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Guest Picks: Summer Cottage Breakfast Table
Wake up to a thoughtfully set table for a simple morning meal by the lake
I went to architecture school but am now a design and craft blogger over at Lauren Elise Crafted where I highlight crafts, DIYs and tutorials, photography, vintage finds, and all things lovely.
I went to architecture school but am now a design and craft blogger over... More »
My family and I gathered around the table for breakfast the other day, a ritual that does not happen frequently because of work and busy schedules. As we ate and conversed it got me dreaming about the ideal summer breakfast — where it would be and what foods we would share. I would celebrate the start of summer in a rustic cabin near a lake and begin each day with the season’s best berries and fresh-from-the-oven scones. It would be a simple meal in a simple setting.
My fantasy cabin and all the elements inside would harmonize with nature and reflect the beautiful surroundings. If you are spending your summers by the lake, then here are a few items that will complement your pastoral table. — Lauren fromLauren Elise Crafted
My fantasy cabin and all the elements inside would harmonize with nature and reflect the beautiful surroundings. If you are spending your summers by the lake, then here are a few items that will complement your pastoral table. — Lauren from
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Fresh bread can quickly become hard or spongy if left out or placed in a plastic bag. A linen bread bag actually keeps it fresher longer and helps it maintain that crunchy outer crust. Whether you are baking your own loaf or heading to the local market, this bag is a must for the country kitchen.
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A summer breakfast would not be complete without fresh, in-season berries, such as blackberries, blueberries and strawberries. This stainless steel colander's small size will fit perfectly on a crowded morning table. Set it on an open shelf as decor when not in use.
by Farmhouse Wares
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This glass milk bottle has nostalgic details that will be just the right touch for any country home. Milk may not be home delivered anymore, but your breakfast table can still feel like it comes from another era.
by Anthropologie
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These small teak spoons are the perfect size for dipping into jam or honey jars. And the two-toned color gives a modern twist on the classic wood spoon.
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A kitchen is always in need of towels for wiping up messes, drying hands and doing the dishes. This linen towel is absorbent but lightweight, and the classic navy stripe is just the accessory for a country kitchen. You can also spread this towel out on the table and use it as a small tablecloth or place setting.
by Herriott Grace
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This beautiful set of linen napkins is hand-screened with illustrations by Melinda Josie. The artist has depicted a small collection of pussy willow branches. Be inspired by the artwork at breakfast and then go out into the country with your own sketchbook. Search for local floral and plant varieties and bring them home to display in glass jars.
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Juice oranges in the morning for a tart treat. This juicer also works as a pitcher and has an easy-pour spout. The measurements make it convenient for baking too.
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Spend your summer days out in the berry patches and take along these vintage balsa wood baskets to carry home all of your loot. The rustic patina of these baskets adds to the charm. You could also use them as organizers in the kitchen for holding fruit, spice jars or utensils.
by Anthropologie
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These zinc pots have a corroded, industrial feel and would make unique canisters for growing kitchen herbs. Display them along a window ledge and allow herbs to grow for a wild, untamed appeal. Keep these pots in the kitchen and snip off leaves when you need to spice up your recipes.
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This simple white pitcher is perfect for morning orange juice or milk. I like juicing a lot of oranges at once and keeping the juice cool in the refrigerator so I can get refreshing sips throughout the day.
by Crate&Barrel
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My favorite part about making scones is getting to use the bristle brush to wipe on an egg wash and then to dust the scones with sugar. This is the last step before baking to add a hint of sweetness to buttermilk scones. You can also use it to brush glazes, sauces, butter and oil onto baked goods and prepared meals.
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This coffee mill is actually attached to a classic Ball mason jar. If you use mason jars around your country home already, then this mill will fit right in. The hand-constructed grinder has cast iron and walnut features, and will help extract all the intricate flavors from your coffee beans.
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These blue rim enamel tumblers appear to be straight from the summer campsite. Enamelware is durable and easy to clean so it is perfect for camping and picnics. But this tumbler is simple and beautiful enough to be used inside as well. The stackable design makes for easy storage too.
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Rice baskets are traditionally used to haul rice to the market, but this basket would be a handy tool to have around the house. Throw dirty laundry into it; turn it into a picnic basket and carry out food and utensils; store extra toys in there. The top half of the basket is collapsible for convenient storage, and the lovely form and woven reed material would make a stand-out decor piece.
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Keep your coffee warm throughout the morning. This beautifully-designed pot has enamel coating over steel that is thermally efficient.
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Mornings by the lake can be brisk, making it hard to pull yourself out of bed. On those days, head to the breakfast table wrapped in these super-soft wool blankets. Or, snuggle up under them at night as you watch for shooting stars or roast s’mores over a fire.
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This ceramic sugar bowl has a ton of handmade charm and comes complete with a bamboo spoon. The handwritten label makes it easy to locate in a bustling and lively kitchen. The lid has a simple, stripe design, and it also helps keep out moisture.
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Keep your morning coffee routine organized with this java set — a little white creamer and sugar bowl. Even if you drink your coffee black, it is nice to offer up the option for your guests.
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Stop wasting paper bags for use as lunch sacks. This enamel lunch box is an ecofriendly alternative that is made using a traditional labor-intensive process. The enamel surface is nonporous, so the material is hygienic. If you have a lot of leftovers from breakfast, then take them with you on your hike or bike ride for an easy on-the-go lunch.
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The cottage summer experience would not be complete without a sit in a classic porch rocker. Enjoy your morning cup of coffee as you rock and slowly plan your day, or catch up with family at the evening’s end. These rockers are comfortable, durable and just the thing for a country porch.
Next: 10 Elements of a Porch Paradise
Next: 10 Elements of a Porch Paradise
Comments
the_misfit I think Ikea has the best buys on striped hand towels. Three or four of them for four or five dollars, I think, and very pretty.
12 months ago · Like
Ann-Tyler Konradi I love every single item in this idea book. Thanks for sharing so many affordable ideas!
12 months ago · Like
Casart Coverings All the wonderful items that remind me of a time when life was simpler. I especially remember those berry baskets and how the berry juice would seep into them and stain them. Remember when you actually squeezed orange juice by hand or when milk came in glass bottles and may have even been delivered to your door? Remember sitting in a rocker on the porch at night watching fireflies? No? Well, I'm sorry about that.
11 months ago · Like
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Liz Long Interiors I loved this article! I now have a long laundry list of items I "need" to purchase before our next family breakfast. This was such a sweet and refreshing article. Thanks for the nostalgia
11 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on June 11, 2012.
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