Those Shelves Sure Filled Up Quickly! Vintage Giveaway!

     I told you that I would show you the shelves once they were loaded...it certainly didn't take long to fill them! I thought I had so much space...and then I didn't have enough. Isn't that how it always is? The sad thing is that my holiday dishes are stored in the cedar chest (you will see it later in the post) and my good china as well as my mother's china are also stored in a different room and all of my white dishes, everyday dishes and a few others are in the kitchen. At least I can see what I have now.

     This room is an interior "bedroom" in our basement. It has no window, so I wouldn't sleep in it. The prior owners used it as a home office. No one sees the room, so the furniture is just a mix of old pieces we had around the house that function to hold things. I didn't paint them because I knew they would just get scratched and battered. The bookcase holds ribbon and a few other crafty items. Old crocks work well for florals.

     The cedar chest is full of Christmas dishes. The old radio was my grandfather's, I just can't part with it. Napkin rings, paper napkins and other small tablescaping items are in the storage boxes. The shelf has Easter items.

     A few random Christmas items on the shelf and some trays, flatware and spring items sit on this old table that was my grandmother's. The large pine armoire holds more china and glassware, flatware and trays are in the drawers. The large cedar wardrobe is perfect for hanging tablecloths and runners.

     It is crowded, and not very pretty but it is organized. The extra table works well when I'm trying to pull things together for a tablescape. You can see a peek of my old rocking horse and my daughter's dollhouse that my dad built for her 9th birthday. You've seen this room before, but the new shelves really changed the function of the room.

Giveaway!



     I know I just had a giveaway, but it was sponsored by someone else. While cleaning out my dish room, I pulled out a few of the items that I love to decorate with and I'm going to send a "goody package" to one of you.

     I'm sending you some very old magazines, sheet music, postcards and photographs. My house is somewhat traditional/contemporary and yet, a few pieces of vintage paper still looks great in a vignette. If you don't want to decorate with the items...it is still fun to look at them.

     All you have to do is be a follower and let me know you are interested in my vintage grab bag in a comment. U.S. and Canadian readers only, sorry. I will pick my winner on March 11th! Good luck!

I am joining Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday

and

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday

A Little Old, A Little New

     With two library tables in my living/great room, I always have a space to put favorite seasonal decorations. This is the library table that sits behind our loveseat and you see it as you walk in our front door. This table belonged to my paternal grandmother.

 

     I didn't change much on the spool cabinet that we brought home from my in-law's house. A simple reindeer and a hint of aqua ribbon is all that was necessary.

     The coffee table got a bit of bling in the form of jewel tone "disco ball" ornaments. There was an unexpected surprise from these new Hobby Lobby ornaments. On the days when we have sunshine (which have been few), the entire room lights up with brilliant color for a short while. It is magical.

 

The Jolly Old Santa Claus book is a favorite treasure of mine.

     It was published in 1958 by Ideals Publishing and it was such a treat when I was a child and this book came out of hiding for the year. I was always fascinated by the two pages that showed the elves making the glass ornaments in the big fireplaces. The rich colors and details impressed me as a toddler and still take my breath away today. I recently found out that this book  has become valuable, but I'd never part with mine.

I am joining Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday

and

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Please visit our hostesses today!

A Little History In the Baking

     It hasn't exactly been a week of table setting at my house. We are in the midst of a massive ice storm and my husband has been working 18 hour days for the power company. My son has been staying here babysitting his mom...but, when you are 28 and used to eating your own cooking...mom's cooking barely makes it to the plate before it is gone. We certainly aren't setting a pretty table for him! I have had a few things I wanted to share and this seemed like a good day to do so!

     I found these sweet measuring cups on sale at T.J.Maxx after Christmas for $2.50. They have been sitting on my kitchen counter and I'm not sure where to put them, but they just had to come home with me.

     My paternal grandfather, who was born in 1895, worked for many years as a baker at the Sally Ann Bread Bakery in Mattoon, IL. It was a commercial bakery. You couldn't buy bread there, but the smell was heavenly. I can remember being a little girl and taking a tour of the bakery with my brownie troop. I was so proud that my "grampy" took us on the tour. Many Sunday mornings after church we would stop at the bakery and he would give us warm bread. The apron was his. I love it! I also have his baker's hat packed away. I think they are such treasures. The rolling pin was my maternal grandmother's. It is the one I use all the time. I have a newer one, but you know, I really think grandma's rolling pin makes the food taste better!

Think how many pie crusts have touched this rolling pin!

     My ruffled Crate and Barrel plate has some freshly baked scones ready for you. It is still my favorite scone recipe. You can find it here.

     I had to share a picture of the ice on my patio door through the blinds. It almost looks like a lace tablecloth. How can something so beautiful be so dangerous?

I am joining Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch for

Tablescape Thursday

Please stop by and thank her for being our hostess!