Cedar Hill Farmhouse

updated COUNTRY FRENCH

Dressed in White

By 53 Comments

Since I painted the china cabinet (click here) on my back porch, I have been wanting to share my country dining room with you.

Here are some views of the table that include the china cabinet. The cloth napkins are actually Ikea dish towels.  I love using these towels for napkins, since they are so large, they work wonderfully for messy meals.

When you look down the porch, you can see our daybed and the antique trunk we use as a coffee table.   You can see more of the back porch by clicking on this these previous back porch posts, here.

Our elegant “fancy” dining table is actually a 7 foot pine farm table I purchased at Marburger Farms in Round Top a few years back.

You’ll recognize the Ikea enamelware pitcher I use a lot.

The stems are an assortment of vintage and MIL crystal.  To be honest, I inherited so much crystal, that I moved my extras out here.  (Yes, I know I am blessed to have extras.)

These pressed glass bowls sparkle in the sun as it sets on the horizon. I know many of you are buttoning up your outdoor areas for the winter, but here in Texas, this is prime back porch weather.  It should be great outdoors most days until about July.  It looks like crystal in the photos, but it’s not.

These are the dishes we got at our wedding.

The white soup tureen is from my MIL’s house.  (Peggy made me keep it.)

The tablecloth is a dropcloth.
Some of you have voiced concern over my leaving the dishes in my china cabinet outdoors and subject to theft.  If you saw how our house was situated you would understand that most people don’t even know that our house is tucked back where it is.  It’s one of those places where just the address won’t really help you find it.  Even with directions, people often get lost.
And the fun thing about the china cabinet is that it has interior lights which look great after dark.
Peggy and I just finished restoring an old chandelier for use with candles that is now on our back porch.  That’s coming soon!!

 

Comments

  5. Natasha in Oz says

    Wow, what a stunning dining area! I actually thought I was in Australia with the bright lighting and “outback” scenery! I can’t wait to visit your little corner of America one day!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

    Reply

  8. Tracey says

    Anita, I love your home so much. I am always thrilled that you share the details with your readers. I love the use of outdoor space. Here in Maine, it’s just not practical. I suppose a 3 season porch would work,, maybe in the future. I really love this area of your home. Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply

  11. The Summer Porch says

    What an incredible set up Anita!
    Beautifully displayed the view alone was breathtaking..
    I love crystal especially for the sparkle it creates. Reading your post is going to make me miss outdoor living for another season.
    Have a great day,
    Hugs Rosemary…x

    Reply

  14. Dayle says

    I don’t usually like painted furniture, but this one is gorgeous! I’m supposed to help my niece paint a similar one for her backyard/patio area soon. Can’t decide on a color. Loving the white.

    Reply

  15. Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says

    OH MY GOODNESS!!! This looks like a magazine cover! What a beautiful retreat you’ve created and how lucky you are to live in such a beautiful place. I have to ask because I always wonder when I see porches like this: So what happens when it rains? Obviously you can’t drag the daybed and china cabinet indoors so what do you do? Thanks for sharing your lovely porch with us!

    Reply

  18. Sarah says

    What a perfect setting! I’d certainly enjoy meals on your porch. Thanks for sharing the beauty.
    I’ve been MIA, but have enjoyed catching up on some recent posts tonight. Great job! ~ Sarah

    Reply

  20. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    Hi, Anita! I love your idea of using the drop cloth as a table cloth! I’m using an ugly old table for extra seating this Thanksgiving and that’s the perfect answer to my tablecloth dilemma.
    I love your back porch. Such a beautiful table setting for a such beautiful place. Thanks for sharing all your great ideas!

    Reply

  26. Comeca Jones says

    Im thinking it will be beautiful at night! I love it that you make your outdoor spaces so cozy and inviting. Btw I had a blast in Canton scored some pretty good deals but this was my second visit so I didn’t really cover half of it but still it was a two hour drive that was well worth it.

    Reply

  32. Cindi @ Rustique Art says

    lovely. there is one photo that belongs in a magazine, I hope you submit it. it’s one of the table photos at eye level. fabulous.

    my mind didn’t wander to theft as much as wind, rain and dust. you know those good ole Texas dust storms 🙂

    you porch is the reason everyone wants a large front or wrap around porch. you are utilizing it to the max. bravo.

    Reply

  33. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    Anita, YOu have created a stunning outdoor living space. I would never want to go inside!
    I say keep your things outside and use them. They look perfect there. It is a blessing to have them!
    I need to come for a visit and sit on your porch!
    xo Yvonne

    Reply

  36. Zaa says

    What a delightful porch … I know I’d be out there everyday. Such a beautiful setting for that gorgeous table display too… Your cabinets looks wonderful in the glow of the sunlight…. I ‘ve been painting old wood work too but with winter setting in … my teatime parties will be in door ( ha Ha)… Thanks for sharing your creativity…Hugs

    Reply

  42. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Anita, this is sooo beautiful. There’s just something so special about dining on a porch. I love your photographs…they are magazine worthy, for sure. I would be having dinner on this wonderful porch every night! Gorgeous tablescape in a beautiful setting! Love it all!

    Reply

  48. Revi says

    It looks so pretty, Anita! I love how you pair the fancy and the plain together – drop cloth tablecloth with heirloom crystal. That sort of thing is exciting! Your farm table is great! And I’m with Peggy – the tureen is a keeper. 🙂
    -Revi

    Reply

  50. Alycia Nichols says

    I am so enamoured with the idea of being able to leave a china cabinet out…it just makes me shiver with excitement and joy! Although we live in a very nice area that doesn’t see much crime, the weather would be my undoing. Winds here blow so fiercely, and the overhang could never even begin to offer the necessary protection from the inevitable onslaught of wind, rain, ice and snow. I love the idea of it, though! It looks beautiful on your spacious porch! Beautiful set up!!!

    Reply

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