Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Romantic Mountain PICNIC BRUNCH


We loaded up our pretty stuff and yummy treats and experienced an
late spring picnic
in the big mountains.


The beauty of the mountains is God's way of winking at us. It's as if He is giving us confirmation: "See, life is beautiful if you bundle up your minutes and DE-light in them". It's obvious how much God enjoys beauty.


I believe He wants us to slow our pattering spirits that race around with our circular tasks of daily life and gather some moments to live in beauty. A picnic brunch in the mountains was the ideal refresher for this Mama on Mother's Day!

Priceless time away spent with my boys and my man brings me back to center. And my other favorite thing of the moment in life is decorating and creating. For this day, I styled with a lot of romance, a bit of vintage, and some bohemian mix too.


All the pretty, romantic accessories for Mama's Day!

handmade, color-matched dyed hat

Anthropologie headband and earrings


Every plate was mismatched and different (my favorite kind!) Rosanna dishes are BY FAR my favorite dish company! I fall head over heels with every line she designs. This new La Vie Boho Collection is gorgeous. The matching goblets doubles the pretty. This collection gives a rich romantic sensuality at every angle for the table.


1, 2, 3...each one different...


4, 5, 6...each one perfection.

I added some lace, vintage napkins, fine china, and a touch of pearls for the timeless look and mixed it up with burlap, wood with chipped paint, and fresh colors for a new but classic elegance.


chipped paint on an old drawer
transformed into our food crate
to easily transport the good stuff


pink lace

trails of pearls

fresh, fresh flower lovin

tarnished silver

For this menu,
I really focused on bringing in whole foods and making every dish healthy and hearty. Our greatest indulgence was yogurt covered raisins! Every bite was packed with nutrients.

Mama's Day Brunch Menu:
The appetizer: crispbread smoothed with creamy brie, almonds, and dried cranberries.






Gluten-free, vegan, sugar free blueberry muffins
topped with fresh whipped blueberry cream
(recipe found in babycakes cookbook)

juicy plums!


Sparkles of rich apple juice


Dig In!


I have 3 boys who are VERY much little boys with holes in their jeans, mud on their fingertips, and who make loud car racing noises as they thump through the house. So, I treasure these short times when I can draw their attention on serenity. We take these opportunities to train them to be little gentlemen with all the proper manners. {wink}


Little gentlemen in training,
complete with Grandpa's golden watch.


We toasted our day, God's beautiful Colorado, our pretty luxuries, and of course: each other! Because we all freaking LOVE each other (for now).


Then, the boys were quickly able to JUST BE BOYS again.

(and yes, our youngest got a head start)
Before our day ended, the boys surprised me with a scavenger hunt. My little people thought it all up and executed without any help or prompting from the big people, and that's super cool. The whole idea was Cameron's idea and it rocked my world.

clues hidden everywhere
I had clues that helped me choose who the correct guide was to lead me to the next clue. Each person carried a sign made by Kotah that read, "GUIDE".


I finally found the treasure, made and colored by Cameron.


To see another picnic, you can view one we celebrated last year: Charms of a Summertime Picnic.

Picnics are a top passion of mine.
It's all the pleasures of the stunning surroundings,
quality food, and good hearts,
twirled all together into a place of peace.


Ohhh...and P.S.

Happy Mother's Day to the woman who taught me

to breathe life into a home,

to be a willing homemaker,

to create magic within our walls for our family,

whose impeccable skills are my constant inspiration,

my Mom. ;)






This post is linked to: Southern Hospitality, Outdoor Party Centsational Girl, Under the Table & Dreamin, It's a Blog Party, Think Pink Sundays LambAround, DIY Showoff, DIY Living, Seasonal Sundays, It's so Very Cheri, Strut Your Stuff at Saturday Mornings, Met Monday, Making the World Cuter, Motivate Me Mondays, A2Z Tips & Tutorials, Lettered Cottage How To, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy, Tuesdays at the Table, Topsy Turvy Tuesday, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On, We're Organized Wednesday, Outdoor Wednesday, Swing into Spring, Works for Me Wednesday, Show and Tell, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Blog Hop Thursday, Transformation Thursday, Tablescape Thursday, Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff, Friday Favorites, VIP Party Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday, Frugal Friday, I'm Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Be Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors, Weekend Wrap Up

53 comments:

Leanne said...

Oh my gosh! Your picnics are always so beautiful. What a wonderful way to celebrate Mother's Day. THe food all looks amazing too. And how cute that your boys made a scavenger hunt for you. Such a sweet day!

Blondie's Journal said...

Beautiful post, Lisa! Your picnic table looks so pretty! It looks like a good time was had by all! Happy belated Mother's Day!

XO,
Jane

Becca said...

Love it! Can I PLEASE get the recipe for the blueberry muffins?!! They look amazing and I'm still off sugar, so you can understand that I actually NEED that recipe. Thanks!

ps you are amazing!

Jane said...

Such a beautiful picnic! The scenery is unsurpassed...
I love how your men enjoy your girly pleasures. (Beautiful pics!) Happy Mother's day to you...and your wonderful mom.

My sons all learned the fine art of taking tea. At least one Sunday a month, we would have a tea...complete with tea cakes and sandwiches, fruits and tiny desserts. All of my sons loved it.
J

Alyssa said...

What a gorgeous picnic! All the attention to detail... beautiful and inspiring. What a wonderful way to spend your Mother's Day :-)
Can I ask, where in CO was this?

Unknown said...

You are AMAZING!!! I want an adventure with you!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

What a fabulous picnic brunch in such a beautiful location! My son and his family live in Colorado and I love their vistas of the Rocky Mountains. I hope you had avery happy Mother's day! Your boys are adorable.

Happy Outdoor Wednesday!

Bellenza Wedding Bistro said...

Just found your blog via Bird's Party, and discovered your fabulous Mother's Day picnic! Am so amazed at the beautiful styling and scrumptious (and nutritious!) menu you managed to bring to that mountain setting. Lovely family!

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com said...

Everything was charming! How adorable to pack up all of your finery and take it on an excursion!

And even sweeter that the boys had planned a scavenger hunt for you! Isn't it wonderful (and maybe a little scary at times!) to see how much of an impact/influence you have on your children!?

Happy {belated} Mother's Day!

Judy@cutest-little-things
http://www.cutest-little-things.blogspot.com

Sweetened by Kagi said...

Hi,
I stumbled upon your blog via a linky party- I just love your blog and I can't stop reading it, you have so many wonderful and creative ideas! I am now your newest follower and I hope you will follow me too!
I look forward to reading your future blog posts

http://sweetenedbykagi.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

beautiful pictures! i hope to make memories like you some day.

Tammy said...

This was so lovely! I want to go there. Your made it so inviting and cozy! Thanks for sharing! Your newest follower.

Becky Jane said...

Simply beautiful. Your table is lovely, and the menu divine! You've given me some great ideas for our family picnics...

New Follower! Hope you can stop by for a visit.
Thanks, Becky Jane
http://RiseAboveYourLimits.blogspot.com/

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

That rivals a Sandra Lee tablescape lady!

Christie said...

I have your blog on my sidebar, and always pull it up whenever you say 'picnic' because they are always the best to see!! Mostly, I love your passion for seeking beauty and the love for your family. This world can be dark, but I believe the Lord meant it for beauty...we have to seek it and it is so important to me to show my children the beauty of the Lord's hand! I LOVE picnics, too and will be having a picnics link party soon to celebrate my one year of blogging! I am giving away a picnic basket with a picnic cookbook, plates, blanket, etc. Be sure to come and enter your picnics! June 18th is international picnic day and July is national picnic month! Thanks for sharing the beauty of the mountains and this special day with your family! Christie at Three Pixie Lane

Diane and Chad said...

Absolutely beautiful photos...loved the picnic and food, but especially loved the pics of the boys. As a mother to 2 boys, now grown, they make me smile. One of them does parenting workshops and a book with me, how special is that? I am now following, hope you'll visit when you get a chance!

Mary said...

What a gorgeous spread, from the surroundings, dishes & wonderful FOOD! I love your chippy drawer repurposed as your food crate~ Your boys are adorable :-)

Kelly Miller said...

I think this may be my favorite of all time. Gorgeous!

Jenny said...

I hope you know how ridiculously cool you are!

Simple Daisy said...

What a beautiful picnik!!! Everything looks so gorgeous and the food....well...it looks delicious:)

designchic said...

What a beautiful picnic...it should be in a magazine!! Thrilled to find and follow your bog this evening ~

designchic said...

Sorry...meant blog not bog!

Handy Man, Crafty Woman said...

wow, beautiful table setting! Gorgeous mountains, too.

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

What a beautiful table you set- it's gorgeous! Love all your attention to detail and pretty colors~ stopping by from Met Monday :) I host a decorating party at my blog on Fridays if you would like to join in!

Pamela Gordon said...

What an amazing picnic you put on! It is so beautiful and the food looked so yummy (and healthy). I came over from BNOTP and am glad I did. Beautiful! Blessings, Pamela

Honey at 2805 said...

Beautiful post. The picnic looks splendid and so inviting! It was like attending by special invitation.

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

What a beautiful picnic. I'm so glad that all your men made you feel like the Queen of the Castle!

Miss Merry said...

What an AMAZING picnic. So special, every photo made me feel I was in a very special magazine spread. What a lovely, lovely post. And those breakfast dishes . . . wow!

Kathy Walker said...

What a lovely picnic! I love the dishes!!!! The treasure hunt looked like fun. What a great mom you are.

Phyllis said...

It is way past my bedtime, but I started reading about your precious storybook picnic and I became enthralled and could not hurry through something as special as this event was for your family and, also, your readers. I was completely enchanted with your tablescape.....each addition being more creative than the last. I loved the harsh wood of the table contrasted with the delicate plates, pink lace and pearls. The old wooden drawer with the chipped paint was the perfect appointment to carry the food and act as a server tray. I am so impressed and dearly loved your post. I plan to become your newest follower.

Unknown said...

I'm recuperating from minor surgery this morning and your post totally lifted my spirits and made me feel so good... Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful day with those amazing photos and your beautiful family!

Have a great weekend!
~Rainey~
http://theprojecttable.blogspot.com

a quiet life said...

love love LOVE this post~

Ruth said...

Everything looks absolutely beautiful. Your pictures are gorgeous.

Ruth

Lisa said...

You have struck a chord with me - I love picnics and hikes in the PA mountains, and I have FOUR boys! Three are grown and one still at home with his little sis. Very nice job here. Stop by and see me.
Lisa
theenchantedoven.blogspot.com

Susan Freeman said...

Just fabulous!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Donna said...

Wow, what a gorgeous setting! I am loving the chippy green drawer, that is so fun! And I don't know which I like better, your beautiful tablescape, or that yummy looking menu!!

KK said...

Your table setting was as pretty as the scenery. Looks like all had a great time. I lived in CO for 25 years. I know the beauty of that state! I love all the little details you added. So nice.

The Tablescaper said...

What a magnificant picnic! How wonderful to bring the finer things of home out into the glory of the day. I'm luvin those glasses. Where did you ever find those???

Thanks so much for being a part of my birthday celebration at Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

Keetha Broyles said...

You say "late s_ _ _ _ _" and I don't say the word at ALL for fear of chasing it away since it is just barely arriving here!

I WANT one of those baked minis. You NEED to figure out a way to let us all TASTE them through cyberspace.

Very fun post.

My poor family will NEVER be treated to a picnic like that - - - it looks like far too much work. We'll just have sandwiches in baggies 'round here.

;-)

Beeutiful by Design said...

What a wonderfully divine picnic! I adore the plums in the white compote. You are blessed to have such a lovely family - Jennifer

Unknown said...

very pretty! The food look AMAZING!!!

hugs! Kim @ Party Frosting!

Light and Voices said...

You plan such lovely picnics.
Joyce M

Anonymous said...

You live in such a lovely state....and your picnic is so glamorous...mine are usually just fruit, cheese, crackers and some wine.
I'd love to see the recipe for the Tarts.
Mama Bear

Simone @ Doberman's by the Sea said...

My my-what a lovely and fancy setting. I'm sure everyone had a great time.

Fishtail Cottage said...

looks like a very sweet & fabublous day! everything you prepared looks so gorgeous (not to mention "yummy"!) enjoyed reading how special your boys made the day! ooxx, tracie

Ann said...

What a rustic banquet--beautiful food and decorations.

Leslie said...

Beautiful! I love how it’s pretty and healthy at the same time...I’ll definitely be pinning several of these photos!

Stephanie said...

Wow, everything is so beautiful! I love the tomato and mozzarella salad in the little jars!

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

Hi Lisa, This setting is gorgeous. All the details are incredible - lovely job. Love the mismatched plates and vintage charm - very pretty. Thanks so much for linking to the Sunday Showcase party - I greatly appreciate it. I am a little behind commenting...but I have featured this last week. Hope you have a wonderful week ~ Stephanie Lynn

a quiet life said...

loved this the first time i saw it, appreciate it even more since today is 112 degrees! cool bit of paradise you shared~

JudyBug said...

Oh my...well, you had my attention at picnic...cause I LOVE picnic...but this is far and above what I imagined. I love it all...dishes, food, WOW

CatCat said...

Perfect day, great stuffs, great foods, and great people. Wow!

Cheers,
Cathy@DigitPlace Remains Steadfast In Its Goal to Provide Cheap Digitizing Service

Dori at The Red Feedsack said...

Okay I would definitely have to say that your husband and boys are GOOD SPORTS!!!!!! Love this picnic table setting - gorgeous. I really love your goblets - Pottery Barn? Or Anthro? Very fun. - Dori -