G'day fellow table-dressing-lovers. Call me an obsessive, if you must, but I lurve it – such a great thing to do when I get a bit of time, to busy myself quietly at the table, gathering up a few simple things that I already have from around the cottage…and just fiddling (well I did do a lot of laundry yesterday I earned like heaps of time to myself).
Or you can…
If you fancy joining in, my next fantabulous Beach Cottage Recession Buster May Giveaway will be on Monday – just let me know in the comments on this post, or send me a message at abeachcottage@gmail.com if you're interested in joining in and I'll get a linky going or stick your giveaway in my sidebar.
And now…sorry I can't go without talking about the washing...
Firstly thank you for commenting, I am frantically writing names on bits of paper…secondly I am quite taken aback about areas not allowing washing, how terribly awful, does that mean you have to keep your washing inside, as in by law?
I mean I grew up in a place where people compete to get their laundry out first, my mum, like Jo has Washing Line OCD, she hangs things in themes by garment, in height order…she texts me from England for God's sake and tells me it's a good washing day!
I just cannot get my head round clotheslines not being mainstream…but ain't that the beauty of blogging?
Love the candles on the wicker base. How exciting a giveaway is! I have subscribed with joy!
I love your blog – found it through Beach Vinatge and I am really intrigued by which part of Australia you live? Because we too left the UK in 2005 but sadly it didn’t work out for us and we back to England a year later. Part of me always wonders what life would be like if we stayed and now I have found your blog it is like you are living some little dream of mine. It’s really lovely. I loved your post aboout picking up wetsuits and brushing sand out…sigh.
I loved the very simple yet classy table arrangement…absolutely loved the candles in wicker basket arrangement…
What a beautiful arrangement! New visitor here! Happy to meet you- I bring greetings from California. I dream of the day I move from inland to coast- thanks for all the inspiration!
I love your table arrangements.
You are so creative.
I love the laundry stuff and the place mats – very casual beach house…
There is nothing I like better than having a sunny day that means I get ALL the washing done before midday, out on the line and dried by late afternoon so that it ALL smells fresh and like sunshine and I can put it ALL away in the same day!!!
You all know what its like with a few grubby boys and a smelly/grubby by the end of the day husband….leave it for a day or two and theres LOADS to do! And ALL the towels is even better!!!
Winter is indoors on clothes horses to trip over as they stand over the heating vents (for a couple of days) of our central heating that needs the ducting replaced
Irene x
ps. why not make a short slip cover to go over just the top of your slip covered dining chairs so that there is less to launder. Maybe 10 inches long or so. Just remove the tops and wash as needed while the rest stays clean for those photo shoots.
Oooh, it’s lovely! I’ve been waiting to see what you’d chosen… And you know blue is my favourite, I suspect! (It doesn’t take many visits to my blog to work that out.) Thanks for your adopted role of recession buster! My giveaway can only be days away, so together maybe we can cheer up a good few people!
what a great table setting…very relaxing.
}
{but not boring! huge difference
I am totally in the giveaway mood right now…we are having a monthly giveaway right now and we are 10 posts away from our century celebration!!! excited for that one.
great stuff.
chasity
As always your pictures are so soothing to the eye.It just takes me away.Thank you.
Loving the shades of blue for the little beach cottage, they add another earthy dimension to the scene. Congrats on deciding to burst through the recession misery, there are lots of good things in life worth celebrating.
Sweet and serene touches of blue! Love….
And yes – be gone gloom and doom!
We have a life to live!!!
xo,
Kim
The tablescape looks fabulous. Love the napkins and placemats. Happy to see the blue as I am addicted to it.
Renee
I love this tablescape. It just makes me want to go to the beach!
Love the colors, and a g’day to you from Ankeny, Iowa
Pure eye candy!
Scribbler
I love anything beachy. Don’t live near the beach but sure do love it. Count me in.
very pretty…crisp and airy.. I love it! Happy Tablescape Thursday ~ Susan
Your tablescape is just beachy. I love it!!!!
Your table setting is so serene and welcoming!
I love it!!
Terri
Luv your table setting! Would you have a clue as to why when I put your button code in html it doesn’t show or if it does it doesn’t work?
Heres my email for drawing if you will please: thepurplesquirrelsalon@yahoo.com
Thanks loving your blog.
Mmmmm! the soft blue and candlelight is to die for…lovely!
Love the touches of blue! The placemats are great!
I love your table! It is so soothing, relaxing & inviting. Your beach house seems to be quite the tranquil place. I love how your simple tablescapes are so wonderful. Thanks for visiting my tablescape & leaving me a comment.
P.S. I haven’t seen clothes on a line to dry since I was a kid (and that was probably like 40 years ago). It just isn’t done here in the states anymore. At least not in California (I can hear you gasping).
This is such a beautiful tablescape. I love the beach theme, plus it is so clean and calm. I just love Tablescape Thursday and seeing what people come up with!
I would love to be entered in your giveaway. Those blues and putty and white would be perfect with my new tablecoth!
Kady
Life on the Edge
So pretty! I know I haven’t commented much lately…I’m using the Google Reader now, and am too lazy to click over. But I’m still following you…
lovely table. not stuffy but has all the elements! and i love shells. they are all over my house. and sometimes around my neck. i even have one tied to the car shifter from my 50th b’day (celebrated by a walk on the beach). my d.h. hates line dried clothes and i LUV them. he’s not here all day long, sooooo … do you plan on returning to eng. at any time? how very brave to move to such a different place. jkj
What a great giveaway! I love it all! Thanks for linking to my blog…that was a nice little surprise when I came to visit you today!
Well, your adding shades of blue just adds to the beachy feel of things, Sarah. Blue is just tranquility for me. Like gazing into the sky and letting the floating clouds just drift you away like Calgon baths. Getting rather carried away here now. Thanks for linking to me. Like a present in itself!
Brenda
Oh! Your tablescape is so soothing,calm and serene! I can almost hear the waves crashing on the beach!! Beautiful job!!
Oh Sarah, please enter me into the drawing! That blue and putty table scape would look lovely on my boring little kitchen table. It needs a bit of foofing from down under.
You are already on my blogroll and I put your Beach Cottage button on my blog sidebar a few days ago.
Thanks!
Brenda from San Diego
Beautiful beachy tablescape!! Love the blue, putty, and cream combination
I’ve added a picture of the prize to the sidebar on our blog, to go along with your beach cottage badge
Thanks for busting the recession misery
Have a great weekend!!
Kelly @ DesignTies
Those would so cute with my new table center piece that I just finished today!!
Love it!!
Hugs~T
I love this table setting.Subscribed of course.Would love to win this.
sweethollycottage(at)charter(dot)net
Another lovely tablescape. Someday I’ll have to pop over to Australia for a bite to eat and to admire your handy work.
Blessing,
Rachel
Thanks for the giveaway! I found your blog last year at the Bloggy Carnival (now discontinued) and I’ve been coming by since. The white resort style that you promote is so peaceful and whole, I wish I could stick to one style like that.
I love the place mats and napkins, the blue looks really nice! :O)
Your table setting is perfect…crisp, clean, inviting and not fussy! I LOVE it!
Kimberly
Your blog is dreamy, just like your home. Left to my own devices, everything would be pale. We’re workin’ on it
Lovely giveaway!
Sarah, this is just beautiful! You really know how to make a table look beautiful no matter what ingredients you use! Beautiful photos!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia
Love the addition of that pale blue and putty to your table. It’s still such a beachy and calm look. Love your idea of a recession busting giveaway. I’m always amazed by your creativity. laurie
I’m following, but I don’t see any secret words… ?? Send me a hint
The touch of blue is so peaceful. Love the giveaway !
beva
And your sweet button is now on my sidebar, Sarah
omgosh! the comment you made about coming from a place where people compete to get their laundry out first CRACKED ME UP!!!! when we were in Newfoundland a few summers ago, my husband (who is from NFLD) joked that i would be the talk of GULL ISLAND because I HAD MY LAUNDRY OUT FIRST! LOL must be a northern hemisphere-thing!
btw… love the blue and putty thing… i have that going on in my house so i hope i win!!!
Darling girl…your sea blue looks FABULOUS in among the whites…I love it all…
Since I was so lucky to win one of your fabulous giveaways, which I am so enjoying…I won’t ask you to include me in your giveaways. Some of the others will be able to enjoy your good style and taste..I am using “your” placemats and napkins in an upcoming Tablescape…will let you know.
And, SOME grunge from little boys makes it all seem real !!
hugs, bj
Soo pretty with the blue in it. I’ve mentioned to hubby several times that I’d like a clothesline this year…at least for sheets…I do dislike towels on the line…dryer for me every time for those..and underwear..ouch.
Lots of homeowner associations do not allow clotheslines. Shoot, they even dictate the type of fence you may have, landscaping, paint colors, etc and you PAY for the privilege of having them boss you around. Lived in an HOA neighborhood…once for 3 yrs and never again. When my MIL bought her home, my BIL tried to tell her that there was an HOA and she’d hate it…and she does and the fees keep going up.
As usual Sarah your table looks beautiful! I have the cushions in that fabric on my lounge. When I get sick of the putty and white stripe I change them to the blue,white and putty to add a bit of colour in the room…thus the idea of the blue chairs….bad bad bad idea!!
Also, although I love the placemats don’t enter me in your giveaway. I have these gorgeous placemats with shells around the edges that I almost never use so your beautiful placemats would be wasted on me! There are loads of people on here who from reading their comments I know would use them and treasure them every time they set the table where as my family are lucky they even get a knife and fork!!
As always, your tablescape looks fantastic. As I have mentioned before, I think you have a real knack for making everything in your cottage just right. I really enjoy your cheery blog.
Chrissie
Now…if I could just afford a cottage at teh beach
Marilyn xoxo
Oh Pick me Pick Me!!!
I won’t ever live by the beach, so I have to pretend.
Like the idea of using starfish in the table setting – I should try this, as I do have some star fish in the house.
Hope you have a lovely mother’s day on Sunday Sarah!
So nice … simple, romantic, and laid-back the kind of stuff that makes me go dreaming. I love the accents…candles, shells ….
Oh How I would love to win this! Great giveaway! Ill be reading your blog now, just found it though Life at Cherry Tree Corner,
Love your blog!
I just love your blog! That table is so my style!
Sarah, you have no idea how completely honored I am that you stopped by to welcome me to the world of blogging! I have been lurking around your beautiful blog for months and months, admiring everything you do in your lovely white beach cottage. Maybe you noticed you are listed on my sidebar under my favorite inspirational people.
Thank you so much for visiting me and your sweet, encouraging words.
Shari @ My Cottage of Bliss
* I SIMPLY adore the SIMPLICITY and soooooothing RESTRAINT you’ve shown here… absolutely wonderful! Many thanks, from a born n’ bred California gal, who lives in Arizona! * Best, Linda *
Beautiful table scape!
loving the new blue you….
I love your tablescape.
Have a beautiful Mother’s Day
i love the beach and i definitely am inspired by the beach when i decorate, especially my living room (pale blue couches, white tables with wicker baskets) and my bathroom (bottles of seaglass and sand). your table looks perfectly beachy! casual and elegant all at once.
sign me up, please!
xo
Hello I linked to you on twitter and I twittered about your contest.
By the way you have a lovely blog.
God Bless,
Mrs.Garcia(carlitaGAR@bellsouth.net)
Love your blog! So refreshing. Makes me want to live at the beach! Hoping to win the give-away too!
gotta love that blue, lookin’ good Sarah
Lyn xxx
what a lovely table scape! it is so dreamy and clean…so fresh…i love.
I’ve got your giveaway button on my blog…so count me in twice! Thank you~
What a great giveaway! The table looks soooo lovely! Thanks!
This is heavenly! Please add my entry to the drawing. This would be a delight for a beach birthday party I am throwing in a few weeks. I’m a non-blogger, but I’ll spread the word to my blogger friends.
Oh, what a beautiful blog you have! Please enter my name in your giveaway. Thanks so much, Joanne ~~ glamourgirljoanne@yahoo.com
I follow on Twitter and I tweeted!
http://tweetchat.com/room/SigJeans
Thank you for the chance to win your ultra cool table accessories! I love the colors.
Blessings,
Marie
blog: http://emmacallsmemama.com
email: marie@waltercom.com
I am now following you on Twitter and did a “tweet tweet” to your blog! I also went to your feed. I love your site – looking forward to coming back!
Thank you for the chance to win.
Blessings,
Marie
blog: http://emmacallsmemama.com
email: marie@waltercom.com
Tease all you want about your “wonderful good taste and natural style”… strolling around your blog, it’s obvious you have both! Happy Mother’s Day
Greetings from Egypt… this is the first time I have come across your blog and it is just delightful. Pop over to mine anytime and see how exactly polar opposite it is…;o}. But I would love a pair of those delightful shell serviette holders. Your table is just gorgeous. I am always looking for ideas. Sadly, here in the land of sun and dust, there are few opportunities to acquire such fabulous trinkets so I would appreciate you sending them all the way here if you like. I will be back for more.
Your tablescape is beautiful. I adore your blog and so wish I lived by the sea. ?
Beautiful. I think the beachy blue is just perfect
My beach house has all sorts of beachy shades 
and I can hardly wait until I can get out this spring and find some treasures that I can whiten/brighten to cheer the place up.
I so love you blog, it’s very peaceful
Hello !
) Love your scape
You “talk” funny….lol ! You probably think I talk funny too
and the colors are so nice !
Hugs ~ Kammy
I love the beach table setting. Transitioning my daughters room into a more beach theme as she’s gotten older. She loves the beach and these would be great on my new to me table.
It’s always fun to see what you are doing on your blog and this table is so inviting. thanks for visiting my blog too.
That’s beautiful and so is your blog!
Oh! Blue is my favorite… and I love shells! Wish I lived by the beach, but I do get to enjoy going once a year at least!
Love your blog — found it via Cindy’s blog and giveaway. Please enter my name in your own giveaway. Thanks, Joanne ~~ glamourgirljoanne@yahoo.com
I love your blog and your giveaway!!! Please count me in:)
**smiles**
Carol
Your beachy things are just making so anxious to get to the beach. As soon as we get this daughter married off….
Your giveaway is divine!
Beautiful tablescapes, I learned well from your blog and the pictures you post, I get compliments from most of my tablescapes now.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Sarah…
I’m following your link over from Cindy’s blog…and I’m so glad that I did! This is my very first visit to your place and I am finding it quite delightful! I just love your pretty coastal tablescape…love the whites with just a touch of blue and brown!!! Gorgeous!!!
I really do like those pretty napkins and would love for you to add my name to your giveaway pot…Ohhh, crossing my fingers…crossing my toes…and I’m even crossing my eyes!!! Hehe!!! Thanks so much!!!
Warmest wishes,
Chari
oh my what an awesome idea for a giveaway! I’d love to be entered.
I a really loving your blog, off to read some more, and I subscribed to your feed.
Beautiful tablescape!! Love your blog!
Hugs!
Michele R.(CA)
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
Butterfly Whispers
This is very nicely arranged! It looks great!
((((Major sigh)))))! SO LOVELY! Want to make a jaunt across the pond (well, I know that’s a LONG jaunt)… and redo my Cape Cod cottage?! It’s going to be summer here soon! =) lol
hugs!
-Beachy
I’d love to have a beach cottage. How refreshing.
JDSG
visionquest2020@msn.com