Weekend Cottage Review #1

Hey there friends, I thought I'd try having a weekly post where I share some fun things from around the Internet and also share some thoughts and ideas that are more personal. I've done this before, but when things in life became crazy or I was too busy with blogging commitments I'd slack off and lose momentum. But I've realized there are so many times when I'd like to share just a small idea or image or some random thought, but I had no place to really do that. My brain fills up with bits and pieces and I'd like to have a dedicated space to share them. 

Winter Whites Tabletop Vignette

I don't share this little table often because it tends to be a catch all for whatever I'm putting together in the Garden Room. But it has a sweet little shelf where most of my ironstone pitchers live year round and my vintage silver tray and a mix and match coffee service. It turned out that it was a perfect spot with just the right amount of space to pull together a "winter white" look for these early days of January.

Christmas on a Vintage Silver Tray

Hi Friends, I'm so glad you're here today because I'm joining in with a great bunch of bloggers for a really fun get together. We're sharing Holiday inspirational ideas for some easy decorating for Christmas. I think most of us have some kind of tray, shallow basket, or antique pan that can easily be dressed up with greenery, candles, dishes etc. for a unique and even functional addition to our Christmas decor. Let's grab some inspiration for an easy movable decor vignette.

A few misplaced things...

Even though we're working on the new house with it pretty much in disarray and a lot going on, I still have that need to scatter a little Fall Decor about. During August and September I was able to get a jump on some packing, especially some of my decor pieces like old dishes and vintage odds and ends. I found a few things that I don't think I'd shared on the blog for awhile so I thought I'd try to use a few of them for the season.

Hello Fall on the Silver Tray and Fall Home Tours

One of my favorite ways to Welcome in the Autumn Season is with a scented candle on my vintage silver tray on the Kitchen peninsula/bar area. I keep the tray there year round with one of my vintage silver coffeepots and a Topiary, then change up the seasonal goodies accordingly. This candle has a great font graphic that says it most appropriately... Hello FALL!

Christmas Brunch in Tartan Plaid

A week or so ago, I had a little trial run to set a Christmas Breakfast or Brunch with my Red Transfer ware. I had been looking for Red Tartan Plaid placemats, and found these on Ebay. They were half the retail price from last year, and were brand new in the original packaging from Penneys, so I was glad to find these. I bought two sets, since when I need them, I'm usually setting a table for six.

Christmas Dining Room

I love this time of year, 

but getting dark around 4:30 can be frustrating,

especially when you're editing photos and realize

that you need just one extra shot.

I tried to make use of the lower light 

and just add a little twinkle.

So, let's take a peek at the Dining Room,

all dressed up for Christmas.

A Little Valentine Chaos

Hello Friends, 

Hope you're having a "Sweet" Valentine's Weekend!

Entry with a Vintage Sunflower Print

I hadn't done much if anything, different with my Entry Area since I received the wonderful Sheep Print from Canvas Pop, earlier in the year. But now it's time for a little more "Late Summer" sprinkled around in here. 

Canvas Pop Print

Tea Cup Garden

Do you ever need a little gift in a hurry...

Something that's sweet and thoughtful and not fussy?

Just take a minute and put together a Tea Cup Garden

It's so easy to pick up orphan cups, sugars, and creamers when your out at the fleas. They usually are just a few dollars, and when combined with a little green plant or posie they convey a sweet and thoughtful sentiment.

I always like to give my girlies a little something for Easter, and since they aren't fans of candy, I try to come up with something that they can enjoy beyond the moment.

I found these little pint sized creeping figs, but in a pinch you could just divide a little Swedish or English Ivy, Angel Vine, or any houseplant that you may have on hand. Grabbing a little moss from a shady outdoor spot works too. Just make sure not to over water, since there isn't any drainage. A little something living and green that will brighten any windowsill or counter.

I have this one sitting on an iron pedestal with a bunny box

on the buffet in the Dining Room.

Don't you love the logo on the plant tag?

Rabbit Shadow

Keeping a little stash of small containers

 will give you the ability to say "Thank You", "You're Special",

"Happy Birthday" or "Just Because".

An easy and thrifty way to share the love...

joining these weekly parties:

Share Your Style Spring Blog Hop

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House

The Scoop at  Cedar Hill Ranch

Knick of Time Tuesday

Inspire Me at A Stroll Thru Life

Hope you've had a wonderful weekend.

xoxo

Just a little silver and sparkle...

This is a post from last New Year's Eve that I wanted to share again. So many of you are new to blogging this year, and maybe hadn't seen it. It's one of my favorite vignettes. I had been wanting to do a cupboard with just silver and neutrals and decided to put this together the week after Christmas. Odds and ends and clock faces and silver. I enjoyed it until the Valentine's bug bit me in mid January. Love the seasons and holidays...keeps things interesting, and in somewhat of a disarray. 

This is on my sideboard in the Hall kitchen, which gets changed out regularly. I like to clear things off and start fresh each month.

I wanted some New Year's Eve sparkle!

Just look at the patina on this old metal painted vanity mirrored tray.

Love this old wedding certificate.

I haven't been able to get a lot accomplished this week, I'm taking it easy on the ankle. Thanks so much for all your well wishes and kind words. I still have some Christmas decor that needs to be put away... I'm ready for a fresh start for 2012. 

Thank you, each one of you, who comes by to visit. You're my inspiration, and my motivation to stay busy and focused. Non bloggers may not understand us, but we know the friendship and "community" are real. I think of you each as a blessing. 

Vintage Inspiration Friday 

is still going strong, click here.

Have a wonderful New Year's Eve!

xoxo,

joining in on these parties:

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

A Little Cream and Sugar with that Tree?

A few years ago, after both of the girls were married, I went through all the Christmas ornaments and separated them for their own family Christmas trees.  Then, when I started in the flea market biz a while back I began collecting silver and gold Shiny Brites. I love the ones with scenes or that are embossed. But to really make a little yuletide "sparkle", I gathered my vintage sugars and creamers and hung them alongside on the Living Room Tree.

I love the contrast between the burlap and the "woodsy" feel

with the silver, golds, and sparkly.

I guess you could call it my "Magpie Tree".

( A bird who finds shiny treasures and brings them back to the nest)

Glittered snowflakes of several varieties

My favorite, number "3"

A Snowbaby from my mom.

Found silver baby cup

and some nature and woodland creatures

This tree is a contrast to my Dining Room tree

 that's loaded with lots of color and vintage Putz Houses and Churches.

I think I'm about "done" with the decorating,

Now, I'm just trying to slow down and enjoy the Season.

I'm joining in with these Holiday Parties:

Thrifty Decor Chick for Christmas Trees

Wow us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday at Primp

Share the Love Wednesday at Very Merry Vintage Style

Amaze Me Monday at Dittle Dattle

What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants

Sew Crafty Tuesday at Ruby Jean's

Thriftin' on a Thursday at Savvy City Farmer

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

See ya Thursday afternoon for 

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Can't wait to see what you've been up to this week!!

xoxo,