Patio Dining on Memorial Day | Life and Linda

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Patio Dining on Memorial Day

We celebrated Memorial Day by inviting our neighbors over for a dinner party.  We salute and honor the men and women who have given their lives for our country.


A Patriotic theme was used in this tablescape to show our love for our country.

 My husband and I decorated the space with flags, stars, hats and color coordinated flowers.


The  dollar store is so inexpensive and handy for decorations.  We found the patriotic stars, hats and garland there, along with the lights and flags.



The menu was Philly cheesesteak, potato salad, baked beans and 3 berry trifle. One of our neighbors made some wonderful baked beans.
My potato salad recipe is here
I didn't get a chance to take pictures of  most of the food, especially on the buffet island.
Click the Philly Cheesesteak to see my recipe


I love this recipe...it is so yummy and easy.  I took Martha Stewart's Cranberry Trifle recipe and tweaked it.  I used 3 different berries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries in lieu of the cranberries.  I omitted the ginger and brown sugar.  I get so many compliments on this dessert.
You can buy the 3 berry mix at Costco.
Here's my version:

Ingredients


  • 2 bags (12 ounces each) mixed berries, fresh or frozen
  • 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 bar (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 homemade or store-bought all-butter pound cakes (12 ounces each), cut into 3/4-inch-thick slices

Directions

  1. Step 1

    In a medium saucepan, combine berries, 2 cups granulated sugar, ginger, and 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer over medium; cook about 8 to 10 minutes. Let compote cool completely.
  2. Step 2

    Make cream filling: Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese,  remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla on high until well combined. With mixer on medium, gradually add heavy cream; continue beating until soft peaks form.
  3. Step 3

    Arrange 1/3 of cake in a 3-quart serving dish. Spoon 1/3 of compote over cake; spread to sides of dish. Dollop 1/3 of cream filling over compote; spread to sides of dish. Repeat twice, ending with cream filling. Cover; refrigerate at least 2 hours (or up to 1 day). Garnish with fresh berries.
    Martha Stewart's cranberry version is here.

     Here's some evening shots of our patios.

    French doors into our Breakfast room.



    Thanks for visiting.  Have a great week. 
    Sharing with the following blogs:
    Make It pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House
    Inspire Me Monday @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia 
    Table It @ Rustic & Refined
    Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
    Twirl & Take a Bow @ All Things Heart and Home

About Linda @ Life and Linda

Hello, welcome to LifeandLinda. I am from Northern California. I enjoy blogging, Designing Blogs, Decorating, cooking, entertaining, gardening and clogging. I hope you enjoy your visit.

24 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 27, 2014

    Hi Linda! First of all I'm wiping off the drool all over my puter from looking at your most most gorgeous outdoor space! How wonderful it is and that fountain! Now, I'm sure your neighbors felt so special coming over to your lovely home and seeing all you and your hubby did for them. The menu sounds so good too and thank you for the recipe! I'm going to make this.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  2. What a nice tribute table you set up. Everything looks wonderful. I've never made potato salad like that- sounds interesting and the dessert looks yummy :-) Your yard is so inviting- like a bit of Tuscany.

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  3. Linda, what a gorgeous setting; and I am sure your neighbors had a most enjoyable time in your beautifully decorated surroundings! Everything looks so serene and perfect for entertaining. Love your decorations. I need to hit the Dollar Stores before the 4th of July! This is really pretty!

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  4. Beautiful table setting. The menu sounds delicious. And, you landscaping divine!!

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  5. Oh Linda, I could relax on that patio and never be indoors. Love the setting and your dessert sounds very yummy. The photos at night are simply stunning. xo

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  6. What a beautiful setting, Linda, during the day and especially at night. I love all your dollar store decorations. The menu sounds wonderful and I will need to make your trifle. It looks so patriotic, too.
    Thanks for researching why many of us are not receiving email updates on blogs we are subscribed to. I didn't receive yours again, either. :-(

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  7. It is a beautiful setting, Linda. Just lovely and patriotic and welcoming feeling. Lucky guests to be able to enjoy the setting and have YOU as the host(s). xo Diana

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  8. How beautiful, Linda! Perfect spot and setting to spend a relaxing evening. Hugs, Maria

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  9. Gorgeous patios, love your fountain! Dish looks yummy too! Hope you are having a great week!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  10. AnonymousMay 28, 2014

    What a beautiful patio and a lovely party! I can imagine your guest had a grand time. Isn't the Dollar Store great?

    I love that photo of the open doors, up the steps from the patio and into your home - very nice.

    Thanks for visiting my blog.
    :)Hope

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  11. I ALWAYS enjoy visiting you here in Blogland!!! Everything is simply beautiful!

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  12. So much to comment on here Linda! First, your yard landscaping is just gorgeous and I love all the details. Thanks for sharing the recipe ~ what an incredible spread to celebrate the holiday! I am envious of your weather. Seattle enjoyed a few sun breaks however the neighborhood BBQ was supposed to take place on a large deck and that did not happen due to pouring rain. We can expect the sun to be out on for the summer after the 4th of July.. that's just the way it is. On a positive note, the rain keeps our forests green:) Hope you are enjoying your week! xxleslie

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  13. Hi Linda, What a wonderful outdoor setting for Memorial Day. I love your patio!!The decorations are perfect and isn't it amazing what we can find at the Dollar Store? What did we do before??
    The food sounds so good and thank you for sharing the recipes. You are one talented lady my friend.
    Have a great week.
    Hugs!!

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  14. You always create the most gorgeous settings!

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  15. Wow! What a beautiful outdoor space you have...I love that gorgeous fountain and all that stone facade, reminds me of an Italian villa! loving the urns overflowing with greenery.....beautiful setting and the trifle looks scrumptious! Happy week~hugs, Poppy

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  16. Dearest Linda! I am finally here! I see you came by to visit me today - thank you so much. I got notification of your new post here right after I got to work and was unable to come here via my tablet.

    YOUR GARDEN and French doors are my dream. I do have French doors overlooking my garden and everything is looking so great, but one thing I wish I did have that you have are the pavers. We have gravel, and it is very southern French, but our Minnesota climate makes for a lot of pine tree debris that is very hard or rather, virtually impossible to clean up. Your landscape is PERFECTION! You are just wonderful with your themes and tablescapes!

    Big hugs and enjoy a fabulous week! Anita

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  17. Linda, your home is stunning! I love all of your outdoor spaces, and I love what I can see of your beautiful home. The entry to your kitchen is wonderful, and I love that fountain. Your red, white, and blue table and all of the fun décor make that space the perfect place to celebrate Memorial Day. laurie

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  18. Everything looks fantastic, Linda! The night time photos are especially beautiful and I'm sure a good time was had by all. I could sit and sip sangrias and take bites of your trifle all night long. Love the tablesetting and the bar, too. You do it all, Wonder Woman! Lots of hugs and love to you. xoxo

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  19. Your patio area is just so doggone pretty! I love it! I would love to have stonework all around like that. It's just so, so pretty!

    Your decor was fun to celebrate the day! You're so right...the dollar store is just a lifesaver!

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  20. All those wonderful decorations, I have to get back to the dollar store more often. Your patio looks wonderful. Heading over to PIN your cheese steak and potato salad. 2 of my favorite's!

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  21. Linda, I'm a bit late arriving, but certainly enjoyed your festive setting. Your home is lovely. I'd spend all my leisure time outdoors on your patio. '-)

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  22. A wonderfully decorated party with such attention to detail with gorgeous food and served by such an engaging hostess.
    Great for such a noteable ocassion as your Memorial Day celebrations :)

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  23. Linda, everything looks wonderful and I must hit the Dollar Store today for Fourth of July decor. I could vacation with a few good books in your yard! Looks very relaxing! xo

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  24. Oh Linda, it all looks SCRUMPTIOUS! The decorations AND the food! I will check out your recipes, the trifle sounds fabulous! Thanks for sharing this with us!!! Sorry I am late in visiting!

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