Our book group met Sunday morning at our house. It was so lovely out that we sat on the deck, talking books and politics. Since we were having guests I made sure i had flowers in the bathroom.
Clearly I did not spend a lot of time making an arrangement. But I was happy with it for being fast and easy.
When it was finished I decided that the tortoise shell cover for the little cube box of tissues looked too wintry. So I swapped it for this fake shagreen box. I have a silvery metal one that I use at the winter holidays as it goes well with my grandmother's silver dresser set that I always put on the vanity.
Our book group has a set menu: One couple brings smoked salmon and crackers. Another brings pastries. And we usually do cheese with a baguette or interesting crackers. Sometimes one of us adds fruit or a little something else. I decided to make this Asparagus, tarragon and goat cheese tart that was on the cover of Melissa Clark's latest book, "Dinner in French." Delicious and super easy. Mark wanted cherries, so we had a big bowl of them.
We've entertained so little since Covid began that I decided to set a nice table. Nothing too fancy, just enough to feel special before we decamped to the deck.
The plexiglass napkin rings are tiny vases. People are always surprised and amused to discover them. I've had them forever. All in all it was a lovely way to start the week.
You have such a great eye - and a beautiful collection of this and that to satisfy where your mind's eye takes you. The napkin rings are very clever.
Posted by: Kris P | Monday, July 11, 2022 at 02:42 PM
Your arrangements are always nifty. I often prefer the simple ones, and I tend toward them myself. My book club meets tomorrow evening. We were doing Zoom meetings during the worst of COVID, but more recently we're doing hybrids. That tart looks delicious!
Posted by: Beth@PlantPostings | Monday, July 11, 2022 at 03:03 PM
BETH — Here's the NYTimes link where I first saw the recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020920-asparagus-goat-cheese-and-tarragon-tart
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Monday, July 11, 2022 at 04:34 PM
KRIS — Definitely more this and thats than I need.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Monday, July 11, 2022 at 04:35 PM
Perfect! I have more socializing in the garden lined up for later in the month than I've had for years, your post is just the nudge I needed to think about the fun details. You do them well!
Posted by: danger garden | Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 11:13 AM
Thank you for letting us be virtual guests to your book club preparations. What book did you discuss?
My club is meeting on Monday and we will be discussing “Fresh Water for Flowers”. (English translation of the French novel.) It will be interesting to hear what the others think since it was my turn to choose :)
I may just have to bring this tart because it goes perfectly with the French theme. Merci.
Posted by: Christine | Friday, July 15, 2022 at 08:57 AM