Sunday Afternoon on Mulberry Street

It's a beautiful afternoon here on Mulberry Street. The temperature is in the high 80's and nobody seems to want to move around very much.

So, let's gather up everything we need for lunch and move out onto the back patio.

Perfect, I think we have everything that we are going to need.

The Tuscan flavor of the dinnerware fits right into the back patio setting. The lilacs are finished blooming but if you look real close you can see a couple of bright pink peonies   trying to make an appearance and there at the top of one of the napkins, you see my pansies too. I love my back yard this time of year.

Someone please pass the ice tea.

I purchased these dishes late last summer for a competition that is held at our County Fair each year called, "Best Dressed Table". One of the themes was, "Lunch in Tuscany for Two". I came in second and that yielded prize money. Bet you think I put it into . . . . more dishes. Yes, I did.

This is really what started the whole thing today. I stopped at the market to get some spinach for a salad and just inside the front door these beautiful flowers called to me. Went right home and the table on the patio followed.  I am sure this has happened to many of you out there in blogland too.

This sweet little bird fits right in with the sound effects out on the patio this afternoon.

Tablecloth, napkins and napkin rings from Bed, Bath and Beyond, place mats Pier One, flatware World Market, green bubbleware glasses Target, and the dishes and orange goblets Home Goods.

Good bye from Mulberry Street. Hope all of you are having a relaxing afternoon on your patio.

I am joining Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life 

Happy Mother's Day

How better to start our special day than with breakfast in bed.

The breakfast try is set with a butter croissant, soft-boiled egg, juice and coffee. How special.

Oh look, there is a little present for "Mom".

The lilacs in the yard are just about finished. So glad that there were these pretty ones left to make the tray extra sweet.

This napkin ring is very special to me as it belonged to my Grandmother. She is a very formal lady, and it sat at her place at the table everyday. It was passed on to me by my Aunt. My first name, my middle name, my maiden name and my married name, all start with an "M".

This has got to be the best way to start the day.

Again, Happy Mother's Day.

Cinco de Mayo

Welcome everyone to Cinco de Mayo on Mulberry Street. Margaritas for everyone and the music will be starting any minute.

These serving pieces are on lend to me from a good friend but are so pottery appropriate they just had to come to the party and the lemons are a recent pick from another girlfriend's yard. Let the party begin.

The table is set for eight, my favorite number to entertain for. 

The bright reds, yellows, greens and cobalt blues in the Mexican tradition is so much fun to work with and embellish upon. 

Peeking through the cactus and goblets we see all the bright colors taking on a life of their own ~ ahh, the fun of Cinco de Mayo.

I can't remember where I found this little serving dish but knew that it would be perfect for salsa (and my family always requests the hottest that can be found please).

Found these two little serving dishes while "grazing" in Pier One this week.

Hope Ponchito doesn't step on these little cacti when he steps down from the little leather-covered box. 

The colors all seem to blend with each other no matter which direction you turn.

Little Ponchito here came to live on Mulberry Street a few months ago while I was shopping for a fountain for my front courtyard. I found him in a building tucked away with a lot of like Mexican pottery. I instantly knew that he would be the focal point for my 2012 Cinco de Mayo table. The fountain will be the making of a future post.

It is such fun when you can go to your dish room and pull all these different items that have been purchased at different times, and have them blend together so well. Viva Mexico.

Again, the bright colors of Mexico are so bright and colorful and even playful to look at.

I always think the little cactus margarita glasses are so cute on the occasion of Cinco de Mayo. They always bring a smile to everyone's face.

Adios Amigos. Thank you for stopping by.

Resources:

Runner ~ World Market

Rattan Mats ~ Pier One

Blue Place Mats ~ Kohl's

Dishes ~ Mexicali ~ Pier One

Red Accent Plates ~ Gourmet Basics ~ Mikasa

Napkins ~ Pier One

Napkin Rings ~ Tuesday Morning

Red Bowls ~ Pier One

Bamboo Flatware ~ Horchow

Green Bubble Goblets ~ Target

Cactus Margaritas ~ On lend from a friend.

Salsa Dishes ~ ??? Pier One

Cactus and Succulents ~ Home Goods

Votive Cactus Cups ~ On lend from a friend.

Red Pepper Salt and Pepper ~ Gift shop Avila Beach.

Red Pepper Dishes ~ Pier One

Ponchito ~ Palms and Fountains, Bakersfield, Calif.


I'm participating in Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life.