Warm summer nights spent in the garden are the best in my book. Here in Seattle, our summers are beautiful, but short. I love to enjoy a summer evening in our small urban garden with a casual meal. When I found this Pottery Barn farm table at the thrift store, I knew it would be perfect for the garden. At just under $30, I couldn’t pass it up.
Before
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Steps and Materials
It’s solid and sturdy, but the shiny orange finish was not my cup of tea. The look I wanted was more rustic / less orange. So, I stripped the top down to bare wood, being careful not to remove the dings and scratches (aka charm). To seal the bare wood without adding any shine, I applied a coat of Hope’s tung oil. It was still looking a little bit too new, so I gave it a coat of Country Chic antiquing wax. Just wiped on and wiped off. Perfect! My hope is that the top continues to age and patina naturally.
I lightly sanded the base, and then gave it 2 coats of Magnolia Home chalk paint in “Magnolia Green.” It’s such a pretty green. You can see my complete review of this paint here. I lightly distressed the edges using my sanding sponge, and then sealed the paint with a coat of Magnolia Home clear wax (which I absolutely love!). The green was looking a little bit too new and bright, so I toned it down with a bit of the antiquing wax as well.
All that hard work calls for a little relaxation, right? The table is perfect for an evening in the garden.
After
This is the view as you enter through the garden gate. The wood tones and green of the table blend perfectly in this space.
My inspiration for this table came from the classic bentwood cafe chairs. I spotted the set of 4 chairs at the Goodwill for just $3 each. What? I know! A whole set for $12.
They are in great shape and have the most gorgeous aged finish. When I got them home I turned them over for a closer inspection, and saw the mark “Mundus made in Czechoslovakia.” These chairs are the real deal and they are really old. Bentwood chairs and farm tables are the perfect combination.
I added a few faux branches to an old olive oil jar for the centerpiece. I used mason jars and French yogurt pots for simple candles.
I created the casual place settings with a mix of vintage and new plates. My best friend Bret shamed me into getting new wine glasses. I have to say, they really are great (and affordable).
A soft throw always adds a bit of cozy to an outdoor space.
I found the pretty olive tree at Safeway, and placed it in a rusty Turkish olive bucket. Sadie was thrilled, and wanted to know if we were going to grow olives. Probably not for another 20 years, but yes, it’s possible.
Thanks so much for joining me today. It means so much to me to have you stop by.
Table is beautiful and those chairs! what a steal! you always inspire~thank you
Thank you so much, Holly! I am so happy to hear that I inspire you. It means so much to me. Susan
Absolutely gorgeous! So pretty I’d be afraid to leave this beauty outside. Or do you store it when not in use?
Thanks, Linda! The table and chairs will only be outside temporarily. I plan to move them inside when the weather gets cooler and use for my project/craft table.
What a great job you did! Imagine finding that table for that price! Love when that happens!
Have a wonderful summer!
Thanks, Marion! I was definitely excited when I found the table. The thrill of the hunt never gets old!
It’s beautiful! I love the color you chose. And I can’t believe you paid $12 for those chairs!
I always wanted to put some old wood furniture in my yard but I’m so scared of the winter effects on it. Do you bring them inside or just cover them?
Thanks so much! I am planning to bring the table and chairs inside. Just keeping them outside as long as the weather stays nice. Susan
Looks feat! Table and chairs were both awesome finds, and I love how you painted the table. That would go in my HOUSE, not my yard!
Wow, I really do like the green. I really hope you did the “happy dance” when you found those chairs, OH MY GOSH! They are just gorgeous. What a beautiful setting, you are a very lucky (and hardworking) gal.
I am stunned that the table and chairs were a $42 investment! WOW — and the finishes (original and added by you) are so beautiful. I also love the olive oil jar on the table. Where did you get a find like that?
Thanks for sharing, your posts make my day!
Oh thank you so much, Sharon. Your sweet comments have made my day! I found the olive jar at the chicken feed store, of all places. It’s a local Seattle store called Portage Bay Grange. The owner sells random vintage pieces along with the farm supplies. Susan
You did a great job with the table, it looks fabulous! The chairs were an absolute deal and such a great find. Always be on the lookout for a great deal and you did it this time!
Lovely color! Looks beautifully styled as well. I’d love to hang out there!
Once again you have done a beautiful job!
Oh, thank you so much, Martha!
I love your farm table & chairs. A great Deal! And you did an amazing paint job. Enjoyed your post Today! 😍
Hi Jeanie! Thank so much for you sweet comments. I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed the post today!
Beautiful table! You have JB Devonshire china! That was my mother’s every day china! When she died, only 4 serving pieces had survived decades of use. I buy them when I find them at thrift stores, flea nuts & estate sales. thanks
Thank you so much! Yes, the pattern is Devonshire, and I love it so much. It has the most beautiful colors, and the detail on the edge is so pretty. I have a few serving pieces of other similar patterns with the same colors that I like to mix and match. I pick it up whenever I find it. That is so lovely to hear that your mother used Devonshire as her every day pattern.
What a beautiful job on color choice and refinishing on that table the chair choice was perfect to complete the set. With the prices you couldn’t go wrong!!!!!!! Absolutely gorgeous love the completed look
Just Beautiful!!! Where are those water glasses from?? So pretty!
Thanks so much! The green water glasses are thrifted. I always pick up this classic style of glass when I see them in the light green.
Green is my favorite color so needless to say I LOVE the table. Beautiful table setting. Happy Summer, Kippi
Susan, the table is beautiful; and those chairs are amazing!!! What a find! I would have snatched them up as well. Thanks for sharing all the pretty. Have a great rest of the week. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Looks fantastic and I love that it’s all DIY and on a budget. Yay!
Thanks so much, Larissa! Budget makeovers are my specialty!