The Dining Room

I've been tweeking things in the dining room, and thought you might like to see the progress. Sometimes I play the "spot the changes" game with my husband when he comes home from work. Usually he notices and compliments even the smallest details that I've changed. He's such a good sport! Can you spot any changes?

First, I repainted my plate rack. I love the way antique pewter looks with blue, so blue it is! I used a couple different shades of blue paint, and let some of the gray paint show through underneath. I like it much better. Also, let's not overlook the big beautiful antique pewter charger on the top shelf. I stalked this charger on etsy for weeks before finally buying it, and now I have no idea why I waited so long. It is gorgeous - it has a beautiful dark patina, and there's a small "PM" monogram carved into the top rim, and it was a great price. I'm so glad nobody snatched it up while I was debating!

Next, I rearranged and simplified the ironstone collection in my blue china cabinet. Before, the cupboard was much fuller, with a layered, slightly chaotic arrangement. I am realizing that I like it better with a more intentional, symmetrical layout, where every piece is showcased rather than being stuffed to the gills. I sold a few pieces in my etsy shop and moved some to another cupboard (which I'll show you in just a second).

Next, I added some more grain sack pillows to the dining room. See the trio of pillows peeking out from behind the table? I pounced on several grain sacks that sold at an Ebay auction for under $20 a piece - how could I say no?!

Before, I had one long grain sack pillow across this bench, but with a couple of new blue-striped sacks, I was able to fill the bench with three square pillows with coordinating stripes. So pretty!

 Here's my grain sack pillow secret... I never actually sew pillow covers. Instead, I slip a feather pillow inside the sack, shake it all the way to the bottom, and then just fold the extra fabric over the back. If it's a really long sack, I'll wrap the fabric all the way around the front of the pillow again, and tuck the end behind the pillow. It's super easy, and zero commitment. All of my grain sacks are left intact, so if I want to use them later as table runners, or long pillows, or even display them in a folded stack in a cupboard, I still can. And... no sewing in zippers. Horray!

I also redid the ironstone display in the antique cupboard on the other side of the dining room. I have to confess, I play with my ironstone collection like little boys play with Legos. I love taking apart a display and building something new... organizing all of the platters into one big graduated stack, switching tureens and gravy boats so that everything looks balanced, and then standing back to admire my latest "creation". Boys are not the only ones who love their "toys"!

 Again, I kept this display much simpler and less crowded. Plus, this old cupboard is so great on it's own, and now you can see a little more of the pretty blue paint inside.

I also switched up the display on top of the cupboard. A collection of old crocks and a blue painted bowl replaced the baskets and folk art pig that were there before. My black and white pig has already found a new home with one of my wonderful etsy customers :)

But, do you notice anything missing from my ironstone collection? Anything small? Or, rather, LOTS of small little things that are missing? Butter pats. That's right, there are no more butter pats in my cupboards. But don't worry...

The butter pats now have a little shelf all to themselves!