Outback Out Back

"First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. As you consider your own philanthropic opportunities, I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.

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Last Friday night, one of Sweet Mister's dear friends was 'batching' it for the weekend while his wife was away on a 'girl trip.'  Of course, we invited him to join us for Outback out back on the porch.  I pulled our table together while Sweet Mister drove to pick up dinner and bring it home for the three of us.

Come on out.  The Western sky is starting to show streaks of pinks, reds, and golds....sunset can't be too far away.  It's a beautiful evening.

I thought that a red, white, and blue color combination would be pleasing for the guys.  I'm once again taking advantage of the blue and white pots with red geraniums for a no brainer centerpiece.  The Coalport blue and white decanters add to the centerpiece design and are filled with water and wine.  The red and cream toile tablecloth is an eBay find...just a little feminine touch for moi.

I've really enjoyed using the Steelite Cobalt Charger plates since I bought them on eBay.  Remember, Steelite is Royal Doulton's restaurant quality dinnerware.  It's very reasonable, and it is quite well made.  The cobalt flatware is L'Argent, "Sophia", acquired through Horchow and Tuesday Morning.  The Williams-Sonoma navy hemstitch napkins were bought through eBay.

Men always seem to appreciate a larger dinner plate.  Tonight I chose the Royal Worchester, "Regency" Ruby dinner plate...yep...eBay.  This pattern is also available in a beautiful cobalt and a gorgeous green.  eBay TIp:  When you see auction prices listed with an italics font, it is always an indication that you are looking at an international seller.  I bought 12 of these from a seller in London.  The price for the plates was good enough to endure the higher shipping costs.  Just pay attention when buying from international sellers.  Always request a shipping and insurance quote before bidding.  They can be outrageous!

Dinner from Outback always includes a large salad.  The Royal Doulton, "RD199" luncheon plate, was the perfect choice for our salad course.

    A nice Cabernet Sauvignon was served in the AJKA, "Arabella" wine goblet.  Holding its own with everything else on the table, the Dollar Tree cobalt goblet was filled with iced water.

  Easy peasy...everything is ready.  I'm looking forward to a delicious meal and afterwards maybe we'll curl up in the easy chairs and visit as night gently falls here on the prairie.

Thank you, yet again, to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting her magical meme, Tablescape Thursday.  I'll be linking my post to "TABLESCAPE THURSDAY."   Hop on over and check out the myriad of marvelous tablescape designs, after 10:00 AM on Thursdays.  You'll be glad that you made the trip...it's a wonderful adventure.

When I think of April, I think of  glorious sun-filled skies and meals shared al fresco.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme SEASONAL SUNDAYS.  Hope to see you there!

Tonight is the seventh edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "LET'S DISH".  So excited to be a charter member.  Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!

You can check out KC's music at www.kcclifford.com, on iTunes, and on YouTube.  I hope that you'll take a few minutes and give her a listen.  You'll also enjoy reading back through her blog on this site.  The girl can really write!  Her latest CD is called "Orchid."  It is available on iTunes or through her website.  I hope that you'll give her music a chance.  I know that I have zero objectivity where she is concerned, but I think that you'll fall in love with her music and her!