G’day bloggers, how you all going?
I am well, it is grey, rainy and the wind is wild here in New South Wales. I dodged the downpours and went for a long hour and a half power walk this morning, funny really calling it a power walk, isn’t it, there was certainly more power coming from the elements than there was from my saggy bits…the sky was grey, the sea was thrashing about and the wind really was blowing a gale
I truly needed a good start to the day because I was helping with Mr BC today, proper work, not moving furniture around the cottage work. And I will say no more other than that I was not put on this earth to work with a spouse.
Sooooo, onto much more pleasurable areas of my life…dressing a table and go see the table dressing event over at Between Naps on the Porch for more.
We had my friend over who, like me, appreciates vintage but who does not live too near the beach, so I thought I would combine a beach type feel with a vintage one.
And while I love the beachy look achieved by using shells and the like, I love just as much, possibly more old linen. It is that which I love, the mix of the laid-back decor in natural floors and white walls, the odd nautical stripe paired with old vintage finds.
I was aiming for a kinda mellow elegance for this – vintagey, beachy, soft…which is why I added the candles to the old butlers tray at the end and the vintage lace-edged napkins hoping for a casual old feel…
I wanted a meal that looked like I’d made quite a bit of effort but actually was no effort (hmm I seem to say that every time I ‘entertain’) and so we had roast duck breasts on a salad bed with pomegranate, another tried and trusted recipe from my friend on the end of the phone – stick the duck breasts in the oven, roast some tiny little potatoes in the fat, then slice the duck thinly, lay on a large salad lined platter and splodge on a heap of pomegranate seeds.
With our pre-dinner beers I passed around a tray of those hot little cocktail sausages – same thing, shoved in the oven covered with a few dollops of oil, honey and soy sauce and the friend brought along her oh-so-fabulous brownies and very thick, very bad for power-walking legs double cream. This really is no-brainer entertaining territory.
And with that, I leave you, dear bloggers with a request for help – this week, rather than use the phone-a-friend card, I thought I might ask you, my online friends, if you have any, no-brainer main courses up your sleeve at you would like to pass onto me? We have people over on Saturday and I haven’t even thought about it yet…that’s what happens when you work with your spouse…
don’t forget my giveaway for the Beach Cottage Recession Misery Buster May event just comment or sign up to email list to be entered to win Easy Elegance
oh yes that boy grunge is still there from last week and spot the bloomer – I knew there was a reason I wasn’t digging this *smile
My go to meal? Grilled steaks & baked potatoes. Fairly simple and always a favorite.
I like mixing the vintage and beachy feel–old money by the sea
I have a great “company” menu on my 2/26 post. If you like it, I can get you some recipes!
I can smell the wind and the surf!
Gorgeous and so clean looking. I like the crisp lines of the tablecloth !
Hugs ~ Kammy
Another lovely tablescape! So beautiful.
I just love the striped tablecloth, it adds such a dramatic element to your table.
Love that table.. How about a seafood paella?
That looks great! I REALLY love the teacup in the centerpiece! That adds so much!
Beautiful table. Do you have access to Salmon? Grilled or roasted salmon on a bed of mixed greens, roasted tiny new potatoes, sauteed asparagus all on the salad with a nice vinagarette is yummy. Serve with some good chunky grainy bread. Try it.
ooooooh another beautiful tablescape! I so enjoy stopping by for a visit.
Your home is so beautiful and welcoming.
Toni
beautiful beach table! Happy Tablescape Thursday ~ Susan
Oh, there you go again, making beautifulness! I truly love your style – everything is lovely!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia
I’d vote for that salmon recipe above, but your duck recipe sounds fantastic too – we live in ‘duck country’ down here (fois gras country, really), so I should try to cook duck more often…
We have a great Whiskey Chicken recipe – roast the chicken and then flambee it in whiskey. I could look it up to give you proper details if you like – Ben normally does it so I’m a bit hazy, but it comes from his ‘Four Ingredient Cookbook’ so it isn’t complex. Get in touch if you’d like the recipe!
I love that table cloth, your cottage is so pretty and cozy.
I love the wee individual candles at each person’s place, such a nice touch!
Easy chicken recipe- Balmoral Chicken. Take chicken breasts, slice to make a pocket, jam in some haggis(I’m Scottish, and I truly do love haggis), wrap in bacon and bake for half an hour. Cheese instead of the haggis is also nice. We have it with salad in summer, and with roasted root veg in winter. if you put them in the same tin/ovenware with the chicken, you get lovely bacon-y flavours.
What’s beachy-er than fish? I have great luck with grilled or broiled swordfish, roasted potatoes with red, orange, & yellow peppers w/ olive oil. Asparagus or any green veg…and that crusty grainy bread. Lately, I’ve added edamame – it seems to encourage lingering…or is that the lotsa wine?
You’ve out done yourself with this setting! It all looks so lovely and your photos are top notch! Stop by and see my table setting, if you like what you see, be sure to subscribe to my blog by clicking on “Follow” in the right hand column. This way we can inspire one another frequently! Be sure to stay a while when you’re there and enjoy the experience!
I like the stripe color elements here. You set a wonderful table. And when you say you don’t do much when entertaining in the way of cooking, I am just aghast. I have never even eaten duck, much less cooked it. Anyway, I have probably a too simple recipe I made the other day. Been making it for years. Smells like heaven while cooking.
No-Peekie Stew
2 lbs. stew meat (cut up)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 package onion soup mix
1 cup water
Mix all together in casserole dish. Cook on 350 for three hours. Stir once per hour. Cook a package of egg noodles as package says. When meat is done, pour it over noodles in a serving dish. Enjoy! Yeah, this is probably too simplistic, but that’s how I tend to cook!
Brenda
Love the striped cloth, Sarah!
Amy
Ok so I think this is the best so far the duck sounds great but sorry I am not really into cooking or food if I be honest! Ha just thought of a very quick & easy meal for Saturday *Welsh Rabbit* hahaha only joking……
Lyn xxx
Beautiful table as ALWAYS!!! I would love to dine with you! I’ll bring the Veuve Clicquot… could you have lobster ready!
Thanks for visiting my blog! I love this table setting – so calm and serene!
As beautifu and cozy as ever! Love it!
Apricot Chicken, with a white wine vinegrette, a glass of white wine on the side, buttery asparagus and creme broule for dessert? I just thought that would match your table all really well.
Your table is dreamy as usual. My go-to dinner is grilled marinated chicken breasts, scalloped potatoes and a BIG salad, and really good french bread. And lots of wine!
Popped in from Mary’s to say hi!
Oh, with a tablescape like that, who needs to eat? Steak or chicken on the grill, grilled asparagus…cheesecake.
Those tea cups look perfect nestled in with your sea shells. Another lovely tablescape.
I don’t really have any effortless meals for entertaining. But my favourite thing to make for company is Japanese Chicken Wings, because I know I won’t mess it up, and everyone loves it.
Beautiful !!!! I love the tea cup turned sideways in the centerpiece,creative idea!
Your tablescape is beatiful! Very creative! ~cindy s~
This is such a lovely table. So clean and fresh! I love it…
It should be in a magazine :0)
The table looks lovely. Can I come round for dinner?
Pleaseeee.
One question though – I notice that you very rarely have cutlery set out – do you do that later, or when you dish up?
I could just picture your weather from your description. It’s easy to forget that you are at the other end of the world where the weather is opposite from here. Your tablescape is perfect. I always love your tablescapes. They are so simple, cozy & welcoming. Thanks for visiting my blog & leaving me a comment.
I love your use of candles!
I am a hopeless cook sorry. But Bill Grangers ” Holiday” book is a favourite for simple coastal meals!
Gorgeous as usual!! x
your table scape is so beautiful in its beachy vintageness!
Sometimes when I “entertain” I put my appliances to work instead of me! One day ahead, I’ll crock pot a pork roast (inexpensive, hehe) And put it away in the refrigerator. The next day, I saute’ onions, multi colors of bell peppers and a little salt and pepper in olive oil. In the meantime, I shred the roast, put it back into the crock pot and add the saute’d veggies along with any bottle of marinade (teriaki or barbeque) or salad dressing (like french or Italian) that you fancy. Stir it all up and set it on low. It makes the house smell great and everone loves it.
I make ‘Pretend’ baked potatoes (if the weather is too hot for the oven) by poking holes in the potatoes, wrapping them each in a wet paper towel and popping them into the microwave on the outer edge of the plate. 4 potatoes take 20 minutes, remove and check doneness by gently squeezing potato while wearing an oven mitt. I add a big salad to this meal. :O)
Great looking table. Fabulous photos too.
Alison
ooh pretty – I like the tea cups too
love the teacup amidst the shells! How fun!
Love all the pretty candles! And yes, the napkins do give a more romantic, vintage feel. I really like the shell center piece you made too.
Blessings,
Marie
blog: http://emmacallsmemama.com
email: marie@waltercom.com
It is a beautiful table!!! If you are working with this tablescape, shouldn’t seafood be on the menu?
I love this table… casual but elegant! Marilyn
PS… the weather is wild here in Kempsey..cant put my nose out…brrrr.
I just love your table settings ever time.
Your blog is just gorgeous – I love how your home is casual & beautiful.
No-brainer Main Course (tried and true, and used OFTEN in our house!):
Susan Branch’s Lemon Chicken
Pound slices of chicken breast flat. Dip in salted flour. Sautee in plenty of butter. Set aside and keep warm. Add a little more butter to the sautee pan, along with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Pour lemon/butter sauce over chicken breasts and serve. (Easy and GOOD)
WOW! That table setting sweeps any hint of a rainy day right out of your mind! Love it!!!
m ^..^