A Beach Brunch & SD’s Top 5 Summer Reads

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I don’t even try to hide it these days.  I am in need of a serious beach vacation-

Sun, sand, the sound of surf, and that soft evening breeze that saunters across the waves- 

So, in honor of the saying “if you can’t make it to the beach, make the beach come to you”…

Wait, that is a saying, right?

Well, if it isn’t, it should be.  So in honor of what should be a saying, this week I’m sharing a special little beach brunch tablescape and my top 5 beach reads for this summer’s easy reading.   You can scroll to the bottom and go straight for the list if you like.  But why would you?  Let’s take a little vacation on our screens together for a moment.

This sweet little beach-inspired number can be done on a larger scale if you are serving guests or are thinking dinner instead of brunch.  I’ve got my picnic bucket sitting tableside with 2-3 more place settings just in case friends should want to join!  It never hurts to be prepared.  And if no one happens to come along, I’ve got a book or two tucked away in there too!

When putting together this beach brunch, I started with seasonal fruit and just a few of the things I love about being seaside.  Turquoise blue water, pineapples, and bright, yellow lemons take center stage.

Letting the lemons and the pineapple do most of the work, keeps the cost of this table down.  I love mixing in things we will actually use at a table with other reusable elements (like a table cloth- my mom will be so proud that I used one!) to create a relaxed, casual atmosphere.  This “double duty” strategy keeps my table practical and inexpensive while making clean up a snap (the table practically clears itself)!

I love these white starfish.  I wish I could say that I found them on some exotic beach somewhere, but I didn’t.  These little guys are easy to find at most home decorating stores. 

Ahhh… The only thing that could make this more perfect would be a great book to read while we sit water side, sipping our sparkling lemonade.  Good thing I’ve got that top 5 list for you!

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ASD’s Top 5 Summer Reads

These are my top 5 recommendations for easy, relaxing reads at the beach or in those stolen quiet moments this summer.  Each book is accompanied by an Amazon link where you can read more about the book or quickly snag it for some enjoyable reading time right away.  (There are even digital and audio options!)  So pick one or two, open the cover and find a friend on the pages.

The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson (If you are a Downton Abbey fan, this is your book!)

La’s Orchestra Saves the World by Alexander McCall Smith

Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon

Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool  (A young adult read whose story is every bit as gripping and grown up as To Kill A Mockingbird.  I loved every minute of it.)

Wish You Well by David Baldacci

For more reading recommendations, visit my Southern Discourse Amazon Store!

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The books suggested in this post were read because of my own interest, and the recommendations are my own.  ASD was not paid by authors or publishing houses to read, review, or list any books.

This post does contain Amazon affiliate links.  I earn a small commission if any purchases are made when you click through those links.  That commission is a vital part of what keeps A Southern Discourse up and running.  Thank you so much for being a part of ASD!

A Southern Discourse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

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