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Summer Doily Decorations

July 10, 2019

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Add a few paper doilies to your outdoor summer picnic decor. Wrap up silverware, make a banner and decorate your table. It's an inexpensive and virtually effortless way to add some country flair.

Paper Doily Decorations

Summer is finally here in full force and that means it's time for barbecues and picnics. Spending time outside, dining among the flowers and if I'm very lucky, maybe the stars, is one of my all time favorite seasonal highlights.

While we do entertain quite a lot around here, this weekend was a quiet one. My husband was away, my kids were occupied with their own plans, so that left me dining alone.

Something I rather enjoy, to be honest.
As the mom, I seem to naturally find myself in the role of chief cook and bottle washer. While my family is very helpful, it's hard to not to dote on everyone. So every now and then, dinner on my own is a welcome respite.

Doily Table Setting

Now, today, Terri from Decorate And More With Tip is hosting our monthly Ten on The Tenth hop and our theme is summer BBQs and picnics. If you know me at all, you know that nothing around here is done solely for the sake of the blog.

I don't have time to decorate for holidays I don't celebrate or set tables I'm not going to eat at...nothing is done solely for editorial content. But who can say no to eating alfresco??

So, instead of grabbing takeout or heading to a restaurant for my meal, I made myself a pretty picnic for one on my covered porch.

Summer Porch Picnic

I set the coffee table with my favorite mason jar mug, plates I rarely break out- for fear of breaking them - a battery operated candle and decorated with paper doilies.

Yup. Paper doilies.

I picked them up not too long ago at Michael's for $1.37 per package. At the time, I thought they would make a great banner, and I wasn't wrong.

Between the girls' musical endeavors and the never-ending rain, I haven't had a chance to decorate the porch this season. The furniture was finally put out last week, but as part of my tiny redecorating, I thought the addition of a simple banner out there would be fitting.

Paper Doily Banner

I wasn't wrong. The light lace look added a bit of whimsy to the space and as it blew gently in the breeze, it reminded me of clean linens hanging on the line...but since my decor it paper, I won't actually have to launder these. Bonus!

Rolling Silverware In A Doily

I also took the time to wrap my silverware in doily and tie it up with twine. I actually am hosting a small dinner party next week and I wanted to try the idea out. It worked like a charm and looked very summertime in the country.

Paper Doily Silverware Wrap



With no one to dote on, I spent my time eating slowly, listening to the birds and then the crickets as day turned into night. My feet were up on the couch, magazine in hand and the dirty dishes sat there for a good long time.

I had nowhere to go, nothing to do and it was glorious.

Summer Picnic Table

As an added bonus, since my porch is screened in, I was the only one enjoying the feast.

Not a bug in sight.

Not that's my kind of picnic!

Ten on Tenth Summertime Picnic Ideas

Hey! Before you go, why not hop on over to visit the rest of my Ten On The Tenth friends? They are sharing their own BBQ and picnic ideas today and they're all under ten bucks. You never know what you might find.





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  1. Cute idea - and doilies are so inexpensive but add such a nice touch!

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    1. Thanks Patti! I’m all about easy, especially when I’m the only one I have to impress!

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  2. I'm so jealous of your screened in porch! And what a perfect decorations for your indoor picnic! Love it...

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    1. Thanks Tammy! We did it a few years ago and it was so worth the DIY!

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  3. It looks beautiful Kim... I will be right over to join you!

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  4. Good for you enjoying time to yourself. Honestly I thought the paper doily banner was cute. As you said, bonus no washing.

    The utensils wrapped looked cute too and would be great for your guests.

    Enjoy your day

    Cindy

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    1. Thanks Cindy! I still have that banner up. It has a lot more staying power than I thought it would. I hope you're having a pleasant afternoon with your pups.

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  5. I am loving the doilies and how you used them. Love the rolled up silverware with them. Great idea.

    Happy Wednesday!

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    1. Thanks so much, Terrie! And thanks for hosting!

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  6. Very cute. Nice to have a little down time to spend relaxing.

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    1. Thanks Lorri! It was very nice...came and went too quickly! Ha! Hope you are finding some time to relax this summer, too.

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  7. Doilies truly are the lovely hardworking belle of the ball.

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    1. Couldn't agree more!! I don't use them as often as I should.

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  8. Love your doilies and your evening sounds perfect!

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  9. The doily banner was adorable. They are perfect in your table setting.

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    1. Thanks Katie, I love the banner...it's still swaying in the breeze.

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  10. What a cute idea - I better get some doilies!

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    1. They're so cute, Mari and inexpensive. I bet your grand girls could make some very cute things with them, too...

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  11. Kim, I just love it. The eating alone and the decor. We love everyone all we want, but time alone is often appreciated. I love the paper doilies. They do add a very simple and festive feeling..Happy Wednesday..xxoJudy

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    1. I adore my family, Judy, and feel so blessed to be surrounded, but every now and then being able to sit in the quiet is welcomed. For a little while anyway...xoxo

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  12. I love your doily banner! Paper doilies are one of my favorite things to use for decorating (functional or non-functional) in the kitchen. They make a plate of muffins look so much more appetizing! I love how your wrapped them around your silverware! Love and hugs!

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    1. Thanks Benita! I used to use doilies all the time when I was teaching. When I left the classroom I forgot about them. I had them in the "school supplies" category. Now they're back in the decor part of my brain. I bet I'll be using them much more...Hugs to you!

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  13. I'm curious....what's on the menu for your dinner party?

    Like you, I enjoy a night on my own. My daughter just moved out in March, so I've been an empty nester for nearly 4 months now....after she left, I told Sweetie I need one night to myself each week....a night I'm not cooking for anyone but me, no big cleanup, no time table, nothing to do but just what I feel like doing. It's been wonderful! Tonight's my night....and I'm really looking forward to it, as we have been so insanely busy!

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    1. I hear you loud and clear, Debbie. A little respite is important every now and then, especially when you have such a busy work day where you’re “on” from the minute you get there until you clock out. Enjoy your quiet night!

      Oh and dinner’s turned into brunch, so it’s fruit, pastries, NY bagels and homemade quiche. That’s a dish even I can handle! 😉

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  14. I always forget about doilies, Kim, and they have so many uses. Love your ideas!

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    1. Thanks Ann! I had forgotten about them too. The clearance aisle fixed that!! Ha!!

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  15. What a cute idea Kim to use doilies for your entertaining. I love the cute banner and using a doily to tie up the utensils! I hope you have a nice party next week!

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    1. Thanks so much, Julie! I love entertaining in the summertime. It's easy to get creative.

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  16. Sure does fancy up a porch don't it? Looks great.

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    1. Thanks Pam! It was an easy way to do it...and cheap, too!

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  17. Beautiful ideas! I really like paper doilies, they are so delicate and helps with the presentation of food.

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    1. Thanks Angela! They really do make food look a bit prettier. I have to use them more often. I have tons leftover.

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  18. Great ideas. You know I remember those paper doilies as a kid, but I do not see them much today. Thank you for bringing them back. :-)

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    1. Carla, I had forgotten all about them until I saw them in the sale aisle. They're so dainty and pretty, they just scream summer to me. I bet they'd look lovey wrapped around a colorful bouquet!

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  19. A very pretty table, Kim. Love the silverware wrapped in the doily, and the doily banner. I feel it's important that we pamper ourselves sometimes, and setting a pretty table when we're eating alone certainly does that. And for heaven's sake, girl, use those pretty dishes! Let 'em chip, break, whatever. Enjoy them to the max! (This is your "big sister" talking. :) Hugs, Nancy

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    1. Great advice, Nancy!! I should be using them more often…and I will! Thank you, sis! 😉 xoxo

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  20. It was a very calm and quiet evening, Teri, thank you. And I agree, those silly paper doilies really do add a delicate touch. Hugs!

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