Stuck at home, after mom and I came home from Philadelphia with mild cases of COVID, we set a summer lemon table for a nice outdoor brunch before she flew back to Charleston.
Instead of being out and about, visiting with friends and family during mom’s visit to Pittsburgh, we spent the ten days isolating at home. Since breaking my right-hand, ring finger, I’m also contending with the awkwardness and restrictions of wearing a splint for six long weeks.
After all being fully vaccinated and double boosted, this was not how we planned spending our summer visit. COVID continues to mutate and spread. Life = lemons, sometimes.
Don’t get me wrong, I know that the vaccines and five-day course of therapeutic pills protected us from severe illness or worse. I experienced feeling like I had a severe cold. But, I was nervous about my elderly mom, and felt badly that she caught the virus while on “my watch.”
My finger, well that is indeed frustrating! Accidently broken by Mr. Buzz during a new card game with friends, I have another month wearing a splint And, of course it had to be my right hand — geez! Usually when I need a mood lifter I craft, but that’s not an option presently. Instead, mom helped me to set a sunny yellow lemon table, with tableware and linens already in the house. I even managed a new napkin fold!
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Making Lemonade
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade is a proverbial phrase used to encourage optimism and a positive can-do attitude in the face of adversity or misfortune. Lemons suggest sourness or difficulty in life; making lemonade is turning them into something positive or desirable.“
Wikipedia
To celebrate mom reaching ten-days post COVID, we set the round glass table on the covered porch.
I served a light Sunday brunch that included a refreshing sparkling lemonade, with a rosemary-infused simple syrup. For the recipe, see Bee Theme Party Food Features Honey, Lemon.
It was overcast and humid, with an occasional sprinkle. But, we didn’t let that dampen our sunny mood. And we stayed dry and comfortable with help from the paddle fan overhead.
Styling a Lemon Table Setting
Underlying the lemon table setting is a sunny yellow and white check cloth that I’ve had a long time.
In May, I picked up lemon motif plates, coffee mugs and tall glasses from Dollar Tree. Still inexpensive at $1.25 a piece, I think an overall 25% price increase is excessive. How about you? I also would have preferred if the plates were melamine for outdoor use, but I loved the lemon pattern too much to pass them up.
Did you see the lemon tableware at Dollar Tree this season? Buy any? I haven’t been to the store in a couple of months so I’m not sure if they are still stocking them? The Dollar Tree website still is showing lots of lemon motif items; including a luncheon size plate my store didn’t have.
Lacking the need or storage space, I passed on purchasing the matching lemon motif bowls. Not wanting to cover the beautiful design, I also decided to keep things simple — without layering multiple plates to form a dish stack.
I did pick up the matching, nice-sized coffee mugs. That allowed me to “retire” a few odd and end pattern cups from the cupboard that were stained, chipped or oversized.
Particularly useful and attractive are the tall, lemon motif decorated glasses. I’ve been using them almost daily for serving either lemonade or iced tea.
Flanking the lemon table dinner plates are copper-color, twig handled flatware (Pier 1 numerous years ago).
Flower Folded Napkins
With extra tabletop space, I decided to fold napkins in the shape of flowers.
Originally, I had thought to use the napkins that matched the yellow check tablecloth. But, they just “disappeared” or looked like a lump of fabric.
Instead, I chose these yellow floral print napkins. That also allowed me to tie in the lemon table with the blue plumbago flowers in the centerpiece and planters.
However, getting the soft rayon fabric to hold the shape of 12 flower petals was a bit challenging — especially with a brace on my right-hand ring finger lol!
Requiring no ribbon or ring to hold its shape, the napkin is a version of the lotus flower fold. It’s also a derivative of the Pretty Flower Napkin Fold Tutorial that is tucked into stemmed glasses on the Tweet Turquoise Early Spring Table.
For other flower or summer season shapes, check out Napkin Folds for All Seasons, Holidays & Occasions.
Refreshed Floral Centerpiece
After mom and I came down with COVID, my son and his girl sent us this beautiful floral arrangement.
It was already over a week old, when I decided to refresh it for use as a centerpiece on the summer lemon table. My mom, you see, is very talented arranging flowers. First she removed dead or wilted blooms. Other florals and materials had naturally air-dried and remained in place.
Since we couldn’t go to the store for fresh flowers, mom clipped and filled-in empty spaces with blue plumbago (Monrovia Royal Cape) from the pair of urn planters on the back deck.
Also planted in each urn is Proven Winners Lemon Coral, Syngenta Darla Rose diascia, and Foertmeyer Blue Star TriTrunia.
I especially like the square, blue tile design of the pot the arrangement came in. A keeper for sure!
It reminds me of the incredible tilework we saw while visiting Seductive Seville with Arabic Palace, Flamenco Dance. Can you see what I mean?
Sunnier Summer Days Ahead
So I set a simple summer table, using what I had to make lemonade out of a lemon situation. What do you think?
Later that evening, mom flew to Charleston, where Sistah B was waiting for her. Originally scheduled to fly back home on Thursday, we pushed her flight out to allow for ten days of isolating. Not the visit we planned. But, I’m thankful for the wonderful July 4th holiday we had in Philadelphia, and just spending time together.
Next week ‘ll share my son’s Bountiful NYC Urban Garden: Up on the Roof. And, hubby and I are still looking forward to our now three-time-scheduled Ireland vacation in August. Fingers crossed — left-hand anyway lol!
Hope you are all healthy and enjoying the summer. With these highly contagious variants out there, please get boosted if you’re due.
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I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Turn About Tuesday, Centerpiece Wednesday, Whimsical Home Projects, In Link Party, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Crafty Creators, Fabulous Friday, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
Beautiful table and attitude! That must of been some card game!
Ahh thanks Rhonda, lovely to hear from you! The game is called Taco, Goat, Cheese, Pizza and involved slapping, stacking hands in the middle of the table. Ironically, my hand was on top but hubby scooped up and bent my finger backwards — on the last play of the game too!
Wow, what a disappointment to still get Covid with all the boosters. I’m very happy your mom especially recovered. I know several friends who’ve gotten it this month.
What a great summer table. I really like the DT lemon pattern, and I agree about the increase – excessive. $1.10 would’ve been more in line with current rate of inflation, and would’ve still been higher than where we were when they increased pricing. They do still sell the pattern.
Your broken finger sounds like a mean game of spoons, lol. I’m sure there’s a good story there.
Very disappointing, especially in that I tested immediately positive on day ten and am symptomatic with cold systems again! I was shocked, especially after taking the therapeutic pills. So, I continue to isolate. Apparently, the pills and cold meds masked symptoms but never cleared the virus, and once I stopped taking them, the virus grew again.
The card game is Taco, Goat, Cheese, Pizza and involves slapping, stacking hands in the middle of the table. Ironically, my hand was on top but hubby scooped up and bent my finger way back — on the last play of the game too!
Debbee, your table is sunny and lemony despite your gloomy weather. Great job even with your finger situation….I agree with Rita, it sounds like spoons….I have come away with scratches and scars from our family games. LOL.
So glad your mom is better and able to spend time with you. I really miss my mom as we used to talk almost daily. Have a great and Blessed day.
Always lovely to hear from you Kari! So glad you enjoyed the table setting. The card game is called Taco, Goat, Cheese, Pizza and involved slapping, stacking hands in the middle of the table. Ironically, my hand was on top but hubby scooped up and bent my finger backwards. It hurt like heck, but is just an awkward annoyance now.
Love this table. I purchased this lemon set and now have a great napkin idea. Thanks. I found artificial lemon slices to add to the flowers. A refreshing table of ideas.
Nice to meet you Kyle! Oh those artificial lemon slices would look great in the center of the flower fold! Or, they could be glued on top of plain ‘ol napkin rings too. Hope you are having a great summer.
Great photography!! Turned out lovely.
A happy note to end your visit!
What a pretty table, Debbee! I bought the lemon salad plates last year and have yet to use them. This scorching hot week may be the perfect time to set a lemon table. Hope your finger feels better soon,
Thank you Lauren! I didn’t realize DT had the pattern last year. Would like to have the salad plates myself. Appreciate the kind thought. Finger doesn’t hurt anymore, it’s just so restrictive with the brace to use my hand.
Wow Debbee – you DID make lemonade! So sorry you and your mom didn’t have a more outward-facing visit, but you totally made the most of it, and we got a new napkin fold out of it too! āŗ Thanks so much for your always-positive outlook, and your never ending table inspiration! Hope you get all the way better soon!
Hi ya Barbara! Always appreciate your visits. Unfortunately, I continue to have cold symptoms and was shocked to test positive after taking the therapeutic! So, doc says I’m still contagious and need to isolate. Good news is mom is all clear. Take good care of yourself my friend.
Well, holy cats, Debbee! You have been through the wringer lately! This is not the best news to read at all!!!!!! I’m glad you and your Mom were able to wade through the illness. They say it’s going to get us all at some point regardless of our vaccination status. The good news is that you were at least better protected from hospitalization or worse. I know it’s not the way you would have liked to have spent a single day of your life, let alone 10 days! The good news in all of it is that it provided some quality time for you and your Mom. This is actually a time you will fondly remember in years to come. As for your finger…ouch! That must be some game!!!š²
I think the Dollar Tree prices are falling right in line with the increases on everything these days. Heck, gasoline is up over 100% in some places, so the 25% barely fazes me.
I like your choice of napkin that complements the table covering, and I applaud you for making the effort to do a cool fold on it despite your injuries!
Kudos to your Mom for the centerpiece flowers! Beautiful!!! You were BOTH making lemonade out of lemons!!!
I’m hoping your Ireland visit will come to fruition soon! Take good care of yourself!
Yeah, after my experience, I do think most people are going to get it. But, hopefully most will only get mild symptoms. Today I discovered three other relatives between Maine and SC have gotten COVID and all are vaccinated and boosted. Not sure if we’ll remember the time together fondly as we had to socially distance a good part of the visit to protect dear hubby. My finger no longer hurts, but the brace limits use of my hand. All the travel documents, luggage tags etc. were delivered today for our Ireland trip. Just hoping after hubby doesn’t get Covid now as we’re within the two week window. Really appreciate you visiting with me today Alycia and hope you continue to stay well.
Oh my goodness Debbee – that is quite the story!! Fair to say that you did make some great lemonade though! The table is lovely and so perfect for the summertime, and your new napkin fold is beautiful, as is your mom’s flower arrangement! I’ll cross my fingers for you that your Ireland trip is a go. So glad to hear your mom came through Covid, and I hope that you (and your finger) are on the mend as well. Take care over there!
Really appreciate you visiting Kim, and glad you enjoyed the lemon table and napkin! Still dealing with lemons, as my severe cold symptoms returned and I tested positive again! I was shocked, frustrated and nervous. Apparently, I’m one of those few who got what they call “rebound” Covid after taking the 5-day Paxlovid. Argh! Meant another five long days of isolation and concern. Finally, today I am negative! So, our trip to Ireland is on track and I can’t wait!
Beautiful table setting! Your Mom and you made the best out of having Covid! My hubby and I had after having both shots and one boost too, we stayed home and made the best of it too! Love the napkin fold you did to coordinate with the glasses and plates! Hoping you are much better and can enjoy Ireland,! Hubby and I wanted to go in 2020 but had to postpone! Are you doing a tour? Canāt wait to hear about your trip! Love your porch and setting too! Thank you for being a shining star in the world that is not so awesome lately!
Karen, thanks for your kind words and for visiting! After writing the post, cold symptoms returned and I retested positive! Apparently I got “rebound” Covid (meaning it never really went away, even after taking the Paxlovid)! I had to spend another 5 days isolating after mom went home. Finally, I tested negative and Ireland is a go! We were originally set for 2020 too! We are going with CIE. In case you’re interested, here’s the tour. Originally, we added 5 day on our own in search of ancestors. Instead, we have added two days in Dublin.
How funny! I also have the same plates with matching placemats! My husband likes to eat dinner watching baseball on TV, but we do it “civilized” with placemats on large clear plastic trays ~ with matching napkins. I also got lime green with tiny pink flamingoes (the whole set of those too). Have a safe and happy Summer!
We often eat in front of the TV to watch the evening news and I set the cocktail table for two. I picked up DT flamingo tableware last year, but they sound different than yours? See if at, Fun Flamingo Tropical Table Kicks Off Summer. Thanks for stopping by Cindy!
Your table is definitely the lemonade! And such a lovely setting for it! Sorry that your plans went awry, but time spent with your mom was wonderful I’m sure.
Thanks so much Sandra. Yes, always appreciate time spent with my mom. We’ll be with her for Thanksgiving and bring her to Pittsburgh for Christmas. Hope you are having a great summer!
I love your lemon theme! And your table setting is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for visiting Helen! We’ve gotten a lot of use out of those dishes this summer, and they bring a ray of sunshine to the table.
Your table looks lovely with all the lemon plates, cups and mugs. I saw them and did not get any the first time I was in Dollar Tree…and then they were gone! Yes, I think that was a big price increase…would have been better to raise prices gradually over the years. But I still enjoy going to Dollar Tree and finding bargains. So sorry you caught “the bug”….it seems that sooner or later we all will – no matter how careful, vaxed, or boosted we are. Hope you are feeling better soon!
Thanks Ann, it was a good tablescape therapy lol! Yes, in my experience at DT, if you see something you have to grab it! We are all recovered and excited for our upcoming trip to Ireland.