Extending Summer—Propagating Summer Plants

Goodbye, August…you were lovely this year, and I really, really didn’t want you to go. But September came rolling by with no regard for my wishes, knowing that I’ll eventually fall in love with her too. It will take a while; I hope she’s patient with me.

We have an old, chippy green shutter in our screened porch that’s been a perfect corner backdrop for potted plants. I have no memory of having bought it; it’s as though it’s been with us forever, and I’ve always loved it and have been glad we brought it home whenever it was that we did.  It has served us well~~

~~but for several years now I’ve wanted to add some plants to the upper part of the shutter itself…thinking…thinking…thinking… Small pots? Probably too heavy (and leaky). Those metal pots with the hook built into them? Maybe…but not quite clicking with me…thinking…thinking…Pinterest-ing…thinking, while at the same time bemoaning the waning days of summer. Eureka! A picture on Pinterest of a Ball jar used by a teacher to store chalk! (http://thecreatedhome.blogspot.com/2011/08/homeschool-classroom-makeover.html)

Picture a big, bright light bulb right over my  head—BIG AND BRIGHT. I have been positively enthralled with our geraniums this year (you can see close-ups of them HERE), and our coleuses have gone wild. Strong, and tall, and healthy. (I love coleuses because my grandmother loved them—they always remind me of her.) I had started to root some of the coleus, just because, and my thinking paid off! Hang Ball mason jars from the shutter and root them there! Voila—a way to root them AND add color and texture and interest to the upper part of the shutter!

I wrapped twine around the ridges of the jars, starting with a loop from which to hang them, added water, added cuttings, and I was pleased.

If you look real hard you can see the loop on each jar, hung with a S hook to the wire that just so happened to be in the perfect place (I wonder why it’s there?! It’s rusted and beautiful, so it’s been there a long, long time).

And now, be forewarned…the light and shadow play and reflections were just perfect on the days that I photographed them, so LOTS AND LOTS of pictures, to share how much I enjoyed taking these pictures.

And this is Miss Calliope Dark Red…I hope to winterize the plant too, but rooting cuttings are a bit of a back-up plan. I’ve heard of just taking the plants to the basement and not watering them much, but haven’t researched it much, so any tips would be very, very welcome!

This one has no tag, so I named it `Brushstrokes,’ because if you looked at it in my Porch in the Rain post linked above, you’ll know why. Each petal looks like it has a brushstroke of white on it. B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.

Can you tell how happy I am with my “rooting jars”?

TWO perfect solutions in one!

So are you ready for fall, or are you extending summer as much as you can? And have you been successful in overwintering plants in cold climates (Ohio, in my case). Call to all gardeners out there: Your advice is needed!

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you’ll leave me a comment to let me know you were here—I read every single one of them! And if you like what you see a lot, maybe you’d like to Google+ this post or pin it on Pinterest too! Thank you!

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Masterpiece Monday at http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/

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Home and Garden Thursday at http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/

Open House Party Thursday at http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com

Transformation Thursdays at http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/

Feathered Nest Friday at http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

Home Sweet Home Fridays at http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

Inspiration Friday at http://www.atthepicketfence.com

Thrifty Things Friday at http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/

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Show and Tell Friday at http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

Fridays Unfolded at http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/

From my nest to yours~

Zuni

Versatile Blue and White, Part II

Late last summer (yes! almost a year ago!) I did a fancy table in our screened porch in blue and white HERE. I then changed only the napkins and the small centerpiece to see how very versatile (and lovely!) blue and white is—it stands on its own, or it’s a foundation for a shot of another color.

So here’s a glimpse of last year’s blue and white table, in the evening ~

I left all the crystal and silver elements, and the following morning did the switcheroo to red. I love red, white, and blue, which is usually a very casual/patriotic look, and I wanted to see a more formal table with the same colors ~

Then, the switch went to yellow, also a traditional combination, but again with all the same components.

 

The morning light was lovely, and played out in beautiful shadows.

What colors do you like to add to blue and white? I remember now that I did one with brown too, and probably others…

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you’ll leave me a comment to let me know you were here—I read every single one of them! And if you like what you see a lot, maybe you’d like to Google+ this post or pin it on Pinterest too! Thank you!

I invite you to follow me. If you’ll let me know that you’re following, I’ll be sure to follow you back.

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Metamorphosis Monday at  http://betweennapsontheporch.net/

Masterpiece Monday at http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/

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Tabletop Tuesday at http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

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Transformation Thursdays at http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/

Feathered Nest Friday at http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

Home Sweet Home Fridays at http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

Potpourri Friday at http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/

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Show and Tell Friday at http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

Fridays Unfolded at http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/

From my nest to yours~

Zuni

A Summer Rain—from the Porch

On a Saturday morning a couple of weeks ago we woke up to [more] rain, but it was a hard-enough-to-hear rain that makes you want to stay in bed all day and just listen to it. I admit it…I did do a little bit of that, but then I was anxious to get out to the front porch to enjoy it in a different way.

One of the good things in life is having a front porch—with a swing—and sitting on that swing, warm cup of coffee in hand, listening to the rain and watching as the drops hit the ground and make their own little splashes.

 Listen….do you hear it?! Do you hear the quiet??

 

Yes, siree! It was some awesome sort of summer rain! No thunder, no lightning, just sweet, sweet rain.

My wellies, jacket, and umbrella at the ready, in case I decide to venture out for a walk. Do you have rain boots? If you do, what do you like about them? Do you wear them often? I love mine! In fact, I find them kind of freeing—I can walk anywhere, through anything, without getting my feet or pants wet or the back of my pants splashed!

One of my favorite mugs—from Starbucks—was perfect for my morning on the porch.

And as I enjoyed the rain, I enjoyed our porch, taking the time to enjoy the little “vignettes” that are often overlooked.

This old crate that I’ve had for so long and use so often. Not a clue where/when I got it, but it sure has been enjoyed!

I’ve already mentioned this geranium this year—it’s been absolutely beautiful! It’s hard to tell in the picture, but the red is a black red; the flowers look almost like velvet. The wicker table? A fabulous auction find!

And the “painted” geranium—see how it looks like each petal has brushstrokes? Another favorite this year that I’ve mentioned before. I’m going to try to keep them over the winter in the garage. We’re in Ohio—any advice on how to do that? I would love, love, love to have these again next year.

 

 

P.S. After this sweet reprieve on our porch my husband and I ventured out in the rain—yes, I in my wellies—to a nearby town that has wonderful antique shops. Before wellies I may not have been too interested in that, but have wellies, will go out!

Are you a rain lover? Do you venture out in it? And if you own rain boots do you love them and wonder why you didn’t buy them longer ago like I do?!

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you’ll leave me a comment to let me know you were here—I read every single one of them! And if you like what you see a lot, maybe you’d like to Google+ this post or pin it on Pinterest too! Thank you!

I invite you to follow me. If you’ll let me know that you’re following, I’ll be sure to follow you back.

Mop it Up Monday at http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com

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Masterpiece Monday at http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com

Tuesday’s Treasures http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/

Wow Us Wednesdays at http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

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What's It Wednesday at http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/

Share Your Cup Wednesday at http://jannolson.blogspot.com/

Thursdays at StoneGable http://www.stonegableblog.com/

Home and Garden Thursday at http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/

Tablescape Thursday at http://betweennapsontheporch.net/

Open House Party Thursday at http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com

Transformation Thursdays at http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/

Feathered Nest Friday at http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

Home Sweet Home Fridays at http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

Potpourri Friday at http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/

Inspiration Friday at http://www.atthepicketfence.com

Thrifty Things Friday at http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/

Vintage Inspiration Friday at http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/

Show and Tell Friday at http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

Fridays Unfolded at http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/

Fall Around the House at http://theinspiredroom.net

From my nest to yours~

Zuni

White Baptism Reception or Bridal Table

When Baby Love, our first grandbaby, was baptized, Mr.. Nest and I were thrilled to host the reception at our home afterwards.

The table was done in whites, using the beautiful, hand-stitched vintage tablecloth we had bought years before, exactly for the event—our grandbabies’-to-come baptism! Recently I saw the tablecloth again, as I inventoried my linens in my newly organized system (you can see the post on that here), and the memories of such a happy day inspired me to create a similar table, using the now-beloved (now that it was used for a grandbaby’s baptism) tablecloth, silver, and white hydrangeas, just as we did for her baptism. Her reception of course was a larger affair—we rented white tents and tables and chairs, using Battenberg tablecloths on all the outside tables, so this table is an inspiration table, for a small gathering of six. Won’t you join us? We’d love to have you!

The hydrangeas are from our yard, not quite in full bloom yet, but I really wanted to use our own, as we did for her baptism, and the vases are some that I purchased for her reception.  In this picture the detail along the edge of the tablecloth is visible.

I miss the candles on this table, but since this is a daytime gathering we are sans candles. Do you find it hard to leave candles off a table like I do? I just love the look of candles and candelabras.

I don’t know the names of many stitches, but I do know beauty and skill, and this one meets both. I can’t begin to imagine the skill and patience required to appliqué such tiny, exact pieces of thin, fine fabric with such tiny, perfectly spaced stitches. My grandmother and mother could do this type of stitching, and growing up we had plenty of these beautiful pieces on our tables, so that’s another reason why I love them so. They bring back memories and create memories. I hope someday Baby Love will have this tablecloth on her own table, for her babies’ and grandbabies’ baptisms.

For some of the details of the table…

The silver double chafing dish: My mother and I found this wonderful piece at an antique shop many years ago, and I had to have it. The fact that it was double, had two sets of wonderful wood handles, and the original fuel burners with a wick made it impossible to pass up. They found a happy home!

There is something about etched, vintage goblets that I find irresistible, and although I don’t really need more crystal, it’s very hard for me to pass them up when I see them. These lovelies have a faceted effect on them that makes them gleam. Our guests will sip pink champagne punch from these beauties—I can’t wait to have some myself!

To add interest and height to the table, the silver gallery tray holding the goblets sits on a crystal cake plate.

The champagne punch will be served in our sterling punch bowl, a long-ago gift from my MIL. Those of you dear friends who visit often know I like to use the Amish highchair we bought for our grandbabies as an auxiliary table, as I did for this buffet setting.

I think we’ll also have soft pink petit fours in the pedestal, silver domed cake plate, a great gift from Bombay Co. when they had their wonderful retail stores. Do you remember Bombay Co.?

I used one of my silverplate toast servers to hold the napkins, which, although not an exact match to the tablecloth, have the same lovely handwork. It, along with the silverware, sit at the end of the serving line, so guest don’t have to juggle extra items as they serve themselves, and they can pick them up as they walk away.

The silverware was placed on another Bombay Co. silver piece—this one a small, tiered server.

For those who prefer refreshing water, cucumber water with slices of strawberries will also be offered.

This silver server, set on its own lid to add another layer to the table, will hold an assortment of tea sandwiches.

Our guests will serve themselves on these vintage pressed-glass plates. A silver salt shaker was re-purposed as a small flower vase. Its companion is elsewhere on the table.

The liner on the table is barely pink, and these pink etched cordials are a nod to the guest of honor—a sweet and precious baby girl. Guests who might enjoy a bit of Bailey’s will be glad to do so in these beauties, which were a gift from my mother. Those of you who visit frequently might recall seeing them make an appearance at other gatherings.

My favorite little serving spoon had to make its appearance on this table, this time to serve pink and white yogurt-covered cranberries.  Do you love small, intricate pieces like this? Do you use them often, or are you simply happy to “have them there” like I am?

And now, for those of you who enjoy the little details, as I do, below are the close-ups you might be looking for. Enjoy!

 

The Waterford Lismore pitcher that very often appears on my REAL family tables, because I love, love, love its looks and its size—not too big, not too small.  It was a lovely wedding present almost 30 years ago.

Mmmmmm……a close-up of the stitching on this tablecloth!

Ribbons on the stems.

The Waterford Lismore vase filled the void between the two large vases.

And my new, Endless Summer hydrangea made its debut at this table. I had two little clusters to clip, and I’m so excited I could use them on this table for our Sweet Baby Love!

The plates are Depression pressed glass, but I can’t remember the details about them. If any of my readers would like to know, email me and I’ll do some research. The small silver tray was a happy find in an auction lot! Do you do auctions? Do you love the good extras you sometimes get in a lot? I love those fun finds!

 

And the best for last…this was our baptism gift to our Sweet Baby Love and her parents:

  Sweet Baby Love

 

This is a close-up of her gown, our other gift to them. It’s also handmade and hand-stitched in a very similar style to the tablecloth, which was of course not orchestrated, just a happy coincidence. The short gown was a gift from a family friend, and she wore it at the reception.

Thank you for joining us at our baptism reception. I hope you liked the champagne punch, the petit fours, and the tea sandwiches, and that you’ll come back soon!

 

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’ll leave me a comment to let me know you were here—I read every single one of them! And if you like what you see a lot, maybe you’d like to +1 this post or pin it on Pinterest too! Thank you!

I invite you to follow me. If you’ll let me know that you’re following, I’ll be sure to follow you back.

Sundays at The Tablescaper: http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/

Mop it Up Monday at http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com

Metamorphosis Monday at  http://betweennapsontheporch.net/

Tuesdays at http://www.astrollthrulife.net/

Tuesdays at http://hickorytrailblog.blogspot.com

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Transformation Thursdays at http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/

Be Inspired Friday at http://www.Commonground-do.com/

Fridays at Feathered Nest: http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

Fridays at http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/

Fridays at Home Sweet Home: http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

Mikasa Vintage Lace Giveaway at French Country Cottage!

Have you seen Courtney’s table using the gorgeous Mikasa Vintage Lace china? If you haven’t, you must (here’s the link). I am in love with the scalloped edges on the plates, and here’s the good news: Mikasa is doing a giveaway of SIX place settings of these beautiful dishes! Visit her blog at http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/07/vintage-inspired-place-settings.html.

Stop by and join the fun, (pssst, but I’d really, really, really love to be the one to win!)  :)

Good luck!  ~Zuni

at Chickadee Home Nest