Last week – I asked if you preferred “Buff” or “Shine”
when it came to your silver.
when it came to your silver.
Overwhelmingly, most everyone still prefers “Shine.”
I have to say I agree, for the most part. While I may like
the look of the aged patina in some vignettes, I also love the
look of shiny silver in other settings. You just can’t beat that sparkle and bling!
the look of the aged patina in some vignettes, I also love the
look of shiny silver in other settings. You just can’t beat that sparkle and bling!
I will also say that I never allow my silver to get to the point
of “no return” – or where damage will occur.
of “no return” – or where damage will occur.
Case in point – I have one of the most unique coffee urns I
have ever seen. I paid $200 for it in 1993 at an Estate Sale
in Newport, Rhode Island. I was told that it was the Estate
of a daughter from Newport, whose Mother had been
a Personal Secretary to Mrs. Astor. While I don’t know if
this is true, I would like to think that this beautiful work
of art came from a famous family and one of the famous
“Cottages.” (as they were called)
have ever seen. I paid $200 for it in 1993 at an Estate Sale
in Newport, Rhode Island. I was told that it was the Estate
of a daughter from Newport, whose Mother had been
a Personal Secretary to Mrs. Astor. While I don’t know if
this is true, I would like to think that this beautiful work
of art came from a famous family and one of the famous
“Cottages.” (as they were called)
If you have never visited Newport, here is the Astors’ “Cottage.”
Beechwood Mansion; Newport, RI
The coffee urn is a piece I use often, especially when I am entertaining or during Holiday Dinner Parties.
Yep, its slightly tarnished right now and I love it.
Although, there is a good polishing in store very soon.
The detailing is amazing.
This is the side of one of the arms of the pot holder.
I love the footed base.
It has a floral rose pattern. The inside of the pot is lined
with porcelain, and it keeps the coffee amazingly warm
for longer than you would think.
with porcelain, and it keeps the coffee amazingly warm
for longer than you would think.
To serve coffee, you just tilt and pour!
I decided I would do a quick vignette featuring my
coffee urn on my formal Dining Room sideboard.
The current look was comprised of decor which reflected our
home’s colors of Reds and Golds.
coffee urn on my formal Dining Room sideboard.
The current look was comprised of decor which reflected our
home’s colors of Reds and Golds.
I have shared with you in the past that this year will see some big changes in The Grits House.
There will be a little less red, a little more blue – a little less gold,
and a lot more khaki.
and a lot more khaki.
But, this room will still retain some of its red tones, and all of my Pink and White Transferware will be moved into here.
Here are a few Before’s of the
Formal Dining Room Sideboard…
Formal Dining Room Sideboard…
This print will soon be replaced. It has been here for several years, and although I love it still – its time for a change.
But, for now – it stays.
But, for now – it stays.
This hydrangea and feather arrangement makes its rounds throughout The Grits House. It worked perfectly during the
Fall months, because I simply inserted some small pumpkins
and gourds for the perfect Autumn arrangement.
Fall months, because I simply inserted some small pumpkins
and gourds for the perfect Autumn arrangement.
I have three pairs of Staffordshire Dogs, this is the Rusty/Red set.
(My cats inform me that these particular items will always be an unwelcome intrusion into their home.) 🙂
This is a vintage, French jewelry box I picked up at the Paris Flea Market. It easily fit into my suitcase. 🙂
This is a treasured piece to me – a gift from the heart.
My sister-in-law made this for Bill and I our first Christmas together.She is now only 65 years old, and is in the late
stages of Alzheimer’s.
Sadly, she doesn’t know Bill or I any longer.
My sister-in-law made this for Bill and I our first Christmas together.She is now only 65 years old, and is in the late
stages of Alzheimer’s.
Sadly, she doesn’t know Bill or I any longer.
So once again, here is the Before…
And here is the After…
Some things remained the same, such as the lamp, print
and table runner.
and table runner.
I simply added orchids and twirly branches to the coffee urn.
Reindeer moss was added at the base.
The Red dogs were switched out for the Black and White pair.
A grouping of some of my pink and white dishes anchors
the other side.
the other side.
One of my smaller pieces holds a white candle.
As you can see, I added five plates above the print. The middle one is not old, but is one I love.
Another plain white candle sits atop a vintage glass candleholder.
This setting is so pretty at night, I just love the way it glows and reflects…
Thank you for letting me share with you my
“sideboard switcheroo.”
“sideboard switcheroo.”
And in case anyone is wondering, I worked with a $0 budget.
I just did a little “Home Shopping.”
Cause isn’t that the best kind of shopping there is? 🙂
Have a wonderful week, my friends.
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
Love that floral arrangement, Barb! I have that print in a canvas that I just got this year from Hobby Lobby! I just love it and bought it on sale a couple of months ago. It’s always nice when you can make a change with stuff you already own.
View Commentℳartina @ Northern Nesting says
GORGEOUS Barb! I LOVE all your red and white transferware!
View Commentmarty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Oh Barb your new vignette and wall arrangement is just fabulous. You always do the most amazing designs. I love it. Thanks so much for joining the 100th TTT. Hugs, marty
View CommentJan says
Love the changes …the plates on the wall look great around the picture & wait to see what you change it our for.
Jan
View CommentRhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
Hi, Barb, thanks so much for taking time to leave a comment & a very nice comment at that. The blog world is amazing & I’m so happy to be part of it. SO excited that you are coming to Haven, that is great. Can’t wait to meet you too. You know what I remember about you the most? Back when I was on BHG decorating sites, finding YOUR decorating site online & thinking what a fun person you must be & how creative you were! Now here we are all those years later!
View CommentLeslie's Garden says
I’m drooling over your red and white transferware! It looks beautiful above your painting.
View CommentJan@southernjunkin' says
Lovely switcheroo! Your coffee urn is fantastic and looks wonderful in this vignette! Loving the pink and white plates too!!
View CommentShelia says
Hi Barb! You just don’t know how glad I am you’re back to blogging! I just love your style and love your changes. You are so good at florals and I’d love to see you occasionally showing us how to put together a beautiful floral arrangement! I know you showed us how using your rooster planter and I saved it so I could learn from you! 😉
View CommentI have quite a few Staffys myself and just love them.
Be a sweetie,
shelia 🙂
chateau chic says
I like the changes you made on your sideboard. The silver coffee pot is exquisite.
View CommentYour newest follower, Mary Alice
Robin says
GORGEOUS Barb! I love it!!
View CommentBabs says
Transferware and Staffordshire dogs are all time favorites of mine, so you know I love both looks on your sideboard.
View CommentHave a great week,
Babs
The Tablescaper says
Love that you shopped your home. It’s the best. I’ve been trying to do more of it. Great to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.
– The Tablescaper
View CommentGloria (The Little Red House with the White Porch) says
Barb: I saw your blog listed on someone else’s side-bar… I came by and saw this post — oh my goodness, that is a beautiful coffee urn! I am in CT and have been to Newport several times, and you are so lucky to get this TREASURE at an estate sale in Newport! Plus, you said got it like 20 years ago – when, what? You were like five years old??!! LOL! Seriously, you must have been really young when you were so wise to buy it at the sale! Well, I am your newest Follower, I love anyone who loves Newport, as do I. 😉 I will enjoy checking out your blog as I get a chance, I am sure! I can see you have MANY lovely things.
View CommentBest,
Gloria
Just Stuff From a Boomer says
I absolutely love your arrangements. You’ve had some fantastic “finds” at your sales. Those homes in Newport RI are astounding. Such a “time gone by”. Thank you for sharing your piece of that world with us.
View CommentShirley@Housepitality Designs says
OK..this is great..just love your new vignette! Don’t you just love “shopping the house”…Fantastic job!! Also, love your new header!..
View CommentLiz says
I Love your change out! That coffee urn is amazing. What a great story. I have to tell you that some of your items would look just lovely in my home! 🙂 Our living room is reds and golds… and the family room is blues and white… 🙂
~Liz
View CommentPat@Back Porch Musings says
Coffee urn is gorgeous Barb! Love the new sideboard vignette. Beautiful!
View CommentLizabeth @ Infuse With Liz says
Hi- I love your new changes (but I also loved what you had). The new arrangement and the staffordshire dogs look wonderful. I enjoy vignettes a lot, so this is my kind of fun!
View CommentKelly says
Your new sideboard area looks very pretty. I love all your changes. For the record, I prefer my silver to look shiny too.
View CommentConnie says
All of your changes were so nice but the red transferware above the picture really gives it the WOW factor.
I’m always so pleased with myself when I come up with something new by rearranging what I have. Changing a piece of furniture or accessories to a different room gives it new life.
View CommentMaria Elena says
Your sideboard looks gorgeous!
View CommentYour red and white transferware is beautiful!
mrshinesclass says
Your sideboard looks fresh and fabulous! I love it.
Can’t wait to see more from you now that I’m a new follower.
Sharon
View CommentMartha says
I like what you did — the changes are really nice.
View CommentPat's Pink Apron says
It looks absolutely beautiful! I love those plates around the picture and those dogs are wonderful, along with your floral arragement. I think I like everything. Pat
View CommentHappy To Be/ Gl♥ria says
2 die 4 beautiful Barbs as everything you touch..you have alway been one of my favorite blogs to visit and I’m so glad to see you posting again..I so remember your Christmas post you did with this beautiful silver..I have a coffee tipper also in my DR that I also love maybe I’ll put some flower in it..oh girl I hate to polish silver so I tell people mine is pewter ha ha!!
View CommentHope you have the day day ever my dear friend..Hugs and smiles Gloria
Becca says
I love your sideboard switcharoo! And, the fact that you did this by “home shopping,” makes me love it even more! I just might have to borrow the floral arrangement in the silver pitcher idea … your vignette is perfection!
View CommentFABBY'S LIVING says
Oh I too love your silver coffee tilted urn, it’s goegeous, I love silver! I also like to keep my silver sort of clean, otherwise the work is to hard! Your arrangement is gorgeous too, I love the red transferware Barb. Great job. Hugs,
View CommentFABBY
Sue says
Love that coffee urn, Barb! I have the rusty red dogs, but sure would like to have them in black, as well. Your vignette looks so nice- wasn’t it nice to use what you had on hand to change it out!
View CommentKim says
THREE pairs of Staffordshire dogs? You lucky girl. I would give a kidney for just one! I loved your sideboard before, but it looks so pretty now too – especially with the dishes over the art. Love it!!!
View Commentxoxo,
Kim
ImSoVintage says
Love, love, love your transferware.
View CommentHappy to be a new follower from Wow us Wednesdays.
Laura
http://imsovintage.blogspot.com/
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
Barb, that coffee pot is gorgeous. I love how you are using it in your new vignette. Thanks for sharing at Wow.
View Comment