Americana Tablescape

With summer fast approaching there are also several  patriotic holidays on the horizon. For fun I pulled out some of my red, white and blue dishes for a few tablescape ideas.

 I started with these red plaid placemats I found a the goodwill for 75 cents apiece.

 Then I added my English ironstone octagonal plates that I received when we got married and layered them with Arabia of Finland salad plates also a wedding gift. I've been collecting these darling spreaders lately so had to add them to the mix.

 I've also been trying to find white or cream planters at thrift stores. They are filled with geraniums and flanked by some vintage Blue Danube candleholders.

 Some Country French William Sonoma napkins came from Goodwill for 50 cents each (still with the original price tag of $4 each.) They look perfect fanned out in my vintage cobalt blue glassware.(The pattern name escapes me. Anyone?)

 Added to the mix are some random pieces of Blue Willow and blue spatterware.

 A true mix and match for a very Americana look!

Happy Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July and

 Labor Day!

I've got more red, white and blue dishes down at the store, so pop in for a look and more ideas!

Lost and Found

As I was taking my morning bike ride I spied something small and white in the road ahead. I rode past but realized it was a tiny egg. I turned around and stopped. Assuming it was broken or cracked I carefully picked it up and found amazingly it was whole, lying there in the middle of the street! There were no tree branches overhead making it hard to tell where this little egg had come from. So I carefully put it in my pocket and finished my ride. I've put it in a nest I had in my craft closet. I can't imagine that a little bird will emerge from that egg or what I will do if one does!

French terracotta garden statues

This charming pair of garden statues came from my dear friend Jane's antique shop. She and her husband used to travel to France regularly bringing home a wealth of treasures. I've had them flanking my front door but decided to bring them into the dining room for a change. I think they look great next to this flat of zinnias.

 The little boy is carrying a bunch of roses over his shoulder.

 And this sweet little girl is clutching her cloak tightly about her.

I am, however, doing some downsizing and am planning on parting with these beauties. Look for them on craigslist or email me directly if interested at chateau.interiors@gmail.com

Cake plates

Can one own too many crystal cake plates? I started collecting them just a few years ago and can't resist when I see another at an estate sale or thrift store. Serving humble cookies or brownies on a crystal pedestal suddenly makes them seem positively elegant!

 I bought this beautiful Irish lead crystal piece yesterday at an estate sale. I went hoping to find some vintage silver but was thrilled with what I found instead!

 I was given this little cupcake holder a couple of weeks ago for having excellent attendance at my Women's group this year. Thanks ladies!

 I always try to have one or two cake plates in my antique store, so come see me and get started on your own collection!

Vintage Handkerchief Sachets

I've begun collecting these charming antique handkerchiefs and turning them into envelopes filled with French lavender. Each one is unique and adorned with vintage ribbon and buttons. And they smell like a lavender field in Provence ! They make wonderful hostess or bridesmaids gifts. Of course, get one for yourself to tuck into your lingerie drawer!

I always have plenty in stock at Merchant Square Antiques, booth #20.

Or email me directly at chateau.interiors@gmail.com

Vintage Silverware Garden Markers

I've always loved old silver and I especially love repurposing these vintage pieces into something new for your garden. What a unique gift for the gardeners in your life! I have several sets in my booth (#20) at Merchant Square in Chandler, AZ or I can custom make the labels of your choice. They sell for $20 for a set of 5.
 Email me at chateau.interiors@gmail.com if interested!

California Antiquing

Here are pictures of just a few of the treasures I found antiquing in California last week...

What fun we had! Come check out my shop to see more treasures from around the world!

 This darling little mini pitcher is a souvenir from Mont St. Michel in Normandy.

 An ironstone soapdish - the perfect size for the triple milled French soap I sell.

 Check out this gorgeous piece of Italian majolica!

 This embroidered heart box is from Hungary.

I love this charming little pin dish made in Champagne, France.

Strawberry Season

I always think of May as strawberry season. I can remember one year as a young wife helping the girls in our neighborhood raise money for camp by selling strawberry pies for Mother's Day.We literally made and sold over a hundred pies! That was some 30 years ago. I had both a strawberry patch and rhubarb growing in my garden in those days and have never grown either successfully since. Nevertheless, each May I still like to make a batch of strawberry rhubarb jam, my favorite!

I like the liquid pectin and just follow the recipe that comes in the box.
click here for recipe