This pea gravel courtyard has been the best outdoor upgrade since the pool! Today it rained, and it was the first time in a week we haven't had dinner outside. And we don't just eat, we sit and visit . . . and keep sitting . . . and find it hard to get up, it's so very pleasant.
The Composer stuck citronella torches in three corners, and I got my potted geraniums. We may be out here til winter comes again.
I love this. I showed the picture to my friend Dave thinking it would be nice for his yard. He prefers pavers; I will work on him.
ReplyDeleteLove your bistro! We too love sitting outside and enjoy our meals outs when the weather permits.
ReplyDeleteIt does look very cozy. Of course you sit and talk, you have months to catch up from Clara's year away!
ReplyDeleteI showed this to my husband, too, who has a complicated deck plan. I'm ready to eat dinner outside NOW.
ReplyDeleteAnd can you talk about how exactly you take dinner outside? Cart everything out, or plate in the kitchen and just carry plates out? Surely there are some tips for smoothing this process. . .
Eating outside is one of my favorite things about this time of year. The pea gravel looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteOh, how I would love an outdoor eating area!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine how pleasant that would be.
Margo, you're right that there's an art to having family dinner outside.
ReplyDelete1. Outside table must be close to the kitchen!
2. Tablecloth!
3. Someone carries out the silverware and napkins, and butter and salt and pepper as needed.
4. Each person makes a drink and plates their dinner inside, and carries that out.
5. We eat our salad as the last course, so the salad bowl goes on the table so people can serve themselves after they finish. Also, if I've got raw vegetables or fruit on the menu, I move those out also as generally people will sit around and pick on those healthy things when the main part of the meal is over.
So, so nice for you to have a special area outside for dining!
ReplyDeleteLisateresa
Love your tips for eating outside, Anna.
ReplyDeleteYour sitting area is divine!
Thank you, Anna! Very helpful.
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