.........that's AMORE'....
*
For quite sometime now, I have been wanting to do a fabulous ITALIAN luncheon and have been just waiting for the right time....and the right place....when all the time, the right place was right under my nose....
The sky darkened..... billowing white fluffy clouds began to form.....,promising rain...
We borrowed sweet DIL, KATHY,'S beautiful dishes that could not have been more perfect for my table...
FRESH, green, crisp bib lettuce....
*
Ripe, red, juicy tomatoes...
with a thin layer of fine ITALIAN OLIVE OIL, drizzled over the fresh veggies......
*
.............my very favorite SINGING ITALIAN !!
*
AHHHH, MAMA MIA...
A delicious PEPPERONI PIZZA....
a nice, red wine....
DINO, singing "AMORE'....
*
See the lovely bunches of green grapes?
I would have you pick some to eat but, o, how sour they are right now...
*
They are just waiting for time....
time to ripen into dark purple nuggets of the sweetest juice...
*
waiting for the nets that will cover them as they ripen, to keep the birds from taking more than their share...
*
They must leave enough grapes to harvest so my son can have them gathered and taken to the local winery to be made into fine wines.....
*
A crystal bowl full of grapes bought from the local market to tide us over until
some of the "table" grapes ripen here.
*
We have to hurry and drink the wine while it is chilled...this hot Texas sun will
have it too hot to even sip....
*
Dessert..prepared by my two fabulous assistants...
*****
What a wonderful job of dipping these bright red,
o, so ripe strawberries in the finest ITALIAN chocolate...then drizzling them with pure
WHITE CHOCOLATE...
***
*
The moisture didn't come until deep into the night and we were thankful for the sweetness of rain......
MY MOST PRECIOUS ASSISTANTS.....ANDREA and BAILEY....twin sisters and 'bestest' friends !!...
*For quite sometime now, I have been wanting to do a fabulous ITALIAN luncheon and have been just waiting for the right time....and the right place....when all the time, the right place was right under my nose....
WHAT better place, out here on the Plains of West Texas, than in my own son's beautiful grape vineyard... and....
since I was staying with my grands while their parents were AWOL...
this was also the RIGHT time.......
****
****
SOOO, grab a wine glass, a smile and follow me for a wonderful lunch in the vineyard....
ITALIAN STYLE....
*
*
The sky darkened..... billowing white fluffy clouds began to form.....,promising rain...
....the grape vineyard certainly needed rain...
EVERY thing out here in this dry country needed rain....
but....my table DIDN'T need it !
hurry...hurry !!
**
**
O, but the beautiful sky was the perfect backdrop for my photos....
This one almost looks like a painting....
*NOTE...actually, this photo below DID become a painting.
Our most talented Fifi painted it, I purchased the painting and gave it to our son and daughter in law....
THEY LOVED IT !!
I had two adorable assistants that helped me set things up in the thickest, greenest, most lush, grape-laden part of the vineyard....
*
We borrowed sweet DIL, KATHY,'S beautiful dishes that could not have been more perfect for my table...Creme with luscious grapes....just perfect !
Olden forks, brought from home, looked just right in the middle of a grape vineyard....
*
*
FRESH, green, crisp bib lettuce....*
Ripe, red, juicy tomatoes...
with a thin layer of fine ITALIAN OLIVE OIL, drizzled over the fresh veggies......
*
.............my very favorite SINGING ITALIAN !!
*
AHHHH, MAMA MIA...
A delicious PEPPERONI PIZZA....
a nice, red wine....
DINO, singing "AMORE'....
*
See the lovely bunches of green grapes?
I would have you pick some to eat but, o, how sour they are right now...
*
They are just waiting for time....
time to ripen into dark purple nuggets of the sweetest juice...
*
waiting for the nets that will cover them as they ripen, to keep the birds from taking more than their share...
*
They must leave enough grapes to harvest so my son can have them gathered and taken to the local winery to be made into fine wines.....
*
A crystal bowl full of grapes bought from the local market to tide us over untilsome of the "table" grapes ripen here.
*
We have to hurry and drink the wine while it is chilled...this hot Texas sun willhave it too hot to even sip....
*
Dessert..prepared by my two fabulous assistants...
*****
What a wonderful job of dipping these bright red,
o, so ripe strawberries in the finest ITALIAN chocolate...then drizzling them with pure
WHITE CHOCOLATE...
***
*
The moisture didn't come until deep into the night and we were thankful for the sweetness of rain......
MY MOST PRECIOUS ASSISTANTS.....ANDREA and BAILEY....twin sisters and 'bestest' friends !!...
and...my adorable granddaughters....*sigh
I LOVE YA'LL to the moon and back/.......
***************************************************************************
***************************************************************************
My thanks to my hosts.....and all participants....
TEA TIME TUESDAY WITH THE LADY
SUSAN for OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY
SUSAN for TABLESCAPE THURSDAY
CLICK HERE TO GO TO MY $70.00 GIVEAWAY page...it doesn't close until FRIDAY, AUG. 20TH...GOOD LUCK TO ALL......
THIS IS A RE-RUN FROM LAST SUMMER....:>)
56 comments:
What a LOVELY tablescape...I wish had been there, even for just one chocolate covered strawberry. I think it is just great that your family has the vineyard, what a yummy place to visit! Bless you all for getting that rain, too, BJ!
Have the greatest week! :-)
xoxo
Jane
Oh how beautiful. What a great post. I just this past weekend had dinner in the vines in Edna Valley, CA. It was freezing! This looks like so much fun. I adore those dishes.
Hi BJ, this is simply WOW!! Love the table setting... the place.. the scene... everything....:)
Looks good, but looks hot! When will the grapes be ripe? Those strawberries could pop into my mouth right now!!!
Hi bj, I'm so very glad to meet you and so glad you introduced yourself to me. I knew from your banner picture that I liked you. I have a grape and wine theme running through a lot of my house and I just love the vignette and lunch you created. Then I continued on to look further into your blog and continued to love every bit of it. Right back at ya as a new follower!
Oh BJ, what a fun post. How wonderful they have a vineyard and even better to have picnic in it. It's been too hot here but you sure did inspire me to have a picnic this Fall...maybe under the dogwood tree! Your photos are just gorgeous. Come for a visit. xoxo Lynn
I love that song...my kind of music! What a shot of the table with the clouds in the back ground! And strawberries to boot...how fun! :D
What scrumptious looking grapes! And a gorgeous view to boot. You always have so much fun with the grandkids. They must so look forward to having you visit.
Brenda
I remember the vineyards from last year! Great post, the food looks good. Hope you have something for me to drink! Diet Coke will be fine!
I have a sister Andrea...she lives in TX! I told her about you!
Really beautiful! Love the scenery and that pizza yum!
Now THIS is ambiance! The enjoy the wine among the vines is unique. Those cherry tomatoes on the salad (while on their vine) is artful - and these tomatoes look a bit riper and sweeter than ours. We all need to enjoy the out-of-the-ordinary events like this. The extraordinary is so much more fun...
What a wonderful setting for a beautiful table. I would just love some wine and strawberries....yum
Your photos are beautiful, BJ and yes that one particular one looks like a painting. This is such a lovely setting for a tablescape...Christine
How wonderful that you have a vineyard in the family!!
What a beautiful setting for your table! Those strawberry look just so pretty and delish. That's a charming tablescape you've put together.
Thanks for stopping by the other day! It was so nice to see a comment from you. It's so hard for me to get around to everyone these days. I keep trying, but I always run out of time!
Manuela
Ohhh, you have adorable twin grands!
I'm so fascinated with twins, but never met twins. Are they identical twins, or fraternal? If identical, do they almost "know" what the other is thinking? Etc.
Sorry to be so nosy, but like I said, the topic fascinates me. And I'll never know an answer, if I don't ask the question. :-))))
Very pretty! My favorite shot is the first one, peeking through the leaves! The strawberries look great and I'll bet the girls had fun making them!
Hi BJness! Oh, that's a wonderful a posta! :)
What a great place to set a little table! Now you got me at those gorgeous chocolate dipped strawberries! :)
Oh, I wanted to tell you - I had some cantaloupe tonight! Thought of you! ;)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
BJ,
What a perfect setting. Does your son have a winery or sell his grapes to one? BTW, when I saw Elvis he was wearing the jumpsuits and yes, he was HOT!!!
xoxo
Robin
How fun and lovely is this girl...I remember you said your son had a vineyard oh I wished I was there to toast with you ha ha!! Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
Oh, but I didn't see it last summer. It is beautiful...everything. The dishes, the vineyard and the girls...all so very pretty.
Hi BJ,
Your post is awesome...love your pictures!
And you have some adorable assistants!
Also, that is a great pic of you and your hubby on your anniversary!
Oh wow I love this place. The table scape is so pretty, the wine and the food looks yummy! Happy Tuesday!
A Chevrolet red pick up
Oh BJ, you've outdone yourself this time! I just love that picture that you took of the table with the vineyards in the background. No wonder Fifi wanted to paint it! I just love this all so much!
Kady
Life on the Edge
BJ, you did find the most perfect spot for your italian dinner. I would never want to go inside! It is beautiful.
Your table is set so perfectly with the wine baskets, wine, glasses and grape motif on the DIL's dishes. Those grapes look so yummy too.
But the best part of your BEAUTIFUL granddaughters! They are so adorable!!!!!
It has always been a secret desire of mine to have grape vines! You are so blessed to have them in your family!
Thank you for sharing this very special table!
Yvonne
You have your own vineyard? how cool it that! I've never been to one yet.
Oh BJ, I love this post in the vineyard! Sweetest assistants making the sweetest and most beautiful strawberries!
Looks like a beautiful place to live:) heat and all!
Enjoy your day my friend! HUGS!
beautiful location and food ... it doesn't get any better.
My Ruby Redness
Good Morning BJ,
I just love the tablescape. It was all so gorgeous. But I have to admit, I became lost when it came to the strawberries. They were very distracting and now I wish I had a whole plate of them in front of me, chocolate drizzled and all... oh they looked so good.
I hope you have a very lovely week,
Susan
Oh BJ, this is the most gorgeous setting I have ever seen. Love your beautiful table. Everything is just like a perfect painting. The wine, the basket, flowers and the beautiful grapevines. Gorgeous. Your granddaughters are adorable and what a thrill to be with them and have them assist you. Stunning pictures. Thanks so much for linking to TTT. Hugs, Marty
I LOVE Dean Martin! I remember this, gosh what a lovely day this must have been, and to have it captured by the famous Miss Fifi! Wow! Hope you are having a sweet week.
Hugs,
Dena
Such a great post! Loved every photo. ~Karen
The wine and strawberries look perfect
What a gorgeous setting! It looks straight out of Tuscany! You are so lucky to have your very own vineyard! How fun that must be! And lots of work, I am sure! Your yummy looking photos of all that wonderful food is making my mouth water. Thanks for sharing!
What a FABulous setting! and those strawberries!!!! Divine!
Have a beautiful day~
;-D Kathleen
Love this post and your new banner! Happy Tuesday to you, my friend! ♥
Oh BJ
beautiful pictures. What kind of camera do you use and where did you get the eye for taking pictures like this?
They are lovely...and the food looks so good and even the threatening sky is wonderous.
Those strawberries are to die for! yum..I haven't seen any better than those in any magazine I have to say.
I remember last year about this time you had wonderful pictures probably in the same area.
Hope you are having a great day!
Judi
Hi bj, this post is the most fun and so darling with your granddaughters. Your photos are art work in photography. A beautiful table setting and the food so fitting for the occasion. Love those strawberries. Rain was needed but not on your special feast. I'm glad it did come during the night.
You are a grandma who will be so special to your grands for as long as they live.
Love, Jeanne
That's AMORE!
Pass those Strawberries please....
and I'll take the assistants too!
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...
Suddenly, I'm hungry!! Delicious pictures! Thanks for visiting me at my new blog and for all your sweet comments... I loved reading them!!
Love it all! So, if this was last summer, are you ready to do it again this summer? Because I am sure we all can carpool and head your way! :)
What a beautiful setting! Look sooo yummy! With this heat though I would move inside!:)
Hi BJ,
Looks like you and the grands had a great Italian evening under the west Texas sky!!
I love it.
Fondly,
Ann
@
The Tattered Tassel
Looks so pretty out there. The strawberries look so yummy and the tomatos on the salad-YUM. Pretty background- I live around Dallas area-West Tx looks pretty nice!
This was torture as it's lunch time ...I'm starved..and didn't eat breakfast! LOL! What a gorgeous table setting and scenery! The header picture caught my eye even before reading the post!
Do I miss George W. yet? OH MY!!!
YES!! :)
ok...looks like some fun drawings here, too...I'll check them out!
Hi BJ....we had dinner in an Italian Restaurant Sunday evening and Dino was singing that very song.
Your pictures make me drool. Perfection!!
Barb ♥
BJ, this is the most delightful idea! Thanks for sharing this special setting with all of us. Your grand twins are darling. I know you had fun with these sweeties! ~ Sarah
A beautiful dinner al fresco!...on the Cap Rock? I adore West Texas...rugged beauty in every direction and people with hearts of gold...and black gold, too! Thank you for sharing your charming design. I can't remember if I'm a follower...if not, I am now! Cherry Kay
What a beautiful setting! Just what a lazy afternoon in Italy would be like! Thank you for sharing your beautiful Texas grapes with us. I also grow grapes in my backyard...it brought back wonderful memories for me. Thank you.
Just gorgeous! You are definitely one very gifted lady! Thanks for sharing the inspiration with us!
Vanessa
http://southerninmyheart.blogspot.com
"OMG" I want to be there with you SO BAD!!! This is "Breathtaking", and WHY didn't you do this SOONER(although I'm new to blogland and would have missed it, SO I'm glad you didn't, hehe)... I see LOTS of pictures that need to be framed. "Everything Perfect"!!! Oh and Dino is MY FAVORITE TOO!!!
Hugs, Donna
OMG...look at that food!
I love the tablescape in the middle of the vineyard. It's perfect. You have a great eye for beautiful.. and your granddaughters are too. Same sky over my house too.
This is so pretty -- we saw some beautiful vinyards in Greece this year too. Your grands are precious.
How gorgeous! Lovely vineyard and beautiful table! I know you had a great time! Thanks for letting me know you liked the salsa! I'm glad!
Have a great wknd, BJ!
Blessings, Beth
I have always loved this! I love the plump grapes, and the wonderful strawberries! How fun it must be to have an afternoon in the Vineyard! Just love it so much!
Post a Comment