The sun is shining and it's picnic time!

Welcome! I'm so delighted you could make it!

What a befittingly beautiful day we've been granted for our Midsummer's Picnic. The sun is set to shine and no rain is forecast - perfect picnic weather. And we have an extra reason to celebrate too - check out the Peace Picnic that's happening here in celebration of a very special Birthday...

Happy, happy Birthday week Miz S!!!

I hope Anairam and Denise, visiting from the Southern Hemisphere's winter, will really soak in the summer's day (although, in fairness some of my best ever picnics have had nothing to do with good weather!) Still, I'm very glad to see the sunshine and I hope you are too? It's not too hot, just warm enough.

Let me pour you a glass of champers (thank you Nen, we love bubbles!) or if you prefer, a glass of Lenore's yummy grape juice, chosen specially to match my purple nail polish (that girl has style!).

And let's find you a seat on the picnic blanket... Would you prefer a sunny spot or a tree and parasol shady spot? Plop yourself down and get comfy...

I think you know everyone here?

There are plenty of nibbles and I can't wait to try your favourite recipe. Teresa bought potatoes fresh from her Dad's garden and people have arrived with all sorts of scrumptious goodies! We won't go hungry that's for sure. If you feel peckish, please do help yourself to one of my summery favourites - fresh pea, mint and chili fritata - cooked on site by our lovely chef, Jamie Oliver, and served with summer green salads and some crusty bread (thank you Muzel!). This fritata is delicious cold too and simple enough that even an inept cook like me can manage it, but I couldn't resist having Jamie come along to prepare it for us, he's such a sweetie.

There are Nen's strawberries and cream, Linda Sue's poppyseed cake, Robyn's koeksister's (a South African speciality!) and Sandy's blueberry almond coffee cake for afters... I might have to sample a little of each! The anteaters bought cherry pie but only to attract the ants, 'cause that's their idea of picnic food, so the pie's for us too!

You are all looking so lovely and summery and I'm enjoying being able to walk barefoot in the grass with Heather. I love a pretty picnic dress and I was so thrilled to have the excuse to buy this one for the occasion - it's soft and floaty and those big orange and purple flowers are a bit reminiscent of the romantic 70s, don't you think?

Everyone's brought a beautiful flower, which we'll pop into that big vase I brought along, so that we can enjoy the bouquet together. I see that Lisa is wearing some in her hair too... Gorgeous!

Mine's the purple dahlia. For a long time I didn't really like dahlias (for many of the same reasons marigolds and I didn't get along for a while) but they have grown on me over the years, and in different contexts, and now I love them! Look at this riot of colour and tell me, how can one resist?! They epitomise summery abundance.

When you leave at the end of your visit, how ever long or short it is, please take home with you a different flower to the one you brought... As a reminder of the time we've spent together.

The more energetic amongst you might like to play a game of boules or with a frisbee? You'll forgive me if I just lie here in the shade and cheer you on, won't you? Too relaxed and lazy too move.

For those who don't need to rush off, when it starts to cool down and get darker, we'll light citronella scented candles to keep the bugs away and a bonfire to mesmerise and keep us warm while we chat and stare into the flames. Perhaps someone has a musical instrument, or sings? If not, we'll just enjoy the sound of the night and the gentle hum of kindred spirits in tune. We'll wrap ourselves in light silk and cashmere, lie back, and watch the stars come out...

A perfect end to a perfect day.

All the better 'cause Claire and Sarah and Kamana and Aimee and Shell and Heidi and Beverly accepted my invitation too, and because others might just drop by to hang out with us for a while. I LOVE that. Who could ask for better company? Not me!

Thank you so much for coming dear friends!

Same time next year?

♥

P.S. I'll post some more pictures from the day as soon as I have a chance to download them :) In the meantime, please enjoy and credit the Flickr loveliness above here.