the Mr. brings flowers! Your meal sounds very delicious. Love the little touch of ~bling~ with the metallic sprinkles…brings just the right touch of “festive” to your birthday table!
pretty!
Very pretty
The purple flowers are a lovely centerpiece 
You have an amazing eye for photography — the angles, the focus on the subject, the small details… absolutely perfect
Oh I do love this table you set. Love the centerpiece with those great purple flowers. So pretty. Everything is so fresh!
Really pretty table, love the purple flowers!
Linda Q
What time shall I be over… soooo pretty and soothing… I could use some calm in my life!
ENJOY your day!
Fifi
It looks so pretty. It is amazing what you can accomplish in such a short amount of time and with little money!
Alison
Hi Sarah,
Beautifully stunning tablescape as usual. You have such a talent for that my dear.
Hugs,
LeAnn:)
So light and pretty. Love your blog!
Pure loveliness…a beautiful table befitting a queen…or a princess!! You really know how to turn simplicity into magnificence, don’t you?
Love the white, it looks so crisp and elegant. You have done an amazing job on your table. Just beautiful!
Debbie
I’m loving the table. Lisianthius are one of my favourite flowers, especially purple!! I even had them in my wedding bouquet!! You are so good at getting the best bargains at your local vinnys. Our local never has anything worth scavenging!! Keep up the great work, I love your blog
Sarah, What a lovely tablescape! Love it all! The vintage crocheted table topper is so beautiful! Striking! ~CC Catherine of “Catherine de th`e Cups”
It’s absolutely beautiful. As always a pleasure to read. Happy writing! The Fun Fairy
What a pretty table! You have a perfect sense of proportion. Love the soft whites and neutrals. Very nice to see the foursome set in twos across from each other.
Lovely work.
I hope your friend enjoyed the party. Very sweet table. Really liked the little touch of confetti to tie in your theme. Have a great weekend.
very pretty table!
Simple, elegant & beautiful!
So pretty! I was wondering ~ is the outside of your cottage as charming as the inside? I’m sure it is.
Have a lovely day!
Sarah
How lovely! I love the purple! Its so refreshing! Just love it.
I LOVE it. Very vintage, very fresh. Love the little birthday thingys scattered about!
Sarah…my jaw is dropping right here! You always have the prettiest, freshest tables! I love all the white and soft feathery colors…feels just right! And I can’t even bare to ask what you paid for that china ’cause I know I’ll have to just go sit in the corner and pout!
This is beautiful! You never disappoint! Susan
Its so pretty…..Beautiful! X
Love the soft whites throughout your home. Makes me think of barefoot summer days.
an absolute lovely table! those dishes are beautiful and so glad you got them at a budget price. the purple flowers with their silver bow just make everything luscious.
bj
Sarah, I just wanted to let you know that I have been thinking about you upon reading about the fires raging in the Victoria area. I hope the fires aren’t close to you. The loss of lives and homes is heart wrenching. I have witnessed first hand a wildfire take the homes of my friends and know how devasting it can be…fortunately we didn’t experience any loss of life.
Renee
You have such a divine knack for display. Looks like pages from an elegant magazine spread.
Brenda
that is one beautiful table arrangement. i’m sure your friend loved it and was made to feel special
Wow! I can’t believe I found you. We live in a 285 year old beach cottage on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA. We’ve slowly been bringing it to life. I love all your white. We have recently gone from all white to more of a 1700s color scheme but sometimes I miss the crispness of white. I particularly like the wheat colored curtains in your bathroom. Really lovely.
I’m looking forward to getting more acquainted with you and your lovely blog.
All the best.
Joanne
apronsgonewild.blogspot.com
apronsgonewild.etsy.com
That’s so pretty! Margot by Noritake is my mom’s formal china. So elegant and charming!
A gorgeous setting on your table!! I´m browsing through your breathtaking pages…
I´m really happy to have found you.