I have mentioned several times that I wanted to host a dinner party under our pergola. What better way to welcome in the month of June, I spontaneously thought, on June 1st. A few texts later and my guests were on board and the menu was planned. I joked with them (Jo-Ann and Shawn, Rose and Steve, and Sean) that I couldn’t decide if should be grateful that none of my friends had plans on a Saturday night or if I needed to start hanging out with people who weren’t losers. Emphasis on joking, of course.
We started with appetizers (thanks to Rose) on the deck and I kept glancing over and thinking how inviting this looked just below us on the lawn.
I set the table with my fiesta ware dishes and a simple bouquet of flowers I picked from my garden that afternoon. We had rosé, of course, because what’s better on a mild summer night than a chilled glass of rosé?
The food was delicious and made even more so because everyone contributed. I marinated the chicken, Jo-Ann made the salad, and Sean made the flat bread. He also grilled the chicken for me which I truly appreciated. And while we ate we sat and chatted and joked and laughed. I truly believe there is something magical about gathering around a table and sharing food and conversation with friends.
After dinner we had a fire – along with s’mores and cupcakes – and a lot more laughs.
It was a perfect way to kick of June!
That looks wonderful !
Maybe everyone was available just so this evening could happen. Or maybe you’re the sort of friend that when you call people don’t “have other plans” because you’re easy and fun to be with. Now, what are your Midsummer plans for that pergola? You must have some.
That looks like a wonderful evening! I love your pergola. It looks so inviting, very inspiring.
Now I really want to hurry up, move into our house and have dinner parties…
I am with Robby… if you had called me, no matter what plans I might have had – I’d have been there! AND, yes! Your pergola just screams Midsommer Celebration!
Wow, your back yard looks like summer party central! “If you build it, they will come.”
Spontaneous dinners where everyone contributes are the best (especially if they end with s’mores)!
Last minute plans can be the best plans! What a summer you’re going to have Carole! 🙂
I’m looking forward to seeing a few more of those dinner parties this summer!
This looks amazing and such a wonderful way to welcome in the summer!
How nice! Your space is beautiful and so inviting and the food looks delicious. I love evenings after dinner when we have a fire.
Indeed it is! What a wonderful setting for a gathering of friends.
That is perfectly lovely!!!
This is so inviting and such a beautiful setting, I am green with envy. I’m glad you had fun, and it’s great to have such good friends. Happy June!
That’s it…we are moving to your neck of the woods!
Absolute summer perfection! (The only thing better . . . would have been if one of those place settings had been for me. . . ) XO
That’s my kind of dinner party! Sounds like you had a lovely evening.
Absolutely gorgeous! I love the curtains!
You know how to throw together a party!