G'day bloggers, hope you are all feeling the happy days of Spring or the crispness of Autumn as I am – it's wonderful weather today, and my walk by the ocean this morning was filled with sparkly sea and sunshine, nothing like that to get you going in the morning.
Now, to tell the truth I didn't intend of bombarding you with printed burlap sacks this week here at the Beach Cottage but you know, just call me obsessive…when I find something I like I kinda seem to take it on full steam until I exhaust it. Funny really, because I spent months procrastinating with doing anything with, what is, a huge pile of sacks, which seemed to fall over just about every time I walked in the study, but sometimes you need a little bit of a jolt to get you going, don't you… You'll find more procrastinators and their results, here at The Inspired Room.
Soooo at the weekend we had some friends over and I decided I wanted a rusticy-cum-beachy table setting and while I would hate to tell you that this took me seconds (though really it did not take me too long) it really was easy to do.
Starting with the white base and then the sacks, the rest of it was just a case of layering and piling on shells, candles and the like (and surf on over to Between Naps on the Porch for more delightful tables).
And the reason I love doing these tablescapes is that, for me, a leisurely little bit of creation like this is just not an option for the hurly-burly of our week nights. In fact on nights in the week, it is just about all I can do to get a dinner on the table, let alone one that has been dressed up to its eyeballs.
I refuse however to let time, or lack of it, dictate my enjoyment of doing the table at the weekend, which is why I keep the dining part as simple as possible so for this we served dips to start then roast chicken with basil and lemon plus roasted onions and red peppers (all easily shoved in oven) plus green salad, followed by Nigel Slater Apple Tart which even the bake challenged like me can do (if you need some more recipe ideas and you can't be bothered to sit with a book, though I can think of no other thing that I enjoy at the end of the day, then try Pioneer Woman for some no-brainer recipes for normal people.
I would much rather spend time setting the table than making a souffle, even if I am running round like a headless chicken in my undies, just before the doorbell rings trying to find the square white candles…
don't forget to comment on this post to enter the giveaway for a couple of the beach stripe cushion covers below – comment once, twice or as many as you like, every comment = an entry. Simple.
I'll be hosting giveaways all through May, just come visit and comment…
With all that fresh white, it becomes all about the shapes and textures, doesn’t it? BEAUTIFUL!!!
Love the burlap; it reminds me of going to the feed store to buy oats for the horses when I was little… I think I may be expecting it to have that marvelous oat smell… lol
This is beautiful as always. Your posts always inspire and make me drool. Excuse the wet mess!! Lol. I love those burlap bags, what a wonderful feel they add to your table. I just love it. You have such a beautiful home and blog. My hubby and I actually live only an hour from Oceanside beach in Calif. but we are always so busy with living on a farm we rarely get to go. That’s why I enjoy coming to your blog to enjoy the Beach feel! Just lovely.
Debbie
Hey Darlin’…have all the shells on your tables come from your very own beach out there or around? sigh. I’m so very far from the beach now that I have to buy them!
But I am hoping that Sept 2010 we can go down to Texas for a few days when the rates go down and hit the beach there…our youngest has never been to that beach like the others have.
You are so smart. I would not have thought to use those burlap bags that way. It looks so great! I really heart that square cake stand and the way you have accessorized it. laurie
Just found you from Between Naps On The Porch…and I love your Tablescape!! Next Rainy day I will go thru your archives!!! Beautiful!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
That is a lovely table sacks and all. I know I love creating the table as well. Your pictures come out so lovely. Pillows would be good too. thanks for sharing.
i am a freak when it comes to table scapes….i just love to pull them together. i have used burlap on my table before, but not a burlap bag. i love it! i think it pairs perfectly with the shades of white that you have. when you have a table that pretty, your guests don’t care what the food taste like! wish i could come for dinner! awesome job…love, love, love it.
kathi @ traybella
I rarely tablescape since my table is more of an ad hoc storage for whatever anybody’s working on at the moment, be it homework, cake cooling, or taxes (last month).
The first time I was introduced to tablescaping was through Semi-homemade with Sandra Lee. I loved how everything matched in the show, but the recipes were more like something you might make for someone besides yourself to eat. Not to mention how there were cocktails for everything…
Anyways, I just wanted to know what you thought of her tablescapes and if her’s or who has influenced yours.
I happened upon your blog while searching for beach cottage bathroom inspiration. Love your table setting as well! I will be back again and again for sure!!
Beautiful, Sarah! I love your burlap things too. So pretty, you make me want to go to the beach RIGHT now. Hey, I’m about to announce a burlap party, so stay tuned for details soon.
Love the sacks! The shells, the candles! All the layers! I need those pillows! I doing a remodel that is lasting 12 years! I doing my bedroom and bath in a beach, cottage, country French design. Yes, this is so wonderful of you to include this give away in your Tablescape. I’ll even take the bags! lol Shells I have, but my daughter stole the best! Here is to hoping! My husband loves the beach more than anything. So I doing this look for him. He has been so wonderful to me. Remember, I take the sacks!
Love the table scape! You are so talented. You gave me some inspiration for a candle center piece. I really like the arrangement you did there.
Blessings,
Marie
blog: http://emmacallsmemama.com
email: marie@waltercom.com
G'day! I'm Sarah, I live in a tatty old cottage, near the sea in Australia with a battered old deck & a big old fig tree out the back...stripped wooden floors, old sash windows & a jumble of vintage furniture. [Read More …]
G’day ladies, oooh have I got a good Beach Cottage recipe for you or have I got a good recipe for you. Well it’s actually not Beach Cottage, I cannot claim that… So, a couple of months ago I met up with a couple of blogging friends, AllConsuming and Mrs W for a lil [...]
G'day ladies, let's have a Too Easy Beach Cottage recipe yeah? The original place for Too Easy Recipes on the web ;-)
So, after my last salad went down a storm in my inbox, that's here if you missed it, I had to do this one seeing as I make it most weeks.
There is a problem with this salad and kiddos though...it looks, well, it looks, kinda yucky...but once they try it, they'll ask if and when they are next having it....at least that's what happens in this ratty old cottage...but I must interject here that my kiddos are 'good eaters'? ...they didn't get a choice in that ;-)
Now, stop, don't start running and hitting that next on your blog reading list, pulses are your best friend in the Too Easy Dump & Go kitchen for the busy mum, or busy anyone for that matter...that reminds me I must blog the garlic canneloni Go To for when you forgot to do dinner, feel like a bath but have three ravenous young Beach Cottage Kiddos on your hands...another day.
I am almost embarrassed to tell you how easy this is, we have it so much that I always have a couple, make that six, cans of lentils around and a jar of goat's cheese in the fridge...the great thing about this is that it's all too easy to get ready in just a few minutes, but it looks, tastes and seems like you did oh so very much more than that.
You can obviously too change it up a bit depending on what you have to hand in your kitchen, and I must say that is how I settled on this version...because one day when I made it I didn't have enough Parsley in the garden and so I chucked in some basil too, and liked the Summer feel it added.
I think of this as being a rather posh salad, not sure why, because it couldn't really be further from the truth...the great thing is that it works so well for an average run of the mill day, (when I did this for this blog post, it was a hot Sydney Sunday and I did it just simply to go with Rosemary & Garlic stuffed pork, you can see that pork here),
...but just as easily it works on a regular old Wednesday night when you have lost all enthusiasm for rustling up yet another meal, or indeed on Saturday night, when your friends are on their way over for dinner and you my friend, are in your new vintage inspired clawfoot bathtub (that's me in a few weeks time, k?) without any clothes on, a tipple and no idea what to cook for dinner...
I have a complicated and ever-changing relationship with goat's cheese...it never fails me in its performance and it never fails to impress me (you can find out a bit more on what I like in food here if you like) and I kinda collect it...because it's very easy to collect and has a fairly long fridge-life, I love trying out different ones and there's not many things I love more than goat's cheese on sourdough...but I think the best thing about it is not thinking about it exclusively in the toast/salad department...I've stuffed it in chicken and all sorts of things as a last minute and it's been fab.
But let's get down to the nitty gritty of this super salad that makes you look like an angel who has been on her knees all day scrubbing the front step when really you are in the digital world and spent most of ...
G'day Beach Cottage ladies, howdy, howdy howdy today for a Beach Cottage Too Easy recipe.
If you like cake, cream, sugar and chocolate, make this.
This is, rather than a recipe, a putting it together...as you know I am no dessert maker, but, I do make quite a few sweet things, because, somehow I have ended up with kiddos, who in their roles as offspring, believe that part of the deal, is that not only do I feed them a home-cooked meal with a few homegrown ingredients in there, yes, they also believe that dessert and not the kind that comes out of a packet is included too in this All-Inclusive Deal they call Parenthood.
So, this, for sure, is no culinary masterpiece, but if you are looking for something that is so very easy, dump-able, uses everyday ingredients and at the same time makes you look like you spent hours pulling things together plus tastes good....well, then this is for you.
Best though, you don't make this for yourself, if you have spent the most part of your week sitting on your derriere reading blogs...this my friend ain't low in the calories department...if, however, you are treating yourself to a delight in a mason jar, this is so for you.
I first had a version of this when at dinner back in Old Blighty with a girl, I once, in another life, caught the train up from our village to London with...she was a funny thing really...I am not quite sure how we got on...she was kinda prissy and a bit bothered by too much...I would run to the train flustered, having got up late, and she would have a spreadsheet on the train times, if you know what I mean.
Anyway, a few years later when we both had bambinos, I bumped into her again and we met up for playdates and dinner sometimes....this particular night, after a lovely meal she served up little bowls of creamy, cakey fruity stuff topped off with chocolate flake...it was delicious!
She didn't serve hers in little jars like this, hers were in a champagne glass and not quite so layered as these ones, plus she used tinned fruit not fresh or frozen.
Years later when said offspring kept requesting dessert, one day I wangled together somehow these from what was around in the fridge and they've been with us ever since.
Most likely, if you ever come here for dinner, and shock horror, you dont' bring the dessert with you, this, if you are lucky, will be what you will get.
Throw it all together, sprinkle a lil bit of chocolate on the top and the blog reading past-time you so rudely left in order to make this, is my friend, your oyster.
Beach Cottage Too Easy Layered Raspberry, Cream & Sponge Dessert
1 small maderia or butter cake or a pack of cupcakes (or of course make your own)
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
8 tbsp fruit
1 x chocolate Flake or chocolate bar for grating
1. beat the cream cheese until it is soft
2. whip the cream until soft peaks form
3. combine & add the sugar through
4. cut your cake into portions
& layer into the bottom of your jar
5. add a tablespoon of fruit
6. layer on top the cream combo
7. repeat
8. grate chocolate or Flake on top
*Beach Cottage Recipe Notes : this is just a guide really, you can use any cream that you have on hand...I have made this with clotted cream (don't even go there unless you want to seriously get these babies on your thighs), with double cream and I have even, in desperate times squirted in that, ...
G'day Beach Cottage ladies, well I thought it was time for some blogging tips here today, alongside a few nice flowers and shells ;-)
I was recently part of a blogger discussion group over at Kidspot and a couple of hours later had a few questions from girls who couldn't make it to the live chat, one was on my Facebook page and one via email, the Facebook one I will deal with in another Real Girl Blogging Tips post...the email one asked me what essentials do I think every blog needs?
Well I have been around here for a while now doing the blogging thing, so I should know this, yeah and I mused this on my walk by the sea this morning I thought well what do you only need?
...I think it is really very easy when blogging, whether or not you are blogging up there in the lofty heights of the Super Bloggers or you are just dipping your toe in the water, to get side-tracked by 101 million different things that are 'essential' to your blog and if you are someone like me who actually gets a thrill from reading blogging tips then you are in an even worse place because you will find yourself literally buzzing with these essential things to add/do/implement on your blog.
However, walking along, gulping down that brisk sea air today (no sunshine & clouds) I thought you actually don't need any of that professional blogging stuff to be successful...but there are a few things that are pretty much crucial ...and once I started to think about it I got it down to about 5 - these are the only things that you need to concentrate on...once you have read through take a look at some of the big girl's blogs...you'll see that actually they don't have bundles of stuff on their blogs...but they do have all of these...
So here are my top things that your blog must have
1. About Page
There are all sorts of About Pages out there, and if you search on it there are many different tips and ideas for what to have on yours
Whatever blogging platform you use, adding an About Me Page is easy, quick and simple and will do everything to grow your blog.
I like a long-ish About Page, I am inherently nosy and I like to know a bit more about the person but at the least you should have on it your name and where you are located. I also think a photo is good too...over the last year or so I think this has become more important in blogging - if you are hesitant about that as I was, you can try using sunglasses or a behind shot until you get comfortable.
There is nothing worse than stumbling upon a new blog and going to find out more to only be faced with a piddly little one liner About Me Page...well there is something worse, not having one at all!
2. Contact Page
The chances are someone, somewhere will want to contact you and you will be surprised what lands in your inbox once you put yourself out there on the world wide web with a blog.
Many bloggers also use this page to include details for PR's/brands that may want to contact them and some bloggers put their stats on there too.
A short, to the point and simple Contact Page works really well...whenever I have wanted to contact another blogger I am often very busy and have limited time so I don't want to hang around sifting through information looking for an email address, so concise and clear ...
G'day lovely Beach Cottage lovelies.
So, yeah, so on a roll people, so on a roll.
I feel kinda home accessory wired right now.
I am always telling people, if anyone ever listens, that blogging is all about passion, not that sort of passion, but about passion that makes one tick.
Things like this make me tick tick boom.
I love finding things that suit my budget and let me treat my home but look amazing too.
So without further adieu I introduce you, ladies of the beach, to the blue vintage glasses that I have been stroking for about a week or two now...
These glasses are from a little boutique I sometimes happen upon, this boutique sells also pet accessories, carpet cleaner, bras and compost...it's quite unique though.
And, thanks to my friend Marnie (she blogs over here, go take a look at her praying position, interesting), who just so happens to be one day having me over for a lil' Greek dinner, has let me in on the fact that we call Kmart....The KMart...with an accent ....as in 'I love The KMart'...just like her MIL does. Oh yeah. Love that.
So I have had my eye on reproduction vintage glass blue wine glasses and being trying to find real true vintage blue glasses for like ever.
Oh yes I have spied them in Frenchy boutiques, I have lusted after them in stores that I shouldn't even enter and I have put them back pretty quickly in those shops with the hand-written price tags. C'mon, you know the ones.
And, though all of the above have tempted me, muchly, really, even with my wardrobe stashing skills I just thought that, actually, I'd rather be saving that casherooni for our next trip overseas..
Hello The KMart.
Tick Tick Boom
Vintage style blue wine glasses.
Do not come to my old place and think you might pick up one of these and smile with pleasure at their handblown quality, their weight, and be secretly jealous that my wine glasses cost more than your car...friend, that would not happen...these do not feel like that...indeed these in a funny way reminded me of my baby girl, she was a tiny little thing, with stick legs, the tinsssssssiest ankles and wrists you ever did see, she slept sideways in her cot wedged in between rolled up blankets and would only settle attached to Mr Beach Cottage or I or a (dirty) pj top of mine scrunched up under her nose...the first few times I picked her up to cuddle, being used to Honeymoon Baby who weighed in at 9lbs at birth and has never really stopped growing, I nearly threw her little bird-cum-rat down covered body over my shoulder.
These glasses are like that...be careful or you might lose your wine down the front of your shirt.
But oh baby, we are not talking picking up here, we are not talking quality, we are not talking house accessory snobbery.
Beach Cottage ladies, we are talking aesthetics.
And this is what I need in my cottage.
Blue vintage style glass, paired with coastal / nautical / beach stuff on my deck.
It's The KMart.
Tune in tomorrow, tomorrow, I have more budget foofing for your home, or maybe it will be the dress that wraps me up in supermarket-chic and makes me feel like me again.
Good Day to you my friends, wanna come hang out on my deck, talk house accessories, The KMart and drink some wine from blue glasses?
Sarah
With all that fresh white, it becomes all about the shapes and textures, doesn’t it? BEAUTIFUL!!!
Love the burlap; it reminds me of going to the feed store to buy oats for the horses when I was little… I think I may be expecting it to have that marvelous oat smell… lol
enter me in your give away…love your classic comfy beachy style..I’m in love with burlap too..but haven’t used it yet in my home.
What time is dinner?
This is beautiful as always. Your posts always inspire and make me drool. Excuse the wet mess!! Lol. I love those burlap bags, what a wonderful feel they add to your table. I just love it. You have such a beautiful home and blog. My hubby and I actually live only an hour from Oceanside beach in Calif. but we are always so busy with living on a farm we rarely get to go. That’s why I enjoy coming to your blog to enjoy the Beach feel! Just lovely.
Debbie
I love the sacks as runners! Better than grainsack linen, I think – more rustic. Would love to buy-in on some sack products…
Hey Darlin’…have all the shells on your tables come from your very own beach out there or around? sigh. I’m so very far from the beach now that I have to buy them!
But I am hoping that Sept 2010 we can go down to Texas for a few days when the rates go down and hit the beach there…our youngest has never been to that beach like the others have.
Love the tablescape and love,love,love, the pillows.
Seriously this is your home??? It is just gorgeous!! I LOVE IT!! Thanks so much for sharing and yes I would LOVE to win some pillows.
Your table settings are gorgeous, stunning in their simplicity, and quite perfect for your little cottage by the sea!
Tamara
You do find the coolest stuff and do the coolest things with it!
Scribbler
WOW!!I guess this is my uttmost favorite tablesetting!! Absolutely gorgeous!!!You make my day!!Thank you somuch for posting!!
Another beautiful tablescape! Love it all!
LOVE LOVE LOVE the printed burlap! LOVE it!
Do you bleach your shells??
mj.coward[at]gmail.com
I love the burlap as place mats. Your tables are always great. And I love the white cake plate with the candles and shells. Very beachy.
Very beautiful arrangements. I really admire how you managed to combine all these objects in such an ideal combination! Come to visit at:
http://whereareyouolga.blogspot.com/
Great tablescape! You do have a knack! ::Jill
Your table is AMAZING!! I love it, absolutely love it. I’ve been so drawn to serene, beach cottage style lately. It’s so beautiful!
LOVE your blog. I’m a new follower.
I really like the starfish on the table! Very nice.
You are so smart. I would not have thought to use those burlap bags that way. It looks so great! I really heart that square cake stand and the way you have accessorized it. laurie
Just found you from Between Naps On The Porch…and I love your Tablescape!! Next Rainy day I will go thru your archives!!! Beautiful!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
That is a lovely table sacks and all. I know I love creating the table as well. Your pictures come out so lovely. Pillows would be good too. thanks for sharing.
I believe this is my all time favorite tablescape! yep is a 10!!! outstanding texture, accessories … just perfect!
LuLu
I would have NEVER thought of using burlap in a tablescape before-it works! And I love it!! I love your site, it has given me many new ideas…thanks!
Very pretty, and beachy! The burlap adds such great texture..
i am a freak when it comes to table scapes….i just love to pull them together. i have used burlap on my table before, but not a burlap bag. i love it! i think it pairs perfectly with the shades of white that you have. when you have a table that pretty, your guests don’t care what the food taste like!
wish i could come for dinner! awesome job…love, love, love it.
kathi @ traybella
I rarely tablescape since my table is more of an ad hoc storage for whatever anybody’s working on at the moment, be it homework, cake cooling, or taxes (last month).
The first time I was introduced to tablescaping was through Semi-homemade with Sandra Lee. I loved how everything matched in the show, but the recipes were more like something you might make for someone besides yourself to eat. Not to mention how there were cocktails for everything…
Anyways, I just wanted to know what you thought of her tablescapes and if her’s or who has influenced yours.
I love texture and I love text, so I love your printed burlap/hessian runners – brilliant!
Have a great weekend.
This table is gorgeous! The white with pops of burlap is so clean, yet peaceful, while still being liveable. I love it!
Great tablescape…..white on white is always lovely. But your introduction of the burlap is so unexpected…..especially in your home.
Have a beautiful weekend.
Everything looks so beautiful and natural. But, I love the German grain sacks used on the table! I’d love to be in on your giveaway too. Thanks
Wow, gorgeous table. That centerpiece is brilliant, I want one!
Beautiful table setting… thanks for the ideas! Please enter me for the giveaway!!
Michelle
What a perfect idea for the sacks!
I happened upon your blog while searching for beach cottage bathroom inspiration. Love your table setting as well! I will be back again and again for sure!!
I LOVE your table scape. I really do. It’s beautiful and simple and perfect.
I love the burlap!!
Beautiful, Sarah! I love your burlap things too. So pretty, you make me want to go to the beach RIGHT now.
Hey, I’m about to announce a burlap party, so stay tuned for details soon.
What a clever use of burlap sacks! I love the white tablesetting. The cake stand, the dishes – everything looks great! A very inviting table!
Soooo pretty. Love it all…
LOVE IT! I am so going to have company just so I can make a table scape!
I am loving the tablescape with all those textures and contrast with the burlap! Wonderful!
Love the sacks! The shells, the candles! All the layers! I need those pillows! I doing a remodel that is lasting 12 years! I doing my bedroom and bath in a beach, cottage, country French design. Yes, this is so wonderful of you to include this give away in your Tablescape. I’ll even take the bags! lol Shells I have, but my daughter stole the best! Here is to hoping! My husband loves the beach more than anything. So I doing this look for him. He has been so wonderful to me. Remember, I take the sacks!
Hi! I love, love, LOVE that table setting. Great job! I also love your sofa and pillows. Feel free to give them to me
.
Have a great weekend!
AnNicole
How serene and beautiful! You are definitely talented.
Love decorating areas of my home in the beachy look with lots of white, wicker, shells, bottles and comfy pillows and throws.
I’d love to try and recreate your tabletop.
Happy May!
Love the table scape! You are so talented. You gave me some inspiration for a candle center piece. I really like the arrangement you did there.
Blessings,
Marie
blog: http://emmacallsmemama.com
email: marie@waltercom.com
Youe tablescape is just beautiful, so soothing, calm and serene. I love it. I have given you a Bella Award…Come on by and check it out!
You made burlap so romantic looking! Love the tablescape!
blessings
mary
Your table is just beautiful – I love it!
simple+authentic=stunning! great job, keep the tablescapes coming