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Monday, May 27, 2013

Foolin' With the Dining Room



My bouquet of garden roses is pretty much finished, but the petals are still giving off a wonderful scent. I have them in the center of the dining room table for now.





There's quite a different feel to this room since we sent this old family table home with the oldest son at the end of the reunion. I've done a lot of blog posts from here, and I wanted to show the difference in scale from these earlier photos of the old table. (It's dark oak like the sideboard, refinished and looks like new, but I always found the dark finish too heavy for this small dining room and kept it covered. I like a covered table anyway.)





I've used its surface more for projects than anything else in recent years. It's shown here with one of its extra leaves in it. There has never really been space to extend it entirely in this room. (Although we've done that too sometimes.)





There has always been a bench at the end in front of the window, and for a few months (maybe longer--I lose track) we have been using metal garden chairs around it too. They have worked to give more of a lift to this room and are remarkably comfortable with their recovered padded seats.






It's been the center of everything for thirty six years!




We brought in this matching glass topped garden table to take its place for now. Maybe temporary, maybe not. Mr. Cottage likes it a lot. The size is a lot more cozy for just two people. And I've always loved the look of garden style indoors. At least in summer!









I'm always deluding myself that I'm paring things down, and going for a more clean and spacious look, but the first thing I did was pile layers of linens on the new surface! (This quilted runner from France needs a few more washings to soften it.) 





I'm enjoying a recent find in here too. I loved all the curves on this antique chair, and I love the built in "handle" on these types of chairs too. Now I have four of them, all different.




I've parked a small wicker table in front of the window (out from storage for the recent wedding). The man of the house is thinking it's a great spot for morning coffee, and I'm thinking it's a great surface for more linen! But it will probably need to go back. . . . 








I've changed the lace sheers since you last saw them too!








So much for playing house! The sun is going down, and the weekend is over. Hope it was a good one for you!

 Have a great week ahead folks!

Jacqueline






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22 comments:

  1. Oh, Jacqueline- that garden table looks really good right there- it is the perfect shape and it is light and bright!

    I love your stories and your pictures, always like reading a picture book when I visit you.

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  2. I also have that beautiful white pedestal bowl you have featured...
    Love your house!!
    All rested up from the recent festivities!!??

    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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  3. It's fun to 'play house' and children willing to take furniture that they need and we may have outgrown just gives us an excuse for fun!

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  4. Jacqueline, you have so many pretty linens and they look great on any of your tables, but I really like the garden table and chairs there now. So pretty for spring and summer coming up..Happy Monday..Judy

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  5. Hi J,
    Well this is a big change and I love it!! more intimate and airy... I have to side with your Mr. too, I love a table right by a window, I think I am almost always looking out a window, well maybe if it was dry outside I would just go outside, I digress :-) New size tables mean new sized linens to show off and that is always a plus too :-) Love seeing all those pretty linens...
    Hugs,
    B

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  6. I really like the little round table by the window for coffee. My Mom had a table and chairs (it seems to me) that were like yours. She brought them inside, too after awhile.

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  7. What a sweet post! and the way you described everything I could almost smell the rose petals....

    XO,
    Christine

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  8. Hi Jacqueline,
    Love the garden table inside. I enjoy bringing the outside indoors too and your look is stunning with the gorgeous linens and lace. A table by the window is beautiful and so inviting.
    Gorgeous bowl of rose petals!
    Have a great week.
    Hugs

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  9. I love the garden table in the house. I too love a covered table, but my husband doesn't seem to be able to eat/drink anything at the table without spilling.

    I love the see through window coverings so one can catch a glimpse of the patio.

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  10. I love the nostalgia that you shared, and the garden table is perfect.
    hugs,
    Laura

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  11. How have I missed seeing your previous posts, blogger has been doing some unusual things on my blog. I'm glad it's seems like it's getting back to normal & I can now catch up with you. Love your new table, it looks fabulous with your lovely table linen.

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  12. Jaqueline, it isbeautiful and gorgeous as ever! I love the soft look of the all white room, but that pop of brown on your sideboard just warms the entire room! Love the linens, I am following your lead with the layers..I LOVE it too!
    Hearts to you,
    Betsy

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  13. Jacqueline, it's always fun to "play house", actually one of my favorite activities. I, too, like bringing in the outdoor pieces to use in the house occasionally. Everything you do is done with great style!

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  15. Jacqueline, I LOVE your glass top garden table. Several years ago I passed one up at a shop, and have regretted it ever since! I love wicker, too, and have two chairs and table inside, along with other "outdoor" decor. And you know I love your gorgeous lace and linens. That photo of the window where you see all that wonderful sunshine outside along with your table and chairs and umbrella to shade you from the sun--oh, it's just so beautiful!!! Sends a longing through my soul!! Especially as I listen to the pouring rain out my window!! Thanks for the beauty!! Kay

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  17. Your dinning room looks so interesting and inviting.
    You have a flair for different ideas Jaqueline.
    love the old oak chair.
    I enjoy playing housey sometimes.. at the moment its my summer patio.
    thanks for sharing ..
    I see you have an upcoming wedding..
    I am not sure if you are getting my updates of my posts jaqueline... if not.. just sign me out and sign in again .. it works.. had some problems with blogger.
    Hope your Thursday is a happy one.
    val

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  18. I absolutely love the garden chairs at the dining table. They are soooooo charming with their sweet little white cushiony seats... and the new table does look more cozy and intimate in the space. The tablecloth on it is so pretty!

    Cindy

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  19. I'm never disappointed when I pop in to see you - everything is beautiful!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

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  20. The garden chairs/table look very nice in your dining room. The chairs are really pretty. My favorite however is that gorgeous wood chair, oh my it really makes my old heart chirp. I'm a sucker for gorgeous wood chairs. No room for them but I can admire other people's pretties.
    Your d/r looks bigger with the garden table in it. Enjoy for as long as it feels right.

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  21. Oh I love your "new" dining room, Jacqueline. Having the two tables is so lovely.. like creating another 'room' there. I hope you enjoy this new space and will find new ways to make it your own!

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