Monday, June 6, 2022

Sweet Old Summer Time

Did you ever find yourself swept away with happy memories or experience a sudden flash back to a cherished time when you find a fabric pattern or tablecloth for a new tablescape or a home decor piece?  Do you find that you emotionally respond to color and patterns of fabric or other decor pieces for your home?  Does your fabric or item "tell a story"?  That is exactly what occurred when I discovered one of Ree Drummond's (from the Pioneer Woman - Food Network Channel) fabric patterns in her collection at Walmart. It definitely caught my eye and set in motion a remembrance of past warm hearted moments.  I knew I needed to purchase it to sew a runner and matching napkins.  The bright red and cobalt blue floral design conveys a nostalgic, retro feel of the sweet old summer time for me when picnics and outdoor fun at the lake was a yearly experience.  It is a color and pattern combination that can easily transition right into a Fourth of July celebration with the addition of some flags or decor pieces with stars and stripes or it can just stand by itself and symbolize the festive and jubilant summer events.  



Speaking of everything summer......the Sweet Old Summer Time tablescape is one of many great summer tablescape designs included in the Summer Tablescape Blog Hop hosted by Panoply on Tuesday, June 7, 2022.   Be sure to visit each and every link below to grow your list of ideas for summer celebrations.  The Little Yellow Corner Store purposefully planned a nostalgic summer tablescape with an option to add in items for the Fourth of July holiday.  Therefore, let's first begin with how easily this was done with a simple exchange of a centerpiece in the Sweet Old Summer Time tablescape.

The centerpiece of the table and the colorful runner and napkins became the focal point.  A simple and heart-warming ceramic nesting chicken serving bowl as a centerpiece reflects peace and serenity of country and lakeside living.  The cheerful red and blue floral pattern not only makes one sit up and take notice, but also emulates floral patterns of the 1950's and 60's.  It was not uncommon to see this vibrant floral or fruit patterns in drapery, bedding, table linens or even in furniture fabric at that time. The use of cobalt blue speckled enamel dinnerware also represents meal time from the good old days and lends a casualness to a flavorful, no-fuss pasta dinner on a hot summer day.








Red lace trimmed napkins also speaks volumes to the coziness of country life.  A ceramic cobalt blue napkin ring with a slightly formal floral/filigree pattern seems to blend in perfectly with the various patterns.




The "story" behind this fabric which is bright and bold and can be easily mixed with gingham speaks of weekends at the lake filled with swimming, visits to the small town bakery and candy store, buying fresh produce and eggs from local farmers, antiquing and enjoying a Friday Night Fish Fry at the supper club just across the lake from the cottage.   Isn't it amazing what a fabric pattern and color can do to bring back memories? 





A mixture of florals, ginghams/checks and fruit patterns make the table even more nostalgic, comfortable and homey.  


A few small changes to the table and the retro summer tablescape becomes ready for the Fourth of July .



A floral centerpiece with red geraniums and mini flags in a red and white enamel splatterware pitcher replaces the white ceramic chicken on her nest and it is ready for the holiday filled with fireworks and plenty of red, white and blue.










And adding red and white gingham elements like a charger and red and white gingham napkin rings complements the summer easygoingness of an informal holiday table.  It conveys a message of leisure and the invitation to kick off your summer flip flops and run through the cool moist green grass.  
















What better way to celebrate and enjoy summer than to also serve a creamy and wholesome pasta dish.  Garlicky Red Pepper Parmesan Pasta.  Simple and full of delicate flavors.  Perfect with a slice of garlic bread and topped off with fresh fruit for dessert.  I love this recipe since it is quick and easy and on the lighter side.  The recipe is included below.  







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Garlicky Red Pepper Parmesan Pasta


8 oz. linguine or spaghetti noodles

2 T olive oil

3 cloves of garlic or 2-3 T chopped garlic (from the jar)

1/4 chopped onions

2 1/4 C chicken broth

2 T lemon juice

1 tsp salt or to taste

1/4 tsp ground black pepper or to taste

1 C heavy whipping cream

1/4 C shredded Parmesan cheese (and more for sprinkling it on top)

1 T chopped Italian parsley

2 large pieces of jarred roasted red pepper, pureed into liquid (and add more or less to desired taste)


Cook noodles according to instructions on the box.  In pan with olive oil, saute chopped garlic and onions.  Add broth, lemon juice, pureed red pepper, salt, black pepper.  Add cooked noodles and heavy cream, parmesan cheese and chopped parsley and toss until coated.  Reduce heat and simmer until heated through.  Serve with more grated Parmesan cheese and a lemon slice.  

(This recipe tastes even more delicious with add ins such as:  cooked shrimp and/or cooked vegetables such as spinach, broccoli or veggies of your liking.  


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I hope by now you are so excited for the beginning of the warm weather season.  The Summer Tablescape Blog Hop is the perfect compilation of summer ideas.  Make yourself a glass of cold lemonade or sweet tea and enjoy each of the participant's links below.  You will be amazed at all of the unique creativity and style of each of the designers.   

Have a very playful summer!





Life and Linda - A Taste of the Tropics
Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Yellow and Blue Alfresco Setting
Hyacinths for the Soul - Tis the Season of Patriotic Tablescapes
Home is Where the Boat Is - Anchors Aweigh on the Pontoon
Thrifting Wonderland - Butterfly Garden Table Setting
The Little Yellow Corner Store - Sweet Old Summertime
Red Cottage Chronicles - Dining Al Fresco - A Summer Tablescape
From My Carolina Home - Summer Sunshine Tablescape and Hop
Living With Thanksgiving - Summer Celebrations
The Bookish Dilettante - Beach Reading Tablescape
The Painted Apron - Let's Go Fishing
Belle Bleu Interiors - A Summertime Luncheon in the Garden

Also being so close to the 7th of June, the party Ten on the 10th Blog Hop Party is also having their party with ideas for the holiday which are $10 or less.  Be sure to take a peek at some of their creative ideas:






28 comments:

  1. Such a pretty floral to base your tables on, I like the nesting chicken for everyday and so easy to change over to a patriotic feel.

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  2. Marsha, your nostalgic summertime table is absolutely charming! I really love the pretty red, white, and blue florals you used and your lovely hen tureen--pinning! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction

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  3. Love the red, white and blue theme!!! simply adore the runner and napkins!! SO PRETTY!! Thanks so much for sharing!!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  4. Red, white and beautiful Marsha! I love the pretty floral fabric, and the way you easily transformed a summer fun table to the 4th of July! The Pioneer Woman line has so many pretty pieces, hard to resist! I love the red, white and blue pattern mix on your table and the plate stacks are fantastic! The pasta sounds so good too...I hope you have a wonderful summer making more memories and fun!
    Jenna

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  5. Marsha, your inspiration fabric is so pretty! I have always loved floral fabric and this is perfect to transition into a patriotic table with little to change. I always enjoy reading your commentary, your writing places me back to childhood summers and wonderful memories. It is always fun to blog hop with you…Happy Summer,

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  6. Okay, now I am hungry!! I haven't had lunch yet!! I love when you spot something like you did that fabric and it just speaks to you! Both of the ways you styled your table are just right for summer, but I have to say I really like the pop with the plaid charger! Happy Summer!

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  7. Marsha, the answer is YES to your first three questions. I love how you express what I feel so well with words.
    You have done a great job on both tables. I love the red, white, and blue with florals and checks. Adding in the patriotic flags,star candles, and changing the centerpieces worked perfectly with your goal.
    That pasta dish and fresh fruit look so yummy.
    What a nice way to begin summer. Good to blog hop again with you.

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  8. Great into talking about how patterns and colors take us back in time. It made me realize how often I pull themes, patterns and colors together that feel familiar. The red and blues from The Pioneer Woman feel look like vintage finds. This is such a delightful table setting!

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  9. Love your inspiration fabric Marsha. It is always nice when we draw inspiration for our tablescapes. The red, white and blue with florals is fabulous. The lacy edged napkins caught my eye. Geraniums are a perfect flower for a summer table. Combining florals, gingham and checks works flawlessly. Wonderful way to transition a table into two different looks. I always appreciate you sharing a recipe too. Always a pleasure to join you. Happy summer.

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  10. Marsha, most definitely you carried me back to memories of summertime with that fabric! What a great way to bring nostalgia to the table, first with country charm, followed by patriotism. We are surrounded by rural communities here where I live, and those are real, everyday lifestyles for many friends I know. I love your use of the cobalt blue enamelware, pretty blue & white salads and red glass bowls. Love how you turned the tablecloth into a runner and napkins too. Thanks so much for participating in the hop. Happy Summer!

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  11. Marsha, what a wonderfully styled summertime table! You did a great job of styling different patterns, finishes, textures and tableware. I'm particularly partial to the covered chicken casserole. I have a similar vintage one that I fill with potato salad (because of eggs in the dish), and a pig covered one with baked beans, for July 4th gatherings. Such a charming setting! Wishing you great holiday!

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  12. Wow big impact with the floral fabric runner and napkins! Love the white chicken casserole- great touch! The geraniums are the perfect pairing and so are the dishes! Beautifully done!

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  13. Three cheers for the red, white and blue Marsha! Such pretty fabric as a foundation for your two tables! Both your hen and geranium-filled splatterware pitcher both make beautiful centerpieces. Love your plate stack with your mix of checks and florals with fruit pattern. As always it’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you! Happy Summer ♥

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  14. This great vintage table setting brings back memories of chasing fireflies on a summer evening and drinking lemonade on the porch with a gang of friends. Love the vibrant blue runner with big, red flowers. The cobalt blue enamelware and red glass bowls are the perfect compliment to the linens. The red and white pitcher filled with flowers and flags is perfect for a patriotic setting.
    Lynne

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  15. Your table is so pretty and I love the red, white, and blue! The red lace on the napkins is my favorite. Thanks for posting your recipe for Garlicky Red Pepper Parmesan Pasta. It sounds delish, and I'm always looking out for new recipes to try.

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  16. You've captured the height of summer celebrations with your lovely table scape!

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  17. Absolutely beautiful Marsha, love those fabrics and your talent.

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  18. I love table designs that can segue from one type of celebration to another. Bold blues and reds are fun and energetic, just like summertime! I imagine many more memories will be made around this table!

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  19. I love a red white and blue table for summer!! The nesting chicken is adorable (I have 6 small ones and use them a lot). Your casserole sounds delish and I am pinning it!

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  20. So pretty! I love all of the patterns you have in your tablescape. Not just the traditional red and white stripes and blue with stars. Unique and I love it. Can't wait to see what you have cooked up for our next project for Under $10 on the 10th!
    XOXO,
    Niki

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  21. Your tablescape is lovely Marsha...the red white and blue stand out as does the lovely white hen. I look forward to your recipes too. It is always a pleasure to table hop with you. Kari @ Me and My Captain

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  22. I love your take on red, white, and blue. The pasta looks yummy, too!

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  23. Marsha, my vintage loving soul is crazy about your nostalgic red, white and blue summer table! I have a soft spot for enamelware, so I was instantly drawn to the speckled plates, mugs and pitcher. I love how the summer table setting can effortlessly transition to a patriotic theme with the addition of some American flags. Thanks for including the pasta recipe. It looks delicious and easy to make. I'll definitely be giving it a try! It was fun hopping with you again. Happy Summer!
    Rebecca (Zucchini Sisters)

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  24. Pinned this post and salute your color sense. Warm regards, Nancy Andres at Colors 4 Health

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  25. Marsha, this setting is stunning! I can see why you had to make a runner and napkins out of that beautiful fabric. I love how you accented the napkins with lace. That is such a pretty touch. Your patriotic centerpiece is the perfect finishing piece to your beautiful summertime table. The pasta salad looks most scrumptious. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Wishing you a most happy summer!

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  26. Your table is so beautiful, and I am totally in LOVE with those linens!

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  27. Your awesome post is featured on Full Plate Thursday,594!Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us and come back to see us real soon!
    Miz Helen

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  28. Marsha your tablescape is beautiful - I love everything about it! So many lovely photos and details - I can see all of the loving touches you put into it! Congrats for being one of our Featured Friends at Friendship Friday at Create With Joy. Happy 4th to you! :-)

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