Dining Al Fresco

I have to admit, this is my favorite time of year. From now until the leaves start to fall is the best! Forget the pumpkins, the turkeys, the snowmen, and pretty snowflakes...there is nothing like green green green and warm weather to lift my spirits.

And last night we had two other couples over for dinner. I've been waiting a long time to eat out on the deck. Or should I say "Al fresco." Sounds more exotic! Ooh la la.

We did have my family out there last weekend when my Dad was here from Maine, but the leaves weren't out yet (yes, this lush green background happened in less than a week!) so it didn't quite have that summer feeling .

Although I didn't want to admit this to Dear Hubs, I think the new outdoor table really helped. I was totally against getting a new one since we just bought one two years ago. Well, after trying to squish guests around it (it only fit four) we were much happier setting a table for six last night! I'm sure they were much happier, too.

Then out came the barbecue goodies. I like to use our plastic Coca Cola plates instead of paper. We get a lot of fun comments about them and they fit in with Dear Hubby's love for vintage things.

I'm looking forward to more wonderful days and nights outside. When the sun goes down we turn on the teeny tiny white lights wrapped around the deck railing which makes it really cozy.

This works out in more ways than one for us right now. We can save money on gas, restaurant, and babysitting bills!