SUMMER ENTERTAINING FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Good Morning to all....
Yes, I know....summer is in full swing,
and it is just too hot to enjoy the  outdoors!
The big news here at Estelle's is that
we are preparing for company!
It's time to plan a party~~~ 

FAMILY TIME



The Divine Miss M is flying in from ATLANTA
for a short visit and bringing our Luke the Duke with her....

It's hard to believe he is now 18 years old and will
begin his senior year of high school in just a few weeks.
I cannot wait to see them and make our time meaningful and fun!
We treasure the time our entire family is together under one roof!!

We are hosting game night and cocktails for a fun
evening indoors!
The theme has been decided upon and we do love
a good mystery game.....

This promises to be a fun evening....
who will be the best detective?

I am so excited for this menu.....
I love attending a party where the food
is all homemade...with  love.....

The color story will be vibrant

The accessories will add a bit of glamour and whimsy

We will enjoy a cocktail hour, then the party shall begin...
as they say...

'let the good times roll!"

COTTAGECORE SUMMER KITCHEN DECOR

Good Morning Kindred Spirits...
let's start a conversation....
what is your favorite style of decorating your home?
Do you follow current trends? Are you into the currently
popular 'Nancy Meyers" or do you lean more to embracing
your own unique style?
I am a traditionalist at heart and choose things
that evoke a memory or bring me a sense of happiness....

One of the features that I find necessary to have in a home,
is a kitchen window over the sink.....and our bay window
in this home, brings me great joy everyday...

I may have found the secret to decorating at this age
as I have chosen pieces I absolutely love, and plan to leave them
where they are, then simply change out a few seasonal decor pieces 
throughout the year..
The pieces I chose for this vignette are mostly in shades of green
which will work beautifully for all seasons and allow me to 
enjoy a few of my all time favorite collections...

I love using my two favorite collector canisters which
represent the summer Farmer's Markets and they are just
so beautiful to look at every morning.
The cruet set belonged to my Mother-in-Law and I keep these
on display all year round....

And, yes I love to add a few whimsy items
like this darling chicken candle holder..
I love to mix Primitive pieces, with Cottagecore .....

Love this wooden base touch tone light...
it's a soft warm light during the evening and before sunrise

For some reason, this evokes memories of my
Grandmother's kitchen...and I really love that....



And, choose a lovely scent of hand soap along with
a pretty soap dispenser

Choosing the color story of GREEN, was the right choice...
it's calming and serene....
find what you love and let your creativity run free....

it's a wonderful feeling...hugs to each of you and
thank you for visiting Estelle's today....

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 ......