May Garden Party

I hope the neighbors enjoy the sounds of our birds (100+ lovebirds, finches, quail and chickens) because they are singing, clucking, and celebrating the glorious Southern California sunshine.  So, with Rob gone fishin', it seemed the right time for a garden party on the back deck with my home girls.  Quick Caesar chicken salad, watermelon, and berries, with a Lemondade cocktail, we are good to party.

Flowers from the garden in vase suggested by Susan on Naps on the Porch.  Three jars nestled in wire holder.  Love it.  Very on the farmesque.

Love organic watermelon and berries from Whole Foods. My favorite black berries - so delicious, very low in Saturated Fat, and a good source of Vitamin E, Magnesium, Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Manganese.  Great for skin!  Yeah! Love them.

 

After menu planning, choosing the dishes....hmmmm.  Wanted something contemporary to go with my striped tablecloth, but also with a garden vibe.  Decided on Homer Laughlin Eggshell Georgian with dogwood pattern and gold trim, found on eBay years ago. Love the berry bowls.


Anchoring the dogwood plates on a charger of gold, brings out the yellow in the flowers, and gold trim around the edges.  Placing the charger on a rattan charger gives it weight, and a more rustic look. Simple wood napkin rings, cotton napkins, wood handled knives.
  

Lorina Sparkling Lemonade, add to vintage cocktail shaker with lots of ice, and splash of Vodka, shake and serve in big gold martini glasses. Delightful.


Love these glasses from Z Gallerie, purchased for a New Year's Party.  The bright reflective metallic glassware is intricately etched and the gold exterior is cleverly paired with a Silver interior, supported on a clear glass stem. I also have four in red for festive Christmas parties.

So that's the party on the deck in the trees above my garden and the bird aviaries.  Sweet song, company, and food. Lovely day.

 

Resources:
Gold Chargers:  Malibu garage sale, Saturday

Rattan Chargers: Santa Barbara thrift shop, 2 years ago
Plates, berry bowls, serving platters:  Homer Laughlin Egglshell Georgian, K5N5, eBay, 2 years ago
Stemware: Z Gallerie, Puccini Glassware, 1 years ago
Flatware: World Market, Green Madeline Flatware Collection, 2 years ago

Knives:  Home Goods, Barenthal stainless, 1-2 years ago

Napkin rings: Dollar Store, 2 for $1, 3 years ago
Napkins: Home Goods, 2 years ago
Centerpiece Wire Basket: Home Decorators Collection, this season

Watermark on photos:  Trial version of Virtual Watermark (lost everything on a hard drive crash, so will need to repurchase it - not happy)

Linking up with  Tablescape Thursday