Summer Patriotic Tablescape and Kitchen Cart

Welcome to Panoply's Summer Tablescape Party!

My kitchen cart is decorated for the summer in a patriotic theme.  Everything is close at hand when I need it, dishes, flatware, napkins.....

.....mini plates for appetizers....

a large platter for desserts....

...and luncheon plates....

My table is set for breakfast....

I always look forward to bringing out the MacKenzie-Childs enamel and ceramic Star Plates!

The red and white runner is from Target, the blue stemware is from Dollar Tree, the red star bowl and flatware are from Pottery Barn, the appetizer plates are from Hobby Lobby and the checked dinner plates and topiary are from MacKenzie-Childs.

The red, white, and blue color palette is highly symbolic due to the American flag and I like to keep using these colors all summer.

So, what's on the menu?  

French Toast, fresh fruit and sausage patties.

Looking for this?

MacKenzie-Childs Royal Check Dinner Plate

Let's see what these talented and creative tablescapers have designed:

Panoply - Happy 250th Birthday, America!

Home is Where the Boat Is - Oh My Stars & Stripes

Hyacinths for the Soul - Celebrate With a Patriotic Heart

Olla-Podrida - Night of the Iguana Tablescape

Everyday Living - America is 250: Let's Celebrate!

Me and My Captain - Belmont Stakes, The Last Race of Triple Crown

The Cats Whiskerz - A Gardener's Tablescape

Pandora's Box - Summer Patriotic Tablescape and Kitchen Cart You are here

Life and Linda - A Whimsical Elegant Pastel Summer Table

The Bookish Dilettante - Tablescape for America 250

My Thrift Store Addiction - Summer Serenity in the Garden: Elegant Breakfast For One

Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Celebrating America's Favorite Pastime

Thrifting Wonderland - Searching for Summer: A Thrifted Tablescape

Red Cottage Chronicles - From Antiquing to Dinner: A Simple Summer Gathering with Friends

Dinner at Eight - A Casual Summer Table Inspired by Island Daydreams

Mantel and Table - Blue and White Tablescape - How to Enjoy a Beautiful Summer

Thanks for stopping by, Patti

Red Hot Pineapple Salad

Looking for an easy side dish for summer?

Have you ever tasted cinnamon and pineapple flavors together?

Blueberry Mint Ice Cubes....

I have 2 types of mint growing in my yard - it can be quite invasive, so growing it in a pot is the best way to contain it!  I use it all summer in beverages, fruit salads and floral bouquets!

I also make these ice cubes for summer cocktails of Blueberry Lemonade and Blueberry Bubbles (recipes below).  

Sweet Treats for the Boys...

I set up a "sweet treat" table for the boys:

Patriotic Marshmallows

Here's an easy sweet treat....

Do it Over Designers - Upcycled Vase

The Do It Over Designers are at it again....Check out the links at the bottom of this post for more recycling ideas!

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Summer is upon us and flowers will be blooming soon.  Here's an easy way to "doll up" a simple clear vase:

The Tales of the Traveling Tote #47

The Tales of the Traveling Tote is a series of adventures that share where our Mackenzie Childs tote bags have taken us.  Four times a year a group of bloggers each write a connected post about the places we have been. We have built incredible friendships through our blogs and we hope you enjoy our tales as much as we do!

To read about how it all began, go HERE

February was a snowy month and nothing too exciting happened, but here are a few places I traveled to during the last 3 months:

March trip to Mackenzie-Childs in Aurora, NY:

Deb and I in the Breakfast Room of the Farmhouse:

Deb, Amy and I - A cute idea from our photographer Joe!

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John and I spent an afternoon walking along the "ice shoves" or "ice tsunamis" on the East end of Oneida Lake at the end of March:

We enjoyed lunch at the Lake House overlooking the beach.

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April and early May:

I spent 5 weeks in Palm Beach Gardens with my aunt as she recovered from hip surgery.   Many afternoons were spent by the pool as well as a few trips to the beach!

Singer Island

Jupiter Beach Lighthouse

This was my new best friend:

While in Florida, My daughter and her family came down for a week and I was able to spend some time with them:

Loggerhead Marine Center

I also caught up with some old friends:

I left Palm Beach on a hot, sunny day....

.....and when I landed in Syracuse at midnight I spotted a Traveling Tote at the airport, it was AMY!  We were both exhausted and weary and it took a few seconds for us to recognize each other.  She was returning from a business trip in Dallas!

A few days ago we took a drive out to "apple country" to see the apple blossoms.  It was a cloudy day, but there were miles and miles of trees in full bloom and the orchards were so lovely!

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If you haven't seen this, go!  The 4 main characters have not aged in 20 years and the fashions are fun to see!
 

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY.....

Visit my friends to see where their tote brought them the last 4 months:

Debbie with Miss Aurora @ Mountain Breaths

GIVEAWAY HOSTESS: Ricki Jill and Countess De Monet @ The Bookish Dilettante  

Emily with Miss Courtney Childs @ The French Hutch 

Linda P with Miss Lola @ Life and Linda

Patti with Miss Kenzie @ Pandora's Box 

Rita with Miss Luna C @ Panoply 

Sarah with Miss Merri Mac @ Hyacinths for the Soul

Jackie and Miss Madi K @ Purple Chocolat Home

Thanks for stopping by, Patti and Miss Kenzie

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Looking for a Tote?

MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Marche Medium Tote...

Au Gratin Potatoes

Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

Compound Butter

I really enjoy a flavored or compound butter with rolls or breads and it is so easy to make: