Outdoor Seating: Picnic Style

There is this place in my neighborhood, Garnett's Cafe. I love going there. I remember the very first time I had lunch there, before the big move, exhausted after looking at multiple houses. I immediately fell in love with its casual and very charming decor. Located at a corner building in a triangle-shaped space, it offers a nice variety of salads and sandwiches that are catered just for you. Its retro-looking bar has a good variety of wine and beer. Their freshly-baked pies and cakes are amazing. The line of random cute chairs sitting in front of the entrance, rain or shine, makes one feel very welcome.

Photo by Jeff Horne

Painting by Betsy Morgan

Last time I had lunch there, I discovered that those chairs in the front are not the only outdoor seating this place offers. You can eat outdoors in the little park, right across the street from the restaurant. A stack of blankets is waiting in the corner of the dining room to be spread out on a green lawn. A picnic basket filled with delicious food packed per your order will accompany you on your outdoors venture. How cool is that?

If this inspires you to have a picnic of your own, here are my recommendations of the absolutely necessary items:
Wicker Picnic Basket from Williams-Sonoma and Waterproof Picnic Blanket from Picnic World
Drink responsibly: Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha my favorite wine from Spain
Eat lots of french bread with cheese and grapes! Enjoy!
Show up in style: Backswept Dress from Anthropologie was made for picnics!
Accessorize with Sevigne Washed Leather Sandals from J.Crew, or go barefoot - your choice!
Don't forget to polish your nails with one of many beautiful colors from Illamasqua and to protect your skin from sunburn and bugs with the Badger SPF 30+ Anti-Bug Sunscreen by BadgerBalm

Turquoise Obsession

• Butterfly Kiss Brooch

• Knotted Necklace

• Arche 'Lilly' Flat

• Anadyomene Cardigan

• Dotty Shorts

• Original Block Print - VASE NO. 26

• Abilene Sconce

• Le Versha Chair, Turquoise

WARNING:
These items are not intended on being put together. The color is very powerful, and to be used sparingly. If you sit on that chair wearing those shorts, you may blend in so much - no one will notice you.

Simple Pleasures

My next door neighbors have a big rose bush. The other day they generously offered to feel free and cut some flowers for the house. I could not resist the offer!
And here they are, so simple and so powerful. Their magic aroma lingers across the room...

Now that I have my own little garden, I understand the joy of gardening. This spring I have discovered Allium flowers planted by a previous owner. Their long stems crowned by a big round ball of tiny purple flowers make a beautiful simple statement in a tall glass vase.

Waiting for my own plants to grow from seeds, I am anxious to see the results. It does take a lot of time and patience, but the reward is truly priceless.

All Shades of Spring: Manhattan

Laura Mercier's Hydra Lip Tint in Crimson
OPI nail lacquer in Don't Mess With OPI
Central Park's steel sculpture by artist Eva Rothschild titled "Empire"

Urs Fischer’s 23-foot, 35,000-pound outdoor bronze sculpture of a yellow teddy bear combined with a giant working table lamp, Untitled

Window display of Anthropologie at Rockefeller Plaza
Swatched Terracotta Dinnerware

Mini cupcakes Baked by Melissa
Unknown building in NYC