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

Gathering herbs

Today I began harvesting some of my herbs. I grow at least a dozen or more varieties as I have found that most herbs seem to like the Arizona climate. Today I picked yarrow, lamb's ear, thyme, oregano, sage and some dusty miller. After they've dried I'll use them throughout the year in floral arrangements and cooking.

Easter Weekend in San Clemente

My husband Scott, son Josh and I spent a glorious Easter weekend in San Clemente, California. We stayed with Scott's niece Melissa, her husband Mat and their adorable baby Tessa - oh and the 3 dogs Sienna, Sophie and Bella. The views from Mat and Melissa's yard look like the Tuscan countryside with the red tiled roofs and green hills rolling down to the ocean. A stroll through their neighborhood in the morning reminded me of my walks through Assisi and San Gimignano.


We spent an afternoon watching the surfers at the beach and shopping in the charming shops in the town. Of course I found several treasures to take into the store, including some ironstone and majolica pieces! (photos to be posted later)


I wound up being in charge of Easter dinner which was lots of fun as Mat's parents joined us too. A holiday is always more meaningful spent with family and friends.

I've always liked California but now I think I'm in love!

A tisket a tasket...

I use baskets all the time for gardening, toting things around the house, holding magazines, or taking treats to a neighbor. I find them to be indispensable! They are also such an inexpensive decorating accessory that works with any decor style. I have just taken  several of these fun painted baskets into my store. At only $8 each they are a steal!

A bumper crop

My garden is simply bursting at the seams! I have more lettuce than I know what to do with. I've been sharing   with my neighbors, but I still have a ton! Too bad you can't preserve lettuce somehow.

The poppies have also been amazing this Spring, I never have to plant them, they just keep self seeding year after year.

I'm enjoying my time spent in the garden while I can, all to soon the blistering heat will arrive...

Easter Eggs part II

There are all sorts of ways to decorate and dye Easter eggs but this is my all time favorite. These amazing patterns and colors come from old silk ties. Here's how to do this yourself:

First, raid your husband's old ties or make a trip to your local thrift store. The ties must be 100% silk and bright colors work best. The louder the better!

 Now cut the ties into pieces about 5" square, large enough to wrap around an egg.

 Secure the fabric with a rubber band, then cook as if you are making regular hard boiled eggs (bring to a simmer, then cover and steep for 20 minutes). I also add a couple of teaspoons of white vinegar.

 Plunge the eggs into a cold water bath to cool off, then unwrap.

 This is a great way to color eggs with kids because there is no mess and it's so fun to unwrap each one to see what design transfered!

 Of course, keep these refrigerated until you have your Easter egg hunt!