Simply Smitten: Alfresco Celebrations




via
There is just something about dining outdoors that instantly makes any occasion festive. Whether it's as simple as a lobster bake at the beach, or an elaborate wedding, the addition of fresh air, sunlight, or the sun setting above the trees just somehow always makes it magical.

One of my favorite Easter memories was a few years back when there wasn't a cloud in the sky and I decided to move everything outdoors and enjoy the crystal clear skies. Luckily, I come from a small family so this was not a daunting task. With the sun warming our skin and music in the background, we raised our glasses in celebration and in that moment all was right with the world.

When was the last time you dined outdoors? What would be on your menu for your next adventure? 

Visit inspired designs. or email me to find out about having a custom blog designed.
There are a few select spots to advertise on Inspired Design for the month of April.


29 comments :

  1. Oh, I have not eaten outside in many many years. Here in Minnesota, there are a TON of mosquitos and to eat outside is no fun. But I have to say the last time I ate AL FRESCO, it was in France and Italy, 10 years ago. It was magic. I even thought, "WHERE ARE ALL THE BUGS?" I lived in Nice and on the fifth floor of a GRANDE MAISON. I used to sleep with the windows open with NO SCREENS for there were NO BUGS!

    So then, maybe I should go to France to eat outdoors? SOUNDS GOOD TO ME!!!!!!

    Have a bright and beautiful day, Debby.

    Anita

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love the photo of the tall grass and tablescape.....I cant even remember the last time I ate outside.....definitely on my things to do list soon!

    Happy Friday hunnie!

    June 1989 Jewelry Grand Opening!

    ReplyDelete
  3. One Easter, I served breakfast on the patio...it was the one time there was no heat or bugs or rain...I will always remember it! I have some wedding picutres on today's post...looks like candy is in!! But, who doesn't smile at candy??

    ReplyDelete
  4. makes me want to plan an outdoor wedding!!!
    xo
    kb

    ReplyDelete
  5. I want to be there!
    Lovely hugs
    Molly

    ReplyDelete
  6. I can't wait for the weather to warm up a little more we like to eat dinner on our screened porch every night by candlelight and the sound of peepers in the background.

    Enjoy your Friday!
    XX
    Debra~

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is something we get a little spoiled with here in Phoenix, we can eat outside for most of the year. Not too many brave it in the summer but for about 8 months we do. I hardly think about it but my daughter was home from Seattle last week and couldn't wait to be able to eat outside.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I LOVE eating outside!!! In the summer I serve dinner on the deck as much as I can. I think the last time I ate outside was probably lunch last Fall at a restaurant.

    ReplyDelete
  9. so lovely, I love al fresco eating and drinking, so cool and pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ahhhh, those paper umbrellas bring back such good memories They are just so so pretty, aren't they. Here in Texas dining al fresco (aka grillin' & barbequeing) happen often, especially this time of the year. I love decorating the tables. This post is just so much fun. My daughter & I are scooting off the the hill country's array of antique/art festivals this weekend. Will be lots of dining outside. Love you...

    ReplyDelete
  11. We've already dined outdoors this year, when we had a really sunny Sunday. I love eating outdoors & will always take up the opportunity when I can!
    Have a fab weekend hun xoxo
    http://www.intotheblonde.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. We love dining outdoors....the last time was probably last fall...I can't wait to open the patio this year!!! Have a great weekend!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. From the very start of our renovation we began eating outside whenever the weather is suitable! Your so right, even a simple sandwich is more special in an outdoor setting

    ReplyDelete
  14. I looking dining outside in the spring and fall too, Debby. Such gorgeous, spring images.
    Happy Friday.
    Teresa
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  15. We have expanded our seating and deck area on our property with the objective being to have additional room for entertaining. It's so muddy and cold out still, it might be a while before I can get outside to clean things up. These are lovely images and lots of inspiration for the fun spring/summer months ahead! Enjoy your Friday Debby :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. You just made outside dining into an art form. Love these photos!
    I love eating outside. There's something so very Marie Antoinette about it.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Love al fresco dining! I try to do it as often as possible and luckily I've been getting to do quite a bit of it lately between the amazing weather here in NY and in New Orleans. :) Gorgeous post!

    Have a great weekend, Debby! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  18. LOVE these colors, so bright and fun! As I read this the sun is shining in on me and I am one happy camper:) Hope all is well my dear!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. love the pics today
    sadly if i tried to anything outside it would be yellow b/c of all the pollen blowing around
    keeping indoors for a while
    brett

    ReplyDelete
  20. This post is making me want to whip up a meal that my fiance and I can eat on the patio. I might have to do just that next week when the sky's clear up here, I'm thinking I'll make Shrimp and Lobster Alfredo, with Caramel Apple Trifle for dessert. Thanks for the inspiration :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Beautiful photos! The last time we ate outdoors was actually in Novemebr. It was very brisk! We put a heater out by the table, bundled up in blankets, candles everywhere and enjoyed hot homemade soup and bread. A hot apple crisp for dessert. It was fun...a tad cold but lovely. Have a happy weekend, Debby! XO

    ReplyDelete
  22. Ah...we dined outdoors a lot!, almost every weekend, is the clasic saturday night for argentinian people..."asado" or "empanadas", a good red wine, close friends or family, the younger ones choose the music (now with Ipods), the women set the table, the men make the food...

    Have the best weekend, Debbie!

    Big hugs!
    Inés

    SimplyClassyMe.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Last time was on vacation in Mexico and it was pure bliss.....that is my favorite way to eat, outside by candlelight, doesn;t have to be fancy, give me a candle and a yummy plate of food, a great glass of wine and good company and I am happy as a clam!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Last time was a nice dinner outside after dark with candles and the chimnea lit. We had hot homemade cream of tomatoe soup with croutons and an arugula salad, It was so relaxing. Before that it was breakfast every day for a week while I had friends here, a very nice way to start the day,
    Kathysue

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh my friend your photos have me dreaming of being outdoors!! ... I often say if we ever move from our country property it will have to be some where, that the weather is at least 3 seasons of being outdoors!!

    I actually enjoyed my 3pm afternoon tea outside on the patio earlier this week... and can't wait for the 29 degree Celsius temps to return (usually it's still snow covered brrrrr cold this time of year)happy week-end my friend!! xo HHL

    ReplyDelete
  26. Looking forward to warmer weather and out side dinning.

    ReplyDelete
  27. We are just finshing up a new pool and patio so we will be eating outside a lot this year and I can hardly wait!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love to dine outdoors when it's summer, with lots of citronella candles to keep mosquitoes away.
    Beautiful pictures, as always.
    Have a sunny weekend.
    Tereza

    ReplyDelete
  29. So timely your posting comes, Debby! Was just thinking last night how I would be entertaining for Easter this year. After seeing your lovely images, I think I just made up my mind. Outdoors it is!! Thank you!

    Enjoy your weekend... I know you will.
    Judy G.

    ReplyDelete