Hooked on Outdoor Dining

by hookedonhouses on July 23, 2009

alfresco-dining-arbor-country-liv Welcome to Hooked on Fridays, a blog party I host at the end of each week to celebrate the things that make us happy. One of the things I enjoy most, especially this time of year, is eating outdoors. I love this scene from Country Living. When we’re trying to decide on a restaurant, I always vote for the ones with patio seating. For our wedding anniversary last week, Dave and I went to an art museum and had lunch under the awning at the outdoor cafe. Here’s a picture I took of it from the courtyard that the cafe overlooks:

What could be better than eating in the sunshine with the sounds of the fountains all around us? I’d take this kind of relaxed outdoor lunch over a fancy meal in a formal restaurant any day.

P.S. Be sure to check out Melissa’s Beautiful Life party, happening today, too!

Now it’s your turn to tell us what you’re hooked on today! If you have something to share with us on your blog, then add your link below. Just please be sure to:

Add the permalink to the specific blog post, not your general blog address.
Include what you’re hooked on in parentheses after your blog name. Ex: The Red Cottage (antiques)
Link back to the party from your post so that your readers can come and see what everyone else is talking about today!
Visit as many of the other participants as possible and leave comments! That’s what a blog party is all about!
Double-check to make sure your link works and goes to the right page so it doesn’t get deleted! If you come back and see your link is gone, re-read these rules and try again.

Tagged as: art museum, Blog Parties, outdoor dining

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Daly Essentials July 23, 2009 at 8:51 pm: Yes I much prefer eating outdoors! But the mosquitos have been starting to get us here!! What art museum did you go to?!
.-= Daly Essentials´s last blog ..A Summer Bike Ride =-.
Olive Rue July 23, 2009 at 8:53 pm: Hi Julia! Happy Friday. That 1st photo is gorgeous.
.-= Olive Rue´s last blog ..Ginormous Fork, Spoon & Knife Print =-.
Things That Inspire July 23, 2009 at 8:55 pm: When I was a child, we used to go to my grandparents house in NJ for 2 weeks every summer. They would always set up a screened tent and eat out there every evening…this is what comes to mind when I think about eating outdoors during the summer!

Even though Atlanta has tons of mosquitoes, for some reason we do not have mosquitoes in our back yard. We have a creek back there, and wonder whether the bats eat them, or the purple marlin. Either way, it is a wonderful thing to spend tome outside in Atlanta and not get eaten alive!
.-= Things That Inspire´s last blog ..New on the Market: a French Style Home Featured in Veranda =-.
Atticmag July 23, 2009 at 9:02 pm: Great fountains…nothing like the sound of water. Were there any pennies?
.-= Atticmag´s last blog ..Recipe – Pasta Lover’s Potato Salad =-.
Ashley July 23, 2009 at 9:04 pm: Hi Julia! Love that first photo, it’s gorgeous I always prefer to sit outside, so long as it’s not 100 degrees out. Love the breeze and sunshine
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..My Furkids =-.
Joan@anythinggoeshere July 23, 2009 at 9:07 pm: I am hooked on outdoor dining, too. Great and pretty post.
.-= Joan@anythinggoeshere´s last blog ..Where I Create =-.
Terry Kearns July 23, 2009 at 9:15 pm: At our house the mosquitoes can be tough, were near a creek and a flood plain. So we have a screened porch. In Atlanta you can eat outdoors for 3 seasons.
.-= Terry Kearns´s last blog ..Before / After =-.
m July 23, 2009 at 9:15 pm: How lovely!!

m ^..^
.-= m´s last blog ..Wow! =-.
Amanda @ Serenity Now July 23, 2009 at 9:33 pm: I liked this one, Julia. We’re (finally!) doing our deck this weekend, and I am so excited to start enjoying some outdoor dining.
.-= Amanda @ Serenity Now´s last blog ..Hooked on: Dutch Doors =-.
Amy @ Living Locurto July 23, 2009 at 9:38 pm: I love eating outside too! One of these days my backyard will look like that country living photo… right now it’s just a jungle without the table. ha! Have a great weekend!
.-= Amy @ Living Locurto´s last blog ..Hanging Porch Beds =-.
daily decorator July 23, 2009 at 9:39 pm: Happy belated anniversary! You were smart to get married in the summer and will always be able to celebrate your anniversaries outside!
.-= daily decorator´s last blog ..Summer in Full Swing =-.
Susan July 23, 2009 at 9:40 pm: I wish we were eating outside – weather stinks this summer (is that a fine whine or what!)! But I can dream – thx for the eye candy.

Susan
.-= Susan´s last blog ..I’m so excited I could almost cook! =-.
Arleen @ Seasons for All at Home July 23, 2009 at 9:43 pm: Hi Julia. Beautiful outdoor settings you’ve featured this week! And wonderful timing as always. ~Arleen
.-= Arleen @ Seasons for All at Home´s last blog ..Decorating in White Elegance =-.
Maya@Completely-Coastal July 23, 2009 at 9:44 pm: I always love when art museums have a nice place to sit down to eat…, what a great artful environment. And I always prefer to sit outside too, especially in the summer since I don’t like air conditioning.
.-= Maya@Completely-Coastal´s last blog ..The Adirondack Chair -From the Mountains to the Hamptons =-.
Katie @ makingthishome.com July 23, 2009 at 9:45 pm: Me too! Me too!
Now throw in one of those beach house scenes you’ve shown on your other blog, and it would be heaven.
Katie
.-= Katie @ makingthishome.com´s last blog ..Funny Faces, Common Places: At My Desk =-.
Fifi Flowers July 23, 2009 at 9:46 pm: LOVE outdoor dining!!! Bon week-end! Fifi
.-= Fifi Flowers´s last blog ..Fashionable Beach Destinations… =-.
Shannan July 23, 2009 at 9:46 pm: Why, oh why have I not thrown a proper outdoor dinner party this Summer? I really have no excuse at all.
.-= Shannan´s last blog ..Two-Piece Dilemma =-.
Mrs. Petrie July 23, 2009 at 10:05 pm: Happy anniversary! I think museums are quite romantic. We’re working on our yard and eventually I hope to be eating outdoors.
.-= Mrs. Petrie´s last blog ..A Santa Fe Garden =-.
sue July 23, 2009 at 10:08 pm: that pic from country living is beaut! love it!
Claudia@DipityRoad July 23, 2009 at 10:26 pm: Julia — as usual loved the great shots.

One quick comment on McKLinky — when i go to “visit” the others that have joined us, instead if breaking away to another window, it simply takes me FROM your site to the new one.

I like the other link better when we could simply close the Linked site then keep going down the list. This way we have to keep coming back to your site and I find it frustrating. Is there a way you can “tweek” the options to have it open a NEW window?

Hope this makes more sense when you read it. *sigh*

TTFN~~Claudia ♥
.-= Claudia@DipityRoad´s last blog ..City Walk- Salt Lake City =-.
hookedonhouses July 23, 2009 at 10:37 pm: Claudia–
I’m sorry for the inconvenience. This is the second week in a row I couldn’t get Mr. Linky to show up. Not sure what’s going on there. Thank goodness for MckLinky or we wouldn’t have a party at all!

I see what you’re saying about it going straight to the site instead of opening a new tab. Try this: right-click on the link and then select “Open link in new tab.” Then you can simply close that window when you’re done and return here.

Hope that helps! -Julia
Elaine July 23, 2009 at 10:59 pm: I too love to eat outdoors….especially when there are fountains! Looks like a lovely place to celebrate an anniversary!
Jen R July 23, 2009 at 10:59 pm: I love love eating outside in the nice weather! Thanks for hosting!
.-= Jen R´s last blog ..Just "bead" it….. =-.
Jenny July 23, 2009 at 11:39 pm: I like the idea of eating outdoors, but the bugs and smokers at restaurants really ruin it for me
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..Picnic Table Talk: Organization =-.
Eileen July 23, 2009 at 11:42 pm: I agree! Really nice post! Really nice pictures!
Lindsay @ Likely Design July 23, 2009 at 11:58 pm: I love that first photo — gorgeous!! Thank you so much, Julia, for hosting blog parties!!!
.-= Lindsay @ Likely Design´s last blog ..Watching grass grow… =-.
Dagny @ Beautiful Living July 24, 2009 at 12:01 am: I LOVE outdoor dining as well. As long as the weather approves
.-= Dagny @ Beautiful Living´s last blog ..My meeting with the talented Tobi Fairley! / Mitt møte med den talentfulle interiørdesigneren Tobi Fairley! =-.
Why S? July 24, 2009 at 12:03 am: Happy Anniversary.

Back when everything in our fixer needed fixing, the fact that we could dine in our front yard and watch our neighborhood stroll past really saved our sanity. It helps that we’re fortunate to not have many flying insects.
Edwina- HouseAHolic July 24, 2009 at 12:53 am: There’s nothing quite like it is there? When I lived in Tasmania, a much cooller climate than where I am now, it was always so appreciated to get outside on warm evenings/days and eat. Now, I really take the warm for granted and shouldn’t. You’ve inspired me to try and get a meal in the garden in over the weekend!
.-= Edwina- HouseAHolic´s last blog ..Hooked on Edible Gardens in the Front Yard =-.
The Stylish House July 24, 2009 at 1:19 am: Julia,
Summer is fleeting and outdoor dining is high on my list when possible! Have a lovely weekend.
Cathy
.-= The Stylish House´s last blog ..Chandelier Makeover Instructions! =-.
~Really Rainey~ July 24, 2009 at 3:07 am: What a beautiful spot to dine out… looks so cool and inviting too… Lovely…
Have a wonderful weekend!
~Really Rainey~
.-= ~Really Rainey~´s last blog ..Foodie Friday & Hooked on Fridays 7/24/09 =-.
janice | Sharing the Journey July 24, 2009 at 4:08 am: Happy (belated) anniversary! May you be blessed with many more!

We usually spend our summer holidays in Greece, but had a staycation this year. I’ve missed eating out under the stars on warm balmy nights, but I haven’t missed the mosquitoes. We’re having pleasant summer weather here in Scotland, so I’m making sure we eat out in our garden as often as possible, even if we have to wrap up warmly to do it. I think fresh air makes food taste better!
.-= janice | Sharing the Journey´s last blog ..Journals and Juries =-.
Love Where You Live July 24, 2009 at 4:09 am: Love this post because it’s a favorite activity for us, especially in Colorado, where we have this fabulous front porch. We have a painted casual dining table out there where friends have gathered to break bread, drink vino, laugh. Good memories. Great post! Have a nice weekend, -susan
.-= Love Where You Live´s last blog ..Martha Stewart Lives in a Fine Galveston Manse =-.
Astrid July 24, 2009 at 6:53 am: I’d LOOOOVE to have a place like that in the first photo. To die for! We’ve got so many mosquitoes and wasps and other bugs that it just wouldn’t be practical. Perhaps some day!
.-= Astrid´s last blog ..* Mt. Horeb and Blue Mound State Park =-.
Pam Kersting July 24, 2009 at 7:46 am: Julia– Wish I could post some more photographs here to add to yours. I am planning a future post on Dining in the Outdoors as well. Stop by my blog today if you get a chance as I am also featuring houses! Happy Friday!
.-= Pam Kersting´s last blog ..Objects in the Landscape =-.
Cass @ That Old House July 24, 2009 at 9:51 am: Oh Julia, I am in love with that first photo! It would be so at home right here —

Love eating outdoors — we did it every day when I was a kid, and used to spend the entire summer at our old beach house. A long picnic table — big family! — on a beach stone patio. My Mom made generous tablecloths out of terry toweling: easily washed, easily line dried, and no ironing, plus they absorbed spilled milk! Misprinted Staffordshire transferware from John’s Bargain Store in Smithtown, Long Island, thick old ironstone mugs, big chunky pillar candles that somehow formed “angel wings” as they burned — great memories! I need to move the feast out of the house more often. Thanks for the inspiration! — Cass
.-= Cass @ That Old House´s last blog ..A $65,000 Kitchen Giveaway and Two Birthday Cakes To Share =-.
velvet and linen July 24, 2009 at 11:20 am: We must be on the same wave length this week, Julia.
I love eating outside during the summer. I just did a post on outdoor wicker furniture.
Have a wonderful weekend!

xo
Brooke
.-= velvet and linen´s last blog ..wonderful wicker =-.
lindalou July 24, 2009 at 11:42 am: I’m a first time visitor. Love this idea of sharing our favorite things.

I love outdoor eating. There’s a scene in the movie French Kiss, where they are eating outside..under the trees…fabulous!
.-= lindalou´s last blog ..Card of the Week (CPS #125) =-.
desiree@lookiloos July 24, 2009 at 1:13 pm: Julia,

I so wanted to participate this week but never got it together…next week I’m there!
.-= desiree@lookiloos´s last blog ..Ocean Views, Garden Respite in Couple’s Mountain Retreat =-.
DesignTies July 24, 2009 at 3:53 pm: Whoops, I totally forgot to leave a comment last night!! I don’t know where my head was….

I love eating outdoors in the summer Luckily, we have a covered patio in our backyard, so even thought it rains here every day, we can still eat outside.

Those fountains are great!! What a wonderful spot to eat dinner

Glad you like our new blog design I’m looking forward to seeing yours

Your name for the painting in our giveaway is perfect!! Except that it’s supposed to be just one word…. do you want to submit another name, or do you want me to turn your entry into one word??

Hope things warm up in your corner of the world — and in mine too!!

Kelly
.-= DesignTies´s last blog ..Hooked on… summer fun & giveaways!! =-.
Susan July 24, 2009 at 5:35 pm: I am soooo with you, Julia…definitely nice to dine outside…unless it broiling hot like it was here today. Happy Anniversary!
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Welcome to the 48th Tablescape Thursday, A Beautiful Life Party and an Awesome Give-A-Way! =-.
Lori July 24, 2009 at 7:04 pm: I recently became hooked on your blog…so I am passing on the One Lovely Blog Award to you! Come on over and get it when you have a chance!
.-= Lori´s last blog ..Blog award =-.
Jenny K July 25, 2009 at 3:08 pm: I am so glad I found out about your blog parties! I love seeing what other bloggers that I don’t normally visit are posting about. I get tons of great ideas this way!
.-= Jenny K´s last blog ..My "New" Library Window =-.
Tricia July 25, 2009 at 7:12 pm: Hi Julia.
Thanks for hosting again this week. There are lots of folks hooked on stuff this week, huh?!
I love the first photo. It is in my inspiration folder, actually.
Have a great weekend.
XO
*Tricia
.-= Tricia´s last blog ..Tim Irving Print =-.
Jodi from New Jersey August 11, 2009 at 11:09 am: Hi Julia. Thanks again so much for this great site. Where do you live? Please answer me, if possible. I am totally in love with Kitty Bartholomew’s home. What a dream! I do remember her home from years ago, and she still has the same toile slipcovers. I think they look beautiful, not even dated. Those gardens are to die for. I also enjoyed the house from Nights in Rodanthe. Kind of funky for me, but still fun. I think I’d rather have Diane Lane’s surburban home. Pretty fabrics. Maybe both………………. the beach house for the weekends and the suburbs for everyday…. Can’t a girl dream???? Thanks again and be well. Jodi