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Breakfast with a Princess in the Garden at Innisfree

May 22

What is there about having a granddaughter that makes life suddenly seem so magical, inviting your own inner child to come out and play? When Maeve entered our life, Dan and I were transfixed by her. The only grandchild in our family, she has gotten all the bright white light of grandparent love to herself.

So when we found out Kelly and Britt were going to live next door to us for a few weeks this summer, we felt like we had won the lottery. Imagine, all that Maeve-time! We started dreaming of all we would do with her at our lake cottage this summer. Fishing off the dock. Playing in the yard with Lyric. Paddling in the old canoe. And, having special meals al fresco in one of my favorite outdoor rooms in our garden.

When I was little, playing make-believe was one of my favorite things to do. My mom was probably totally sick of me looting the pantry for canned goods for my pretend grocery store (the retail bug started early for me). So, when we were designing our garden at Innisfree, I wanted to create a fairy tale spot where Maeve could play, a princess presiding over teatime or a leisurely Sunday brunch.

That’s how this little nook in the hydrangeas came about. We planted a forest of hydrangeas near the edge of our yard, just above the lake. It’s an out-of-the-way spot, a hidden garden that welcomes visitors with its beguiling path of flagstones.

In June, when the flowers are in full bloom, it’s one of the most romantic spots you can imagine. Even though hydrangeas are one of my favorite fresh flowers to use in bouquets around my house, I cannot bear to cut them off these bushes.

I have to tell you, I actually buy the cut blooms from the florist. Crazy, right? So, here’s why: I am such an awful gardener, and my plant kill rate is so high, that I figure if a bush can not only survive me but also produce flowers, it is an endangered species and should be protected from flower bouquet harvesting.

This summer, I’d like to sneak away with Maeve to this little paradise for a special Sunday brunch. Any guest who has stayed overnight with Dan and me knows that it’s a rarity when we fix breakfast. You’re lucky to find some bread for toast.

So I will have to plan ahead and get a delectable spread of my favorite morning indulgences, like fresh baked pastries, crisp bacon, savory quiche.

As anyone who has ever done teatime with a little girl well knows, the secret is in the accouterments. Fancy dishes, silverware, pretty glasses. And everything displayed with great care and finery. Only the best will do when you have a date with a pint-sized princess in the secret garden.

 

Next Week … I’ll share my favorite three dish sets and how they have the power to create dozens of looks for summer entertaining.

Comments:
5 Comments
Categories:
Nell Hill's, Seasonal Decorating
Tags:
brunch, centerpieces, decorating, displays, entertaining, flowers, gardens, grand daughter, inspirations, outdoors, Summer, table settings, tables, tea time

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Comments

  1. Nancy Z. Hutchison says

    May 22, 2017 at 4:55 pm

    I have enjoyed you since we lived in Overland Park. I actually drove a friend from Louisville to Atchison to tour your store. I loved everything! Nell Hill’s was a huge treat. I was sorry to leave Kansas but as an Atlanta resident I still enjoy your blog. Love your style and you are true to your Midwest roots. No pretense! Keep up the great work. Follow you daily.

  2. LINDA says

    May 22, 2017 at 5:13 pm

    Mary carol YOU MUST remember the hats for your tea.
    A memory maker & maybe some of your cloths for “Dress Up”
    Fancy, Lace, High Heels For sitting in her little paradise
    Have SOOO MUCH FUN!!!!
    Linda

  3. franki says

    May 22, 2017 at 6:44 pm

    That is just the sweetest!! I have two granddaughters (and two special grandsons!) and they are so very special…enjoy yours!!! franki

  4. Lynn Brandys says

    May 23, 2017 at 9:28 am

    It’s so beautiful that you share with the world your talent. So few people use the linens, crystalaa and China that make the difference. Please continue to do what you do best. Lynn Brandys

  5. Peg Burke says

    June 4, 2017 at 10:01 pm

    Although I live in NE Pennsylvania I hope to visit your shop in August while visiting my daughter who lives in Lawrence Kansas.

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LET’S TALK DECORATING

One of the best parts of owning Nell Hill's has been spending more than 30 years talking with friends and customers about their homes. I love to hear what you all are doing in your homes to make them unique, beautiful, a place that fills you up.

As I talk with everyone who visits Nell Hill's, I've found that lots of us face the same decorating dilemmas and are curious how others have solved them... We love to hear about new trends and techniques in the world of interior design...and we are always looking for ideas and inspiration to infuse our spaces with style. So, I decided to start a weekly blog that allows us to dig in together and talk about our homes, decorating and life.

I hope you will enjoy Style at Home! Please, join the conversation and share your ideas, challenges and successes. My best inspiration come from all of you!



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