The "Forever" Table

Have you ever thought that you could live without a certain item in your home or maybe even just thought that you could move it to another spot - but once removed from it's original location, something just felt wrong? So much so that you finally moved it back and then all was right with the world again? Yes. Me too.

A few years ago, I found the sweetest little white table at the flea market for just $20. I brought it home and tried placing it in the living room, the bedroom, and other places, but ultimately it ended up in the kitchen at the end of the counter. This has been a good spot for it because it seems to soften the abrupt, hard lines of the side of the cabinet, plus it's a great surface to decorate! This table has been adorned many different ways...like this soft romantic look compiled of tea pots, doilies, old plates, and a decorative dessert display.

A couple of weeks ago, I thought I'd take the table out of the kitchen - you know...to free up a little space and to provide a visual change. Well, I don't have to tell you that that didn't last long! The space seemed so "off" without my little old white flea market table. So back it went, nestled into it's permanent home at the end of the counter.

I seem to be drifting toward a kind of French cottage style - rustic meets elegant. So this is what I've recently come up with for my "forever" table...



I just love straw hats! I only have two {thanks, Goodwill!}, but I'm going to keep my eye out for more and start a little collection. The white dish towel is actually very, very old but has been preserved well throughout the years. I found it on Ebay. Linens - another weakness! I like the look of it layered on top of red and white towels (clearance at Wal-Mart). And nothing says French cottage like a nice basket! I have three of these baskets (thank you Goodwill!), but one I reluctantly gave to my birds once I saw how much they loved playing in it:)



My trusty old teapot you see in my photographs all the time coupled with an old chippy guilded box that I've had for years...and a bowlful of ceramic eggs!



In case you haven't noticed, I'm really into layering lately! I layered an old Italian gold mirror {another thrifty find!} on top of an antique plate for a little extra sparkle.



Do you have a "forever" piece in a permanent spot in your home? Tell me about it! I really do understand!


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Edited July 2009 to add that I'm adding this blog entry to Rhoda's weekly Thrifty Finds Link Party. I decorate with just about only thrifted treasures and need to take some photos of my most recent goodies, but I hope you enjoy these just the same!