For a father's day celebration, an afternoon cookout was planned for husband's family. This meant that we would simply have to find order in the screened porch.  This family gathering gave us the incentive we needed to take on the task at hand.

  

We had made much progress in the screened porch...sorting through and unpacking more bags and boxes...rearranging furnishings...and finally, a search of decorating ideas for this room that would become our outdoor dining area.  I located the storage container holding vintage table cloths and spring decor...and with inspiration flowing...acquired an inviting, cozy atmosphere....

Then the rains came...so I began to play....as there was time to arrange and rearrange...I decided on a place for the grandchildren to play ...

...and the little table where they would dine...

I chose a familiar tablecloth...used in our former home, upstairs in the play room...and child-friendly chicky-chicks for a simple centerpiece.  (Later, Xavier would notice the cloth and exclaim with much delight, *Grammy, that's my tablecloth!*

It's the familiar things which help a child cope with a move to another home...even a grammy's move to another home...

Once the rain had ceased, I began preparing the front porch. I began with the chalkboard...a message for Father's Day....

It is true...I am a former teacher, who loved, loved, loved writing on the chalkboard...and I still do....

The inspiration for the tree in the urn came from a lovely little visit to a french shoppe in Leiper's Fork, TN...just a hop, skip, and a jump away from where we live...called Serenite Maison....

One of my most favorite places to visit...it is a feast for the senses...perfumed candles, antiquated display cases, nests, vintage jewelry, vintage linens...lavender scented laundry products...

infused with essential oils...

Oh, how wonderful the cottage smells on laundry day.

So, back to the front porch....

The little blue chair looked so charming under the new wreath...and became a perfect place to display the sweet twig watering can...a Mother's Day gift from oldest daughter.

And of course, we love bunnies...

The tree had been potted in a much larger container, and had not survived the winter, but such a beautiful tree, with it's curly branches....when I saw the owner of the sweet shoppe had used branches in an urn as a prop for a fragile nest, I immediately thought of my tree...I wouldn't have to throw it out after all. Husband transplanted the tree to a smaller urn, that would not consume the front porch.  I had purchased a nest at the shoppe, but seeing all the green in the wreath, I came upon this spring-like nest, full of color, and decided I will use the other throughout the winter season. I had some bags of moss from the craft store, to balance the colors.

How much fun we are having...planning and dreaming....a work in progress....always...

But much satisfaction was found on this day...and what a wonderful celebration it was. 

Good food, Good family, Good conversation.....God is Good!

Hoping you all had a wonderful Father's Day....and that you were fully celebrated. 

Blessings to you and yours.