Vintage Silver Casserole: Spring Edition

I see these silver casserole sets often in thrift shops. I've picked up several to use in different ways around my home.

I look for details like these carved, ornate legs. The tarnish doesn't bother me. I kind of like the dark rainbow of colors it brings out. The patina only adds to the beauty of the piece.



I decided to use the casserole to hold some tiny pots of baby's tears plants. The combination of silver and terracotta is a nice contrast in color and finish. And the finished look is much better than a plastic pot.



Covered with a glass dome from Hobby Lobby, the light still reaches the plants and keeps the moisture in while the little plants take hold in their new pots.

Stay tuned for more unique ideas for these casserole dishes, or click here for more posts about vintage silver.

 
Linked to FRIDAY PARTIES
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground

Silver Tray Centerpiece for Spring {At Last}

I went to the flea market last weekend with a list. Actually, this list is one I continue to refer to in antique and thrift stores as well. One of the things on the list was a large rectangular silver plate platter with handles and feet. The handles and feet part were important to me, I like the detail they offer. 

 

I have seen big trays before but either the form wasn't what I was looking for, they were missing the details I was looking for or they were priced too high. The luck of the flea market was with me as I did find a tray at a great price.

As I was deciding where to use it I brought out all my other trays and set them aside. I kind of liked that stacked and layered look! The trays used together were much more interesting for a centerpiece than the single tray alone. Not to mention that it's nice to free up the cabinet I was storing them in!

I added some blue eggs I had found at Home Goods last year and some dried moss from Michaels. I had some green moss too, but I liked the way that the gray moss lets the eggs be the star; acting as a neutral backdrop between the bright eggs and shiny silver trays.

 

Best of all, the stacked trays can work with lots of seasonal elements, candy or trinkets to change it up throughout the year.

The newest addition to my silver collection has found its spring home--front and center on the dining table all dressed up for spring.

Now I can concentrate on the other items on my "to find" list. Crystal chandeliers, champagne coolers benches and armoires are some of the items that always catch my eye. And vintage luggage. Can you ever have too many pieces of vintage luggage? 

When I initially began shopping at flea markets and antique shops I was always buying smaller things. Now I find myself confident enough in my style to look for the larger pieces. I also have the knowledge to know a good price when I see it and concentrate on quality as well. 

I'm so glad the weather is warming up--all the better for flea market season! What items are on your list? Do share!

Linking up to:
WEDNESDAY
Faded Charm
THURSDAY PARTIES
Time Travel Thursday @ The Brambleberry Cottage
Transformation Thurday @ the Shabby Creek Cottage
A Crafty Soiree @ Yesterday on Tuesday
Strut Your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple
The 36th Avenue
House of Hepworths
FRIDAY PARTIES
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground
My Romantic Home
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Tatertots & Jello
The Charm of Home
Freestyle Friday @ Happy Hour Projects

{Simple} Spring Mantel

Spring cleaning includes clearing out the clutter at my house. I've only gotten as far as the mantel, but my plans are for the trend to continue throughout the house in the next few weeks.

I never get tired of using my vintage books for plain and simple accents. I've turned them around to simply enjoy the faded and yellowed pages with bits of colored binding.

A plain green wreath adorns the vintage window frame and that's about it. I tried adding a few more elements and it just didn't look right. The items I tried to add just looked like clutter.

Sometimes plain and simple is just right. 

Now I need to get started on the bookcases {and the rest of the room}!

linking to:

Pottery Barn {My Spring Wish List}

Pottery Barn is one of my favorite shops to visit for decorating inspiration. Their products have a bit of a vintage vibe, but would also be at home mixed with many other decorating styles as well. Here's my spring wishlist...

Why not start out with something big... it's only a wishlist after all. This mirror is one of those pieces that would look perfect in many different rooms. It would be perfect in my living room. 

This pretty cut-glass apothecary jar would be pretty enough empty or filled with standard fare. I love it's unique cut but also the inspiration here. Filling any of these pretty jars you may already own with a bit of water and a real or silk bloom is a beautiful spring accessory. I love finding new ways to use the things I have.

 

Mercury glass is always a favorite, and now PB has merged the vintage bulb shape with Easter pastel mercury glass. Wouldn't these look gorgeous hanging from a bare-branched tree? 

I'm a huge fan of vintage mirrors. Though these mirrors are modern, they have all the beautiful elements of a fabulous vintage find. The beautiful bevel cut and the variety of shapes is perfect. Let's just call this next photo "instant collection!"

This list could of course go on and on... there is so many fabulous products at this store. It's definitely worth a seasonal visit, if only for the inspiration it provides for your own creations!