Texas-sized Garage Sale

Every year, Semior Services throws a Texas-sized Garage Sale to support their Meals on Wheels program. I have been the last two years and: It. Is. Insane. The first day you have to spend $3 to get in on all the bargains and people come with push carts, plastic tubs strapped to luggage dollies, giant plastic bags and anything they can use to haul away their purchases. It is quite the manic scene to behold...but I did come away with some treasures!

I have said it before, I cannot pass up lotus bowls in any color except for white and these four yellow bowls were no exception. When will I be content with the number of lotus bowls in my cabinet? Tune in here for updates. Previous updates here, here, and here.

This beautiful white and gold Murano candy dish in a shape reminiscent of a seashell was an amazing find. I'm not sure where it goes yet. I've tried it in a couple of different locations...so still feeling it out.

I have been looking for an ashtray for the back patio, but needed something heavy and weatherproof. This sculptural version with a lovely patina will not blow away in the West Texas wind! Copper?

The phalanx of Quan Yin has two new additions--the seated goddess who would be the largest of the collection if she were standing and also the new smallest of the collection. I thought the little one was the same size as my other petite goddess, but she was in fact just a wee bit smaller.

Bar None

At the last place, there really wasn't room for a bar because of the open kitchen and small dining room.  I suppose with the right piece of furniture, it could have been possible, but I never found something that would really work.  I really missed having a place to display my collection of vintage barware, plus a focus for entertaining when people are over.

At the new place, we were also lacking bookshelves, so I came up with a solution for both: a large bookshelf with plenty of room for books, plus a space for a bar using the Connections System from the Container Store.  I used the regular shelves on the outside pieces, but connected them in the middle with the desk shelf, creating extra space for bottles, bar accessories and glassware.  It has the added benefit of being transformable into different (two etageres, one wide bookshelf, etc.) configurations and easily moved and used in different spaces.   I have to say that I love it!  The shelves have a simple, classic design and the bar ware looks great intermingled with books, tchotch and art.  What do you think?

Tips for creating a great bar space:

• Even if you have a nice, large space for a bar on a sideboard or table, use trays to organize and unify different parts of the space, say glassware vs. bottles? 
• Decanters are great and classic, but with the wide variety of liquor available in interesting bottles, the can also be decorative in their own way. Use both!
• Think seasonally: what drinks will you make in spring or summer that you wouldn't make in the fall?  Rotate glasses, stirrer and other accessories you have displayed to reflect the seasons.
• A lot of barware is metallic, but you can bring a little color in with trays, napkins and other details. 
• Include items besides glasses and implements, like small bowls or other dishes you can use for nuts, garnishes and tidbits for a convivial feel. 

Looking for great pieces for your bar?  There is a lot of amazing vintage bar glasses and other acessories out there, but if you're looking for things that are especially inspired, well-designed and creative, look for things from Georges Briard, Fred Press and Dorothy Thorpe.

For some great ideas on new cocktail napkins and other bar accessories check out this post on herr haus things. 

What's on my bar?*

A cute little bird-shaped bottle opener and a container for pills--keep in mind, some of your guests may not drink and might prefer some pills. Others may want booze AND pills, so always keep your dolls handy. Kidding!

A couple of different kinds of bitters plus a fish-shaped citrus squeezer.

A variety of spirits, some familiar and others more special.

A generous-sized ice bucket.

A few small bowls or dishes that can hold tidbits or garnishes + a set of four, pink and gold glasses perfect for a slug of bourbon or an aperitif. 

Another bottle opener that is a conversation starter.

An array of glasses in different sizes and patterns which is far more interesting that just having everything match.

More barware (different, yet again!) and some batik-style cloth cocktail napkins. Yes, paper is easier, but actual cloth cocktail napkins will get you respect.

Yet another interesting bottle opener. Wait, three? Isn't that a collection? There are more.

The bluebird of happiness (A family favorite.) and some cocktail pitchers and shakers.

Bar books and party books!

A record player, conveniently located next to the mixing station.

Records!

*Artwork is a mixed media work titled, Kiss by Kari Breitigam.  Buy her work, it is fantastic.

Cocktail Table

My cocktail table has a long and storied past: it came to me from my Grandmother when she downsized into an apartment. I had always loved it, so it was one of the things I wanted from her house. Like most of her furniture, it is a solid piece of American Colonial style, it a dark honey stain. It had move with her from West Texas to Oklahoma, and with me to Kansas, Texas, Indiana and Back to West Texas and been repaired and refinished more than once by my dad. As a child, I often sat at it to draw, color and make art. The point is that it is huge--almost 40 inches in diameter--so incomparable to most pieces on the market.

As I looked at other tables, tables that were more my style and would probably fit more neatly in our space filled with a mix of collected and inherited pieces of furniture, everything seemed too small. Perhaps they would be perfect in a small first apartment, but they were all downright diminutive compared to my grandmother's table.

And then one day, I was out perusing the thrift stores and I spied this gigantic monster of a table. At first, I wasn't sure if it was hideous or fabulous as it appeared to be two tables stacked one top of one another. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was indeed trés magnIfique and the two pieces (one clear, one smoke) were screwed together to form one, two-tiered table that is over 50 inches across. Not only was huge and amazing, but also unique--the clerk at the store said the woman who donated it had commissioned it from an artist, probably in the early 70s? 

I must say it was a challenge to merchandise, with its expansive top and shelf, but after several trials and a consultation or two, it was all worked out. We used a combination of multiples: small stacks of art books; Georges Briard trays; and numerous vintage tins placed on the lower level for a collage effect. Add to that a small reproduction of th Nike of Samothrace from the Louvre and a convex class paperweight and....c'est fini.

The table strikes just the right note in the room, bringing the blue provencial sofa with its traditional cuves to...Paris, 1977 in my imagination. Soon--a complete reveal of the entire front room.  And also soon, a cocktail party with all manner of delicacies laid out on my unbelievable new table.