Thursday, March 9, 2023

Display Those Old Pieces With Pride

 

When my brother visited us in February (2021), he brought down a few totes of Christmas treasures and beyond. From my Mom. This tattered beauty was included. Well preserved and loved. The leather hat had fallen off.

Since then, it has always had a special place on our antique buffet. And. Like most things that decorate our house, there is a story behind it. 

Back in the late '90s, I made handcrafted primitive hanging and sitting dolls. During this time, Lisa and I participated in a holiday craft show. There was an abundance of raffle items. This rustic snowman was one of them. It was a popular raffle item. 

We put in a single raffle ticket for this snowman. My mother put most of her raffle tickets in the jar for this item. At the end of the day, our number was called. Lisa and I were so happy. Mom was happy for us, but a little disappointed. She really wanted to win this snowman.

That year, for Christmas, we gifted this snowman to her. 

This is one of the many, many pieces that we have displayed in our home. Antiques. Family heirlooms. All with a story behind them. 


That included the most recent, a salt and pepper shaker that belonged to my great-grandmother. A birthday gift last year from my Dad and Step-Mom. 


And, the antique bookshelf from Lisa's Grammy and Grandpa. We stripped this gorgeous piece down and gave it a great varnish finish.


Another recent beauty that we received is this family heirloom. A cake decorating kit from the late 1940s. When piping bags were made of fabric. 

I could go on and on and on until this blog column reached epic levels. 

However.

I will refrain from doing so. 

My point is simple. 

Beauty is not found on store shelves or QVC or high-end furniture showrooms. 

Before I go any further, please note that I am not being judgy. Everyone has their own preference for home decor and such. 

I get that.

To each their own. 


I'm just noticing a shift of preference toward contemporary and the aesthetics of beauty being defined as new and matched and brag-worthy. 

For us, that is not happening in our home. 

We embrace all things old. Antiques.Vintage pieces. Family heirlooms. Handmade items. Gorgeous yard sale finds. Repurposed items. 

The list goes on. 

You will find most of these pieces inside, but we have a lot of those pieces that extend to the outdoors as well. 

Family heirlooms may be worn and show signs of age, but if those pieces are handed down to you, embrace them. 

Display them proudly. 

That is your history. 

They tell a story.

If you don't know the story behind them, ask.

They are priceless.





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