Take it Outside: Lunch on Porch
Lunch on the porch brings back fond memories of the sweetest days of summer. It’s about pausing to spend time with family & friends—the simple act of gathering around the table, talking, laughing, and enjoying the company of one another. Everyone is busy, yet we all crave togetherness.
That’s why I created this sweet & savory lunch menu: It’s designed for minimal time in the kitchen but lets you enjoy the process of preparing a delicious meal for your guests.
To keep the menu simple and stress-free, I ordered fresh fried chicken from a local market (a favorite restaurant works, too). Most establishments can cook the chicken on the day of the event if needed. A drizzle of local honey & sprinkles of fresh lavender made the chicken even better! For the salad, I used fresh vegetables from our garden. A farmer’s market or fresh produce stand has the freshest versions of the season.
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SHOP THE CURATED OUTDOOR COLLECTION
After baking a homemade lemon pound cake from scratch, I added fresh berries & lemon glaze. I happen to like this recipe and had time to make it myself. To save time, you can always make a cake ahead of time and freeze it, or order one from a local bakery.
Fresh mint & blackberries made the prosecco extra special.
“We do not remember the days, we remember the moments.”
- Cesare Pavese
Tips For The Table:
Setting a table with curated vintage treasures enhanced the whole atmosphere. It’s a nod to the past, and guests can imagine a story behind each piece. As an homage to summer, we’re on the screened-in porch, and I’m vintage plates with a flora motif. Silver-plated flatware, vintage napkins, glass goblets, ironstone pitchers, and trays completed the setting. With simple milk glass vases, the centerpiece included freshly cut ferns foraged from our farm. I’m also serving fresh water with sliced lemons & a sprig of mint in a pretty pitcher and served the prosecco in vintage coupes with heirloom cocktail napkins.
With fresh flowers, beautiful dessert plates & forks, a dessert table can be just as memorable as the luncheon table. It’s an extra treat after a lovely afternoon spent together. You don’t have to spend a fortune on food to make your guests feel welcome and appreciated. And while I have an extensive collection of table settings items acquired over the years, use whatever you like best. Most of the time, your guests will love it just as much as you do.
Bon appétit!
HUGS,
PAIGE
“WE CAN NOT ALL DO GREAT THINGS. BUT WE CAN DO ALL THINGS WITH GREAT LOVE.”
Mother Teressa