Sentimental Living from the Porch

On my recent Peaches to Beaches yard sales, I found this great decorating book, Sentimental Living on the Porch, four seasons of hospitality by Alda Ellis.

I'll share with you some of her photos of Spring...

I adore the wire basket.  Even with no additions, it would be fabulous. 

Her thoughts, "For most of us, solitude in our surroundings is not easy to find.  However, we can create a place of relaxation just outside the door.  As we momentarily step back from the tension of our day-to-day schedules, we can delight in our own oasis of quiet.  A cup of tea (I prefer coffee) when we come home after work, and a moment of quietly sitting by candlelight can become our own haven. Even those on a budget can create a place of beautyon the porch, for it is the little things that please our eyes, warm our hearts, and rest our souls."

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Nature provides the best decor.  Embellished chairbacks with small branches of blooming dogwood are sure to bring the "oohs" and "aahs" from your party guests.

Ever had thoughts of a Spring party for no other reason except to celebrate?  My motto is "Everyday is a celebration of life."  So bring on the flowers and add some lemonade and fruit and let the party begin!

For you thrifty decorators, I thought you may love this idea.  I was gonna steal it.  Went to my shop to bring home my suitcases and they were both sold!  Oh well, what goes around will come around again.  Sweet little spot of Spring.

I highly recommend this book for decorating ideas, recipes for each season, and good, easy reading.  Alda states, "This is a decorating style that I call Sentimental Living.  It's a style that has nothing to do with money at all-it is simply the personal touch you give to everything in your life, and it almost always includes family heirlooms and plenty of creative ideas."

Most of my ideas come from a good book anyway.  I paid $1 for this one-a great find that will be put to good use.