simple table tops for summer

Summer has definitely arrived- its been hot (not Texas hot though;) and really humid here.  The air conditioning units have been running non-stop.  (Thank goodness we put in central a.c., because "yes," you do need it in New Hampshire;)  Due to the heat I've had the need to simplify the table tops in the farmhouse for summer.  It almost feels like the farmhouse can breath easier with less to display;)

In the kitchen I used a Boston fern on the island and an ironstone platter on the freshly waxed table (thank you Dan!)

I love how something so simple can change the feel of the entire space.

Found the antique French ironstone "fish" platter in Paris.  I didn't want to ship it for fear it would get broken, so I carted it to the south of France and then back to Paris and then home on the plane!  A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do;)

In the dining room I placed the Japanese fishing floats in an old wire basket instead of the dough bowl that usually holds them.  Lighter.  I love how you see more of the blue/green and how that color is found in both seascape paintings in the room. 

In the living room a simple copper tray from India holds court.  The turquoise patina is found in the tapestry pillows and tapestry chair in the room.

Despite the heat and humidity we've still been hard at work in the yard.  I'll show you what we've been working on next.

So, do you lighten/simplify things in your house for summer?

Happy Weekend!