A while back I posted my “30 Before 30” list.  I sort of completed my 29th goal…

…by coming up with a 29th goal! :)  

Take a look at this picture, please:

Beautiful, right?  It reminds me of a time during one harvest when I was out combining with Sean.  His grandma brought a meal out to the field.  She set up a card table and chairs, with a real tablecloth, real dishes, silverware, crystal glasses, and a huge spread of food.  There, in the middle of a dirty, windy field we ate supper.  It was absolutely ridiculous. 

Ridiculous.  But a little part of me thought it was also kind of awesome.

I see these kinds of pictures all the time - outdoor dinner parties (lots from Country Living and Martha Stewart especially).  I always think how absolutely ridiculous they are… but I also think they’re fabulous.  Real dishes, beautiful table linens, pretty decor.  How much fun is that?  So I have my 29th goal:

Throw one ridiculous and beautiful outdoor dinner party.  No disposable plate-vinyl table cloth-lawn chair-hot dog-BBQ here (though I love those too).  I’m talkin’ a party that is totally aesthetically beautiful.  There are a few things I’ll need to do to achieve this goal:

1. Find a great outdoor space.  The middle of a field amidst canola - not so great.
2. Lots of practice with regular hospitality.  I.e. I need to become better/more efficient at cooking, and having people over.
3. Figure out who to invite to such a dinner party.  I’ll need a group who could throw practicality out the window and enjoy the whole ridiculous thing.  Hmmm.. my husband might not make the guest list then… ;)

So, for this week I’ve got some outdoor dinner party inspiration shots for you!  A nice farewell to summer!  Enjoy!