DELICIOUS SUMMER FOODS AND COASTAL COTTAGE STYLE LIVING

SUMMER,....It calls to mind images
of shorts and flip-flops, of rocking chairs on the 
massive front porch as evening falls....
of wildflowers in the gardens and relaxing
by the water.....

Some of us have planned a getaway for spending
quality family time while school is out for the season....

 

The Atlanta family is spending a week down in Apalachicola
in a quaint bayside home,...

Time for the most divine Bloody Mary's

Fishing on the Bay as the sun sets upon the water..

She finally caught one....



A successful day of fishing with Captain Jimmy.....

This property is stunning....

Now, we turn the conversation to food...
I have been productive making long time family
favorite summer recipes which were requested
by the popular vote...

Texas Caviar is a marvelous appetizer for pool days....

And for a lovely snack, those summer cherries are just delightful....

How about Hot Beignets served on Sunday morning....

And, I just crave my Mother's Southern Squash Casserole....

I Love, love, love this..

And, for a cool refreshing treat on a hot afternoon....
the well known Strawberry Pineapple Pretzel Salad...

There is something to say for Comfort Food....
I encourage you to bring your loved ones together
by serving long standing family favorites...

SUMMER IN THE GARDEN

 
Welcome back to Estelle's..
we love to have you stop by
and enjoy an afternoon of
sun and relaxation.....



Before the long hot days roll in,
it is so lovely to have a backyard oasis by the pool
to become one with nature and enjoy those zen moments....

I so enjoy creating a vibrant entertaining space
that helps to create the feeling that summer brings....

Ice cold sparkling lemonade is being served....

Snickerdoodles are baking in the oven....
let's take a little garden tour of what's in bloom....

The garden flag for the season

TRUMPET VINES

CANNAS IN MAE'S MEMORY GARDEN

DAYLILIES

FOUR O' CLOCKS

ZINNAS

GARDEN WHIMSY

SUN PATIENTS

FRAGRANT LANTANA

PLUMBAGO

HYDRANGEA

What's on your schedule for this season?

FATHER'S DAY PLANNING

Good Morning Kindred Spirits....
we have been busy bees around here....
You can certainly tell summer is here....
it's hot and humid along with sporadic rain showers...
so I decided it was the perfect time to turn my attention
to downsize a few things and make donations to Goodwill....
always a good thing to do....
I donated a good supply of cookbooks, candles,
dresses and shoes, throw blankets and throw pillows....
all in such good condition, never worn and gently used...
someone is going to hit the motherlode.....
Anyhoo.....my attention now turns to honoring

FATHER'S DAY....IT'S GOING TO BE A FAMILY AFFAIR.... 




    Father and Son



Two of the best Dad's ever......



I have planned the tablesetting....which is first and foremost.....



I wanted only one little appetizer which is going
to be cream cheese with Apple Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
and Cocktail crackers...a taste of summer to
accompany the cocktail hour....

Serving our favorite LA SCALA SALAD....

Grilling steaks poolside....

Rather than baked potatoes, the boys requested
Hashbrown Casserole...they love this and have
for many years....

And a light, cool and creamy sweet ending...

my Cannoli Poke Cake....

I served this at Christmas and it was a real hit!

MY DADDY AND ME....

Please wish them the best and honor the great Father's in your life.....
make it a celebration to keep the memories ......

BROCCOLI CASSEROLE...HENRY'S SPECIAL REQUEST

Good Morning Kindred Spirits....
I have had requests to share  my family special's
all-time favorite Broccoli Casserole that
my Daddy made everytime a special holiday rolled around..
be it Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas....
it has always been a family favorite and I
promise you, there is none better than this one! 

HENRY'S BROCCOLI CASSEROLE

2 packages of frozen broccoli

2 eggs

1 stick of butter, melted

1 cup of mayonnaise

1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 cup of Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Ritz Crackers, crushed

Combine eggs, mayo, soup and 1/2 of cheese to make the sauce.
Place frozen broccoli in baking dish sprayed with Pam.
Pour sauce over broccoli and top with crushed Ritz crackers.
Top with remaining cheddar cheese and pour melted butter over all.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes~

NANTUCKET SUMMER ON THE BAR CART

It was important to make a few changes on the bar cart
for summer.....and I was inspired by our summer's in Maine..
a coastal oceanside look was going to be the theme.....

 

Summer lasted only a few short months, but it was like a picture postcard....



Blue water, sailboats out in Casco Bay 

and hydrangea in full bloom

not to mention dining on the ever popular Lobster rolls...

I pulled out my favorite coastal cocktail glasses

And chose to display the soft greens and blues of the ocean

I found the perfect quilted table runner for this theme...
I  just adore this gorgeous runner from the Valerie Par Hill line...

Soft cocktail napkins feature the hydrangea

Oh yes, is this not the most beautiful summer oil painting.....

I love this and am going to enjoy this seasonal change
until we change it out for Autumn..
tell me what has inspired you for Summer in your home?