Country French bar stools

I've had this old set of bar stools in my garage for the longest time. You know, the basic kind of stools that come from Walmart or Target. I decided to have a little fun with them.

I spray painted the legs black and the seat a creamy color. After a little distressing I added a graphic that I designed courtesy of the The Graphics Fairy.

 Voila! Country French bar stools!

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Blue Danube

As soon as Valentine's Day was over I was anxious to put away all of my hearts and put together a tablescape a little fresher.  Last Summer while thrift shopping I came across 4 place settings of Lipper Blue Danube. This pattern goes back to the 1950's and as I recall was very popular through the 1980's. It's made in Japan and is a version of the famous Blue Onion pattern made by Meissen, but at a fraction of the cost. One of the fun things about Blue Danube is all of the accessory pieces made to go along with it, from serving pieces to candlesticks, teapots and casseroles.

 The colors are deep and rich, and who doesn't love classic blue and white?

 I've used a coffee mug as a little pansy pot.

 I've used some little pots of lavender as the centerpiece.

 The glassware is Denby Mirage Blue. I admit, I didn't find this at the thrift store, they were wedding gifts. Alas, I only have 4 left of my original 8.

 I've layered the place setting on a charming plaid tablecloth found at Goodwill for $4 along with some Pimpernel placemats also found at the thrift store for $1 apiece.

I truly believe you can use lovely dishes to set your table with every day, without spending much money! 

I know most of you agree with me!
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Valentine's Tablescape

I've  put together what I think is a pretty Valentine's Day table setting. Almost everything here is from the thrift store! 

 First I found a set of red and white toile placemats with matching napkins. So French , so pretty! I added in this set of flatware I found that looks very pewter-y, and some beaded red napkin rings.

 My garage sale pal Kathy bought these darling heart ornaments out garage sale-ing and shared a few with me.

 I bought these little transferware saucers years ago for a dime each and use them under dark red glass votives.

 I've been looking for red transferware salad plates and was thrilled to find these last weekend out shopping with my mom. There was a full set of 10 for only $3 each!

I've layered them with the Italian Vietri dishes I found last summer at the Goodwill and some red chargers that I've had for several years.

For the centerpiece I used a white ironstone tureen, also found at the Goodwill and some red geraniums. Nestled under the tureen are some vintage Valentine cards.

 I just love red and white! Happy Valentine's Day!

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