For the first few weeks after Christmas, I was really relishing the pared down look I had going here, with sort-of empty tabletops and less clutter. Well, I'm so over that now! Every time that I think I'm going to go for a more clean, streamlined look here, it only takes a matter of days before I start to miss my stuff.
I had even moved my chippy wicker table out of the living room, thinking it would feel more spacious if this piece wasn't in the way. It didn't. It just felt empty and bare. So the table came back, the plates went up, and now I love my living room again. I do think that a smaller table might work a little better here, so I've been cruising Craigslist and consignment shops for something new.
Remember when I said I had been doing some post-Christmas Etsy shopping, too? Here's my newest find! I love it soooo much. When it arrived I was literally running from room to room, trying to figure out where to put it. It made me wish that I had bought several so I wouldn't have to choose! I think I have a new obsession :) The tray came from Daph's Small World. She has so many nice vintage items, including several more vintage trays that are really pretty.
One of the other things I missed about the table was having a few candles lit in the evening. These sweet old bottles came from Maurie's mom's basement, and I love how the one is a perfect size to hold a tea light.
I have something else that's special to share tomorrow. Wait till you see what it is!
Joining
Courtney's Feathered Nest Friday at FrenchCountry Cottage
Cindy's Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Kim's Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
I love transferware....it looks great with the blacked checked ribbons! And I love tole trays too. Your new one is great!
Posted by: Penny @ The Comforts of Home & Flea Market Makeovers | January 31, 2013 at 03:39 PM
Love it!
Posted by: Stacey | January 31, 2013 at 03:56 PM
I totally understand that "pared down" thinking, Andrea! I usually last a couple of days, too. I can only take spare so far!
Posted by: Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions | January 31, 2013 at 03:56 PM
Oh, are you sure we're not kin? I have that almost exacct tole tray and those same plates. Love them in the window frame!! I also love the black and white checked ribbon. Pretty vignette.
Judy
Posted by: Judy Clark | January 31, 2013 at 04:07 PM
The castle plates are my every day dishes!
Gorgeous toleware tray, no wonder you love it.
Posted by: ladyhawthorne | January 31, 2013 at 05:14 PM
I love tole trays and transferware and I LOVE this beautiful display!! So pretty Andrea!
Posted by: Martina | January 31, 2013 at 06:29 PM
Andrea, it looks so pretty. Love the tray, I have a few, but not as pretty as this one. I'm just like you, when I paint and everything is down, I say to myself that I'm not putting it all back, but little by little it finds it's way. I still say that is going to happen though!!..Happy Thursday..Judy
Posted by: Judy Neumann | January 31, 2013 at 06:33 PM
I am so like you. I start out trying to keep everything light, but gradually add my favorite stuff back little by little. Love the window frame with your plates.
Mary Alice
Posted by: Mary Alice | January 31, 2013 at 07:20 PM
When I saw your link on My Romantic Home, I had to come over and see, since I have a large collection of red transferware AND another of black tole trays ... so I love you post, just charming, thanks.
Posted by: Pollyanna | January 31, 2013 at 10:54 PM
Oh, I just love your pretty display, the check ribbon really sets it off!!! Like you, I think I am gonna streamline,but my favorite things find a way back in!!!
Posted by: sweet violets | January 31, 2013 at 11:27 PM
So pretty!
- The Tablescaper
Posted by: The Tablescaper | February 02, 2013 at 09:58 AM
LOL! I know how that goes. I'm the same way. I think that I should just accept that less is not more when it comes to me :)
Love how you framed the transferware plates and the tole tray is gorgeous!
Posted by: Manuela@a cultivated nest | February 03, 2013 at 03:44 PM
Yes, I suspect we all relate to this thought. ;-)
Pretty plates and tole tray.
Posted by: Sarah | February 05, 2013 at 07:24 PM
I love that tray! My grandmother had something similar....I remember hers being huge and I always thought it was so pretty
Posted by: debra | February 06, 2013 at 05:28 AM
I have that tray. Love your vignette.
Posted by: Carlene | February 06, 2013 at 06:37 AM
You had me at the red and white transferware!! What a great idea to use the black and white gingham to hang!!! Gotta try that in my kitchen!
I'm also in love with your beautiful kitty! She is so glad to be in your beautiful home...I can tell since I am a crazy old cat lady ;^)
Blessings to you,
J
Posted by: Jaybird | February 07, 2013 at 12:18 PM