Alfresco dining, townhouse style.

My cousin stopped by a couple nights ago for a quick dinner on her way home to the Seattle area from California. The weather was absolutely perfect and it was nice to have company. We sat on the balcony and enjoyed a glass of wine and Caesar Salads. Nice.

So nice in fact, that I decided I will be dining out on the balcony for more meals, (for as long as the Pacific Northwest weather cooperates) enjoying the view and getting back into doing my little table settings that make any meal feel special. Candle light, cloth napkins and a tablecloth; it doesn't take more than a minute to go from ordinary to extraordinary.  

 

Don't get me wrong, I adored my wonderful backyard entertaining space on Norman Drive, with the yard big enough for the pups to run around, and yet small enough for me to manage. (With the help of my Mow and Go guy, Rosindo) But still....

I continue to be amazed at how well Moose has adapted to townhome living, and at just how much I am enjoying having only a small outdoor living area. It turns out that alfresco dining is equally nice on a balcony of a town home, or a patio or deck of a single family home. I guess what I am trying to say here is that whatever size space you have, large or small, can be made into a retreat, a haven, a sanctuary.

Comments

[April @ Natural Nester]

What a beautiful space to relax in! I love it!! Is that blue flowering plant lobelia? I love lobelia, but yours looks much better than mine...it just can't handle our 100+ degree days.

[Sharlotte]

Hi Tracey,
I love visiting your blog to see what you've created or are sharing. You are so very creative and super inspirational! I love your balcony...so cozy with your plants, quilt, and church birdhouse. Looks like you've settled in quite well and so has Moose {I see his tennis ball!} I hope you have a terrific weekend!
Sharlotte

[Carol]

You have such a flair to take the extra step to go from the ordinary to the extraordinary . You make it all look and sound so simple!
Good weekend to you!
Carol in GA

[Dori]

You've a charming balcony, Tracey, small and lovely. Moose looks quite comfy there! :-)

[Linda]

What a charming little dining area~ perfect!

[Christine]

CHEERS! ~clink~

[Becky C]

Love your outside area! It's so inviting! I posted about my outside haven if you get a chance to take a peek...
Becky C
Buckets of Burlap

[Patricia]

Gosh, Tracey --- you do make your life a charmed one. What a beautiful place to have a meal. I, on the other hand, would probably have a bowl of cereal, standing at the sink!! Just lovely! Lobelia does so much better in Oregon than Nevada, doesn't it?!! Is that scaevola in your pots above the table?

[Barbra]

Hi'ya Tracey :o)
~ you've created a little plotful of magic for your new outdoors; what a cheerie, peaceful corner for some evening sips of wine 'n sparklin' conversation......it's B.B. (botanically beautiful!) :o)

God Bless,
Barbra.

[Jeanne]

Your balcony outdoor dining space is adorable! What a nice place to sit and have a bite to eat.
xo
jeanne

[Marietta]

This is lovely... Who would need any more?

[Kim]

LOVE the idea of creating TableScapes to dine outside. I have had loads of people tell me to do that INSIDE since as a single gal it ain't easy sitting at the boring kitchen table alone. NOW I want to create that tablescape outside too. :o) Thanks for you inspiration....

[Dayle]

Oh to have eating-outdoors weather in the summer here in Southeast Texas. Your patio is so charming.

[Bringing Pretty Back]

What a wonderful evening with your cousin! I agree , it doesn't take much to make something special. great post.
Have a pretty night,
Kristin

[gabrielle]

I agree everything tastes better outside..and with good company. I noticed your plates..what does it say on the back? I picked up some plates at the GW on Tuesday...they look the same.