Romantic Patio Party & dining room make-over

The other day while out shopping with my friend

~Jen~

remember the uber talented

seamstress~designer~ artist

we decided to go to the thrift store

~score~

serving dishes and chargers

they looked so pretty with food on them

they say white plates makes food look better

wish I would have gotten a picture of the

broccoli and carrots with strawberry yogurt as the dip

we had on Friday night with friends over

~it was pretty~

that was $2.99

I can see some pretty ribbon in those holes

at Christmas time

the tray was $1.99

then I got chargers

.99 cents each or .69

I  can't remember

I have square everyday dishes and I knew they would work perfectly

I don't have fun table runners for each plate

got to get some of those..

and I hate the plates being on my nice dining table

so these are perfect

My dining room has gotten a baby make-over

Jen told me a while ago to take the big

dining room table leaves out and make it smaller

so four people can enjoy a cozy meal

that way we will use it more

she was right

Then get a small table to be able to sit and enjoy the beautiful

outside setting with the waterfall feature

a place to have coffee and chat with girlfriends

never in a million years

would I have thought up that

I looked for a table on

Craigslist

until I found the perfect one

$125

a perfect match

see how well the wood matches

I like to sit and look at my pretties

which otherwise pretty much go un-noticed

I moved a chest from upstairs down

to fill this area up

sorry this corner is dark and I needed a flash..

the chest is better though

right?

she was right we really do eat here more often

even the two of us

then when the holidays come the leaves will go back in

for the 12 of us

I still love my china

Noritake Halls of Ivy

Oh no...I can't be thinking

of the holidays

we haven't really had a summer yet

The weather has warmed up somewhat so we

 did eat outside on Friday with the new chargers

I got some cool lantern type lights

that our friends helped put up

we're short a few strands and had to go get more today

I think then I can drape them more

but they make the place feel so romantic

I even caught some smooching going on...

we had a great weekend...

right up until we heard that our little

farmhouse was broken into :(

Did you all have a good weekend

my friends?