Dining in the Tropics

Man has it been HOT!  Summer has definitely arrived here in the midlands of SC, bringing scorching temps at just over 100 degrees for several days.  Thank goodness we have also had several evening thunderstorms roll through to bring those temps down to the mid to high 90's. 

This type of weather has me thinking of the tropics alot lately.  So last night I decided to set a little tropical setting   outside on the screened porch.

Oops!  Didn't mean to get in the picture there!

Before we get into my tablescape, please tell me what you think of the placement of my shutters, okay?

Many of you already know I bought and repainted these shutters recently and promised to show you where they would end up.  I intended for them to mount right next to my window here on the bottom window.  I tried several different types of heavy stick on hooks and velcro only to have them crash down during the recent winds of the storms.  I was trying to avoid putting more nails in my siding.  I already had nails where they are hanging now with other things.  Do you think they look okay where they are?  Or do you think they are too far apart and look to random..seriously, would love some honest feedback.  Thanks!

Okay, now on to the good stuff.

I wanted to take some of my colors from the runner that I made several years ago but realized I really don't have many dishes with those colors.  

So, I just used what I had.

I started with my deep lime green plates that have a touch of brown around the wheat.

Then I added one of my newest dishes, the small brown recycled salad plates.

Then I topped it off with my somewhat tropical looking blue green dessert plates.

I used brown napkins to bring out the browns in the runner and dishes.

Multi-colored butterfly napkin rings hint of the tropics to me too!

I was so excited to bring out my newest tablescape purchase.

I finally found a set of this wonderful bamboo looking flatware at an affordable price from Home Goods on our recent trip to Charleston.

I just love them!  The set came with 4 soup spoons and four teaspoons.  So...for you seasoned tablescapers, which one is proper for me to use in my setting.   Do I use the teaspoon as shown here?

Or the soup spoon as shown here?  That soup spoon seems so big to me!

Then to bring out more blue I chose to use my blue iridescent goblets.

I love how the iridescent quality also reflects other colors of the setting.

Because my table is smaller I kept the centerpiece to a minimum.

 I used one of my willow candle holders with a votive.  Here it is shown all lit up later.

Cute little birdie salt and pepper shakers.

This time instead of using this basket for flowers I used it for a wine caddy.  

Eventually it gets late enough to dine outside in this heat.

Is it hot enough for you yet?

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my tropical tablescape, for

Tablescape Thursday. 

 Please check out more beautiful settings at the previous link above as well!

I'm looking forward to hearing your advice on both questions.

Have a great day!

Mary