Bamboo Bed Tray

 Breakfast in bed on a bamboo breakfast tray seems like the most relaxing, elegant and indulgent thing! 

I own a bamboo breakfast tray and I love it but I've never actually used it for breakfast (or any other meal) in bed.

Maybe it's because I recently rewatched Downton Abbey but when I saw Lydia Menzies fun Instagram Challenge to use green and set a tablescape for 1, 2 or more, I immediately thought about my bed tray! If you are popping over from my Instgram post here are more pictures and some sources for the items I used. Most of my items have been thrifted over time but I did find some similar items to share with you.

Since we are all soooo ready for Spring I decided to pretend that breakfast was being served on our swinging bed on our screened in porch!

I found my bamboo bed tray several years ago but there are quite a few for reasonable prices on sites like eBay. This one is similar. You can even find new, folding bed trays on Amazon for under $20.00. It would still be a treat to be served on one like that :)

The plates are divided grill plates in green Depression Glass. I started collecting green Depression glass in my teens thanks to a "starter" gift from one of my mother's friends. I literally never see Depression Glass in any color in thrift stores near me. There is a lot available on sites like eBay and Etsy. Here are similar plates. The fruit compote is also Depression Glass.

The goblet with the handpainted butterflies was found at Goodwill for 99 cents. It was the only one and doesn't have any markings on it. This could be a fun DIY for your Easter table or there are a lot of glasses with butterflies in all price ranges if you google.

The pineapple salt and pepper shakers came from World Market about 5 years ago but this set on Amazon is similar. And I really like this set!

The green and white Chinoiserie vase was thrifted for a few dollars. I love when I find little pieces of Chinoiserie in colors other than the traditional blue that I am always searching for!

The geranium blooms are real - my "sort of greenhouse" overwintering experiment is going well. Everything is blooming! The cloth napkin is from the Target Dollar Spot last year.The bamboo flatwear is what we use everyday. We have had a few different sets over the years. You can find it from a lot of sources and all different price ranges. If you want an inexpensive set to enjoy for picnics and eating outside this Summer then this is a good price on a set. We've broken a couple along the way so I might be ordering a set too!

I love that my bamboo bed tray has the old fashioned newspaper slot. I have limited my news intake and who would want to spoil this delightful breakfast spot with the news anyway?? I slipped in the latest Southern Living but, if you prefer, an iPad would fit in there nicely!

Maybe I'll use my bamboo bed tray this Summer now that I've been inspired 

by Lydia Menzie's IG Challenge!

PS. I am not affiliated with any of the links above. They are merely an effort to help you source similar items if interested. 

Monday Blues (and White!)

We had a sunny weekend and now I reallllly have Spring Fever!

(last Monday I posted about umbrella holders because we had so much rain in Atlanta-ha!)

So, you guessed it, my Monday blue and white post is all about 

warm weather uses for blue and white.

Last Summer my asparagus fern was very happy on my porch in a large blue and white fishbowl planter.

I added some tiny, battery operated twinkle lights for the evening.

I painted my beat up galvanized watering can with a little blue and white chinoiserie design.

 Much improved!

I planted my herbs in little blue and white pots last Summer.

Below are some blue and white touches 

I would love to add to my garden or porch this Summer. What about you?

Starting with this patio umbrella-

A super cute blue and white gingham umbrella would be so much fun over a picnic table!

I never pass up a blue and white chinoiserie planter.

 If you don't find them out thrifting then you can find new ones for great prices.

This one is from Walmart.com for less than $75.00.

I see a lot of these in thrift stores and vintage stores for  less than that

 but with out the stand.

I think this outdoor rug would make any porch or deck look amazing.

Just add a bamboo lounge chair, a blue and white garden stool and an umbrella drink!

Blue and white with lots of green plants is the best combination!

I'm ready for Spring!

Bamboo Friday (on Sunday!) Things happen :)

There is sooooo much bamboo goodness out there.

I had 10 minutes to "waste"  enjoy the other day while sitting in my car waiting on Mollie 

and these are some of the great bamboo items I found quickly scrolling through Instagram!

I've left the sources on the screenshot in case you want to see more!

A vintage couch with classy new upholstery will always be more fabulous than anything new!
(IMHO)

I've never ever seen a bamboo high chair!
 I'm sure it breaks every consumer safety code out there but it's super cute!

Y'all know I love a good thrifting day and this is a good haul! 

I have a couple of vintage bamboo bangles that belonged to my mom 

and I wear them all. the. time. 

But maybe I need a stack!!

Maybe I need an @myauntdebbie to add to my collection :)

I bought bamboo handled flatware for us to use when I was a newlywed. 

(Many, many years ago!)

We loved it and we are still using bamboo flatware today! 

Just not the same set!!

You had me at pagoda.

I'm a sucker for any pagoda shaped bamboo!!

And last, but not least, I cannot leave a bamboo chair behind. 

It's an affliction/addiction - something.

I'm really obsessed with the Brighton Pavilion chairs.

Look at these!! I actually would be leaving them behind at this price. 
And if I bought them at that price you would not be sitting in them!! For real!
But they are spectacular!!

I have a couple or so of chairs like this one.
Five. But I'm trying not to share how bad the "chair thing" really is!
 If you are looking for some this account often has amazing chairs for great prices!  
I love to pop in here when I'm in Charleston.
It's a fabulous shop with great inspiration.
PS. I'm all about the elephant garden stool, too!

And this is a new to me account but I'm loving looking through her feed

 and she has used my favorite chairs in her home with the best cushion fabrics!

So Bamboo Friday is a little late but all this eye candy was worth the wait!!

Bamboo Friday with Olives

Many years ago I bought bamboo handled flatware for us to use as newlyweds. 

Those wore out long ago but I  replaced them 

and to this day we still use bamboo handled flatware - especially when we entertain on our porch. 

I purchased my last set here.

(Wait for a sale! They can be purchased for great deals!)

Now on to the yummy part.

Blistered Olives!!

Last week was my husbands' birthday and he wanted to stay home,

 watch football and have a charcuterie board. 

One of our favorite new additions to our "noshing"  evenings 

are these "blistered" olives. 

I found them on Pinterest (this is the original link.)

They are soooo delicious and easy. They are a great addition to any snacking event - Happy Hour, apps before dinner, charcuterie boards. Anytime.

This is all you have to do. It takes 5 minutes.

You will need:

 1 large jar of green olives stuffed with pimientos, drained.

1 Tbsp of olive oil

1 Tsp of red pepper flakes ( I use a tad more :) We are zesty like that!)

1 Tbsp of fresh garlic, finely chopped. I cheat and use the fresh chopped garlic in the jars from the refrigerator section of the grocery. Up to you. 

Zest of one fresh lemon (don't omit - adds a freshness)

Just put the oil and spices in a saute pan and heat slightly over medium heat.

 Add the drained olives, toss to coat and cook for about 5 minutes - just until they start to brown. We like them a little bit more "blistered" so I do an extra minute or two, tossing occasionally.

Serve with your other snacks and enjoy.

They are YUMMY!