Wednesday, July 6, 2011

An Outdoor Room With A View


Many tables have been set on the northwest corner of the porch. In all those years I have never thought to make that space into an outdoor dining room.

This summer, as I was lugging a table onto the porch for the zillionth time, it finally struck me... having a permanent outdoor living space would be lovely on the porch.








The view is blissfully bucolic and changes from season to season. It is very private and quiet. Nature's music is usually our only noise. And yes, that is corn in the background. StoneGable is surrounded by fields of corn on 3 sides this year!


As most things in my decorating life, this room  slowly evolved. I'm not a rush-right-in kind of gal! I like to think about design and elements, even if they are as simple as this new livable space.

There is still work to be done... hanging lanterns, tiebacks, outdoor sound system, monogrammed pillows and more planters. I will post about the room when it is completed.







Even though this space is not finished I could not wait to set a table here.
Today's tablescape was inspired by my outdoor dinning room!








Black, white and bright "Macaw" green, a dramatic color palate, coordinates with the colors used on the porch.








The table is set for a leisurely breakfast. Morning is my favorite time on this side of the porch.








Everyday black place mats, freshly washed and ironed , make there blog debut! They are simple and comfortable and familiar! They make any dish on them POP!

Because the tablescape colors are so limited, mixing the plate patterns gives interest and sass to my breakfast table!


















Hydrangea blooms float in the flower inspired bowl.









Bright green flatware is festive on this table! It looks striking against the black place mat.








Green bubble glasses are an old standby and favorite. They work so perfectly with this table.








New everyday mugs will quickly be filled with hot coffee! A morning must here at StoneGable! These mugs came home with me on a recent trip to HomeGoods. There shape and distinctive handles make drinking out of them such a treat!













Casual green woven napkin rings gather up a duo of summery napkins. Black and white checked napkins are complimented by white napkins with a big ric-rac edge (Pier 1). The look of crisp napkins is a simple pleasure!














Each place setting is a cheery welcome to the breakfast table.




















Freshly picked hydrangeas fill small green glazed pots.













Repeating this element across the table is a pretty and fresh look.










Next to the table is a pot spilling over with annuals. This planter softens the stone corner and wall.





















The little table is ready for breakfast... and so am I!











THE MENU
Herb and Cheese Crepes
Brown Sugar Bacon
Zucchini Coffee Cake
Fresh Berries
Coffee
Pineapple Orange Spritzer










90 comments:

  1. Yvonne these pictures belong in a magazine!! GORGEOUS! Martina

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful setting. Now I'm going to be searching for the Zucchini coffee cake recipe. Thanks for such a lovely blog.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh I like the look of the curtains out there - it makes that little corner look so cosy! At first I thought that the green edges on the curtains might be limiting, but nothing limits you! I am so looking forward to more ideas you have for this corner.

    ReplyDelete
  4. It looks so wonderful. Not only is the table stunning, but I know the food will be too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yvonne, I LOVE it! The curtains are beautiful and the colors are great! What a perfect way to start the day:@)

    ReplyDelete
  6. You did a great job! How pretty!

    Those Annabelles are blooming here also:)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh Yvonne, it looks amazing!!!! I have been so anxious to see this and am still anxious to see the rest! I love the color scheme! I ahve always loved the green bubble glasses too. Mixing the black and white plates is beautiful. LOOOOOOVE the drapes. My son did that on their side porch many years ago and I fell in love with the look of drapes OUTSIDE!!!! It sure cozies up the space and adds DRAMA!!!! See you tomorrow!!!!! XO, Pinky

    ReplyDelete
  8. What an amazing outdoor space....I LOVE the corn in the background! And that vivid green with the black and white just jumps out in such a lively and inviting way--such immensely pleasing contrast colors and so FRESH!!!

    Hugs/blessings,
    Lana

    ReplyDelete
  9. It's absolutely gorgeous! You have created the perfect spot to start the day... BTW, what time will breakfast be ready?

    ReplyDelete
  10. I never get tired of black, white and green combinations. Your photos are magazine worthy and your menu sounds devine!

    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yvonne:

    I LOVE your new space. How lucky for you to have a spot that just needed a few furnishings to turn into a new tablescaping and dining space. Love the mix of black and white patterned plates.

    - The Tablescaper

    ReplyDelete
  12. Yvonne, this porch already looks more than perfect to me. Love the whole setting. Love your porch floor. Great colors with the black, white, and green. I believe I may have just bought the same black placemats from a store having a moving sale. I got them at 50% off. Another perfect table by you.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Yvonne,
    Oh, howI wish we had a delightful porch - and what a perfect dining spot! I love how prettily your table is dressed. I'd enjoy breakfast there whatever the weather outside. Thank yiu for the inspiration :o)
    Best wishes
    Rose H

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Yvonne, You always set the most beautiful tables. The black and white with the green is fabulous and I love your corner of the porch. Thanks for joining my party this week.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh this is my favorite color combination! Your black & white check with the green is so energizing! What a wonderful spot to have coffee, plan your day, read & watch the corn grow! Love your layer of dishes & hydrangeas...heaven!

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is such a great post. The colors, the pieces all working perfectly together, the menu that makes my mouth water, another hit. Your porch is gorgeous already, I can't wait for your finishing touches. xo,

    ReplyDelete
  17. Yvonne:

    I love your porch and it is so inviting! Also love the planter with the overflowing annuals, they add a nice touch!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. What a marvelous space and divine table. It all looks blissfully bucolic to me!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I absolutely adore the color scheme of your porch. The littlepop of brilliant orange from the plant is gorgeous and the dishes, to die for:>) So pretty! I don't know if I would ever go inside.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yvonne, your little corner on the porch is spectacular. Love the green and black, so crisp and it certainly makes a great statement. Loved seeing the cornfield! Great curtains too. Perfectly chosen dishes make your setting very inviting. Many blessings, marlis

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Yvonne! What a beautiful Al Fresco corner you have designed! I love the curtains and the black, white and green...just lovely!
    Sooooo...what time is breakfast?!
    ;-D Kathleen

    ReplyDelete
  22. Love , love and love this colorful porch scape! I have been drawn to black and that apple bright green combo lately. I bought a C andF damask print runner in black and white and a green placemat in center of table with white embriodered daises under a glass hurricane with white pillar candle. I love the cushions and green pillows. Would you share where you purchased them? The placmats are Bardwell linens found at Bed Bath and Beyond. The CF runner is from local Amish gift shop.Thank you for your tremendous blog.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh My!!!
    Now that is beauty!!!
    I am so in love with your outdoor curtains.
    I always strugle with outdoor colors but you got it right on!
    Love it all!!
    Breakfast sounds good too!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. This is such a pretty table and looks perfect in the new room! With a few finishing touches, you will have created a new space in your home to relax and look at the pretty countryside. Enjoy!

    XO,
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  25. Love the draperies on the porch Yvonne. I can't live without my porch. Yours is to die for.
    Sam

    ReplyDelete
  26. As always, so pretty!!! You are just the master at tablescapes. I would love to join you for breakfast in this lovey corner. I know you have further plans, but it looks perfect to me now.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Love your new outdoor area Yvonne and the colors are some of my favorites. Looks like your hydrangeas are a little further along than mine are. Thanks for sharing your beautiful table.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Yvonne, these pictures are just stunning. Love everything about your new outdoor space....so very tranquil.
    Marianne :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Your porch looks good right now! Love your curtain panels! I think we had similar love affairs with the color green this week. Enjoy the rest of your decorating!

    dotsie

    ReplyDelete
  30. Yvonne, I love everything about this outdoor space. Another wonderful post and tablescape!

    Pam

    ReplyDelete
  31. absolutely stunning..how lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  32. What a beautiful spot to dine anytime! I love the drapes with the green bottoms that really brighten up the porch railing area. Your table is beautifully set and it looks so inviting. Have a great day! Pamela

    ReplyDelete
  33. Loving the color combination of green/white/black!! Your coordination of everything is perfect, Yvonne. What a beautiful outdoor table setting!
    ~ Sue

    ReplyDelete
  34. Yvonne,
    I adore black, white and green color combinations!!! You have made my heart swoon today, dear friend! The "Macaw" green has to be a new favorite hue for me, as well! If I had coffee there in the morning...I wouldn't care if it were Noon before I moved again! Thank you for sharing your talents! You, truly, are an inspiration!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  35. This is just a beautiful setting. Seems like it doesn't need a thing. Your tablescape is beautiful! Love that fabulous green with the black and white.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love the colors of black, white and bright green! I can always count on you to make the most beautiful table!!! Love everything...what a cozy place to have breakfast!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Oh how pretty! I love the colors and the patterns. I really miss having a porch of any size. Mine is so tiny here. We do have a "corn view" just like yours, only on 1 side. Ours however, washed out with all the rain and the farmer just replanted it so we just have green shoots coming through so far.

    I love the curtains for your space...looking good!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love the green, black, and white color combination. I use the same colors in my kitchen. The green at the bottom of your drapes is just perfect. We put up drapes on our porch a few weeks ago. Cozies up our outdoor space.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Beautiful tablescape, Yvonne! I love all your dishes. What a great table and chairs set ~ it fits just perfectly in that corner, too! What a nice spot to sit for your morning coffee or an after dinner tea.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Oh, my heart be still. Such a beautiful color scheme. So simple but fresh and elegant. I would to have breakfast here every morning. Thanks for sharing the beauty with us. It seems the corn was planted to perfectly match with your tablescape. Hugs, Ginger

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love the black and white with the apple green...cute romantic setting, Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Love it, Yvonne! My outside table is my favorite place to dine! Carla

    ReplyDelete
  43. Just gorgeous, as usual! I hate to keep saying the same thing, but all your posts are wonderful and your photos are beautiful, and absolutely magazine worthy!!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Such a pretty setting Yvonne for the summertime! And look at that corn field! Love the black & white patterned goodies you have! Pretty, pretty!

    Hugs,
    Maryjane

    ReplyDelete
  45. I love your porch set up! That is the perfect place for a meal, a cup of coffee in the morning or a wine in the evening. Lovely!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

    ReplyDelete
  46. What a beutiful place to relax and take your breakfast!
    Lovely!
    This litle flower (orange light color and dark orange), we have it here in Greece too.

    When you put the one into the other, you can make a circle! You can decorate the table too..!

    love and kisses from far east.... Greece

    ReplyDelete
  47. What a delightful little corner to sit & slowly start your day, Yvonne!
    The drapes make it look so cozy & private...you wouldn't even need to put on a robe to sit out there...just jammies & slippers would do.

    The acid lime green paired with the black & white is striking. You know, I have very similar B&W damask on my front porch bench & a monogrammed lime green pillow, too. It scares me, how similarly we think sometimes! I even have a black wrought iron table, too! Are you sure we aren't twins, separated at birth?? LOL

    Very nicely done, my friend. Love all your pretty dishes & your newest cups, too.

    Hugs,
    Rett

    ReplyDelete
  48. Such a cool, relaxing outdoor space. A perfect oasis for the summer season. I can hear that field of corn rustling in the breeze. Your table is stunning. I love black and white with a splash of color! You have done it to perfection, Yvonne!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Beautiful Yvonne! Your table settings are to die for. Also, you've inspired my to hang my drapes on the porch. I haven't put them out yet this year:)

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hi Yvonne, Your outdoor table is perfect--the setting, the drapes which can blow in the breeze, and the dishes! I picked up those adorable napkins too, in white and yellow. Aren't they cute? The table is just right for a cozy breakfast for two. Such a refreshing way to start the day! Linda

    ReplyDelete
  51. Love this color combination! So fabulous....seeing your home is like walking onto a magazine shoot every time. What a feast for every sense, just fabulous looking, hope you are getting to spend a lot of time on that porch, too beautiful to not enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  52. What a setting and your table is gorgeous. I love the colors. You sure do create beautiful table settings. Looks very inviting.

    Thanks for inspiring.

    Amy

    ReplyDelete
  53. This is just so gorgeous! I love your dishes and love this space!

    ReplyDelete
  54. WOW!! So beautiful. Really!!!

    I love the green with the B&W. I really really love the green with the corn fields in the background.

    Thanks so much for sharing.
    Carissa

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hi, I am new to your blog and I can see you are very talented. You might want to go back and delete the double "N" in the word dining room. I type too fast too!

    I adore your font and use of the bold lettering in your captions. They are great attention getters.

    I'll be back and sharing your blog with others!

    ReplyDelete
  56. I find your blog such an inspiration; it is truly one of my favorites! The green and black color scheme is inspired! I'm sure your porch will be lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  57. acelebrationoffood.blogspot.comJuly 7, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    Hi Yvonne, This is my first time posting a comment, I have just discovered your beautiful blog. Your blog is so peaceful and soothing , I look forward to each new entry over a morning cup of coffee and today saw your wonderful little nook where you have your coffe, tres charman! I too have a blog, but am presently takeing some time off for minor health reasons. Love , love love your blog it inspires me. Cheers Rita

    ReplyDelete
  58. WOW! Absolutely gorgeous! I could never do that where I live. The wind and grasshoppers would carry everything away! Your's is so very beautiful. B

    ReplyDelete
  59. This is beautiful Yvonne! I love this color combination, one of my favorites. Curtains add a whole other dimension to outdoor areas, just love it! I would love to have breakfast in such a pretty spot. Thanks for sharing your talent with all of us. I get great ideas from your posts!!

    ReplyDelete
  60. I love the black and green! The porch looks so inviting too....~cheers~ to the many years of enjoyment on your porch!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Oh my, Yvonne, the setting is gorgeous! Wish I was sharing breakfast with you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Yvonne this is so stunning! I love love love your pics! Beam me up for breakfast please!!!

    Veronica
    www.tasselsandtwigs.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. Beautiful, beautiful, did I say beautiful? Love your tablesetting and blog. Wish I were there for a bite of coffeecake.
    Stella B.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Definately an inviting table......I think many of us would love to be there for that breakfast! A great choice of combined colors~some of my favorites! Beautiful photos of everything!

    ReplyDelete
  65. How lovely! I love everything about this. The colors are beautiful and the combination of the dishes and accessories are wonderful. Your pics are perfect. Great blog post!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Hi Mommy, I love the beautiful table. I can't wait to join you for crepes, coffee, and girly chit-chat when I come home next time. Love you lot, Jacquie

    ReplyDelete
  67. How perfect -- love your charming porch. What a cheerful table. Love the black, white and greens together.

    ReplyDelete
  68. It;s a little piece of heaven! (now that' the name of an old Irish song)...I'll sing it for you when you come to LI! :)
    I love those colors together, just so refreshing!
    Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Absolutely delightful. I love the curtains on your porch. I keep thinking about them as the afternoon sun on our porch is deadly. How are they to maintain?

    ReplyDelete
  70. Wow. Wow. Wow. The wide border curtains set such a wonderful tone for your new outdoor dining room. Spectacular choices! I used the ric-a-rac napkins for my recent luncheon al fresco. They actually laundered really well. I was concerned that I would regret having the ric-a-rac when I had to iron them. They look quite effective paired with the black and white check. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous design. Looking forward to seeing the finished product. Cherry Kay

    ReplyDelete
  71. Hello Yvonne...

    Ohhh...your new outdoor dining room is so beautiful, my friend! What a lovely view...very peaceful! Your breakfast table is simply divine! Love, love, LOVE the black and white with the pops of green! I do declare...you have the prettiest dishes, dear friend! The mix of all the different black and white patterns is gorgeous! Love your beautiful layered napkins too! Everything is just perfect! I am anxious to see this new room evolve! Thank you for sharing it with us...and your gorgeous table! It's always such a treat coming to your place!

    Warmest summery wishes,
    Chari

    ReplyDelete
  72. Wow! You are a master!!! Can I sit at your feet and learn all your secrets! This may be oe of my all time favorite settings.....yes, it belongs in a magazine!!! You just hear crickets and a soft breeze blowing when you look at these photos. I LOVE the combination of black, white, and green and I am not a green fan. This won me over big time!

    ReplyDelete
  73. I love it! One of my fav color combos - black, white and green. You are such a talented lady!!!

    ReplyDelete
  74. What a lovely little spot for breakfast or anytime of the day! Your tablescape is beautiful. You are so fortunate to be in such a beautiful area surrounded by cornfields. Hubby and I have always wanted to move up north (we're from Oklahoma) where the hills and fields are full of corn, soybeans and such growing but, apparently, God has different ideas. We have alot of wheat in our state but it doesn't do the same thing to the soul as the other crops do..I think it has more to do with the farming lifestyle. :)

    ReplyDelete
  75. So beautiful Yvonne! Reminds me of our first days here when we had "tea" every afternoon on our front porch. Hum, wonder where I stuck that table? Time to get it out! There is nothing to like gathering the family together for tea and watching the corn grow from our front. Somehow it is binding. Love, Linda

    ReplyDelete
  76. Gorgeous setting! I love the color combination and mix of patterns. Breakfast would certainly be an enjoyable experience at this table. It would also be a perfect place for tea in the afternoon.

    ~ Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  77. I love this! You are very talented!




    Kim in MD

    ReplyDelete
  78. Perfectly delightful view and eye catching tablescape.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Yvonne, this is just so lovely. You have a gift for styling tabletops like no one else. Always beautiful, but with a warmth which prevails over everything...something most people never learn. A bit of whimsy. Always necessary for the truly elegant person. xx's

    ReplyDelete
  80. Beyond charming...the green and black and white....my favorite. Really nice job!

    ReplyDelete
  81. I just chanced upon your blog and I can see that I am addicted already. Love Love Love your black, white and green decor. Would you mind sharing where you got your dishes from. Thanks for sharing your talents!! Lizzy

    ReplyDelete
  82. Came from pinterest. I have been looking for black and white checked dishes for forever. Cqn you tell me the mqker or where you got them ,all sets! gelswood@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. This is stunning!!!! i love all the details. Where are the place settings from>?! i am looking for something similiar but to no avail. simply gorgeous and YES this should be in magazine! you have a gift :) msjordanann@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  84. Please tell me the name of the green bowl and plate....must have them!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cathy, All of the dishes came from HomeGoods. I have collected them over the years. The bowls are now with my daughter. Sorry I can't tell you what make they are.

      Delete