Enchanting Pallet Picnic: Summer Nights Mini Blog Hop


Happy Friday, Friends! Today I'm hosting the Summer Nights mini blog hop. How do you enjoy spending summer evenings? Whether you are a porch sitter, enjoy dining outdoors, or grilling, I know you'll find some inspiration from our small group. Over the years, I've seen many versatile pallet projects, including those that involve power tools. I'll be honest--I'm not really a power-tool-kind-of-girl, but I am a picnic lover... 


summer pallet picnic


From champagne to chocolate covered strawberries, I had everything I needed on hand to create an enchanting pallet picnic. I'd recently hung tiny solar lights from the arch and gathered my upcycled vintage picnic basket, aqua crinoline plates, stemware, and bottles from my thrifted collections. You may also remember the mercury glass lanterns that were a previous find. I arranged everything on a pallet I've been hanging onto and added fresh rosemary, honeysuckle, and roses picked from the garden. 


summer pallet picnic


Before I go further, I need to take a detour to share an update. During the pandemic, I have soaked up what I refer to as "garden therapy." A few weeks ago, we were having milder than usual weather, and I was inspired to take photos for this post and another upcoming garden post that I'll share later in the month. Then, on May 27, my small rural town was hit by a severe hail storm with 70 mph winds.


summer pallet picnic


Ironically, my stenciled happy place sign was scheduled for the following morning, but when I climbed out the window into my garden that day--the gates were damaged and wedged shut--it was anything but happy. I had 4 huge uprooted cedar trees, one of which fell onto my septic system housing. The high winds stripped all of my plants. Every landscaping plant and container plant look as if someone took a weedeater to them. At this writing, Favorite Son has successfully fixed one of the gates and spent three days cutting two of the trees. I am not exaggerating when I say my garden is unrecognizable; it is a challenge to not feel devastated each time I walk through my cherished labor of love. 


summer pallet picnic


Even so, I have reason to be thankful despite the storm. I am safe. Due to their locations, two of the four trees could have just as easily fallen on top of my house. Miraculously, the four trees in front of my house, the garden arch, and gazebo remained intact. If I had to lose four trees--the cedars would be my first choice. 


summer pallet picnic


I am thankful for the help offered to me. My neighbors are a sweet young couple with a new baby, and they checked on me before, during, and after the storm. Paul is my favorite firefighter; in addition to helping Favorite Son with the grueling physical labor of cutting trees, he supervised burning the brush. (I used to care for Paul and Lisa's children when they were babies--their oldest just graduated!) Favorite Son spent his whole weekend slaving. Despite being long distance, Dear Firstborn, Youngest Daughter, and my mother have provided encouraging words, meals, and gifts, and I cherish my daily Duo calls with my precious Ginger Grand. ❤ So many others have prayed for me. Thank you! 


summer pallet picnic


I am also thankful that I had the opportunity to capture beautiful photographs of my garden. Even before the storm hit, I fell in love with this project--it may be one of my all-time favorites. Cleaning up and restoring the garden is going to be a lengthy process, so while I always enjoy sharing "inspiration" photos with my readers, I may need to draw from the beauty as I sort through the rubble. I believe it was God's grace that nudged me to capture the photos when I did. 


summer pallet picnic

I appreciate your prayers and I'll continue to post updates. Thanks so much for stopping by! Next up is Shelley at Calypso in the Country--I can't wait to see what she has to share! Remember to scroll down to the end of the post for more summer nights inspiration! 


My Thrift Store Addiction


summer pallet picnic

summer pallet picnic




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Would you like to comment?

  1. Cecilia, I'm sure you are so thankful you captured this lovely pallet picnic before the storm. I love the little oasis you created and I love the beautiful summer colors. Such a cute idea to use the pallet for the base - It definitely gives that rustic, woodsy feeling. I'm so glad you could enjoy it for a least a little while and you're so lucky your house was not damaged by the fallen trees. It sounds like such a scary situation. Take care and thanks again for hosting this wonderful blog hop!
    Shelley

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  2. This is a such a bittersweet read, Cecilia. I'm so thankful you're alive and your home is ok. I know how much you love your garden and I can only imagine its been a heartbreaking experience to go through. The images you've captured feel like a special secret garden we've been allowed to peek inside of and if anyone can bring these magical spaces back better than ever, it's you. Sending you lots of hugs and prayers for the journey. I can't wait to be a part of your beauty for ashes moment. Thank you for gathering us all together for this summer blog hop, CoCo

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  3. Dear Cecilia,
    I too love picnics and the one that you have created in your backyard Oasis is beautiful. I do know how much your garden means to you and the sanctuary it provides. Such a darling and clever idea to use a wooden pallet to place these delicious goodies on.
    I am so, so sorry that you had such a destructive storm roll into your town and backyard. I am so very thankful that you are safe.
    Sending blessings for healing of the spirit and that your gardens and yard will snap back under your loving touch.
    Thank you for organizing this most sweet and happy blog hop.
    Blessings,
    Jemma

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  4. Cecilia your picnic idea is just lovely! What a blessing to have taken photos before the storm. I'm so very sorry about the storm and the damage it did. I love that you had help and the good news is that it will come back. Thanks for hosting this hop and happy summer!

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  5. Cecilia,

    How scary that must have been. Thank goodness you're safe! You created quite the picnic and who doesn't love chocolate covered strawberries?

    Cindy

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  6. Cecilia, so sorry the storm did so much damage and glad you have had help with the cleanup. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I can picture you planning new plantings, dividing perennials to fill in bald spots, ivy to cover the stumps, etc. When I needed trees cut down last year, I asked my "handy man" (who has resided the damaged siding on my house, cut down trees, painted rooms, etc.) to cut the stumps into points so I could decorate them as fairy house roofs. WELL, he had never heard of fairy houses, and the look he gave me was PRICELESS! Like, who can I get to come drop a net on her! In '98 when we had a horrible ice storm (no power for 11 days in winter!), I had just changed house insurance which covered $1000 in debris cleanup--thank God. Well, I told Fred to do $1000 worth of work of cleanup which resulted in a lot of firewood--win-win!

    Your pallet picnic is beautiful; I was never much of a blue fan. Now I love turquoise, red, and white together; it's summery and coastal and almost patriotic all at once.

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  7. Cecilia your pallet picnic looks so lovely! I adore the colors you chose and the rosemary "runner" centerpiece.

    Your garden will be your happy place again! Probably sooner than you think. You have a gift in the garden and for making it a magical place.

    Thank you so much for hosting this unique mini-blog hop. It was a challenge to think of ways to share summer night inspiration, and I enjoyed it.

    Many prayers coming your way!

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  8. I'm so sorry! Your garden was truly lovely and looks so peaceful. I know it will be again. Best wishes!

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  9. Oh my goodness hail is horrible!! How nice that you had so much help with the clean up. Gardens will come back after a time. Thank you for hosting this. I’m looking forward to some inspiring ideas.

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