Autumn Coastal Dinner Party

There are times when I really am homesick for my "brick and mortar" store. I miss our quaint Norwegian fishing village, I miss my fellow merchants... mostly I miss my customers; I miss their stories, and being part of their celebrations and redecorating projects. During the five years that we were open in Poulsbo, I was so lucky to have met so many wonderful people, many that actually became my friend. Sonia is one of those special people.

Last weekend, I had a few minutes to catch up on my personal Facebook page, and Sonia had posted these beautiful pictures of her dining room table for a special Sunday night dinner party. Of course they caught my eye right away - original and fun fresh design! They were planning dinner for eight, and she was incredibly gracious to send me the photos and her menu.

Sonia's Tablescape Ideas...

"For the tablescape, I collected curly willow branches, maple leaves, moss and cedar branches from the woods near our home. Then added white pumpkins, candles, and colorful fall gourds. To add a little coastal flair, I also added antique glass, aqua fishing floats and starfish!"

For us Pacific Northwesterners (not sure that was a word?), this is a perfect example of using nature's fall bounty; cedar, moss (goodness knows that we definitely have enough moss!) and curly willow branches from a backyard to create something that is so special! Love the pretty aqua blue vintage fishing floats, adding that extra special panache. 

Sonia's Menu:

Panko crusted Dungeness crab cakes with a light lemon & dill sauce, roasted garlic and rosemary smashed reds. A fall salad which included mixed greens, pears, blue cheese, candied pecans and a real maple vinaigrette. Accompanied by garlic roasted asparagus and homemade Manor Farm Inn Bread. For dessert I collected winter apples from my yard and made a crispy apple crumble with vanilla ice cream. 

Gorgeous! Oh mi goodness.... I might have to beg for an invite! I am drooling while I am typing... not a pretty sight.