Friday, July 1, 2011

KT Merry, a French Crate, and Mason Jars.....A Simple Barbecue Table Setting




Hello!
I hope you are all enjoying your week.
This week has been such a fun week for me.
I was fortunate enough to be contacted by KT Merry a couple of weeks ago, asking me
to be apart of an editorial photo shoot, that was taking place at a farm in Sonoma.
KT Merry is a very talented lifestyle wedding photographer.
KT Merry specializes in destination weddings worldwide.
If you would like to see photographs of KT Merry's and Chad Keffer's wedding you can do so by clicking here.....
I can't stop looking at the photographs of their wedding, it was beyond beautiful.

I can't even tell you how much fun it was to work with KT Merry, Chad Keffer, and Sara Roeder.
The shoot took place June 29th, and it
 was an experience I will never forget!
Thank you KT Merry for asking me to be apart of your shoot.
I will be sure and let you all know when KT Merry's images from the editorial shoot are available to be viewed, I can hardly wait!

On another note...
Today I wanted to share a favorite jar we love to use for drinking glasses in our home.
When you have a large family like I do, it seems like you go through a lot of dishes...
About 10 years ago I decided to start using canning jars for our drinking glasses...



They are so cheap and easy to replace....
I buy my mason jars at Walmart. 
I love using the pint size Kerr Mason Jars.


Adding mason jars to your table is also one of the quickest and cheapest ways to give your 
table setting a farmhouse feel.

Here I corralled my mason jars by using an antique french crate.
I added my ironstone dishes and a french canning jar filled with flowers.
For some reason I forgot the silverware, so you will have to pretend it is there : )


I topped my ironstone plates with a milk bottle caddy from Holland.
(I took these pictures over a month ago, I am currently sold out of these caddies,
and will have more in stock sometime in August.)


A simple way to set dishes out for a summer barbecue.


I also wanted to share a picture of my hydrangeas with you.
Here they are in full bloom.


On a final note...
Melaine (My Sweet Savannah) and her friend Jodi came down for a visit a couple of weeks ago.
The three of us had a lot of fun together.
Melaine sent me this picture that someone took of the three of us together in front of Tyler Florence in Mill Valley....
Melaine is on the left, Jodi is in the middle.
Thank you girls for taking a weekend to come and visit me.


I hope you all enjoy your 4th of July weekend.
I hope you all know how much I appreciate you taking the time
out of your day to stop by my blog.

Take Care,
Maria 

74 comments:

Coastal Health and Home said...

Dear Maria,

Beautiful post.

I was in search of Mason jars yesterday
and found a few but they had a design on them.

What brand do you use and what size do you find is best for drinking? and display (sand & candles)?

Thank you in advance for your opinion.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend.

Cheers,

Coastal Blue Ocean

Between You and Me said...

beautiful images...
you do make things look so beautiful in your pictures!

Unknown said...

oh Maria, your photos make my heart sing!!! Just lovely!

Voondi~ Cher said...

Oh, you lucky, lucky girl~ what a gorgeous bush of flowers! I would love it if mine looked like that! Cheryl

a peony princess said...

Just gorgeous! Love coming to your blog and staying for a while ~ it is all so pretty!

And the jars are great, would never have thought to use them for everyday use but it really is a brilliant idea when the children are small, isn't it?

Me said...

Your pictures are absolutely swoon-worthy!!

From Inspiration To Realization said...

Beautiful hydrangea flower bush. Have a wonderful holiday weekend

Unknown said...

Maria, your photos and simple vignettes are breathtaking! I am also inspired by your gorgeous hydrangeas. I have one large and one small hydrangea but I have recently decided to have a whole row of simple hyrdrangeas in our small backyard.

Melaine Thompson said...

Congrats Maria!!! You are so BIG TIME!!!!!

xoxo
Melaine

Erica said...

Love coming to your blog and staying for a while!

1 Year Old Birthday Party Ideas

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

I always LOVE your table settings Maria! ;) Adorable photo of you and your friends~ Have a wonderful 4th!! Hugs,Rachel

French Farmhouse 425

Ruby Jean said...

Your pictures are lovely as usual...but I think my favorite is the Hydrangea bush... I LOVE Hydrangeas...
Have a wonderful Independence Day!!

Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys said...

Oh, I'm SO jealous of your hydrangeas!! They just don't do well here in So. FL.

I look forward to seeing the shoot shots. I enjoy your photos so much.

Miss Kitty said...

Can't wait to see the photo shoot..don't forget to let us know when it is available for viewing! Your hydrangea bushes are some of the prettiest I have ever seen.

BECKY said...

Wow Maria! Your hydrangeas ar stunning!! And what a joy to be able to work with KT Merry! You do such lovely work...I can see why they would choose you!

That last shot is too cute! What a fun time! Girl time is the best!

Have a delightful weekend!
Becky

Oh and we use mason jars quite a bit, too! :o)

Anonymous said...

Everything looks beautiful, Maria! Glad to hear your photo shoot with KT Merry went well!
Happy 4th of July!
Take Care,
Jo

Amy Chalmers said...

Your hydrangeas are gorgeous! Mine just started popping this week. I love when they turn pinky purple. You look very pretty in the group pic Maria!

Diana (Apple Pie) said...

You missed me! ^_^

Diana

Deborah said...

Always so lovely here.
Those hydrangeas are gorgeous!!
Love your table setting.and we love the jars too!

Deborah xoxo

Samantha said...

We use Mason Jars for everyday use too! Suprisingly my little ones love using them more than their cartoon character cups.

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

There is something so wonderful about drinking ice tea out of a mason jar, I just love it! Your flowers look amazing in front of your house.
Congrat's on the shoot for KT, so excited for you, can't wait to see the pictures!
Enjoy your weekend and the fabulous weather!
XO
kristin

TheCrankyCrow said...

Congratulations Maria!! And, your tablescape is lovely - as usual - but your hydrangeas are what stole my heart this time. WOW!! Have a wonderful holiday weekend! Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

Seawashed said...

I am so happy for you to be able to do a photo shoot with KT Merry in Sonoma. Your photography is gorgeous and deserves to be noticed. I always love to gaze upon your settings here. I have been using the same mason jars in my home for years too. I like that they say Kerr on them because my name is Kerrie. Anywho, we use them for glasses and to hold roses from our gardens. Your hydrangeas always inspire me. I finally have one, a white one, that is growing. I have tried planting so may hydrangeas over the past 10 yrs with no success. I am really babying this one. Happy 4th! ox

Please come by and enter my first Giveaway for my new shop Seawashed.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations of your photo shoot! Your table is lovely! I love the Mason jar drinking glasses! Thanks fro sharing such a lovely post.

Millas hem said...

Lots of inspiration in here!

Hugs Camilla

Rose Garden Malevik said...

Hello Maria
What a LOVELY Post :)
The Hydrangeas are a dream .......
and do not miss

S
A
T
U
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D
A
Y

S
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O
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F

Welcome :)
Håkan ( The Roseman)

Tricia said...

Everythings looks as pretty as ever, Maria. Wow, you have a lot of hydrangeas...lucky you :)

Karen said...

Wow Maria those hydrangeas are breathtaking!

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Amazing! You are always so inspirational. I also admire your free spirit & absolute kindness. :)

Hugs,
Jessica

Lars John Anderson said...

TDF Hydrangeas! Wowzas.. yep. I'm speechless. (doesn't happen too often- haha)

I would love to hear how you dry those babies.. or I'm assuming you dry a few?

Thanks for sharing Maria :)

-Heather

Debbie said...

Hi Maria...your hydrangeas are stunning!
congrats on the photo shoot.
Hope your summer is going well, and not too busy.
Love the picture of you at the end of your post.
Hugs,
Debbie

Heaven's Walk said...

I could sit here all evening and just gaze over and over again at your photos, Maria! Luv the idea of using the Kerr jars for drinking glasses - except we use all of ours for canning our homemade salsa! :) Your hydrangeas are seriously beautiful, girl! I don't know what you feed them, but they're the prettiest I've ever seen! Have a fun holiday! ♥

xoox laurie

The Antique Gardener said...

So glad you shared the site from that amazing wedding! I can't stop looking at the pictures! I have to go to sleep!!!
Love your hydrangeas - may I come down and steal a few!?! Great post - can't wait to see the Sonoma photo shoot - come visit soon!

Unknown said...

Beautiful hydrangeas! Mine won't grow in Florida.
Love your simple table setting.
Enjoy your 4th of July weekend~SueBee

A New England Life said...

Such beautiful photos to view on a gorgeous summer morning. Looking forward to viewing some of the links you provided as well.

Jen said...

Love your hydrangae bushes! My in-laws gave us one for our anniversary last year and we are waiting to see how it does in it's current location. If it does well I am hoping to have your look when I am finished. Enjoy them. Loved this post.

FairfieldHouse said...

Maria,

There is not one post on Dreamy Whites that I don't linger over the beautiful photography. This one is no exception. I too use mason jars as glasses. Your hydrangea are gorgeous! Sounds like you, Melanie and Jodi had a wonderful visit. What a great way to kick off summer!

Your Friend,
Deborah

vio~ said...

ohhh my your flowers are GORGEOUS!! i keep staring at that hydrangea bush, we have NOTHING like that here in Asia! thank you so much for sharing the photos. Three sweet ladies pictured too... i'm sure you treasure their friendships.

Atelier de Campagne said...

Hello Maria!

Try not to be gone too long. We miss you! Team Atelier is presently in Europe on a buying trip. Lots f fun and good shopping. You'd go crazy here. Our best to you, your husband and your lovely children!
We bought the magazine in Belgium that featured your home! Lovely!


Trinidad, Johan and Martin

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Beautiful hydrangea bush, really so very pretty!

Rondell

Anonymous said...

I love mason jars for drinking glasses. I also love the old blue mason jars for candles on the patio and flower arranging. I have them scattered all over.

Ivy and Elephants said...

There is something to be said about cold glass of iced tea in a mason jar. Yum yum. Your mason jars are great. I can't wait until you get the caddies in August.

Paula

Linda said...

Your pictures are so pretty! Thank you for a lot of inspiration!

Shanon at Vintage Sparkle Chic said...

Your hydrangeas are gorgeous! Simply beautiful. What a great idea the mason jars are, I have a box from Walmart around here and never even thought of using them for drinks. Great post.

~Shanon

Mona Kay Gorman said...

I didn't know Walmart had mason jars...sooo excited to go get some!! Your pictures are beautiful and I love your hydrangeas!

Free Art Printables said...

Everything looks gorgeous Maria! Congrats on your opportunity! I hope you have a wonderful 4th!

Anonymous said...

LOVE that little caddy! Your blog is our favorite, love all of the whites! Totally our style :)
-Jessica & Holly
Etsy.com/shop/chezjolly

Fiffiga Systrar said...

hello! My first visit here and I love it! You have a wonderful blog! Happy 4th of July from sweden!!! / emelie

AmyeToTheRescue! said...

So beautiful! Makes my heart sing! Adding you to my blogroll. Thank you.

My Sparrows Nest said...

How sweet that you have such great friends! Lovely photo of the three of you! Your hydrangeas are so lacy and ruffly. Love the various shades. My hydrangeas are just beginning to but. Cannot wait to see them! Hugs and Tweets! Debbie

Emilie's daughter said...

Wonderful pictures! WOW! What a talent you are! Happy summer greetings!. :o)

All Seasons said...

What a wonderful blog and so lovely photos. I enjoy this..
I will follow your blog, that I don't miss your post.
Maybe do you like it to visite my blog.
Have a sunny day, enjoy ☼
Hugs from Holland
Patricia

silly blahgs said...

dreamy for sure! i simply adore visiting your blog. thank you for the peaceful loveliness that I feel whenever i view one of your posts.

April said...

I noticed that you and Melanie did posts about Mason jars over the weekend, funny. We've been using them for several years now for the same reason, all my glasses broke too. My mom tried to buy me some regular glasses as a gift, haha. My three year old loves the little "quilted" jelly jars she calls them her diamond glasses. They're perfect size for kids. Great pics.

Blue Shore House said...

Such a great tablescape! My sister is getting married and wants a vintage garden theme and these pictures are great inspiration.

Thanks for sharing,
Jenna

Lana Manis said...

Your hydrangeas are beautiful Maria! My sister has some that are a gorgeous blue and I usually snip a few blooms off to bring home.

I may not always been "in style" according to the rest of the decorating world, but I can say my glassware has always been a "classic", lol!
We've used mason jars since I was a child (and before I was born, I'm sure) and continued to do so after I got married. Mason jars are cheap and last much longer than the fancy glasses I have purchased and broke over the years. :)

Looking forward to seeing your photo shoot photographs!

Heidi said...

I think your beautiful hydrangeas would look good in ANY photo in ANY container! Love them! Congrats on being a part of that fabulous photo shoot! Hugs, Heidi

Torchon en Cavale said...

Hello! I am glad to discover your blog, from France, It is Wonderful, I don't speek english enough to tell you how I love all I can see on this pages. I will be back soon to follow your news!

Jo Farmer said...

Just home from Barnes & Noble and whilst looking through an issue of Homes & Antiques I came across a several page spread of your home. If they didn't send you a copy of the magazine (Issue 222 I think), I would suggest you head to Barnes & Noble or whatever bookstore you have close to you and buy yourself a copy. It's a wonderful spread. Homes & Antiques is one of the top magazines in the UK. Your home is beautiful. Many congratulations.

Jo
Eliza Interiors & Design

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

So pretty and such a lovely idea for a relaxed afternoon with friends on a warm summer's day! Lovely! Warmest wishes from a 500 year old farmhouse in England filled with French brocante! Glenda xxx

Karlene said...

I love your blog - I came across it last night. Your hydrangeas remind me of summer (it's winter here). I have a bed of beautiful white ones. LOVE your jar idea...I have tons hanging around as the kids love to use them to fill with treasures such as dead bumble bees ans cicada shells.I gave my little girl a jar to drink from this morning and she eas delighted. They're so much sturdier than glasses which seem to chip so easily. Great idea!

Sandi said...

Just lovely photos! Your hydrangeas are stunning! Such pretty vibrant colors.
Blessings~

28 Magnolia Avenue said...

The hydrangeas was gorgeous, after spending my holiday in France this summer, I have realized I want a garden full. And this reminded me...

Alison @ The Polohouse said...

Gorgeous images, Maria.
Such a lovely post!

Lara said...

Hi Maria :)

First of all, congratulations on your wedding editorial job... that is so wonderful and I am happy for you! You were just meant to be doing this kind of opportunity!

I finally got to get a hold of Fifi's book and it was so nice to see your home AND your kitchen in it! I LOVE your kitchen photo in this book! I don't think you have ever shared photos of your kitchen on your blog - you should! :) I LOVE the little kitchen window nook with the aqua mason jars in it! You inspire me so much!

Lara

Catherine LES VIGNETTES said...

c'est beau !

Fiffiga Systrar said...

Wonderful post! Adorable photos! Splendid tablesetting! Nice! Så so very nice!!

We love your blog! Thank you for sharing!

Love & hugs / Elin & Emelie

gertie @ The Old Block House said...

I absolutely love your blog! The cafe au lait bowls are gorgeous.I can't wait to browse your shop.

The old glass jars are a favorite of ours also, blue and clear, we just unearthed another dozen or so from storage yesterday to spruce up and add to our shop.

gertie @ www.theoldblockhouse.blogspot.com

Twinkle Terrior said...

What a great picture of the 3 of you gals! I follow My Sweet Savannah too, so there is uber talent in this picture of you 3 :)

Jennifer Stern and Angela Gilman said...

I adore the little bowls! I just might have to get some after my barrage of family vacations. They are just lovely. I also especially adored the tiny bunnies-thanks for sharing!

Jennifer

Robert said...

What a great idea! I like your magic touch ...very creative .

Tania - Grange de Charme said...

Hi Maria , your pictures are so wonderful !and your hydrangeas are so huge ! beautiful !

christian counseling said...

With this technique you can keep flowers for so many days. Keep jasmine flower in full of water in yard, it will throw good smell through out the day.

Emily @ I Love Farm Weddings said...

Beautiful and simple. I could absolutely see this style at a farm wedding. Love it!

Thanks for sharing!

Emily
http://www.ilovefarmweddings.com