Tabletop Tuesday
Lunch in the Garden
The height of summer’s garden bounty calls for all the enjoyment of fresh fruits and vegetables you can get!
There's nothing better than the height of summer fresh fruit and vegetables. Why not take things outside for a midday leisurely lunch after a trip to the farmers market, roadside fruit stand, or even freshly picked from the garden bonanza crop to take advantage of the bounty? I get excited passing a roadside stand brimming with sunflowers, fresh lettuce, sweet corn and ripe juicy tomatoes because there's absolutely nothing better.
While I am always a fan of taking the inside outside and creating a fanciful dining spot, if you’re not in the mood to rearrange your house, whatever outdoor furniture you have can always work. If you do not have a great outdoor dining table option, a fold-up round or rectangular table can go from blah to beautiful with the addition of a tablecloth, leftover fabric remnants, or even a bedspread or shower curtain in a pinch! It’s about creating the stage for your creativity and hosting the gathering outside the ordinary location. Let your menu be the guide for the decor and keep it easy and breezy. I’ve been into fresh vegetable crudités all summer long, and I love creating a centerpiece of fresh vegetables and allowing guests to create their own salads. Foods that can be easily eaten without utensils like sandwiches, grilled kebobs, fresh sliced melon, and fruit skewers are always a hit. There’s simply nothing better than a juicy, ripe tomato sandwich— and I’ve shared my secret to making the best tomato sandwich below!
Fresh brewed iced tea, fresh squeezed lemonade or limeade, and a few sprigs of mint or basil and you have all the makings for summertime cocktails adding a little vodka or bourbon to the mix.
Garden lunches are all about last-minute easy entertaining, fun, laughter, and spending time with friends and loved ones.
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