Tuesday 8 March 2011

Inspiration Week: Al Fresco in the Garden


Hello my lovely-jubblies,

Welcome back to Inspiration Week at Modern Country Style.

I'm so looking forward to the Inspiration Journey Linky Party here on Friday! I can't wait to see the gorgeousness that I've been hearing all about from lots of you.

Well, yesterday I promised you a garden trip and here we are! Thanks so much for coming out into the garden with me for a bit of fresh air.


Garden heaven, here we come. ;-)

Today I'm thinking about al fresco dining in my garden.


Yeah, thinking, *not* doing. It's sunny today but still a bit too cold to think about eating outside by choice.


We currently have a circular paved area, just beyond where this path leads in the photo of our garden below. Plus a covered terrace outside our back door. And a patio right at the back of the garden.


So I'm on the prowl for ideas for how to use them more than we do now. I'd love to create more space for easy entertaining outside like these dreamy images.


A beautiful veranda in place of the structure we have at the moment would be perfect. With a glass roof to let the light into the house.


In a muted green-grey.

{This next one is my favourite. Yum.}


That would be for spontaneous tea-times in the garden as a family.

Or casual suppers with friends in the summer.


Then further up I would like a gorgeous table and chairs for casual coffees with my girlfriends.

Yes, that's you.


And right at the back of the garden, we'd love to put in some kind of summerhouse/den/playroom/haven't-really-decided kind of room.


That's the long-term plan.


Those are the images that are helping me along on my Inspiration Journey. I could very happily sit and stare at them all day long.

That's the short term plan. ;-)

{Yup, hilarious is my middle name.}


Today is Pancake Day in the UK so I'm scurrying around preparing for some flipping-action this evening. Mmmmm, I love me some pancakes.

So then, this week we've had gorgeous crafty inspiration and al fresco dining loveliness, which leads me onto sharing my very favourite Modern Country Interiors.

I'm thinking Belgian: my new Style Crush.

Very exciting indeedy.


Images via: Unknown, unknown, Homes & Gardens, Breckonridge Conservatories, Our Garden, Unknown, Unknown, Breckonridge Conservatories, Giner Ella, Unknown, Shed Chic, Birmingham Mail, Shed Chic

I'm linking to my favourite parties in my sidebar.

Enter your email address:

to subscribe to Modern Country Style





58 comments :

Unknown said...

LOVE alfresco eating, kind of live in the garden all summer long, so adore your photos!

Getting excited to hear that Belgium is next in your sights. I have a longing to visit Ghent, and list Belgian design/architecture in my Profile Likes. Mmmmm.....

Greta said...

Your garden so beautiful Sarah! Reminds me of a Jane Austen novel. :o) Much love to you! G

WobiSobi said...

I would love to have dinner out side with you. Beautiful!! And Pancakes YUMMMMMMMMMM

On Crooked Creek said...

Sarah,
Reserve my spot at the other end of the "girlfriend" table and I'll be right over (via internet) for coffee. I take mine black. . .no need to fuss!Gorgeous photos! I'm NOT an out~of~doors kinda lady. .. but oh, how you tempt me! Thank you for this lovely post!
Fondly,
Pat

Connie in Hartwood said...

I love dining outdoors, but The Husband doesn't, so we don't do it as often as I would like. We have a lovely pavilion with dining and sitting space ... fortunately we have friends who love it, so The Husband can't complain. :)

Looking forward to seeing everyone's inspiration, and showing a little bit of my own.

Unknown said...

We started gardening yesterday, I know it is still cold, but it is so sunny I got a bit carried away! You know what, our gardens have the same layout, and I am just about to put some stepping stones down like yours, and I definitely want a little summer house at the bottom. B&Q have some lovely ones, although I would have to paint mine so it is colourful!
I love your photo's, inspiration heaven!! :)

Laura said...

Trying to create the perfect garden is becoming quite elusive for me here in NJ. I'm trying to create the English country garden I grew up around (my neighbour had 'the' perfect garden... so much so, my brother brought the house)... anyhoo, the climate here is so extreme... hot dry summers, followed by extremly cold winters, so the lush, lush green of home is quite difficult to create... throw in the insane amount of mosquitoes (we back onto salt marshes) and high humidity and it all makes for a DEET covered, sweaty, eating outdoors experience... not what I had in mind?? Lovely images here though! If only.....Lx

Travel With Lulu said...

Ahh, I would love to have a US Southern-style porch one day. With lots of white rocking chairs. I picture my kiddos playing in the sprinklers and hearing lawn mowers in the distance. Summer, divine...

Happy Pancake Day! XOLaura

Unknown said...

Oh Sarah I cant wait for it to be nice enough to eat outside. i love dinner in the garden with friends & the sneaky glass of wine. The sun is shining today so not long now. Can I just ask how you got your signature at the end of each post its such a lovely touch x

Alison Agnew said...

i'm thinking very similar thoughts here...tho' i think you and your sweet bippy will be enjoying the outdoors weeks before i will be...and to answer your question...i think the phrase 'you bet your sweet bippy' has been an american phrase since the raging 20s...but you're more than welcome to anglo-file it if needed...;)

blessings,

alison

Anonymous said...

You sure did find the most beautiful pictures to dream about! I'd love to have the doors open and just walk outside to my beautiful table set amongst my hidden gardens ~
You have the perfect garden for this-I can't wait to see how you use it.
I would use the walls of the garden and put up a flowing white canopy with lots and lots of white lights and candles....now you have me dreaming and I don't even have a garden to work with! :)

Unknown said...

what beautiful pictures of outdoor dining!
I like them
Today, in Italy, is a Women's Day so I'll offer my best wishes to you and your readers!
Mari

René said...

Oh this makes me want spring to arrive early! There is nothing more beautiful than an outdoor room tucked into a lush garden. Wonderful images Sarah!

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

Oh Sarah, yes, I like a bit of Belgian as well and Dutch (interiors of course!). Looking forward to seeing more, yes indeedy!

We've had pancakes for breakfast and we're going to have pancakes for tea too!! Byeeeeeeexxxx

Olive said...

You could easily have a table and chairs in your garden Sarah. It has beeb warm enough here to have lunch on the patio a couple of times recently and stare at the camelias. Loving spring erupinting. Have an enchanting week!

Meera @ firstsense said...

Ooh Sarah you are teasing me with these images, as I really can't wait for some warm sunshine (as opposed to cold sunshine, like today, but I'm not complaining, blue skies always make the day feel better!). I love to pack a little picnic basket on a warm sunny day and enjoy some alfresco lolling around with Mr First Sense. :)

All these images are gorgeous. I LOVE the pendant lights in that muted green-grey alfresco space and the casual coffee spot is lovely!

Good luck planning the summerhouse/playroom, and I look forward to the Belgian inspiration!

Happy pancake flipping!

Meera xx

Deborah said...

These photos and thoughts are just so dreamy right now, while all I see is snow out my window :)
I love outdoor eating , especially the "romantic" aspect of it!
These are gorgeous!!!
Dreaming with you...

Deborah xo

michele said...

it must be the time of year...i too am longing to improve our outdoor entertaining options! right now i've got just a 14x14 slab of concrete we call a "patio." i want it paved and roofed with lovely. and yes yes, another little area near the trees for us girlz to dish. if i build it, will you come?

michele

Gwen @ Gwenny Penny said...

I think you have a perfect spot in your garden for an outdoor living area. It would be beautiful. Great inspiration choices, Sarah. Have a pancake for me:)

michelle said...

Absolutely gorgeous!! I would love to join you in any of those settings!! I love looking at inspiration photo, they take me away to so many places!! Just beautiful my friend and I can't wait to see what you do in your beautiful garden when the weather turns warmer!
Enjoy your pancakes! :)

Anonymous said...

I could stare at these images all day. Good short term plan :) I can't wait for warmer weather and longer days! These inspirational photos are gorgeous, Sarah! There is nothing better than spending evenings outdoors eating and laughing with friends. I'd love to have an old farm table with mismatched chairs on our patio. Lots of fairy lights too.
Dreaming right along with you!


Have fun flipping cakes :)
Michelle
xxx

It's me said...

Beautiful !!!!!.....lovely evening....love Ria....xxx...

Florist in the Forest said...

I love the inspiration pics, oohh which to choose... I love the first one and a veranda is definitely on my wish list, the idea of being able to sit out even in the rain, snuggled and dry, I think is rather romantic!
We spend most of out time outside dining in the summer months, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner, I can't wait to get my fix! x

Ann-Marie ~ Brambly said...

I just found your blog and I just had to become your newest follower-you live in my favorite place on Earth! I've been to the Cotswolds twice and I fell in love. It completely inspired me to decorate my home and design my garden with England in mind. Please pop over and visit me at Brambly. Check out my new page "Brambly's Garden"- I would love to know what you think. Have a beautiful day!

Ann-Marie

Courtenay@Signal Hill Interiors said...

I want it I want it I want it I want it! Summer that is.... The best thing about alfresco dining areas is that almost anything you throw together looks amazing and welcoming with all that greenery as a back drop. Count me in for coffee by the way! I guess I should bring the coffee?

bikim said...

gorgeous !!!!!!!!!!!
lovely photos!
take care,
Rosa

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Ohhh gorgeous gorgeous inspirations Sarah!!! I am drooling over that fantastic pergola!!!! Especially after my pergola issues :( Oh yeah, I'm over it....yeah, I'm beyond it for sure.. NOT!! Lol!! Anyway, thank you for the inspiration for the rebuild and for the chuckle with your comment about my fairest of them all mirrors!
I should so try that!! lol!
Hugs to you sweet friend!! :)
Courtney

Erin said...

OOOOOHHHHH!!!!! I am loving these images Sarah! Testing the waters tonight, and this was a perfect spot for it!! Missin' ya!

Holly said...

Al fresco dining always makes me think of my grandma. We always ate lunch on her patio in the summer. I now have the little table we used.

Unknown said...

Oh the greeny-grey one with the industrial style pendants = LUST.

So many wonderful images, just makes me want the warmer weather NOW dammit. Our garden needs a ton of work but the house is taking priority. Once spring hits, I have a feeling we'll be doing a few bits and pieces but these inspiration pics want me to do a lot more!

xxx

PS Had pancakes, feeling slightly queezy mixed with a bit of a sugar high. I can't decide whether I like this feeling or not. Hope you enjoyed yours!

Leah - The Inside Story said...

All these images are so beautiful for alfresco dining. I'm with you I could stare at them all day! Can't wait to see what you have for Belgian style, you know how much I love it!!!Have a lovely pancake day. Leahxx

Mary Bergfeld said...

All your shade spots are lovely. Thank you for assembling them for us. They bring with them the promise of summer. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

saltbox
treasures
said...

All of your ideas and inspirations look lovely! What a wonderful home and garden you have!
~ Julie

Tricia said...

What beautiful pictures Sarah, I could certainly envision myself enjoying any one of them. I would love to have a pergola and a screen porch. I could just see roses climbing up the pergola and I would sit in my screen porch at night and listen to the frogs chatter...it would be wonderful!

Happy Pancake Day to you :)

Anonymous said...

Oooohhhhh such lovely inspirational pics! I love alfresco eating too...we are so lucky in Sydney we can virtually eat outdoors for 6 months of the year...sigh!! At the moment I'm pondering how I can 'work' a chandelier into my alfresco eating area when I get home ; )
Hope you enjoyed those pancakes...might do pancake Tuesday on Wednesday...a day late is ok, isn't it?!
Alison xx

alison said...

That's my comment above...didn't realise that my daughter had logged on before me (it's mid term break, so it's the quick and the dead to get to the computer first in the mornings!!)...so Emma is really Alison!! ; ) And thank you for your sweet comments on my little bloggy, they always, always make me smile. Have a great day my lovely. xx Alison

lisaroy said...

Your garden is beautiful! I love your plan. These two weeks in Dubai have been filled with dining outdoors, morning coffee on patios, late night drinks at outdoor bars - heaven! But soon back to reality! :)

Young Adventures... said...

We just got a few more inches of snow this morning. :) These photos lifted my spirits.
We love to dine on our front porch or outside during the warmer months! It's such a nice change and a wonderful way to enjoy nature. I can't wait to see what you come up with Sarah! Your garden is beautiful!

Anne said...

What delicious images, Sarah! There truly is nothing more lovely than dining in the warm twilight with crickets providing the music...

Boho Farm and Home said...

I love all of these images! Oh so pretty. Just found your blog and am now a follower. Really beauiful...can't wait to read more.
xo
Caroline

LindyLouMac said...

Lovely images that remind me how much we enjoy alfresco eating.

Unknown said...

i am SO dreaming of eatting outside - picking fruits from the garden - flowers blooming - can not WAIT for spring/summer!!!

I’m hosting a give-away and would LOVE for you and ALL BLOGGERS to
Join Custom Sign Give-Away last day to join is tomorrow!

*kiss kiss*
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~

Valerie@chateaualamode.typepad.com said...

I love Al Fresco dining and especially the pictures you shared. Love your inspiration.

Privet and Holly said...

Oh, this makes my
heart sing as I look
forward to plotting
new loveliness for my
own gardens, this year!
Thanks for sharing
your dreams, Sarah.
I'm sure you'll make
them come true : )
Happy Day,
xx Suzanne

Heaven's Walk said...

Wow....such beautiful ideas and photos, Sarah! Al fresco dining with friends is THE BEST! I adore that big covered patio.....yum.

xoxo laurie

Sachiko said...

What a fun post, I love all the beautiful pictures! I hope I have back yard like those someday. Simply beautiful!!

Amanda said...

Hi Sarah! Yes, it's a bit too cold for outdoor dining in my neck of the woods too...but it's fun to dream! And all of the photos you've shared are so dreamy! We are planning some rose garden tea parties that I will for sure be sharing with my blog friends this summer!
Best Wishes and Blessings,
Amanda - Girl in Pink

Kirsty Girl said...

Wow thank you so much for the inspirations pics. So gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

Well hello Sarah from the UK -- so your are flippin pancakes today; how's the action and me I'm contemplating those spontaneous teas your gonna bring us; you have an eye for inspiration and a soul of friendship. Blessings Terri www.morningdewdrops.typepad.com

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

It is my dream to have a covered space for dining Al Fresco in the gared! Love your images!!!! I am DREAMING of Spring (title of my last post) and keep thnking, "HURRY"!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for these inspiration pics! XO, Pinky

Unknown said...

hermosas, imagenes del jardin, besos, mely

Alison Agnew said...

sarah...when i look at these beautiful photos i get so excited for warm weather...not that any of my outdoor spots look this good, but every year we work at it to improve...thanks so much for linking up to fridays unfolded my friend.

blessings,

alison

Garden Furniture Sets said...

Good post.I like the outdoor furniture which are showed in the post.The captures show the awesome designs of outdoor furniture..I wish to have food in your Out Door.Thanks Sarah for such a great stuff.I will follow your blog in future.

Anonymous said...

I've been out in the garden a lot this week. Love the pictures. Can't wait for the inspiration party! Thanks for joining my party.

x

Lydia said...

This morning breakfast on the patio consisted of eggs with homemade chorizo w avocado slices and grilled red onions. Coffee (0f course) and a fresh strawberrie orange slushie to toast the springtime with.

pvc doors northern ireland said...

i love the BEAUTIFUL VERANDA. its so relaxing to just sit and stare at nature.

pvc doors northern ireland said...

now that i saw your blog i cannot help myself to think of how beautiful the pictures are. i wish i could have that cute veranda.

THE FARMHOUSE PORCH said...

Great inspiration! Now following, come visit me if you get the chance:)
♥Linsey

Related Posts with Thumbnails
 
01 09 10