Well it finally stopped raining here at the Beach Cottage which is a good and a bad thing for me. Why bad you wonder? Don't most people prefer the rain to stop?
I get lots of enquiries for ideas on how to dress a table – believe me I am no expert, I think one of the best places to visit to learn is Susan's blog Between Naps on the Porch, she is a tablescaping master, and where I was first inspired to take on this tablescaping sport, I mean hobby.
Sooooo, for me simple works. When I try and do too much, and I often do try this, inspired by tables groaning with glorious tablescaping, it doesn't work. I think as a beginner you have to keep it simple and you begin to learn what goes and what doesn't. I haven't got past the novice level yet, I'm hoping to move through to intermediate soon where I can load it on and have it balanced looking…
Here's how it looked before I started
It works for me to have a loose theme at the start – decide on the look you wanna end up with, usually for me this is white on white, or white with nautical bits, or vintage beachy or possibly burlap queen…for this one I wanted to use my newly found shabby old aqua vintage chair & nautical stripe tablecloth, to contrast with the white for a watery sea theme.
Then I just layer, choose a few bits to stick in the centre relating to the theme, more often than not some flowers and then add some candles….and I think one thing not to do is to add too many themey bits, I think just a suggestion works better, for me anyway.
Vintage Mirror – treasure hunting, Thrift Store, $10 but priceless
Candles – Dollar Store & IKEA, budget
Centrepiece – all thrifted + garage sales, budget
And with that I leave you dear bloggers until tomorrow when I'm hoping my legs will have survived the sprinting and that my wobbly white bits will not have scared off the beachgoers…
…and did ya notice the boy grunge is gone? I am a busy little domestic bee aren't I?
I am still sitting here wondering why I can’t ever find a chair like that. Thanks for listing where you got it all from, it really does show that this can be done on a budget, I would never have thought that this came from thrifting and from stores that are lower-end girl! I am at the moment slowly putting together some pieces for entertaining, inspired by blogland that I don’t have to spend a fortune. Of course I come here and drool, thanking you.
Look at you with your green chair! Go on with your bad self! It looks fab! Just a wonderful pop of fresh color…like that precious pink dresser! Will the chair stay green?
So you’re in training… Good on you!! What are you training for? We all have those white wobbly bits at this time of year and in summer, they’re just lightly tanned wobbly bits, lol! Love your table decor. Thanks for all your tips. xo
Ok so I am really starting to think you are insane…..beach sprinting???!!! I seriously don’t think there is an exercise that is harder than running on the beach! To be honest with you since having my 3rd child I am just far to lazy to do anything but walk to the cafe down the road for a coffee and then half the time I drive there! Disgusting I know!!! Good on you, there is nothing better for the mind, body and soul than exercise….let us know how the thighs go!!
Hi Sarah
This is a little thought that comes into my mind -
“The best creative ideas I have are when I don’t know what my creations are going to be – it’s when an idea simply comes to me”
Do you feel like that too? – Hope that made sense?
Love the fact you are in training – WOW when I was younger I was a “Life Saver” – I have my Gold Medilion – does that mean anything to you? – loved doing all of that – and would love to get back into swimming again – not quite sure about the beach sprints – I think I’m a bit too old for that now….geez!
Your sweet beach cottage and everything in it is so clean and fresh…never cluttered. I NEED to declutter…too much work…gonna go hit some garage sales..:O)
Now you know I love those flowers on the napkins! This is a good way for me to think of setting tables for this event: layering. I like your wording on this, because I’m new at this table setting thing. I was one of those who either ate standing up or on a wicker tray! But it’s fun to learn from others. I love the images of the room from that gorgeous mirror. When are you gonna just break down and open A Beach Cottage boutique online, or something with your style, Sarah..?..because your look is very popular!
Brenda
I love your tablescapes. I prefer your simple look to those “groaning” with lots of stuff. All that extra stuff can look beautiful, but to me it is the equivalent of over-decorated clutter! Keep up the good work, and loooove that aqua chair!
Your tablescapes are always so fresh, clean and simple. They fit the style of the beach cottage so perfectly. When looking at some tablescapes I can’t help but wonder where the food goes because there is so much “stuff” on the table. I can actually visualize sitting down and eating a meal when you’ve dress a table.
I admire your decision to start beach sprinting. You go girl! About the only sprinting I do is to the computer to check my email.
I also like a table that is simple. It keeps the focus on the people and the food (that I usually spend a long time making!). Good for you that you’re in training. It’s inspiring!
I totally like the table setting you made… especially the table cloth is totally my thing I have a similar looking striped apron from Zara Home and I just love to just look at it and stick some samples of paint colours I like in it … just enjoying the stripes and the colors… yea s I am a bit strange haha… anyway if you can come up with the title of the book you were thinking about visiting this—>>> http://vosgesparis.blogspot.com/2009/05/ca-va-interieur.html#comments < <— post then please let me know as I love knowing titles of books I might like to read
When I visit you , I cannot help but thinnk of backing up a dump truck to my home and wanting to start out again so I can acheieve that fresh and simple elegant feel that you have. And its not contrived. It’s just “there”. I love your tablescape and all of your finds. That photo of the mum and napkin-GORGEOUS! And I didnt mean to be nosey (but I am when I am at your place, one cannot help but look around) your outdoor table is equally as beautiful!
Always lovely! And alway s lovie!
Great luck on your race. That is awesome! I will be cheering you on!
I’m so excited to hear about the beach running! I love to run and just happen to be participating in a 10k this Sunday. But it’s just really a race for myself and nothing competitive though. Thanks for sharing that and please keep us up to date… this is very interesting to me!
Your tablescape is lovely, as usual! I am so impressed at your athletic adventures, too! Not sure if I should wish for more rain for you, or perhaps the sun. I am sure you can’t decide for yourself either! Good luck!
Carrie
Beautiful, as usual! LOVE the green chair AND love the floating shelves! I believe that this is the first time that I’ve seen them. However, the mirror I’ve seen and still coveting it! Enjoy your brisk run down the beach and send that rain this way!
Sarah, your home is really beautiful. It truly has the look of a cottage, I adore it. I have too many dark pieces for it to look like that, but I am headed in that direction, one room at a time! You really inspire me, when I look at the gorgeous homes of some I just feel hopeless about decorating at all, then I see yours and I have hope. You obviously have not spent a mountain of money on it, but it looks GREAT!!! Thank you so much, Hugs ~cindy s~
Your blog is going to have to be renamed “Superwoman”! I’m almost as impressed with your sprinting on the beach as I am with your lovely tablescapes. I’m a person who has to pile it on the table, to the point where there isn’t room for food. I think it is MUCH more difficult to do a serene and simple tablescape. My tablescapes need all of the distractions they can get. Yours are lovely with just the few soft items you place on them. Your chair is so pretty, but I’m loving that trunk on top of …maybe another truck, or a table, or something…that is reflected in the mirror. laurie
Your tablescape is beautiful, it’s way better than what a novice could do, believe me! The green chair really adds a zing.
As for sprinting down the beach with bathers on, mmm, that’s a real challenge, I think you’re doing well. Have a good time there!
Beautiful tablescape! Clean and simple beauty. And good for you with the training. I’m nearing 40 also but will leave the exercise to you. Best of luck!
Good evening!
I found your blog through vosgesparis.blogspot.com and I´m so pleased to discover your ideas, interior, imagination and so much more here! I´ll go to follow you. That greenish chair you found is so beautiful, I love that colour and style. And it´s a pleasure as well to read about Ikea, I´m fan as well…
Many sunny greetings from Belgium, Marjolijn
This is so pretty! Ikea is one of my favorite store as well as Target. I love Parsons chairs – the ability to change slipcovers when the mood strikes is what I like best!
Thank you for the break down on the layers and source information. Sometimes the postings of some of the most gorgeous tablescapes can’t be deciphered. Inspiring indeed.
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. Â 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? Â 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. Â 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
Â
6. layer on top the cream combo
Â
7. repeat
8. grate chocolate or Flake on top
Â
*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 ;-)Â
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. Â 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.Â
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. Â Oh yeah. Â 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. Â 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
I am still sitting here wondering why I can’t ever find a chair like that. Thanks for listing where you got it all from, it really does show that this can be done on a budget, I would never have thought that this came from thrifting and from stores that are lower-end girl! I am at the moment slowly putting together some pieces for entertaining, inspired by blogland that I don’t have to spend a fortune. Of course I come here and drool, thanking you.
Look at you with your green chair! Go on with your bad self! It looks fab! Just a wonderful pop of fresh color…like that precious pink dresser!
Will the chair stay green?
Amy
Hey, Sarah. Any man will tell you the wobbly white bits are the best parts
A novice? Who do you think you’re kidding. I consider you an artiste (with an ‘e’).
So you’re in training… Good on you!! What are you training for? We all have those white wobbly bits at this time of year and in summer, they’re just lightly tanned wobbly bits, lol! Love your table decor. Thanks for all your tips. xo
Wow, love that vintage mirror.
Ok so I am really starting to think you are insane…..beach sprinting???!!! I seriously don’t think there is an exercise that is harder than running on the beach! To be honest with you since having my 3rd child I am just far to lazy to do anything but walk to the cafe down the road for a coffee and then half the time I drive there! Disgusting I know!!! Good on you, there is nothing better for the mind, body and soul than exercise….let us know how the thighs go!!
I’m all for exercise Sarah but you lost me with the word ‘swimsuit’. That would frighten me into hiding. LOL. Hope it went well for you today.
I love your tablescapes and agree that ‘less is more’. Your tablescape maybe thrift and budget but it certainly looks perfect.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Lovely tablescape as usual Sarah.
Go go girl with the sprinting! Warm up properly and watch those legs day after tomorrow – thats when they’ll start to feel stiff if they do.
A gorgeous Beach themed tablescape. I love the less is more concept and am trying to declutter my home too.
Alison
i’m loving that green chair.. lovely bit of vintage!
Hi Sarah
This is a little thought that comes into my mind -
“The best creative ideas I have are when I don’t know what my creations are going to be – it’s when an idea simply comes to me”
Do you feel like that too? – Hope that made sense?
Love the fact you are in training – WOW when I was younger I was a “Life Saver” – I have my Gold Medilion – does that mean anything to you? – loved doing all of that – and would love to get back into swimming again – not quite sure about the beach sprints – I think I’m a bit too old for that now….geez!
This post made me just want to have a seat, eat something wonderful and visit awhile. Very inviting and calming. A wonderful place to hang out.
t
Thanks for the tips — I can never quite seem to get the same vibe you do.
Good luck with your sprinting! Oh, to be young again…
Scribbler
I adore the freshness, clean lines and colours in the linen. Beautiful…
Your sweet beach cottage and everything in it is so clean and fresh…never cluttered. I NEED to declutter…too much work…gonna go hit some garage sales..:O)
Now you know I love those flowers on the napkins! This is a good way for me to think of setting tables for this event: layering. I like your wording on this, because I’m new at this table setting thing. I was one of those who either ate standing up or on a wicker tray! But it’s fun to learn from others. I love the images of the room from that gorgeous mirror. When are you gonna just break down and open A Beach Cottage boutique online, or something with your style, Sarah..?..because your look is very popular!
Brenda
I love your tablescapes. I prefer your simple look to those “groaning” with lots of stuff. All that extra stuff can look beautiful, but to me it is the equivalent of over-decorated clutter! Keep up the good work, and loooove that aqua chair!
I like how u are subtle in your decorating.. Just a hint of color certainly brings the eye right to it… As they say, ‘less is more’…
I’ve been looking for white chair covers. I didn’t even think of Ikea. Thanks!!
Love your blog. Everything in your home is beautiful!
Your tablescapes are always so fresh, clean and simple. They fit the style of the beach cottage so perfectly. When looking at some tablescapes I can’t help but wonder where the food goes because there is so much “stuff” on the table. I can actually visualize sitting down and eating a meal when you’ve dress a table.
I admire your decision to start beach sprinting. You go girl! About the only sprinting I do is to the computer to check my email.
I also like a table that is simple. It keeps the focus on the people and the food (that I usually spend a long time making!). Good for you that you’re in training. It’s inspiring!
I totally like the table setting you made… especially the table cloth is totally my thing I have a similar looking striped apron from Zara Home and I just love to just look at it and stick some samples of paint colours I like in it … just enjoying the stripes and the colors… yea s I am a bit strange haha… anyway if you can come up with the title of the book you were thinking about visiting this—>>> http://vosgesparis.blogspot.com/2009/05/ca-va-interieur.html#comments < <— post then please let me know as I love knowing titles of books I might like to read
Thabks fotr visiting and your nice words
desiree
Sarah,
When I visit you , I cannot help but thinnk of backing up a dump truck to my home and wanting to start out again so I can acheieve that fresh and simple elegant feel that you have. And its not contrived. It’s just “there”. I love your tablescape and all of your finds. That photo of the mum and napkin-GORGEOUS! And I didnt mean to be nosey (but I am when I am at your place, one cannot help but look around) your outdoor table is equally as beautiful!
Always lovely! And alway s lovie!
Great luck on your race. That is awesome! I will be cheering you on!
Sarah your table is fantabulous!! You are a natural! Can’t wait to see more and more!
I so love your style. You really put it together so nicely. Ikea should use your photos in their catalog!! Beautiful table setting!
Everything about your dining room is beautiful! I am absolutely swooning over your chippy green chair! Oh.My.!
Thanks for sharing!
*Tricia
Oooo, love the chippy green chair! Love your spare but very chic style.
I love your blog! Every time I come, it’s like looking at a style magazine
So jealous of your style…
I love the beach and all things beachy.
That was very clever with the flower on the napkin holder. I love the colors in the table cloth. Very nice
Stop by and check out Granmothers China and while you are there click follow to see what I will be doing.
Love that you showed the before and after. The photo taken from the corner of the mirror was my favorite! An awesome shot!
I’m so excited to hear about the beach running! I love to run and just happen to be participating in a 10k this Sunday. But it’s just really a race for myself and nothing competitive though. Thanks for sharing that and please keep us up to date… this is very interesting to me!
A beautifully decorated beach cottage…….
Your tablescape is lovely, as usual! I am so impressed at your athletic adventures, too! Not sure if I should wish for more rain for you, or perhaps the sun. I am sure you can’t decide for yourself either!
Good luck!
Carrie
What a gorgeous place! I’m going to have to hang out over here for a few hours this afternoon and read all about your beach cottage.
I find a lot of lovely items in IKEA, I’m so glad you mentioned them. IKEA can be perfect!
Beautiful, as usual! LOVE the green chair AND love the floating shelves! I believe that this is the first time that I’ve seen them. However, the mirror I’ve seen and still coveting it!
Enjoy your brisk run down the beach and send that rain this way!
Blessings,
Rachel~a*little*bit*vintage
Sarah, your home is really beautiful. It truly has the look of a cottage, I adore it. I have too many dark pieces for it to look like that, but I am headed in that direction, one room at a time! You really inspire me, when I look at the gorgeous homes of some I just feel hopeless about decorating at all, then I see yours and I have hope. You obviously have not spent a mountain of money on it, but it looks GREAT!!! Thank you so much, Hugs ~cindy s~
Your blog is going to have to be renamed “Superwoman”! I’m almost as impressed with your sprinting on the beach as I am with your lovely tablescapes. I’m a person who has to pile it on the table, to the point where there isn’t room for food. I think it is MUCH more difficult to do a serene and simple tablescape. My tablescapes need all of the distractions they can get. Yours are lovely with just the few soft items you place on them. Your chair is so pretty, but I’m loving that trunk on top of …maybe another truck, or a table, or something…that is reflected in the mirror. laurie
It goes to show that you can put together a great look without spending a lot of money!
Great table.
Oh all so beautiful. Love your white fabric Ikea chairs. I also love the green chair on the end.
Always enjoy looking at what you put together.
Thanks for your tips on tablesetting. It looks so inviting and I’d love a trip to the beach.
Your tablescape is beautiful, it’s way better than what a novice could do, believe me! The green chair really adds a zing.
As for sprinting down the beach with bathers on, mmm, that’s a real challenge, I think you’re doing well. Have a good time there!
Hi Sarah, your table looks lovely and relaxing, I really like your green chair! :O)
Beautiful tablescape! Clean and simple beauty. And good for you with the training. I’m nearing 40 also but will leave the exercise to you.
Best of luck!
I love the green chair and that mirror…the shape blows me away!
Good evening!
I found your blog through vosgesparis.blogspot.com and I´m so pleased to discover your ideas, interior, imagination and so much more here! I´ll go to follow you. That greenish chair you found is so beautiful, I love that colour and style. And it´s a pleasure as well to read about Ikea, I´m fan as well…
Many sunny greetings from Belgium, Marjolijn
This is so pretty! Ikea is one of my favorite store as well as Target. I love Parsons chairs – the ability to change slipcovers when the mood strikes is what I like best!
Manuela
I love the blue and white theme and with the little touch of green of the chair it all is very lovely! Happy belated Thrifty Thursday! xo Joan
Thank you for the break down on the layers and source information. Sometimes the postings of some of the most gorgeous tablescapes can’t be deciphered. Inspiring indeed.
Love Love Love it
Cheri
http://www.itssoverycheri.blogspot.com
Your every post is a summer day! Is it never Winter @ your cottage?
Lovely!
m ^..^