A spot of entertaining was in order over the weekend and of course roses featured. This rose garden I am planning is actually a plot of weeds at the moment so I must activate my deeply buried gardening gene and get it sorted. Or I run the risk of going broke from purchasing cut flowers.
You know I actually enjoy gardening once I'm outside but fear that after battling drought conditions living on acreage for many years it was hard and a little soul destroying trying to cultivate lush foliage only to watch it curl up and wither. After three years my visions of a cottage garden evaporated and only the hardy drought tolerant Aussie natives survived.
Do you gain pleasure from setting out a table for guests? I learnt so much from my mother who was a superb hostess and while I'm far from being superb at this art I have fun displaying little bits of bling, a candle or two, a lovely tablecloth and pretty crockery. My parents vintage Noritake dinner set is a must along with some jazz music playing softly in the background. Funny how our musical tastes change over the years because I've never been a fan of jazz but nowadays it soothes my soul.
Not for the faint hearted this crockery...it is non-dishwasher proof. I figured I should start using my finer pieces because quite frankly how can I enjoy them if they are stuck in a cupboard.
Now that my children are grown and we are done with renovating houses I really wish to embrace the finer things in life and enjoy the beautiful bits and pieces I own. It will be a little tribute to my Mum and her generation who went above and beyond when it came to entertaining. Plus guests get a kick out of the effort involved which makes it all worthwhile.
Do tell....What tactics do you use for entertaining?
xx
Annie I'm thrilled you have a blog... I love your voice and I'm going to enjoy getting to know you better!
ReplyDeleteDani.. thank you for your lovely comment. It's fun getting to know blog friends 'voices'.
ReplyDeleteNothing! I never entertain and my mother never entertained , I would love too but I'm too neurotic and get stressed really easily, I did try it once in the early days of marriage, I ended up sitting on the kitchen floor crying - luckily no one had arrived by then.
ReplyDeleteTabs... down here it's customary to contribute by bringing a 'plate' or bottle of wine to share at informal do's and this helps ease stress levels significantly! Frees up the hostess's prep time so she can phoof the cushions and play with flowers :)
ReplyDeleteI can see why the blog name you chose is so appropriate
ReplyDeleteFlowers and food are the biggies on my list...and I try to prepare a few dishes ahead so that I may sit for a bit and enjoy the guests.
Please show us some before and after images of the garden...
Hostess.. I will be sharing photos as we embark on the garden make-over. We have grand plans involving a lot of work!
ReplyDeleteAnnie, I am loving your blog, and I also love setting tables for entertaining. Colour scheme, flowers, antique or modern - I spend an inordinate amount of time on this, and tend to forget about the food! Somehow it all works out.
ReplyDeletePatricia.. me too, I love creating a nice setting. So calming x
ReplyDelete