Hello Friends! If you are a familiar face around here, then you know it’s no secret that I love gatherings! I love creating tablescapes to celebrate life’s many special moments. I even wrote a book about HERE. I’m so excited because today I get to share another beautiful book my friend Courtney, from French Country Cottage, wrote called Inspired Gatherings. Courtney has definitely inspired me from the early days of blogging, by encouraging me to pursue my photography and my creative gifts, and I love that we share this common thread of a love for gatherings. I’m thrilled to share her new book with you, and as a way to celebrate I put together a backyard gathering, because right now it’s all about gathering at home.
I set up this backyard gathering by our limelight hydrangeas… come and see ~
Just before our limelight hydrangeas started to turn pink for fall, I dragged over our outdoor table, and began creating this tablescape inspired from Courtneys new book!
Courtney is the queen of romantic tablescapes, and I couldn’t help but feel inspired to create this backyard gathering next to our limelight hydrangea bushes which are now 8 feet tall!
We planted these bushes when they were babies in 1 gallon pots nearly 7 years ago to create a hedge along one side of our yard, and you can say that have earned their spot in our backyard as the show stopper! I shared all about them HERE, including some hydrangea tips, so if you want to grow some hydrangeas in your yard be sure to check out that post!
I draped two different style tablecloths diagonally over my table for a more casual feel, that also adds that romantic touch. I also kept things very monochromatic, so that even though the tablescape is still pretty, it doesn’t take away from the beautiful wall of hydrangeas behind it.
Since I already had flowers in the background I didn’t want to include more flowers on the table in fear that they would get lost in all the noise. So I created a centerpiece out of large hurricane vessels with white pillar candles placed in side them.
I also took a cue from Courtneys book, and incorporated a variety of smaller candle votives in different sizes. I love the warm ambience that candles add to a table, and you should see some of the ways Courtney incorporates them in the gatherings in her book! Just STUNNING!
I love bringing furniture outside to transform an area of our yard into a mini getaway. It just has a magical feel when you create an area that isn’t intended for everyday use. This feeling was evident by the look on my kids faces when they came out and saw this beautiful table. They couldn’t wait to sit down for a fun evening in the backyard.
Take advantage of the spaces you have today, to add a little fun and creativity in for your family. With all the meals we’ve been having at home lately, I can assure you this is one they will remember!
You can see the rest of the tours starting on Courtneys blog HERE. And be sure to pick up a copy of Inspired Gatherings today, it is truly a beautifully inspiring book!
Looking for more Gathering inspiration – CLICK HERE
No wonder your children were excited. The hydrangea background, the layered tablecloths, the lovely candlescape say come be cozy.
I’m inspired to watch for a break in the weather in which I can drag out an old long drop leaf table from the store room, layer it with linens and create an distancing dinner party for a few special friends.
Thank you,
Diney from Camano Island, WA