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?

COTTAGE STYLE CENTERPIECE FOR THE SUMMER SEASON

Let's set the mood....

Summer is pretty much here...

it seems as if the garden bloomed overnight...
I just saved a recipe for
Strawberry Peach Ice Pops...
how divine does that sound?

So, I was thinking that the farmhouse table needed a new look...
I pulled together a little centerpiece for June....
and as I promised, I wanted it to feature the creamy white
of the Magnolia blossoms.....using things I had on hand...

For the base, I used a wooden cutting board,
two different neutral containers....
faux florals I had on hand....

For ambiance, every centerpiece needs a candle....

with the most beautiful aroma of freshly brewed coffee..

and a touch of green toile.....

I am totally in love with small touch activated accent lights...

Summer brings forth the smell of freshly cut grass,
the ever so refreshing taste of watermelon
and those afternoons browsing the Farmer's Market...

I think it's the perfect time to make a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie..
just like Mother made..
the days are long and carefree....
let's gather at home...

 

THE START TO SUMMER

 Good Morning Loves....
we are beginning another new season 
and I am sorry to say, it's my least favorite one
but, we must find ways to make it a good one!
And I decided to design a theme for the
farmhouse table so it would last the next three months....

I wanted to create an Americana theme and pulled together
a few pieces of the good ole red, white and blue decor....

And, it's a perfect time to bring out some of my favorite transferware....

I have wanted a set of blue transferware for some time now.
and thrifted these beautiful plates from Etsy.
My collection is now complete, I believe...

 How delightful is the new collection from Pepperidge Farm.....

My first summer bloom has appeared on my new Hydrangea Bush....
in the fall this will turn a dark cherry red..now that's something
to look forward to.....

I am trying out new recipes for the fall season as we speak....

The times are changing right before our eyes....
and not in a good way....
I hope you enjoy your summer season
and pray for our country......