I am looking forward to the Beach Cottage kiddos being off school and heading down the beach every day from now until well into the New Year. I think we all need a break, it's been one busy month.
I have been indulging in some Christmas Cottage tablescaping, what better time to indulge one's passion than when sparkles, silver, ribbon and of course baubles can be thrown around with abandon?
Before I made the Annual Pilgrimage to IKEA, and after being disilluisioned by all that was stacked in the shops I decided I would go for things I already had, ribbon, white, things from the beach and candles.
Here I did just that, and very much in budget or on target or whatever it is I'm supposed to be keeping to at the moment (certainly am hiding all evidence of not being on target at the back of the wardrobe though haha).
I was in the Dollar Store the other week for an event I was 'dressing' and came across the glittery leaf decorations for $2 and bought a few packets thinking they would look good poked just about anywhere…though just about the only thing I've done with them so far is shove them in these glasses for a Christmas get together.
All else I already had, except for the ribbon, the beach things sprayed white with my trusty can of paint and the string of beads bought from the same shop at the mall for a few dollars and cut into shorter lengths to wrap around the napkins with a shell, parcel style.
I was surprised how this turned out for minimum fiddling, minimum outlay…but much aesthetic pleasure…the ribbon running through seems to anchor it all quite nicely and of course heaps of candles are the answer to many-a-scene-setting problem.
I'm not sure how Christmas Day's table will go, for sure I probably won't be in charge of it, I'll be looking after big birds in ovens but I will be supervising and hoping for some sort of version of this
This year I've roughly planned the day – present opening, phone calls to England & France, down the beach for a dip (with turkey in oven) and then back here for a long and late lunch.
We will hopefully be setting up under the old Moreton Bay Fig Tree at the back of the garden, it's private and shady and cool down there. I had grand illusions of fixing up some kind of canopy (white of course) and floating around in white linen & sandals, doused in Chanel and eating seafood.
Well the seafood will very much be there.
The floating, linen and white. Not so sure.
See you all tomorrow, I've got a woop-de-doop wreath to show you from, where else, IKEA.
Hello! I love your little cottage blog, it’s all so lovely. I am just wondering about your use of tea lights without holders. Do you ever have trouble with them leaving a scorch mark? My hubby set on a windowsill once and it left and nice burn mark. Of course, it did burn down to the bitter end so maybe that is the trick – not letting them completely burn. Just curious. Merry Christmas!
it’s lovely in it’s simplicity. I’ve been catching up on your blog today after a few weeks not reading (gasp!!) and am loving it, as usual. Congrats on the magazine shoots!! And I sorta wish I could shop w/ you at Ikea. I have NO problem admitting I shop there and adore it!
Gorgeous, Sarah! I’m looking forward to seeing that wreath, too!
We should have a big ol’ bloggy get together at our house! Of course you are invited!:-)
I just love that clean look you are so good at decorating with. It looks gorgeous. Your table is perfect for the Holidays. I love your home…and your posts…and your projects!
Blessings,
Debbie
Thanks to you, Sarah, I feel as if I’ve been to the beach today. I had a feeling of serenity as I viewed your lovely table … akin to the experience of looking out across a calm, quiet sea. I very much admire your tasteful restraint. Simply lovely!
It must be wonderful to have a beach day on Christmas day. Hmmm… I have a dear friend in Tasmania, maybe it is time I go visit her! Not sure if she is anywhere near a coastline though, haha, I am showing my ignorance here. Love your tablescape, dear girl, sounds like you are loving your start of summer. Hugs, Cindy S.
Love the table, it’s simple and elegant. Less is more really does make sense, doesn’t it?
Your plans for Christmas Day sound like a dream to me. Next year I will be celebrating Christmas down under as well, and I just can’t wait. I am hoping for something similar to what you have planned this year.
You and your gorgeous little beach cottage inspire me!
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 …]
Well G’day Beach Cottage ladies. Of course some of you guessed correctly, no flies on Beach Cottage gals are there? A Summer House window dressing, beach vintage style. One that I got very wrong. I’ll keep this short and sweet The vintage crochet patchwork curtain? Love. Pure love. But, put it this [...]
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
Hello! I love your little cottage blog, it’s all so lovely. I am just wondering about your use of tea lights without holders. Do you ever have trouble with them leaving a scorch mark? My hubby set on a windowsill once and it left and nice burn mark. Of course, it did burn down to the bitter end so maybe that is the trick – not letting them completely burn. Just curious. Merry Christmas!
SO, SO pretty as always, Sarah! Love the glittery leaves.
This is simple, clean, and elegant all at once! May I come over for dinner, lunch, brunch, cookies, tea, or just anything at that table?
it’s lovely in it’s simplicity. I’ve been catching up on your blog today after a few weeks not reading (gasp!!) and am loving it, as usual. Congrats on the magazine shoots!! And I sorta wish I could shop w/ you at Ikea. I have NO problem admitting I shop there and adore it!
Yes, be careful with the tea lights….I once let one burn down and it caught on fire. Left a hole in the table pad, but not the table, thank heaven.
sarah i relish the dreamy feel
Totally you, Sarah! Pretty and elegant and thrifty and sweet.
Brenda
Simply elegant!
m ^..^
Such elegant simplicity! Love the serenity of it! Beautiful.
Gorgeous, Sarah! I’m looking forward to seeing that wreath, too!
We should have a big ol’ bloggy get together at our house! Of course you are invited!:-)
Love it!! Simple is good! This is giving me lots of ideas! Thanks!! Really gorgeous!
oh it’s so beautiful!!! so glad i found your blog!!! the textures are perfect in all white!!!
xoxo,
lauren @pure style home
Sarah, I love the serenity of your table.
I would love to spend some time relaxing there and enjoying a meal with you. It is just the thing after the sometimes hectic rush of the season.
What a nice tranquil break. Very, very nicely done, and thank you so much for sharing it with us.
simple and beautiul!
You’re giving up artistic control for Christmas?
I am always in awe of how elegant simple and white can be! Thanks for linking to Deck the Halls!
Your cottage whites are always lovely and soothing!
I find this table setting enchanting..just so pure with the white and the candles…peaceful as well. Lovely!
Simply beautiful! Love it
Very elegant…so right for the Beach Cottage..
Merry Christmas, bj
That would be nice for New Years Eve too..very pretty!
Kathleen
Southampton, NY
I particularly like the ribbon down the centre of the table Sarah and agree that it ties it all together so well.
Great table Sarah.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Beautiful Sarah! Can’t wait to see the wreath!
Whenever I read your blog, it makes me want to chuck it all here in the Midwestern U.S. and go live on a beach in Australia, too.
Love the simple touches on your table, like those silver leaves in the glasses. Beautiful!
simply lovely! happy tablscape!
It’s beautiful! The leaf picks are lovely.
I just love that clean look you are so good at decorating with. It looks gorgeous. Your table is perfect for the Holidays. I love your home…and your posts…and your projects!
Blessings,
Debbie
First of all….gorgeous table. So elegant but not stuffy. Very beautiful! I saw you were on at Hooked on Houses today….looks good!
Stunning! I love the white, perfect festive look for the beach!
merry Christmas
Dena
Thanks to you, Sarah, I feel as if I’ve been to the beach today. I had a feeling of serenity as I viewed your lovely table … akin to the experience of looking out across a calm, quiet sea. I very much admire your tasteful restraint. Simply lovely!
Bill @ Affordable Accoutrements
Simple,classy and very much you!! Have a wonderful Christmas Sarah! All the best,Chrissy
I absolutely LOVE the all white palate!! So beautiful. I’ve been wanting to do an all-white tablescape. Gorgeous -
It must be wonderful to have a beach day on Christmas day. Hmmm… I have a dear friend in Tasmania, maybe it is time I go visit her! Not sure if she is anywhere near a coastline though, haha, I am showing my ignorance here. Love your tablescape, dear girl, sounds like you are loving your start of summer. Hugs, Cindy S.
love the ribbon!
Like the touch of the ribbon.
- The Tablescaper
Love the table, it’s simple and elegant. Less is more really does make sense, doesn’t it?
Your plans for Christmas Day sound like a dream to me. Next year I will be celebrating Christmas down under as well, and I just can’t wait. I am hoping for something similar to what you have planned this year.
You and your gorgeous little beach cottage inspire me!
Sarah – Beach Cottage – simplicity and elegance
Alison
what a gorgeous white table. Its beuatiful!
Very pretty Sarah. I think it’s one of my favorite tablescapes that you’ve done so far. Beautiful!
This is stunning! I feel like I’m dining on a sugar sand beach. This is definitely a favorite! Thanks for sharing. ~ sarah