Capturing the beauty and relaxed pace of the last part of summer includes dining outdoors every chance we get, and the garden provides effortless floral bounty with cheerful Annabelle hydrangeas.

The cooler temperatures towards evening make some slightly heartier fare very welcome.  We started with Tuscan Bean Soup, followed by a whole chicken done on a vertical roaster on the barbecue, accompanied by Succotash.  We finished with a delicious Apple Cake with caramel drizzle and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The china is Villa de Medicis by Gien, and the crystal is Belle Epoque by Nachtmann, both patterns now sadly discontinued.  The placemats are a Victorian style rattan, and the cutlery is from an antique canteen set of silver with bakelite handles, both from Country Dining Room.  The linens, the acorn napkin rings and the squirrel salt cellar are all from Pottery Barn.