What I've Been Up To...

14 years ago

Since the accident, I haven't had much time for checking in here. There have been so many forms to fill out for insurance, so many thank-you's to write to all those who helped us and I went back to work way too soon! At first, I didn't know I had four fractured ribs so I kind of pushed myself to do more than I probably should have been. Plus, it was my DSiL's 40th bday and since she and my brother were with us when we had our accident and were so supportive, we wanted to give her a bit of a party. I am sharing those pics with you but if you've already seen them on my blog, I apologize for the repetition. Thanks to all of you who have already commented over there. It is great to hear from you and thanks also for your expressions of concern and get-well wishes!

This past weekend, DH and I hosted a 40th birthday party for my dear sister-in-law. The weather was perfect so we decided to have a backyard BBQ for family and friends. In keeping with these fleeting days of summer, I made sure the tablescape reflected a bright colourful setting.

I used Gerbera daisies in yellow, orange and cream along with some green grasses (shhhh....all faux!) in vases I got at a local florists on clearance for $5. Alongside, I used some jars (minus the lids) as candleholders which I scored for$1 each. I put acrylic ice and a glass votive holder inside.My favourite Partylite sunflower tealight holders added some more colour.

I edited this pic to "protect the innocent" but inside two different frames, I placed small pictures of the birthday girl around the "Happy 40th!" These were placed at opposite sides of the table. Beside the frame, I placed a tall glass vase/candle holder with an orange taper dinner candle and sand to anchor it inside.

There were 13 of us in total and I didn't have quite enough of the items in the colours I wanted to use so had to mix/match everything from dishes to placemats to chargers to chairs but since it was a casual affair, I think it was okay. I see in these pics, I had 3 yellow plates together at this end of the table but I did mix those up a bit more before guests arrived!

DH put up the extra canopy over the table but the "cabana" in the background is always there. We had pre-dinner drinks in the cabana and then moved over to the table once the hamburgers and salads were ready.

The food was set up on our small sundeck. We had BBQ'ed hamburgers with fixings as well as some BBQ'ed salmon filets and bratwurst sausages.

Salads were brought "potluck" and were potato, pasta, bean salsa, toasted pecan/balsamic vin., and carrot. There was also some yummy Pesto Pear/Chicken Pizza that a friend brought...must get that recipe!

Having a BBQ is such a "summer-y" thing to do and I'm so glad we were able to celebrate our SIL's birthday with one shared by friends and family. Thanks for stopping by...wish you could have been at the party!

DD

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Comments (8)

luvstocraft
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
What a wonderful treat for your SIL and family/friends. Everything looks lovely and the food so delicious. Bet they were all impressed with the "real" dishes instead of paper ones! How nice that you had the extra awning for some shade too. Thanks for sharing--and be careful with those ribs--your own I mean. ;o) Luvs
plainjane425
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Everything looks so lovely DD. Your SIL must have been so thrilled and honored that you put this all together for her.
What a nice memory for her to have. I think the idea of mix and matching your dishes and accessories was so clever and it all looked really colorful and very cheerful.
Hope you are taking things slowly..4 ribs...ouch!!
jane
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dining_delight
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thanks for your compliments Luvs & Jane! DSiL was very happy that we had a little gathering in her honour especially in our "weakened" conditions. It is funny now that I have the dish-ease, I never even think to use paper plates even for a BBQ. It is too much fun to pick out real dishes for such an occasion...better for the environment too!

DD
jaybird
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Beautiful party! Be sure that you are taking good care of yourself though....broken ribs can create other unpleasantness!!!
lynninnewmexico
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Lovely, DD, and so fresh and Summery! I especially like the way you mixed your plates and placemats . . . pretty and lively. Your SIL is very blessed to have you! Her b'day party looked like lots of fun and I'm sure was much appreciated. Hope you're feeling better, and that your sweet hubby is, too.
Lynn
ncnana
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Wow, you certainly achieved that summery look you were going for. The food and table looked wonderful. You have a lovely yard. I hope that you and your DH are both recovering. - Gail
dining_delight
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thanks Jay, Lynn and Gail for your get-well wishes and compliments on the Birthday BBQ tablescape. DH and I are definitely improving everyday though trying not to overdo it. We have to remember we aren't "kids" anymore and take longer to heal!

DD
mo13
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
DD,
Glad to hear you are doing better. And your table looks perfect for a summer backyard bbq. I really like how you mixed and matched everything but it still looks so cohesive!

Mo

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