Cherries at the Market

The first of summer produce is now available in Farmer's Markets and fruits stands here in the basin. Today a trip to the Country Store was high on the "to do" list. 

We discovered a party-like atmosphere at the market. A Corvette Club scheduled a stop there. They were there, mostly by couples, enjoying free samples of apple juice, salsa, jams, and hand-made candies. The store manager was carrying a tray of cherry-chocolate truffles around to customers so they could sample them. It was all quite amazing! An event within a store with party-goers mixed in with the walk-in clientele. How fun is that? For some, great fun, but it was hard to shop, so I found a quiet corner in the store: the gift shop. I fell in love with this little bulletin board. And look! There's even a cute little copper tea kettle on it.

Soon the store had a more manageable number of customers and I was able to find what I came for. Cherries! The first of the season. Rainiers. They are a delicious mix of sweet with just the right amount of tartness. And they are pretty too!

After our selections were made and paid for we headed back to the parking lot. We'd parked at the far end of the parking lot where no other cars were parked. But wait! Did I mention that the Corvette Club was there? Two of the Corvette drivers had purposefully driven to the far end of the parking lot and one had parked on each side of Rylan's Mustang. They were making some kind of point, although I have no idea what it was. I found it amusing. Rylan just said "Hurry up, mom. It's time to go home." And we did.

Vibrant Lime of the Sweet Potato Vine

The first time I saw a sweet potato vine was at a plant nursery and gift shop called "My Grandmother's Garden". I was visiting my mother and it was one of her favorite places. The shop owner planted a variety of plants in huge planters and urns. She was skilled at selecting a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and reds and greens filled the planters. Tall plants of sharp spikes were contrasted with delicate vines and plants with small, bushy leaves. I came away inspired! In analysis, I decided that it was the bright lime-colored sweet potato vines that caught my eye the most! They were gorgeous, classy, and vibrant!

If you read Gracious Hospitality, you know that I love tea and everything related to it. So, last summer I planted a sweet potato vine along with a purple hot pepper plant in this large teacup planter.  It did very well in the summer's heat. I was also pleased to find that it wintered over very well in my living room. How I enjoyed its vibrant lime green during the dreary days of winter.

Sweet potato vines also grace my outdoor garden. They are tucked into planters and flower garden beds. It grows prolifically and compliments both flowers and plants. It dies back after the first hard frost, but it's a gift that keeps on giving. If you are curious, dig up the root and you'll find a large and healthy sweet potato! Take a look at your garden center if you want to have some fun "creating" gardens with this interesting trailing plant.  I think you'll enjoy it, as I have! 

Today I am linking to Bernideen's Tea Time Blog for "Open House". 

Open Dresser Drawers

Dresser drawers can be an interesting way to display pretty things.  Who says they always have to be closed with everything hidden on the inside?  I first noted that open drawers with things piling out on Becca's blog, Of Bluebirds and Roses.  In fact, I see that the she recently posted a picture again of an open dresser drawer with cushions displayed in it.  Meg of Crabapple Hill Studio also uses this technique in her showroom, placing embroidered and stuffed heart pillows inside a drawer and letting them spill out.  The effect is quaint, quirky, and charming!

So, I decided to try it at home!  At first it seemed messy to keep the dresser drawer partially opened, but after loading it with lace tablecloths, a cotton quilt, and an embroidered pansy wall-hanging, I felt more comfortable with its relaxed appearance.  It was fun looking for things to fill the drawer with.  In addition to cushions, quilts, and other fabric items, you could also fill a partially opened drawer with [insert your idea here --- leave a comment with your thoughts] and dried flowers, old sheet music, framed art and more.  The possibilities are endless.  What would you put in an open dresser drawer?

A Tag Tree

Meg has a beautiful "tag tree" in her studio at Crabapple Hill.  Large, sweeping swags of twigs are secured in a container.  Their branches sweep across a counter top, creating a focal point and arch.  Her tag tree is not only beautiful, but provides a place for written notes and meaningful words to be attached.  Manila tags are tied to the branches, each with stamped words, autographs, or notes from friends and clients.  Mixed among the tags are samplers of her typeset ornaments. The effect is neutral and serene.  The tree holds a plethora of meaningful memories for her.  A delightful focal point.

Maybe it is time to create a tag tree at home.  With twigs gently swagging across a piano, tags signed by guests who come to visit would create an object of interest.  A tag tree at a bridal shower or wedding could be a place to exhibit congratulatory messages from family and friends.  Blessings could be written on tags and hung on the swags for a baby shower.  And a twig tree could be used in a children's church class as a place to display memory verses after learning.  The ideas could keep going on and on.  How would you use a tag tree if  had one?  Will you be making one soon?

Pretty & Serene

Sometimes it's nice to take a break and look at something pretty. Pictures of pretty things help make the day serene when life's duties start to grate on the nerves. I love this idea for a bulletin board! A wire gate with pretty papers clipped on with clothespins and the word PINK on a yellow wall; wow! How about those fabric covered photo albums? They make a great place for pictures, recipes, or notes you want to keep.

Pincushion, anyone? The Knoty Girls Stitchery Club thinks this one is perfect! So do I!

Plain buttons and old dishes make a perfect combination, especially when paired with a vintage napkin.

An old sewing machine on a drop-leaf table, surrounded by beautiful lace curtains and a soft, embroidered quilt creates a scene that would make such a good story starter. A writing project, perhaps? Or should I say: A stitching project perhaps?

Exquisite quilts, all carefully hand-stitched in flosses and colors that create heirlooms for favored family and friends. In this case, it looks like life is a bucket of cherries, not a bowl!

Breath deeply. Relax. Content.

Pictures of Meg's studio at Crabapple Hill

Sweet, Sweet Potato Vines

I remember the first time I ever actually noticed an ornamental sweet potato vine.  I was with my mother at a plant nursery and gift shop called "My Grandmother's Garden".  It was during the time that the Tuscan look was just becoming popular, and the nursery had large urns filled with plants in beautiful arrangements.  The plants varied from spiked reds to leafy greens.  But it was the bright lime-colored sweet potato vines that caught my eye!  They were gorgeous, classy, and vibrant!  When I got home again I searched them out and placed one in every outdoor potted garden I owned!

Again, last summer I planted a sweet potato vine along with a purple hot pepper plant in this large teacup planter.  It did very well in the summer's heat.  In the past I have always enjoyed them until the first frost and then let them go.  But last autumn I decided to see how it would grow inside as a house plant.  What a pleasant surprise!  It has thrived in the house.  It's grown so much that I have had to prune it back and wind its long tendrils around the teacup to keep them from dragging on the floor.  How I have enjoyed the vibrant lime green during winter's dreary days.

Recently, a magazine from a local nursery arrived in my mailbox, and it featured an article about this pretty vine.  Sweet potato vines are actually called Ipomeas and come in at least 21 different varieties.  They call this a "tropical looking trailer".  How true!  While the foliage is growing above ground, below the soil is a sweet potato that grows larger and larger along with the vine.  They look interesting and are edible, but probably not as delicious as sweet potatoes grown grown for culinary purposes.  The Ipomea in the urn above is called "Midnight Lace" and I think it looks beautiful with trailing petunias and million bells.  

Ornamental sweet potato vines come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.  The Ipomea "Goldfinger" in the top picture loves the sun and is known for how well it "trails" or "spills" out of baskets and planters.  It's foliage is a vibrant chartreuse and it has three parts to it's leaves that look like long, green fingers!  The Ipomea "Sweet Caroline Red" is shown in the lower portion of the above photo.  This variety has leaf colors that meld from vibrant green to a bright red, making it a pretty choice for planting in garden pots.  It has a smaller root system than some of the Ipomea, so it is suggested that it be used mostly for potted gardens rather than regular flower or shrub beds.

The Ipomea "Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Purple" shown in the upper part of this photo has beautiful, purple leaves that are heart-shaped.  Sometimes the leaves verge on a soft black color, which really adds drama and zest to a plant bouquet.  The Ipomea "Bright Ideas Lime" is probably one of the most popular of all because of its vibrant, lime-green color.  It has been cultivated to be compact and fast growing, making it ever popular for containers containing mixed gardens.  It adds variety and energy to any garden pot.

So, take a look at your garden center if you want to have some fun "creating" gardens with this interesting trailing plant.  I think you'll enjoy it, as have I!  


[The last picture was taken during the winter before any new growth occurred.]

A Wreath for Peace, Hope, & Dreams

A wreath is a well-known object of decor during the Christmas season.  It is a symbol that represents eternity.  As it encloses and unifies, its simple shape it represents desired peace, hopes, and dreams of all who celebrate Jesus and His purpose gift to humanity.  Wreaths are traditionally used on doors to welcome family and friends to a home, but are also used indoors as wall decor, as part of a tablesetting, or as something to hang from a ceiling.  They can be made from just about any substance, thereby creating natural Christmas decorations appropriate for every locale.  When searching the yard or nature trails outside, useful elements can be found for wreath making.  Twigs, natural greenery, stems, leaf fronds, berries, seedheads, herb bundles, and pine cones all in combination or alone are interesting materials to make wreaths from.  Even tumbleweed can be fashioned into a pretty wreath if that's all you can find to work with.  The addition of a flocked red bow or one made from burlap or calico adds a final touch and a cheerful and welcoming wreath is the result.  When traveling during the holiday season, I always enjoy seeing how those who decorate for Christmas create unique and interesting wreaths.  The wreath pictured on this post was photographed in a tiny, non-commercial ghost town in Arizona.  It created a charming reminder that although it may appear that a place is forgotten, the holiday spirit still lives.


Here are a few other natural items that can be used to make a homemade Christmas wreath:  bay leaves, baby's breath, dried berries, dried fruits like whole apples or oranges, fir cones, dried artichoke heads, ivy, hydrangea heads, thistle heads, fresh or dried moss, eucalyptus leaves, nuts in their shells, cinnamon sticks, dried lavender or rosemary bundles, dried mistletoe, boxwood, and variegated holly. 

Supremely Blest

Home, the spot of earth supremely blest,
A dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest.

~ Robert Montgomery  ~

Mother's oak china closet now sits in my family room.  Dark and somewhat dated, it would look beautiful painted in shabby chic white, but for now I cannot bear to change it.  Instead, bits and pieces of vintage decor grace its shelves and touches of crocheted lace lighten dark spaces.  Its presence in the room provides comfort and familiarity, a touch of home, and objects that bring back memories of times past.  Old books, vintage plates, old silver, tea pots, and teacups fill its useful spaces.  For now it is simply. . .perfect.  Home sweet home.

Beautiful Eye Catchers!

"Let the most obvious eye catchers in any room be beautiful, not utilitarian.  You see not the ironing board, but a rose."


~ Anne Ortlund ~

~ Photo:  The studio at Crab*apple Hill ~

Herbs in a Teacup

As autumn makes its presence known, the outside garden is changing its colors. Golds, reds, and oranges are starting to rim leaves on trees. A few brave roses, thankful for the cooler weather, are blooming with renewed energy. And the lawn is lush and green after hot summer days. Our first 'killing frost' usually arrives in mid-October. It's always a day of mourning for me, as I grieve the loss of roses, herbs, and green. This year I decided to extend the season as long as possible, and brought some of nature's herbs indoors!


A local plant nursery has all their plants on sale for half price. They are lush, full-grown, abundant, and fragrant! I bought a tray of fresh herbs and filled a giant teacup with sage, black pearl pepper, lemon thyme, stevia rebaudiana, and sweet basil. They grace my coffee table with beauty and energy. Their fragrance fills the air! When I want a bit more, a gentle rub between thumb and fore-finger enhances their smell and it's more delightful than any perfume. It is aromatherapy at its best! When dinner comes, a snip or two here and there add sweet or savory flavors to mealtime. Visual beauty, fragrant essence, and flavorful delight!

Better a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. Proverbs 15:17

A Simple Rag Rug

 Are you one who appreciates things of the past?  Or have you noticed how some things that were common and practical are now obsolete, but appreciated by those 'in the know'?  I think that rag rugs fall into this category.  Authentic rag rugs are hard to come by these days.  Replicas can be bought in country-themed shops, but they are usually fastened by monofilament threads that stitch the knotted strips together rather than hooking and looping for one-piece fabrication.  Monofilament threads break apart over time and the rug falls apart.  In comparision, crocheted rag rugs will withstand hard use and many washings.  The art of rag rugs making made a come-back in the 1970's and I remember my mother skillfully creating one that she used on her stoop for years to come.  But hers were nothing in comparison to Grandmother's magnificent rag rugs made from wool scraps.  They were large enough to visually anchor a dining room table and chairs, or to fill the space in front of a hearth in the family room.  Mother's were a recreation.  Grandmother's were authentic to the core.  Such beauty, warmth, and grace they added to her home.  The art is not to be lost!  Simple projects, like chair pads or small rugs for the front door can still be made.  Scraps of cotton or wool can be saved from other projects and successfully used for rag rugs over time.  Old garments, recycled for a project like this, cut costs and save resources.  Essentially any type of fabric will work, but natural fibers, like cotton and wool, will provide the most enduring value and effectiveness when it comes to the helping the rug achieve its duty as welcome mat and cozy covering.

If you would like to try your hand at this art, instructions can be found here.

Little Bits of Cheer and Joy

 

Do you keep little things in your home that bring you cheer and joy? Simple, natural, and beautiful things do this for me. Flowers of all types bring me much happiness. Sometimes all it takes is a walk around the yard. Other times, bringing nature indoors adds that joy. My mother gave me a small vial with a suction cup attached. It sticks to glass very well. I enjoy placing it on the front door or the kitchen window and putting a few simple flowers or leaves in it. I enjoy looking at it when I open the door or wash dishes. Roses, begonia, ivy, daisies, violets, pansies, or whatever is in my garden at the moment all look beautiful in this simple little container. In the winter, a sprig of evergreen or holly adds a gentle touch. Bringing nature indoors doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Simple cuttings of anything found outdoors can make your home a serene and pleasant place. Bring cheer and joy indoors by the use of the simple things of nature.

Diana, Princess of Wales rose - Jackson and Perkins

The Serenity of French Country

A local shop is filled with many pieces of refurbished furniture.  Bonnie, the shopkeeper, is extremely talented and she paints, upholsters, and rebuilds everything from sofas, chairs,  and lamps, to screens and mirrors.  Her "look" is French country and beautiful prints and white paint dominate.  She accents her shop decor with touches of nature:  butterflies, sea shells, twigs, and sweeping floral arrangements.  Overhead, a chandelier of painted white twigs adds a  touch of sparkle to the room.  Of course she made it herself.  Visiting her shop is like taking a mini-vacation.  The touches of shabby elegance she so carefully creates give all who enter her door a sense of quiet and calm.  Shown in the photos above are two "old" sewing machine cabinets that she has refurbished.  Once plain brown and perfect utility cabinets for sewing machines, they have been transformed into cabinetry for elegant living spaces.  One is antiqued sage paint, gold trim, and some of the original wood promote.  It promotes serenity and serve sas a base for a lamp and floral arrangement.  The other has been painted a silver-gray and has been covered with mirrors cut and glued in a bias pattern.  Its mirrored top serves as a base for a simple topiary and a painting and easel.  All it takes is a little imagination, a little elbow grease, and a great deal of appreciation for the out-dated objects in home decor.  Inspiration! 

Jelly Bean Art

 

Sometimes unusual decorating discoveries are made in the most unusual places.  In this case, jelly beans were used as part of the decor in a coffee & tea shop restroom.  They created a colorful "splash" of color that was vibrant and stunning.  What a simple way to add interest and color to a space.  The creator used large, lightweight tiles or squares and added a hanger to the back.  Then, they carefully glued jelly beans over every square inch of each tile.  I must say, the result was surprising and effective.  This is a great project for everyone, but if you have kids in the family, I'm quite sure that they would be delighted to participate in creating this tasty craft idea.  One for the board. . .one to eat. . .one for the board. . .

Bird's Nest Soup

 

Bird's nests have become popular in home decor.  Little ones from craft stores are frequently tucked into accent spots on tabletops, a little shelf, or bookcase.  Larger nests can be combined with eggs, twigs and feathers to stand out as a focal point in any room.  Sometimes they are hidden under a cloche which can magnify objects and provide them with a sense of glamour or mystery.  It's always fun to see how others take this now-common addition to home decor, giving it a new or unusual twist.  Recently I discovered these pretty porcelain teacups made into tiny nests.  Lined with moss, they were adorned with flowers, ribbon, and lace, and had tiny eggs tucked inside.  They made a sweet presentation when added to a pretty vignette.  How interesting to see one displayed with a saucer that was securely glued to a crystal candlestick.  A single, speckled egg at alone on the plate, accenting the bird's nest theme.  Little bits of nature, twigs and eggshells working together to add texture and interest to home decor.    

Welcoming Touches

 

Welcoming touches throughout a home tell family and friends "I am so glad you are here".  I frequently think of home decorating as a process of layering.  Decorating happens from the structure of walls, windows, and flooring, to the necessary elements like lighting and window coverings.  The next layer are the furnishings that fill the spaces of the home.  This becomes the palate for the elements that make your home uniquely you --- the finishing touches that create welcome and personalize each space.   Starting at the front door, wreaths or baskets of blooms can welcome the guest.  They don't have to be elaborate or fancy; a simple or rustic arrangement will do.  Throughout the house, pretty plants or floral bouquets can be tucked in corners or added to small tables here and there.  A chalk board in a kitchen center, a pretty tin of pencils, a gathering of objects by theme, and candles grouped by height on a pretty tray can exude "welcome" to those who enter into your home.  Look around the space where you live.   Is there a cozy throw nearby that someone can curl up with to read a book?  A board game in view that can signal old-time, slow-paced, relaxing fun. Even an ottoman can signal to guests that you would like them to stay awhile as they put up their feet and read from the interesting magazines set in a basket nearby.  Tiny touches.  Welcome!  

Bring Nature Indoors

 

Spring is the perfect time to add touches of nature indoors!  Home decor that welcomes gifts of creation becomes organic, restful, and interesting.  Driftwood, rocks, pine cones, twigs, sea shells, seed pods, egg shells, plants, and flowers are only a few of the objets d' nature that help us celebrate the ever changing colors and patterns found right outside our front door.  Nature objects found on a vacation or get-away week-end remind us of an experience we shared with someone we love.  Given a focal point in a room, they connect us with the loved ones we shared the place and time with.  How much more meaningful is that than buying a trinket from a gift shop?  Sea shells can be stacked in a jar, set on display in a crystal bowl, or glued in a unique design in a velvet-lined picture frame.  Twigs can be clustered into bundles and wrapped around tin cans with raffia to make unique vases, or twisted around an old chandelier to create an effective and beautiful new one!  Succulent plants become elegant centerpieces when planted in a low dish or bowl.  They require little care, yet bring a touch of freshness to any room.  Take a look around your living spaces, then take a walk outside and see what you can find to bring some 'down to earth' freshness into your home decor! 

Silver Teaspoon Jewelry and More

It's always interesting to observe how life happens.  Today I happened upon a silver bracelet that was handmade by an 80-year-old woman and I met a woman who was more than happy to model it for a photo so I could share it with you!  Since I have been sharing about silver teaspoons here on Gracious Hospitality, it seemed like perfect timing!  This bracelet has a silver hinge that connects the two silverware handles on the back side.  I thought it was quite unique!  Thank you, Judy, for modeling!


And thank you to Gracious Hospitality readers for your comments about how you use silver in your homes.  Here are some of the terrific ideas you shared!

Suzan said... I have all my vintage silverplate flatware in a decorative planter on the "pass through" bar between my kitchen and my dining room. I also have my everyday plates on a buffet plate rack so it is easy to grab flatware and plates to set the table. I use my silverplate everyday and keep my sterling silver for special occasions. I love digging through boxes of flatware at yard sales and flea markets looking for my favorite patterns! 

Marilyn said... I do have a collection of silver spoons which I have sitting in an old gravy dish. I am not sure I could drill holes in them.    
 

Karen said... I love old silver teaspoons. I purchased a bracelet and a ring made of spoons. I use some of my old silverware bent as a hook for hanging dried flowers or whatever. I don't have many pieces of silverware but am always looking for more.    

 

Adrienne said...I think there is such beauty in tarnished silver - the colors bring out the pattern in ways brilliant shine cannot! I love to keep my old silver spoons in my great-grandmother's carnival glass spooner. It was always on the table in her kitchen, filled with spoons for those who may need one to taste the delectable tasties coming from her oven!

 

Great ideas!  Isn't it fun to learn of the creative and effective ways that others use to express themselves with pretty vintage pieces?  If you have time, go visit the blogs of Suzan, Marilyn, Adrienne, and Karen.  I know they will be most gracious hosts!

Old Silver Teaspoons in Home Decor

 

In most kitchens, silverware has been replaced by stainless steel flatware.  But for those who enjoy vintage things, a tarnished silver teaspoon is a great find when on a thrifting adventure.  Although some may use them as intended ~ to stir a cup of tea or nibble on a dainty dessert ~ most collectors take pleasure in using them as part of their home decor.  Long past is the day when silver had to be perfectly polished to be considered beautiful.  The Shabby Chic trend favors the dark, tarnished look.  This look is elegant and beautiful in its own way.  I will admit, though, to explaining that to some of the guests in my home.  You know, the ones who still abide by the rules of home decor as established for proper homemaking years back.  In the meantime, my silver tea set remains unpolished for most of the year.  Occasionally I will give it some polish just so it doesn't turn completely black.  I like the contrast of dark and light in the scrolled pattern and fancy edges.  But, back to the simple, silver teaspoon.

 

The use of the silver teaspoon for home decor is only limited by one's imagination.  Here, a creative crafter has drilled holes in spoon handles and hung them on a wire lampshade frame as an accessory for vintage or French country style decor.  The lampshade is placed upon a simple base and a clear light bulb is used as the source of light.  Satin ribbon is threaded around the lampshade wire and small ribbons are used to attach the teaspoons.  Tiny bows are tied at each place of attachment.  This lamp was somewhat lost in the midst of a jam-packed antique mall, but I think it would be beautiful and effective in a carefully selected spot in the home.
 

 

Another use of antique silver teaspoons is to create a hanging piece of art.  Not exactly a wind chime, but similar, this array of mismatched teaspoons is effective and pretty as they hang from a ceiling on a metal frame.  This inventive piece of home decor was created by Bonnie, a friendly and talented woman who owns a shop filled with custom French country decor.  A great deal of the furniture and art she sells in her shop was created by her!  She has some amazing pieces and her silver teaspoon art especially caught my eye!

Another simple, but very effective way to decorate with old silver teaspoons is to mass them together in an old pitcher or vase.  There is something quite stunning about placing a collection of simple items altogether in one place.


What do you do with your bits and pieces of old silverware?  We'd love to hear your comments and suggestions.  Would you share them?

Tiny Touches of Spring

 

Touches of spring can bring cheer and color to home decor.  Arrangements of fresh flowers on a table or counter top can create interest and wafts of reluctant fragrance to the passerby.  The earliest spring flowers are usually tiny, making floral design difficult.  Collecting simple, small containers can be beneficial as vases for miniature arrangements.  Those with narrow mouths work best as they guide fragile stems into their vile.  These work well for holding snowdrops, violets, pansies, miniature daffodils and more.  Set on a windowsill, suctioned to a glass cabinet door,  or hung from a knob, arrangements of these small elements of spring establish a gentle and gracious ambiance in the home.  Let their sweet flower faces entertain all who enter your door.  Take time to stop and smell the flowers.