The Rural Voice, 2001-08, Page 46Home Decorating
There's still time for outdoor fu
By Patti Robertson
One month is left of our all too
short Canadian summer ... but that is
still plenty of time to jump on the
band wagon and have some good old-
fashioned summer fun, a final fling
that will be sure to warm up our
winter nights with fond memories!
Let's think for a moment about
how our ancestors spent warm
summer eves ... if they took the time
to rock on the porch and read they'd
be doing so by candlelight or
kerosene lantern. They'd maybe
bring out a favourite cushion to
plump up the rocker, and enjoy a
lovely cup of tea or cocoa. Of course
the beverage would either be
contained in a charming tin cup or
perhaps a china cup and saucer — no
Tim's mugs or paper takeouts back
then. Sadly I find with our disposable
world and just general fear of
breakage of a favourite old piece or
the soiling of a charming old quilt or
cushion, we instead surround
ourselves with second bests. Our
treasures were literally used by our
ancestors. These possessions still
have the essence of our predecessors'
charm, noble work ethics and energy
force. These items are very vital to
our own sense of purpose and
wellbeing, all the more reason to be
used rather than locked away in a
forgotten cupboard. So throw caution
to the wind and enjoy!
Capture at least one nostalgic
warm summer evening – don great
Granny's shawl and cuddle up by
candlelight with a good book and
your favourite brew — or have a few
old lanterns around your porch
instead of using electricity. Small
votive candles or tea lite cans tucked
in and around garden planting and
down walkways add an enchanted
"fairyland" atmosphere to your
grounds. Don't skimp. Make sure
there are plenty to create a truly
charming glow. Now, invite the
neighbours over to tour your gardens
by candlelight. Add a little chamber
music provided by your portable
stereo, discreetly tucked behind a
bush. Serve a libation and perhaps
some finger foods and you'll
certainly have created a "night to
remember". Of course you'll be
serving from real china not plastic.
Consider having an outdoor dinner
party like our ancestors would have
had ... real linen or lace tablecloths
and linen
napkins, our
best china and
crystal and of
course a
candelabra or a
clustering of
silver, brass and
crystal
candleholders
along with a
bounty of fresh
florals and
plenty of great
food to serve
your special
guests. What a
spectacular way to capture the
essence of this summer and to create
happy memories for those who are
privileged enough to be entertained in
such style.
Of course capturing your special
soiree on film will heighten the
reminiscing during the cold winter
months ahead. I've noticed that when
I view this memorabilia I can actually
"feel the heat" of the day, and the
gentle warmth of the evening.
How about an old-fashioned
picnic? Of course the food will need
to be toted to the site in either a
charming wicker basket or a tin
picnic basket. We'll of course be
sitting on a charming blanket or quilt
and once again no paper plates or
napkins– we'll use the real thing.
We're in need of pleasuring all our
five senses and creating fond
treasured memories. Perhaps it will
be fun to don some vintage clothing
for the outing. Possibly play croquet.
badminton or include a romantic
canoe ride as part of the adventure.
Or what about hosting a barn
dance. Clear out a large space. be it
your barn, shed, garage, or back
verandah and let loose. Serve guests
off splatterware or tin cups and
plates. use bandannas or napkins and
light the night with lanterns,
hurricane lamps and even string up
some Christmas lights to heighten the
fun. A portable stereo can always
provide some favourite country tunes
or perhaps it would be more fun to
hire a fiddle player or two or how
about a jam session and a "hoot n'
nanny". Take lots of photos, this will
definitely be a party to remember.
Memories and good times are
captured when special things happen
– special things include the use of
what we have and what we've
inherited. By using a few of our finer
pieces as our ancestors would have to
enhance a great summer experience.
magic often happens.
Trust yourself. be brave. be
creative and enjoy the finery and fun
of this summer season.°
Patti Robertson operates Classic
. Interiors in Winghain.
PATTI ROBERTSON'S
4 �~
11YSS1C.
T. nferiars
Unique Residential and
Commercial Interiors
135 Victoria St., WINGHAM
357-2872
• Custom-made Window
Fashions, Bedspreads
& Accessories
• Fine Domestic &
Imported Fabrics
• Select Wallcouerings
• Furnishings, Lighting
& Artwork to suit
any interior...
AUGUST 2001 43