Growing up a Southerner, there were two things I learned to be essential in life: butter (thank you Paula Dean) and entertaining. I swear something as simple as inviting a friend over for iced tea is an event. There is nothing here that is done in half measure, ever. Kindness and heart are behind everything, especially entertaining. And the butter, well, we all know it’s basically the elixir of life, and heart attacks, unfortunately. I thought it about time I shared with you a little taste of my southern entertaining, as I’m always talking about porch living and the charm of the south. This is a coastal table setting for four that comes with one of my favorite views of our little slice of heaven on the island. See why it is I’m always too happy to say goodbye to London for a quick trip home?
The table setting is actually made for outdoor living. I bought glasses, plates and vases all made from plastic so that we could easily move this from the wraparound porch of the boat house straight out to the end of the dock, without having to worry about a dinnerware disaster. There is nothing that can ruin a good party faster than a broken glass, and we all know how slippery our fingers get after two or three glasses of wine. Hey, I’m just calling out the inevitable. I must admit I was one of those people who used to say that plastic was made for BBQs only, but manufacturers have truly brought the A-game in creating plates and beyond that look completely chic and are totally practical for outdoor living.
Of course this all comes with a shopping lesson as this whole dinner party ensemble was inspired by a trip to a store that has been an American obsession of mine for years. And if you live in or are visiting the USA anytime soon, it absolutely must be on your radar. It’s called HomeGoods (it’s basically TJ Maxx for the home) and you might want to brace yourself for the impact. It’s hard to leave without filling an entire cart with home decor necessities. And if giant pink velvet sofas could fit on planes back to London, that would be purchased too.
Now, onto this table setting. Sadly I can’t link to any of the products, as HomeGoods is only a bricks and mortar store. But, I did choose most items that are generic to most stores. You’ll never have a problem finding a beautiful vase, classic white dinner sets, shatter proof wine glasses or denim napkins! I see them in just about every HomeGoods I stop into. So if that’s your bag, you’re in luck. The dogs, on the other hand, are sadly not available in every HomeGoods. They are for personal use only, but they’re always up for a cuddle if anyone’s passing by the island! Also, I’m pretty sure Brody and Boomer were convinced this particular dinner was set just for them.
