Dining Alfresco

I love eating dinner outside.  The only downside, the slightest wind blows my napkins all over the place and then you run around the deck chasing things down.  There has to be a better way!  Perhaps we should get a handy caddy for dining on the deck!  Yup, a caddy would be perfect I thought to myself last week ( you know, before the snow came again..)

I initially envisioned picking up an old caddy and re-finishing one.  I checked Value Village to no avail.  I did manage to find something at Home Sense that was the right shape and size....but for $12.00, I did NOT want to have to re-finish it, and unfortunately the poem "Ode to a Father" that was painted on the side, was NOT the look I was going for.

Then I spotted a gorgeous woven tray.  It was already divided into sections perfect for bringing dinnerware out to the deck!  I wouldn't have to do a thing to it! 

By the time I got home, it was pretty late, but I really wanted to see how everything would look to make sure it would work, so I staged a little photo shoot!  I am BEYOND EXCITED with how it turned out!

All ready for dinner on the deck!

Let's take a closer look, shall we?

My white Royal Doulton dinner plates fit perfectly in the middle section.

Not just napkins... I rolled up a knife and fork inside each and fastened tightly with a white napkin ring!

Those gorgeous new napkins are outdoor fabric and SPILLPROOF!

The other side was a little trickier to dress:

A lone drinking glass was perfect for coralling dessert spoons.  I found these cute little natural colored bamboo silverware sets.  Here's a better view of the detailing:

In the middle are salt and pepper shakers (these have yet to be filled... use your imagination ok?)

Lastly, this little blue ramekin was the perfect size and color - plus it helped to contain the pretty little tablecloth weights I snagged.

I guess I lucked out cause they match the fabric PERFECTLY!

Turned out exactly as I wanted.  What do you think?