Over the winter our patio begins the natural process of becoming buried up again in the earth. It might take a hundred years, but it makes good progress in a single season! By spring it resembles a nostalgic movie episode. One where the heroine of the story finds herself wandering through a place long neglected, like the closing image of the movie Fried Green Tomatoes, say, where the train whistles, leaves blow, and a faded cafe sign sways in a chilly breeze. . . . Okay, it doesn't look nearly all that romantic. But it does seem like it might take a film crew to make it right again! A few hours of taking down nature's set makes all the difference. . . .
We still need a few plants here and there, but I can stage a cozy scene for now with a few fresh linens. Cheery as blooms.
Ages ago I found this lovely round tablecloth already altered for a patio table with an umbrella pole just like mine!
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The tables get moved all around, but for now I have them nested together in the center.
I thought I might cover the wicker table too, but found that I wanted to see the top itself when I place a tray or book on it. I used a doily this time instead.
I find myself referring again and again to the current BH&G issue of Flea Market Style ( that I showed you in a previous post here). Especially the pages by Janet Coon of Shabbyfufu. It's wonderful inspiration, and perfect for perusing on the patio!
My Swedish ivy (above) looking healthy and full again, and taking in some fresh air and sunshine after being indoors since fall.
Newer hefty but soft napkins from William Sonoma work well with a vintage table topper.
Everything here was collected from flea markets.
The settee sports a faded hodgepodge of older and newer cushions. It's so nice to be dressing up the patio for a new season like some Hollywood wardrobe designer! I hope this gig plays for a long time!
Thanks for coming by for the show!
Jacqueline
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