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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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February 27, 2016

Decorating with Thrift Store Silver

Hi guys!

It’s me again, Julie, from redheadcandecorate.com…stopping by to say hello and to share some easy and affordable decorating tips with you today!

We have 2 sweet daughters who are now in their teen years and one of the ways I love to connect with them, is by going to the thrift store. This would also be something fun grandparents could do with grandchildren, too.

Silver-Tea-Pot-Vase

We are fortunate to have 2 very nice stores (Good Will & Salvation Army) close to us, and we usually stop there after I pick the girls up from school. Sometimes I’ll even get a text in the middle of the school day from my oldest asking, “Can we stop at the thrift store today?”

How could I resist, right? Not only do I get to have some fun with my girls, but I think it’s important to teach them how to save money, and how to be creative using thrift store items. It’s a win-win situation.

So, today I’m going to sharing a few of the ways I like to incorporate thrift store silver into my home decor. I choose silver because there is usually a ton of it when I go to the thrift store. I know brass and gold is all the rage, and I’m actually sharing my “Gold Portable Office” on my blog now, but silver is still my all time favorite. It’s classic, chic, and the patinas are just beautiful.

Check out this stack of silver platters…

silver platters

I collected them slowly for this fun idea I had for our foyer…a “Thrift Store Platter Wall”.

What do you think of it? Is it a bit of an over-load for you, or is it something you would be willing to try?

Thrift Store Silver Platter Wall by Redhead Can Decorate

*** Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. Read full disclosure policy here.

Just in case you do want to try it in your own home, I used these hanging strips to hang them, and it was so incredibly easy. I fool you not, my friend. I would never say it’s easy if it wasn’t. I used 1 strip (there are 2 parts to each strip) on each plate, started in the middle of the wall with that really big & heavy one, and worked my way out & up to the top of our ceiling. I was sure to space them evenly with my eye only because I am too impatient to measure. Then I filled in the holes with other silver objects I found around the house. If you look closely I used a Ball jar lid and a vintage star cookie cutter for fill-ins. It might sound crazy, but it worked. {Oh wait-I just realized I was using the star cookie cutter for Christmas cookies when this photo was taken, but I’m sure you can spot the hole near the top.}

My next thrift store silver idea is simple-simple-simple!

If you happen to spot a silver coffee/tea pot, grab it. Then swing over to the tea cups, and pick out the prettiest ones you can find with saucers. Mine matched but they certainly don’t have to.

Then purchase some roses or carnations at the grocery store (I found these pink roses at Kroger). Poof…instant beautiful floral arrangement for any special occasion. Especially a tea party, wedding/baby shower, or a lunch date. Some folks asked if I glued my tea cup to the saucer, but I did not.

Beautiful Thrift Store Tea Pot Idea

Here’s another tea pot I found for $10! The patina is stunning up against the purple tulips & white paint.

Silver Tea Pot Vase

Here’s a unique idea using a silver tiered tray. I forget how much I paid for this one, but it wasn’t much. I then simply cleaned it off with a damp cloth, and decorated it with my jewelry. It is sitting on our dresser right now!

Can you tell that I like sparkly jewels?

Jewelry Silver Tray

Here’s another idea for the holidays…I was really lucky one day when I came across this gigantic silver tureen. It has a small dent on the one side, but that was okay with me.

silver bowl

Around Halloween time, I filled it with the apples we just picked at the orchard and set it in our spooky foyer. Pretty cool. The kids were laughing at me, but I’m used to that!

spooky apples

I decided to keep it out for Christmas and lit it up with Christmas lights and pretty bulbs.

bowl-full-f-ornaments

If you have any more ideas for my tureen, please let me know. How about for Easter, or Spring?

One last tip I have left, is to use a random silver platter in a vignette or shelf. I stuck that really big one in the photo for our “Rustic Fall Hutch” last year. It adds a bit of glam to the rustic country setting.

White Hutch for Fall

I hope I inspired you to try some of my ideas for using thrift store silver. It’s so versatile and it can be used with all decorating styles. The more tarnished, the better.

Well, I better get going. I’ll see you next month, but until then I hope you can visit me at Redhead Can Decorate where I recently finished our “Romantic Bathroom Date” with my “DIY Bath Tub Tray”. You may even find more silver in that article! ~ Julie

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13 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas Tagged With: budget decorating, decor, decorating

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Comments

  1. Sherry says

    February 27, 2016 at 5:29 AM

    I hung some above my kitchen sink because there isn’t a window . They reflect light and act like a window.

    Reply
    • Julie Fiato says

      February 27, 2016 at 9:24 AM

      What a fantastic idea!! Never thought of that.

      Reply
  2. Jeanie says

    February 27, 2016 at 7:21 AM

    Thanks for the great ideas!!

    Reply
    • Julie Fiato says

      February 27, 2016 at 9:23 AM

      You are so welcome, Jeanie!

      Reply
  3. Brenda Scott says

    February 27, 2016 at 7:39 AM

    I just LOVE all these ideas….I just recently put all those silver pieces in zip lock bags and put them in the attic. I now plan to get them down (especially the teapot) and use them. Can’t wait for my roses to start blooming and put them in that teapot!!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Julie Fiato says

      February 27, 2016 at 9:23 AM

      Sounds like a great plan, Brenda!

      Reply
  4. Carol says

    February 27, 2016 at 2:02 PM

    I believe that is a punch bowl and not a tureen. Why I say that is–I received one when I worked for Home Interiors.

    Reply
  5. Linda Chapman says

    February 28, 2016 at 4:40 AM

    I love the silver!! I too have a punch bowl, tray and ladle that I received from Home Interiors. I have it on my foyer table, and now it has white pine cones with dried hydrangeas in it. Also, have a large white birdcage filled with the silver cups that I won from the awesome company. I placed silver trays above my kitchen cabinets, made teapot lamps, and use the silver all over my house. It just adds that bright spot to any grouping! Always have my eye out for silver when garage sale shopping!

    Reply
  6. Barbara says

    February 28, 2016 at 6:26 PM

    I can see a big ceramic (or even a moss covered) bunny sitting in the middle of that bowl surrounded by Easter eggs. Go for it!

    Reply
  7. pamela says

    February 28, 2016 at 8:31 PM

    What great ideas. I a few silver or brushed nickel pieces, silver or brushed nickel are my favorite.

    Reply
  8. Barbara Ann says

    February 29, 2016 at 10:12 PM

    I too love the old rich patina on silver. I bought a lot of vintage Wm. Rogers silver plated spoons . Was that enough, noooo, I went in to a local thrift store and found a silver tray that was an equestrian award dated 1958…..and it was on markdown Monday sale. So I paid less than $4.00. !!!
    I’m going to clean it up a bit, but not completely. Those spoons are on my Instagram #barbaraannscreations.

    Reply
  9. Laurie says

    March 1, 2016 at 6:24 AM

    I love these ideas, very cute. I may just have to make a stop at the thrift store soon. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  10. Nicole says

    March 1, 2016 at 3:46 PM

    I really like this idea! I am feeling the blog hun!

    Reply

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This is such a busy time of year and I’m always This is such a busy time of year and I’m always on the lookout for easy recipes that use minimal pots and pans therefore requiring minimal cleanup. 🙌🏻

This one sheet roasted veggies, sausage and gnocchi definitely fit the bill! And I don’t know how I’ll go back to boiled gnocchi after tasting it roasted. 😋

Here’s how easy it is to make: 

Preheat oven to 425

Use any combo of veggies you like. I used sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts and red onion. 

Dice into small pieces and spread on a sheet pan. 

Slice up the sausage and add to vegetables. Then add the uncooked gnocchi. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and add a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. You can also add any herbs you like! 

Roast in over for 25 minutes stirring once halfway through. 

While it’s in the oven, melt a stick of butter in a saucepan and add in two teaspoons of garlic. 

When you remove the pan from the oven, drizzle the butter/garlic mixture over the top and stir well to coat everything. Top with Parmesan cheese! 

Easy peasy and SO yummy! ✨

#sheetpandinner #sheetpanrecipes
The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our families or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap. Or have a good cry. 

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
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