Tom and I recently went to Maine to open up the house for the season. The weather was cool but comfortable. It was a welcome surprise to see forsythias, daffodils and azaleas in bloom. I really enjoyed this "second" spring!
On Memorial Day, Tom and I ventured out to our town's annual observance, which opened at Castine Cemetery, then moved to the Town Common, and finished at the dock with a wreath cast upon the waters in honor of the naval veterans. All of Castine came out to pay tribute to the fallen heroes - it was very poignant.
Afterwards, we hosted our first guests for supper. I gathered a few seashells and wildflowers to give the house a summer feel. Enjoy~
A beautifully framed view of the 1829 Trinitarian church in Castine.
Veterans, cub scouts and residents observing Memorial Day on the Town Common. BELOW: Well done, Tarrantine Fifes & Drum Corps!
Closing tributes on the dock.
With summer in the air, I created this inexpensive hurricane piece inspired by an image on Pinterest.
- Hurricane from Target
- Sand from Home Depot
- Shells and starfish from local souvenir shop
Use plenty of sand as it helps to keep the candle in place. And, of course, be mindful of the burning candle - you don't want burnt shells and starfish!
I'm currently loving all things galvanized. Found these small galvanized candle trays at a local garden shop and thought: cool coasters for Maine. Its lipped rim is purrr-fect for containing water / condensation. The footed wine glass is from Ikea. And speaking of love, I'm crazy about Down East magazine - highly recommend it!
Placing part of my shell collection on an antique creamware platter over a runner from Target. The runner reminds me of Japanese tatami mats.
An organic salad to start supper. Everything is simple and unfussy including the wildflowers from the garden in a footed hurricane as vase from Walmart. Yes, Walmart :) The Williams Sonoma white dishes are in different patterns. This is the only set of china in the house, and I like how it can go from casual to formal-ish. Galvanized napkin rings are from Crate and Barrel.
Not overly fond of ceiling fans but we need air circulation in the screened porch. I found this very cool industrial fan from Barn Light Electric, and it's galvanized - what a bonus! BTW, I had the drywall ceiling removed to expose the beams and rafters.
Ending this post on a colorful note with the bouy wall from Carrier's Mainly Lobster in Bucksport.
Cheers!
Loi