Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Spontaneous Summer Supper

On a Wednesday night a couple of weeks ago I decided to have friends
over for dinner. The beauty of having yummy mismatched dinnerware and
glassware is it allows for festivities for all occasions. Easily dressed
up or down. I did partial takeout delivery and part cooked so it had the
illusion of a home prepared meal. (Although I fessed up when asked).

List with dinnerwear final

My garden seems ridiculously happy.

Small Bouquets final final 2

Flowers and ground cover that was supposed to be a few inches tall
became several feet. All that talking out loud to myself these past
months I think was interpreted that I was talking to my garden.

explosive garden final 9

Inside and outside, my house lends itself to lots of clustered seating.

old texan bench

Even with a spontaneous feast, place cards make a personal touch.

name card tag 2

Endless mismatched glassware and plates.

place settings low res 8

I always buy an abundance of little white votives.
Luxurious and affordable.

White votives copy

Even with the party over, nothing is an eyesore.

the end of the evening table copy

desert copy

twas a lovely evening copy

At the end of the day, having friends over and being able to enjoy all is really better than any fancy restaurant.

happy guests copy

The summer draws to a close and I can start expecting the leaves
to change and the chill in the air.

73 comments:

  1. Lovely party! Well Done!
    Hugs, Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes. And this is why you are Rachel Ashwell and I am not. However, I am improving. Perhaps I will one day buy a stove. :)

    This looks fabulous & fun.
    Nothing better. (Although I have no stove, fortunately all my friends do. LOL)

    :) Debi

    ReplyDelete
  3. I always look forward to your posts. Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What is that first purple (perhaps pink) and white flower? Lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beautiful party with what is obviously good friends, nothing better. Isn't it times like these that make us realise how blessed we are and our cups truly runneth over.

    May every day be a blessing filled with love, family, friends and a beautiful garden, Maureen

    ReplyDelete
  6. How wonderful to read this at bedtime. I imagine you slept very well that night.

    Wishing you joy,
    ~Julia

    ReplyDelete
  7. What lovely tips for effortless entertaining, Rachel. It all looks wonderful, especially your garden flowers!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love your mis-matched dinnerware!! Thank you for blogging - you are so inspirational :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. There is nothing better then having friends over for a meal. And you make it look so good.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love the dog, my favorite of photos! And my garden has grown a little crazy this year as well! Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lovely! There is nothing nicer than a relaxed dinner party with friends in a comfortable and beautiful setting! I just moved to my dream house.. using gallons of white paint like you taught me!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Rachel, I tried to send you an email through Michelle at Shabby Chic but it bounced back. Would you email me your email. It's with regards to book signing. xx Elena
    housewiththewhitepicketfence@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Looks like a relaxed and fun get together. Low on stress, high on interesting conversation, good food, and great company. My favorite kind of party!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Perfect end-of-summer celebration. I imagine many wonderful conversations over your table.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Beautifully presented, life should be more about these kind of moments, gathering friends and the best of our shabby chice selves to celebrate.

    ReplyDelete
  16. What beautiful pictures, so inspiring. I love the garden bench with the comfy pillows : )

    ReplyDelete
  17. How true that the world over we are more alike than different. Food, fun and familiarity are equally joyous here in rural Australia as bustling Los Angeles. And spontaneity makes it even sweeter!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Gone but not forgotten :0))

    See : suchprettythings.typepad.com ...

    Such a lovely post : those little things that made you great are still there and appreciated :))

    Even though never seen one of those shops myself lol

    best wishes Ginny ( in the UK)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Very laid back with elegant and simple little touches. That looks like the perfect spontaneous supper!! Is that your dog? He looks quite content!! : )

    It's a pleasure to read your blog. Your post with the story about the Gypsy Moth truly touched me. It reminded me a lot of how I grew up. I have shared it with several of my friends and they have all asked for a copy of it so I referred them to your blog. : ) Many blessings to you.

    ~ Wendy
    http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wonderful blog! So much inspiration!
    I love shabby chic and do my best to paint and redesign my own furnitures :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. This was stunning!
    I loved it all!
    I'm trying so hard to lighten the palette of my Tuscan themed home now! Ugh! It's too hard!
    I wanted shabby chic but felt bad for my husband as it's so feminine, so I went with a comfortable Tuscan feel and richer colors, it's nice but I want pastels!
    Beautiful EVERYTHING you have here!
    All the best,
    Eileen

    ReplyDelete
  22. yay for you, Rachel! I can't wait to purchase your new book! Please take care and keep your spirits up! With family, friends, and a lovely, precious home, happy spirits will soar!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Rachel,
    You make it look effortless...Thanks for sharing...
    Laura
    52flea

    ReplyDelete
  24. Simple and sweet, fun looks like it was had by all, your garden looks gorgeous. Loving the Old Texan Bench with the 1940's floppy floral pillows.

    Thanks for reminding me about the images from your Sumptuous Settings & other Lovely Things...I haven't picked it up in a while...hmmm now where did I put that book....oh found it sorry Rachel must go and read your book for now....until your next post, see you then.

    Hugs
    Kirstie.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love your little displays...and everything else! So simple, yet comforting...your guests must feel very loved!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Rachel~ Love your pretty dinner party pictures. ~Mandy

    ReplyDelete
  27. Fabulous as always!
    I know it was a difficult choice, but I miss your store. I could have lived there.
    I used to go in to buy some little (or big) trinket just to bathe in the beauty and the light.
    Best to you in all you do in the future, I know it will always be chic!

    ReplyDelete
  28. absolutely, simply, beautiful. I love nights like these...thanks for letting us share in it!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I so miss entertaining like that! I went back to teaching last year, and with four children I have just not had the energy. I really need to make an effort to have friends over for dinner this year. Thanks for the inspiration!

    ~Brighton

    ReplyDelete
  30. Great evening party with friends, loved the picture with the votives...love the clear glass with white candles
    Looking forward to your new book, I have all your other books and enjoy them often...thank you for sharing your great ideas with us ... Regards, CarolAnn

    ReplyDelete
  31. Lovely simple and elegant. I am living in the UK now and am snatching up all sorts of great mismatched dishes.

    I couldn't agree more, I much prefer a relaxed dinner at home with friends to going out. Thanks for the great photos!

    ReplyDelete
  32. That chandelier is gorgeous--as is the entire scene at the dinner table.

    I'm thrilled to see you enjoying life. And interesting that you are also chronicling your inner journey this way. I'm rooting for you and quite excited to see how it will all manifest.

    xoxTish

    ReplyDelete
  33. Love the photo of everyone at the table, I can almost hear the laughter and conversation.

    ReplyDelete
  34. thanks for a beautiful blog and lots of inspirations...
    love pia

    ReplyDelete
  35. How lovely! I find that the more I make my home something I love, the more I want to share it with the people I love.

    Do you have an email account? I'd love to send you a photo of the lovely dishes I found -- I thought of you when purchasing them at the flea market.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Many congratulations for your new book! I received it today and I love it. I think it´s your best book ever! :
    Many greetings from Belgium,
    Marjolijn

    ReplyDelete
  37. JOY, LAUGHTER, PEACE... THATS WHAT I SEE.

    HUGS FROM MAINE

    ReplyDelete
  38. Everthing looks gorgeous,Rachel! I can't wait for the new book.I think I'll buy it for my birthday present to myself :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Lovely post! I enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I look forward to your post! Thank you for sharing.
    Lots of LOVE and God bless,
    Maria

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hello, you have the most fabulously wonderful site here and I had to leave this comment for you ! Your posts are beautifully written, creative and original too, and you have interesting pictures.

    It's all perfect !

    Thank you for sharing your site and best wishes.... 'Happy September'....

    ReplyDelete
  42. Great looking photos!

    I'm looking forward to getting my hands on your new book too.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thank you Rachel, you have made my day!!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Your party looked so very fun! I would love to have you come visit us for a booksigning at our store. We carried your merchandise in our storefor over 12 years and had a trunk show event planned before everything happened. We so miss your products gracing our shelves! We are just outside of Washington DC (40 min) and have many wonderful customers who loved your products.
    Sincerely,
    Nancy Hilliard
    Beekeeper's Cottage
    42350 Lucketts Rd
    Leesburg, VA 20147
    beekeeperscottage@yahoo.com
    www.beekeeperscottage.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. hola Rachel pase a saludarte , que tengas una hermosa semana
    saludos

    ReplyDelete
  46. Effortless because you have done all the hard work already... finding your special china pieces, glasses, linens etc over time, make for one less thing to concern you when preparing for a special meal...you are a very wise lady, Rachel! Glad you enjoyed your evening!
    Just wanted to say also, that I have bought your latest book and am loving it...I think that you have given the old royal coronation china a whole new feel...I never considered them to be 'shabby chic' before, but they so has your style. (I have an Alexandra and Edward plate that has always been one of my favourites)
    Be happy,
    Niki

    ReplyDelete
  47. what a fun post. easy and breezy and do-able! thank you for sharing!

    looking forward to what's "coming soon!"

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  48. Me encantó tu fiesta!!!
    Saludos,
    Daniele da Luz Larri
    http://detalhesbordados.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hello Rachel, just wanted to let you know I received your new book, oh my gosh, I love it, love it. It was worth waiting for, thank you!

    Love ya,
    Madeline

    ReplyDelete
  50. Rachel

    Excuse my English.
    I learned today (to read the blog) what happened to their stores Shabby chic. I am very sad truth.
    He had the dream of one day meet them, maybe when you reopen again .....

    You inspired me a lot. Here in America, its program still going on television and I watch all the episodes.

    I love their products and dream about buying your books!

    Brazilian Greetings!
    Daniele da Luz

    ReplyDelete
  51. Rachel I received your book today, and I love it! Thank you for doing such a special book - I cannot wait for your "opening soon" as I have missed it so much! Corinne

    ReplyDelete
  52. I am just wondering what is this desert ? It looks so tasty...
    I am always curious of new recipes, or always ready to eat something good (a little too much, by the way !)

    ReplyDelete
  53. I don't know if you read old posts. I went out and bought your new book today. The reason that is such a big deal is, I don't pay full price for my decorating books. I usually wait untill they show up in the Thrift Store-I'm very patient! Not for this-I couldn't wait. Sooo tonight I will be on the sofa with my blanket(I always have one even here in Florida in the middle of the summer) and your beautiful book getting a whole lot of inspiration! Have a fun Friday
    Sue-Orlando,Florida

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi Rachel I just received your new book today. It is beautiful! Thank you Rachel for taking the time to write another book for all of us who love SHABBY CHIC. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless You

    ReplyDelete
  55. I'm looking forward to buying the book and meeting you at your book signing at Susan's (Bluesprings Home)
    in Costa Mesa.

    Peace and Love,
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  56. Oh, how lovely~ you everything with such style and grace...
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  57. Your new book is simply stunning - as I knew it would be!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Rachel, Thank you for your glorious new book! Your homes are beyond gorgeous, and you continue to inspire on so many levels. As always, your writing makes one feel as though welcomed into these spaces for a tea time visit with you, love that. Wishing you all the best with all of your upcoming events!

    Paige xo

    ReplyDelete
  59. Rachel, you are a true inspiration. I've just read through your entire blog (in one sitting!) and read that you had to close your stores. Yes that is very sad but that doesn't mean that Shabbychic is gone. You ARE Shabbychic, your ideas and your heart and that is something that no one can copy and steal. I believe everything happens for a reason and look forward to seeing a new, stronger, re-invented and evolved Rachel come back. After all we are all shaped by our experiences be it good or bad.

    Goodluck for the future, and please keep blogging.

    cheers,
    Leoni - Australia

    ReplyDelete
  60. Oh WOW, this is a great post & you have the most gorgeous site here. I had to stop by to leave this comment for you – and to say hello of course ! Your posts are creative and original and you have interesting pictures. It's all perfect ! Thank you for sharing your site and best wishes....

    ReplyDelete
  61. I would rather have a dinner invitation to YOUR house than to the White House! (don't think I'll ever have to decide on either. :) I rec'd your book from Amazon today & I've had the most marvelous 'rainy Florida Saturday' reading it & losing myself in the gorgeous photos. Well done & congratulations. ~Sue~

    ReplyDelete
  62. What a lovely dinner. We miss you Rachel. You have been our favorite designer for years. Looking forward to seing your new store on Montana since we happened to leave nearby. The Eliots

    ReplyDelete
  63. Rachel, your latest book is beautiful and your most inspiring to date! It just proves that true Shabby Chic style never fades (in fact just like my beloved Rachel Ashwell for M&S duvet sets which are still going strong and getting better with each wash!!)
    Gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hello,

    Just wanted to let you konw how much I LOVE your newest book, Shabby Chic Interiors! You have out done yourself this time. And I love the size of it too. So many delicious photos!!!Thank you for another fabulous book to add to my library.
    ~Debra

    ReplyDelete
  65. Welcome back Rachel, you have been missed!

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  66. Thanks so much for sharing. So looking forward to the future.

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  67. Dear Rachel,
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts and allowing us to get a glimpse of who you are. By letting us in on many of your personal thoughts and journeys we have a better understanding of who Rachel Ashwell is as an ndividual, giving your timeless patterns even more depth. Your lovely designs always evoke a feeling of calm, peace & tranquility.
    Simply, that comfortable feeling of being home.
    Thank you for that. I am looking forward to what is to come. I know it will be heart felt and special.
    Wendy

    ReplyDelete
  68. This is beautiful! Your blog is perfect, I look forward to every single picture.

    Steph x

    ReplyDelete
  69. Your home and style of entertaining is always of inspiration to me. This was a party well done. I love the relaxed ambience.

    Looking forward to grabbing up a copy of your book and most of all, utterly joyus that the times have turned in your favor!

    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  70. How fun to see you in a natural setting of daily living...You are beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Bravo! What a wonderful celebration.

    ReplyDelete