As the days keep speeding past,
my sails are fully set for summer.
Join me to celebrate the first Monday of July 2026.
Welcome to Monday Morning Blooms
where my flower-loving friends Pam, Lidy, and Mary
celebrate the beauty of fresh flowers and seasonal inspiration.
I'm always honored when asked to join as a guest host.
Today I am celebrating with summer dahlias
in my treasured Nantucket baskets.
Our sailboat was christened "Hyacinths For The Soul" after Saadi's poem, just as I named this blog when I first posted in 2009.
Quiet reflection of beautiful memories often fills my mind these days,
and today's post is a nod to summer days sailing Lake Travis, vacations at the seashore, and cherished times on Nantucket.
Sadly I've few photos of times spent sailing Lake Travis.
Fortunately my memories are picture perfect!
There were many late afternoon sails till the sun set,
full days sailing, often anchoring in a cove for a
refreshing swim and picnic meals.
Our Hyacinths definitely "fed our souls."
was buying fresh flowers grown on the island.
The Flower Truck is a staple on Main Street
Thursdays through Saturdays.
I filled my Nantucket baskets with these
gorgeous ruby red dahlias from the grocery store.
Dahlias are native to Mexico and Central America.
They are considered "tender perennials" and grow from tubers.
Sadly, I've not had any success growing my own.
It's so easy to fill the baskets with fresh flowers,
scatter a few seashells, and voilà,
you have a perfect centerpiece!
The table linen, with its nautical theme, is a favorite from
Arte Italica, though sadly the anchor linens are now discontinued.
Good news is that these large Royal Napkins
are available in either red on white or blue on white.
I chose a simple summer plate stack with
pieces long among my dish stash.
Wedgwood Nantucket Basket China
Mackenzie-Childs' Royal Check Enamel
Melamine Anchor Plate
Join me for simple, summer alfresco dining.
The baskets are also perfect for
serving a sweet after dinner treat.
Please help yourself!
In winter months, I sometimes fill my baskets
with artificial white berries or pussy willow.
~ Spring ~
Have I inspired you to add
some Nantucket baskets to your home?
I highly recommend a visit to Nantucket.
I'm eager to return!
Enjoy more July floral inspiration
at Pam's, Mary's, and Lidy's links below.
All the best for a perfect summer!
ReplyDeleteSarah, Be still my nautical loving heart! I love your collection of Nantucket baskets and how you use them for the different seasons. I also love seeing your sailing photos with Monnie. I know those memories are near and dear to your heart. The whole setting looks like the perfect place to sit with a cup of tea and enjoy a peaceful morning. You have such a gift for making every table feel warm, personal, and inviting. Thank you for another beautiful dose of floral inspiration, and I'm so happy you bloomed along with us this month! Wishing you a wonderful week filled with more flowers and time in your beautiful garden. 🌸🧺💗
Good morning, Sarah. Thank you for sharing your precious memories of your sailing days with your beloved Monnie on Lake Travis and vacations on Nantucket. We had a beautiful trip to Nantucket a few years ago. I don’t know why I didn’t buy a basket. The ruby red dahlias are stunning in your Nantucket baskets. The large Royal Napkins are perfect and the MKC anchor plates are fun and whimsical. I sound like a broken record when I say your attention to detail amazes me. Your vignettes and tables are perfectly styled and I enjoyed seeing how you used the baskets in different seasons. I would love to share an anchor cookie with you and reminisce about Nantucket.
ReplyDeleteIt is always a pleasure to have you join us for Monday Morning Blooms!
Good morning, Sarah. Thank you so much for sharing your memories of your sailing days with Monnie and your vacations on Nantucket. I've never been, but as you know we share the joy of having a sail boat like yours, and I love seeing the pictures of the two of you on your boat.
ReplyDeleteYour red dahlias are so stunning in your lovely Nantucket baskets. I love the large royal napkins, and also have towels like that. They look wonderful with your MKC plates, what a beautiful setting, dear friend. It is the perfect spot to have a cup of coffee or tea to begin the day, and to drink sweet tea or a glass of wine in the early evening. You make everything look so peaceful and beautiful, Sarah - you have a gift for creating beauty. It's always such a blessing when you join us for our Monday Morning Blooms!
xo Lidy
Oh the sweetest pics of you and Monnie.. Same smile Sarah.I do love Nantucket and the baskets.I would return there.Enchanting.
ReplyDeleteSarah I so enjoy your.blog. I swoon over every post. Lol You have inspired me in many ways. Thank you Peggy S
ReplyDeleteOh Sarah, how I loved seeing early photos of you and your Chef! Such wonderful memories you have of those bygone days. Your Nantucket basket collection is so amazing and so versatile for the seasons. I’d love to visit there for sure! Your table looks so pretty with them and yes, I’d love one of those darling sugar cookies!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos Sarah and memories of your loved one. We can still have our memories when photos fade, can't we? You and I share that part of our lives tho we have never officially met. Those Nantucket baskets are so gorgeous with red dahlias...thanks for sharing how you used them in the different seasons...I'm going to have to check on baskets (as if I need anymore) but yours are so lovely. Of course your MKC Takes center stage...those pieces are always beautiful. Kari @ Me and My Captain
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful photos and a wonderful post. I love the idea of Nantucket but have never been. The anchor motifs are a lovely touch. Great use of the Nantucket baskets. Have a great summer.
ReplyDeleteWhat sweet memories! I got rid of my few Nantucket baskets and kept only one favorite! I miss living on the Cape and will return in a few weeks for a visit! Pretty table setting!
ReplyDeleteSarah, your Nantucket baskets are so very special. Thak you sharing the most wonderful memories attached to them and your days of sailing with your beloved Monnie. One of my purse collecting friends hails from MA, and she always carried a Nantucket basket purse to the annual gatherings. I love how you've styled July blooms.for the Monday Morning bloom post of July. It is so fitting, and a beautiful setting.
ReplyDelete