Since putting away the Christmas decor, I have been a little stumped on where I wanted to go next with the potting bench on our front porch. I mean, it's winter. We still have plenty of nice weather in Dallas, but it could get cold any time. It doesn't make sense to spend alot on plants, but the bench is what I see right out my kitchen window, and I can't just look at it sitting empty!
Remember the magazines I spoke of earlier? Well, it turns out that there's a reason I have never parted with them. Enter Victoria magazine, January 2001. This beautiful vignette stopped me in my tracks. Every issue of Victoria that I have been going through is still as lovely and relevant today as it was when published. That speaks volumes about classic design, doesn't it?
I loved every element in the photo. Then I realized, I have all of this! The galvanized pails, a white lantern, and lots of crusty pots. I dug around in our back yard and storage area, and now our potting bench has a lovely new winter vignette.
Y'all know me: most of these items were thrifted, yard-saled, or just plain plucked from the side of the road. Seriously, could you drive past a big trash heap with watering cans in it and not slam on the brakes? Leave perfectly weathered galvanized buckets to their fate in the landfill? I didn't think so :) And if you haven't seen my Christmas post about the potting bench, it was saved from a big trash day heap, also. As was that pretty lantern with the cut glass panels. OK, they're actually plastic, but I couldn't even tell until I took it apart to paint it.
The lush kalanchoes came from our local 99 Cents Store, for a whopping $2. Succulents are $1 each there, and I'm going to start picking them up whenever I see them for a future Copycat Challenge. (Hint: did anyone else see the spring Country Gardens magazine?)
I love this little touch of freshness in the middle of January. Granted, it was 76 outside the day I set this up, and I had to go change into shorts. But this is Dallas, and next week it could snow. If it does, the kalanchoes and succulents will come and hang out in the house until it warms up. Last night we sat outside with our friend Katy, lit all of the candles, and enjoyed the beautiful evening.
Funny too, that I didn't read the article until I had finished, and learned that this is a store! In Paris! Maybe I should set up shop on my front porch, haha.
Thank you, Victoria, for showing us beautiful, timeless vignettes that are as fresh today as they were eleven years ago.
I'm joining:
Seasonal Sundays #84 at The Tablescaper
Debbie's Magazine Copycat Challenge at Debbiedoo's
Susan's Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Nita's Mod Mix Monday at Mod Vintage Life
Mary's Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage
Party Time Tuesday at Northern Cottage
Linda's Nifty Thrifty Tuesday #98 at Coastal Charm
Marty's 100th Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Beth's Tutorials and Tips at Home Stories A to Z
Mary's Share the Love Party at Very Merry Vintage Style
Kim's Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Judy's Winter Blues Wednesday at DIY By Design
Paula and Patti's What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants
Sherry's Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
Gina's Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage
Jill's French Inspiration Thursday at French Cupboard
Joy's Thriftin' on a Thursday at Savvy City Farmer
Diann's Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove
Debra's Vintage Inspiration Friday#74 at Common Ground
Farmhouse Friday at Laurie Anna's
Cindy's Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Jen's Weekend Wrap Up at Tatertots and Jello
Donna's Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors



















