Monday, October 11, 2021

T is for Totally Al Fresco

 

 

One of my dreams has always been to have friends over and sit with them at a long table in the shade of a big tree. This dream was nurtured by many French movies where people always congregate in someone's beautiful but artfully messy garden behind a big old French house with shutters on the windows and huge trees casting their shadows on wide lawns. Sunlight was filtered through the rustling leaves of the trees. People sitting at the long tables seem carefree, eating the most delicious food (it's France after all) and drinking wine. Of course there were loaves of freshly baked baguette (I remember one French movie in which Romy Schneider comes out of a boulangerie and she immediately bites into the baguette - oh heaven!) and baskets overflowing with fresh fruit. Above all there was this air of Mediterranean lightness.

I thought I would never be able to achieve this dream. 

But then I thought, why not?

There is a big tree in my garden.

It's a privet, so it's quite messy. But it's loved by the birds and it gives great shade and therefore I just take it with all its messiness. Under the tree is the sad, totally dried up remains of the lawn that used to be there (that I never watered in the nine years we have been living in this house since I never wanted a lawn in the first place). It's the perfect place to set up a table or two, chairs and invite friends over for a meal al fresco.


Even though we're having an exceptional drought, I was still able to pick some flowers from my garden and put together a little bouquet as a centerpiece. This was the only decoration I used and it worked well.

I had invited the students of my German class. Every summer we get together for something typical German - either food or drink -, but of course, last year we had to skip. Everybody turned up this summer; it was the first time that we all saw each other again in person since March 2020 when we changed our class to online learning. It was wonderful to see everyone again - and yes, we had this feeling of lightness, joy and laughter.


Everybody had brought something to eat and I had made a German Erdbeerbowle ("drunk strawberries"), a typical summer party drink in my native country. This, of course, is my contribution for Elizabeth's "drink post" - thank you so much for hosting!

Prost! - as we say in German.






23 comments:

My name is Erika. said...

This looks so lovely Carola. I totally get your dream of a big meal outside under a tree. I think you nailed it, and I bet everyone had a wonderful time. And so good to see your German class too. Prost to you! Have a great T day. Hugs-Erika

Darla said...

Wonderful that you finally realized your dream of friends eating and drinking at a long table outdoors. Congratulations, it looks lovely.

Linda Kunsman said...

oh what a wonderful gathering under the shade of a tree outdoors with good food, drink, and friends! How I remember all those al fresco dining experiences when I was staying with family in France (yes, they did this kind of thing very often). Thanks for sharing, and happy T day!

kathyinozarks said...

Hi what a wonderful spot you have to gather with friends outdoors-your drink looks so delicious too. Enjoyed all the photos-Happy T wishes Kathy

Elephant's Child said...

It looks and sounds WONDERFUL.

Valerie-Jael said...

Your outdoor gathering looks wonderful, and Erdbeerbowle, yummy! You had a great idea there to use your garden, it all looks so happy and just perfect! Prost indeed! Happy T day, hugs, Valerie

nwilliams6 said...

Carola,

How fun you accomplished your dream. Great looking table in the garden and the drink looks really fun! I am most impressed you teach German and have long standing class. You have many talents and always a fun drink! Happy T-day!!!

Anne (cornucopia) said...

Fantastic al fresco dining. The table looked great.

Kate Yetter said...

You did a lovely job of recreating these gatherings! Your table setting is beautiful along with the spot you chose outdoors. It looks like everyone is having fun with their refreshing drinks. So glad that you were able to recreate a beautiful dream and then live it out.
Happy Tea Day,
Kate

Jackie McGuinness said...

How wonderful and the garden looks perfect.

J said...

What a gorgeous spot for lunch with friends, the drink looks delicious too, happy days
Jan

Empire of the Cat said...

This is so lovely Carola, it really does look like a scene from a movie, and beautiful weather too. That drink looks delicious also, I love strawberries. Happy T Day! Elle/EOTC xx

CJ Kennedy said...

What a lovely spot for a picnic. Your table setting and centerpiece are so pretty. So nice to be able to gather with friends for good food and good times. Prost! Happy T Day

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I am late visiting because my electricity was out from shortly before 5:00 p.m. last night for around 19 hours. My apologies if you think I had forgotten or was ignoring you.

Your dream really DID come true. I think it was delightful. Definitely NOT messy, and filled with beauty. I like that you have no lawn. Every time I mow, I wish for the same thing!

Thank you for sharing your dream come true which included the photo of the lovely drinks you shared for T this Tuesday, dear Carola.

DVArtist said...

This is wonderful. Dreams do come true.

Michelle said...

What a wonderful gathering! Nice to see people getting together again!

Lisca said...

That is truly a dream come true! It looks really idyllic. I'm surprised you haven't done this sort of thing before.
Can I come round too the next time you have such a party?
It looks absolutely delightful! And the drink looks nice too. Cheers! Or should I say: Prosit!
Sorry I'm late but as you regulars know, we are away on Tuesday, and today we had a power cut so I'm even later (It's nine pm)
A belated happy T-Day,
Hugs,
Lisca

Jeanie said...

I think I've seen those same French movies! I love this -- love the table, the setting, the whole idea and the camaraderie. This post just makes me feel good!

Sharon Madson said...

How lovely! I wish I could have been there! That strawberry drink looks delicious! Great T Day post. Happy belated T Day!

pam nash said...

What a delightful party al fresco. The pictures and descriptions made me smile. I don't know German but I do have many German ancestors - would that make me eligible for an invite??

Lowcarb team member said...

What a wonderful outdoor gathering, everything looks great.

All the best Jan

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Looks like you dream became a wonderful reality and like you I have always enjoyed outdoor dining whether in a restaurant or at home.

Lorrie said...

What a lovely way to bring a bit of lightness and joviality to a day. Your dream of a French outdoor gathering is almost identical to mine. It's fun to bring dreams to life.