...family, friends, home and other tidbits of a blessed life

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Wishing it was Summer tablescape with Citrus Salsa recipe

I'm recycling! I know I've been absent a bit lately, lots going on right now. And in the midst of all of the personal drama (gotta love your kids regardless!), we had a bit of an issue with the plumbing outside and our backyard was dug up in spots. Hope you enjoy looking at this post from the summer of 2010!

It's hot. Appetites wane. It's hot. Nobody wants to cook! But a great find at the Dollar Tree makes the heat seem not as bad. I walked in last week and saw fabric place mats. Lime green with white polka dots. They were destined to go home with me that day! I mean lime green with white polka dots, who could forgo such a find?? Really now. I had a set of white plates. Then the fun began. Welcome and join me for a cool dinner on the patio.


Dinner plates: Wedgwood Windsor pattern. These dishes have become a staple. The just play well in all different 'sandboxes'. The salad plates came from TJMaxx and are labeled Summer 2010. Oh did I mention the place mats were just a dollar each?

These colorful plates came in yellow, lime green, turquoise and orange. Still looking for additional turquoise plates.


Picked up a bouquet of flowers at the grocery store. They came with the glitter already on them. The dyed colors matched so well with the dishes and table!


Turquoise napkins tied with a lime gingham ribbon. Napkins - Stein Mart. Stitches - Bernina. Thread - Isacord. Napkins are a perfect way to show off those sewing machine stitches. Pick threads in your favorite colors, use an Organ embroidery needle and make sure to wind a bobbin in the same thread! This will ensure that your napkins look equally good on both the front and back sides.

Do you recognize the stitches? Stitches from a Bernina 730 - lime green: #427 as is; orange: #411 SW 5.9, SL 1.71; yellow: #711 SW 5.1, SL 3.01.



The green 'vase' is actually a larger votive candle holder purchased at Big Lots. I loved the green color and the resemblance to mercury glass.


Our margarita stemware was purchased last year at World Market. Instead of having a dark blue ring, this set has the lighter turquoise rim and base.


Once again the fish dinnerware from WMF. Sadly, it's no longer available. The whimsy lends itself well to the festive table.


A citrus salsa served on a bed of lettuce. Grilled Trout with jalapeno mayonnaise. Parselied potatoes. Healthy, yummy and is a great meal for a still very warm evening.



Indulge in a margarita of choice. Over ice or served blended with ice. Perfectly cool. The lime of the drink plays nicely off the lime in the place mats!


And if you gather all the stuff above.... then you too can make the citrus salsa and jalapeno mayonnaise.


Citrus Salsa from the Ultimate Grill Book.

1 large grapefruit, white membrane removed, cut into bite-size pieces
2 large oranges, white membrane removed, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped*
2 T lime juice
2 T orange juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 t sugar
Salt to taste.

Mix all ingredients. Can be made ahead and used the next day.
*Mr. Picky-eater doesn't like tomatoes. So I courteously omit these and serve them sliced on the side. ;~)

*Update: This is Regan's momma. We do miss her coming around. She was such a dainty little thing.
Miss Priss lies in the "outer rim", close enough to be a part of the group, but far enough away that no one could possibly touch her! She is just waiting patiently for a taste of trout and I can't say I blame her. She's also asking you to run on over to Susan's Tablescape Thursday! It's a fun place to be inspired to use the things you have... just click the graphic below.




26 comments:

Alycia Nichols said...

I open this post, and blam!!! I happen to be wearing the very same colors right now!!! I could just climb up on that table and be your centerpiece! :-) I hope things are starting to smooth out for you. I know how it is when you're in the midst of your own drama plus everybody else's. Not fun! Summer will be here before we know it. It got up to 76 here yesterday, and it's going to be in the upper 60s today before the rain moves in overnight and returns us to the 50s for the rest of the week. It has been SO windy!!! Our grill scooted about a yard across the deck yesterday, and then fell over completely this morning! There are tons of limbs all over the yard even though I just went out and cleared a bunch on Monday. I just hope we don't get any serious damage. Take care, Marlis! It will all be OK soon!!! :-)

Rettabug said...

We are kindred spirits, Marlis...I bought those same placemats in both the green AND the pink for Ms. C's birthday party!
I love how the green looks with your pretty blue accents & I WISH I had a back yard like yours to entertain in.

Hoping things settle down at your house very soon. That stress is not good for anyone & puts you at risk for heart disease. (just saw that on TV today)

Gentle Supportive Hugs,
Rett

The French Hutch said...

I never mind going back and looking at older post. Sometimes you've missed seeing them. After seeing this makes me wish for summer too. It feels like summer today, high in the eighties but I know it won't last. I can't wait to get my patio cleaned up and ready for spring. Love this tablescape and the recipe looks delicious.

~Emily
The French Hutch

xinex said...

That's my kind of meal, Marlils. I love fish and hot salsa combo. Your tablescape is so colorful, like a fiesta. so pretty and cheerful!....Christine

The Tablescaper said...

So fun! So colorful. A wonderful punch of color.

Hope things are looking brighter for you.

- The Tablescaper

Liz@A Dish Here, A Glass There said...

Well it's my first time seeing this post and I love it! Love the cheerful coloring! Makes me want summer to come quickly!
Kitty looks content to be on the side..some prefer it that way!

Jocelyn said...

Oh wow Marlis, I LOVE this!!! The place mats are just over the top. What a great table. SO inviting and welcoming. Thanks for the beauty of your hospitality.

Jocelyn @
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

Love the color combination, especially the polka dots! Your flatware is so cute! And the salad looks delish.
I am also anxious to get out in the fresh air, however there is snow in the forecast this evening!

Anonymous said...

I can see I need to take some stitching lessons from you. Mine never look so good and viewing yours makes me wonder if I should use a different thread. Oh, and the table looks great no matter what year it represents!

Sandra said...

Love all of the bright colors on your table. It was a wonderful sight on this dreary, rainy day. Those polka dot place mats are so cute. I can't wait for dinner on the porch this summer while the kids play in the back yard...I just love summer.

Jacqueline said...

Yes, gotta love kids and all the drama! Hope things get a little better day by day! We all understand this.

What a beautiful table. It is fitting for summer and for spring - or just for hope that both will come again. The green is so vibrant and happy. Isn't it fun that we can use such fun colors to bring a spot of happiness into our lives.

Denise said...

This is the second "recycled" post I've read this morning. And I'm recycling myself!

I agree with the poster who doesn't mind seeing something a second time. I honestly think I go slower the second time and see more. However, I believe this is my first time to visit your blog. I know I will be back. You have a real eye for color.

Shari @ turnstylevogue.com said...

LOL..I'm just begging for spring and you are already on to summer. Love it! So jealous of your plates as well...they are one of my favorite things to collect.

Kuby said...

What a beautiful table. I love the swirls on the plates. The napkins are to die for! Love the gingham ribbon, it's such a great idea. Wherever you are, there is warmth and fun. God will bring you through your family drama. God bless!

Aledia said...

LOVE turquoise and lime green together! The place mats are awesome and I love your napkins to. A very bright and colorful tablescape for the rainy day we are having here in Louisville.

Hope everything smooths out for you soon! Have a wonderful day!
Oh! almost forgot the recipe sounds and looks delish.

(hugs)
Aledia

Slice of Pie said...

Beautiful! Love the place mats and napkins ... and the salad looks delicious! Hope you'll stop by and check out the details of the new Monday blog party I'll be hosting. Thanks for sharing

Meredith said...

Oh I love everything about this table!! I have similar glasses for wine:) Fiesta week is coming next month and your colors remind me of how festive it is!

Unknown said...

So pretty! Those napkins remind me of the cute Mexican dresses.
XO Cindy

Unknown said...

Marlis,
I have the same placemats only in pink! I wished I had bought the green too...love it! Your plates and napkins are great! I don't have a sewing machine with the fancy sitches,yours is wonderful. Love the blue and green!
Listen, during all the life stuff make sure you take care of you! I know with all that goes on at the zoo, I have to keep reminding myself to do the same.We all have our share of stuff so be kind to yourslef. Remember God is in control and He knows your circumstances. Be Happy! I will pray for your household to settle down.
Blessings My Friend,

Robin said...

What a beautiful use of bright colors. The flowers bring everything together. I would love to have that fish flatware. That salsa recipe looks great too.

Robin
Robin Flies South

A Cottage in the Clouds said...

Great color combination...it looks so "cool" for summer. Dining al fresco on fish and salsa sounds delightful. And I think I need an embroidery machine!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

How fun and colorful. A wonderful reminder that soon Summer will be here and we'll be enjoying those dinners from the grill!

Kathleen said...

I love this table, Marlis, the colors and the dots, great!
Hang in there! We have no choice! :)

Mrs. Serendipity said...

Marlis,

Your tablescapes are always fun and always beautiful. Happy St. Paddys Day! Mrs. S

Taunnie said...

I always love to look at your patio,it's so beautiful, as is your table. Those dishes are so summery and go perfectly with the salsa, which I'm going to make tomorrow (looks delicious!).

Unknown said...

Love your colors! Beautiful table setting. Thanks for sharing,Joann Come and follow me back

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