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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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June 2, 2011

Making Outdoor Dining Easier…

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I have been contemplating lately my consumption.  And by consumption I do not mean food…even though I should probably be contemplating that as well.  What I mean is my consumption of “things” My first tendency is to throw out the old and in with the new.  Now mind you I am a very frugal shopper…I just tend to lean towards running to Home Goods, TJ Maxx and Hobby Lobby when I need to satisfy my shopping compulsion a new decorative item or housewares.  But, recently I have found myself at odds… well with myself.  Because, I have found that my conscience has started to prick me when I pick something new up to purchase.  “Do you REALLY need that?”  “Could you make do with what you have?”  “Could you adapt something and make it work?”  “Could you re-purpose something that someone else ‘threw’ away?”

So I find myself more and more reevaluating what I already own and making more frequent trips to the Goodwill and local thrift stores.  Sometimes I strike out..but sometimes I find the neatest things and finding those little treasures gets my creative juices flowing…like this little beauty for instance:

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It was only $3.00 and I saw so many different uses for it!  But it just didn’t quite inspire me in it’s current state.  It whispered to me as I carried it up to the register, “Paint me white!”  So I did.

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Then it said to me…”Remember that adorable idea that Kristin had for making knock-off antique crates?”  “You know the one where she stenciled on her wedding year?”  “Yep..” it said, “I think I would look lovely with one of those painted on me.” And, since it asked so sweetly I had to comply.

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First I measured for the middle and then lightly traced the letters and numbers onto the caddy.  Then, I filled in the letters with brown acrylic paint I had on hand.  I wasn’t worried about it being neat and precise, because once it dried I did this:

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I sanded it all down, roughing up the edges to antique the stenciling and the edges of the caddy.  I added a quick coat of poly-acrylic to protect it in case it gets left outside…that seems to  happen a lot around here.

Then, my little caddy did a most amazing thing. It finally told me what it needed to be.

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It wanted to make my life easier and hold all of our outdoor dining supplies.

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Wasn’t that so kind of it? 🙂

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I just love my new outdoor dining caddy.  I have it all set up for the 4th of July but I can change the colors with the seasons.  When we use and wash the items we just throw them back in the caddy and it sits on the buffet waiting to be carried out for another dinner on the patio! It is frugal, it is pretty and it makes me happy!  A perfect combination!


Total Cost for outdoor caddy and accessories: $14.00
Paint Supplies: Already had
Caddy: Goodwill: $3.00
Napkins: Jo-Ann’s: $1.50
Cups: Dollar General: $3.00
4 Cloth placemats: The Dollar Tree: $4.00
Mini Salt and Pepper Mill: HomeGoods: $2.50 on clearance
Silverware: Already had
I hope this inspires you to keep an eye out for great items you can re-purpose and re-use!
Thanks for meeting me at the fence!

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CraftGossip
 

44 Comments Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Good Ideas

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Comments

  1. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    June 1, 2011 at 8:16 PM

    Oh this is awesome!! I found a similar bare wood tool box at the thrift store that I’m painting right NOW..I can in to search ideas to paint on the box…

    I didnt even have to search…I’m gonna put est. 2008..I think that’s we when got married..LOL

    Thanks ladies!

    Reply
  2. NanaDiana says

    June 1, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    Heather- That is absolutely darling! I have quit buying like I used to also. I have SOOO much I figure it is time to leave it for someone else! Hugs-Diana

    Reply
  3. Debbie--https://refreshrestyle.com/ says

    June 1, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    Heather, it’s perfect! and how handy for dining outside!
    Debbie

    Reply
  4. Vicki says

    June 1, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    Heather this turned out great! Love how you sandpapered over your paint and hid the imperfections with the distressing.

    Reply
  5. Judy says

    June 1, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    That is absolutely awesome. What a great find and I love what you did with it. I’m going to have to keep my eyes open for something like that. It’s perfect for outdoor entertaining. Thanks for stopping by and joining the party.

    Reply
  6. Town and Country Mom says

    June 1, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    Great job! This would be cute with a monogram, too.

    Reply
  7. Poppy says

    June 1, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    Wow,I love this caddy and it looks wonderful for an outdoor tablescape… I like the white finish on it and how you stenciled those letters.It will go in any kind of decor… beautiful! Thanks for sharing!~Poppy

    https://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  8. Dee says

    June 1, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    Very cute!!! Great job! I think I have one of these little caddy’s somewhere. I’m going to have to find it.

    Reply
  9. Kathleen says

    June 1, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    This is a fabulous idea! Love the distressing!!

    Reply
  10. The Decorative Dreamer says

    June 1, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    This was a fantastic find! I have been on the hunt for the perfect caddy at a bargain. You found it! I love that is was unfinished too and you were able to customize it just for you. Great job! It’s looks fantastic!

    Reply
  11. Lilianna Grace says

    June 1, 2011 at 11:55 PM

    So cute, I love it!

    Reply
  12. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    June 2, 2011 at 1:18 AM

    Oh it’s so pretty, I love it! Some things are just so much better painted white 🙂
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  13. Farica says

    June 2, 2011 at 3:59 AM

    LOVE it, and I soooo want to copy this!! Thanks for sharing!!! TOO CUTE! I’m headed to Dollar Tree this weekend to find some bargains!

    Reply
  14. Shanthi says

    June 2, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Lovely DIY. Great inspiration. I have never tired a DIY so far but I am so tempted to do this 🙂

    Reply
  15. coffee grinder says

    June 2, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    very very attractive picture in this blog.really amazing…

    Reply
  16. April says

    June 2, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    beautiful!
    i am particularly attached to anything fourth-of-july-ish. 🙂
    you made wonderful use of “what you had”. i need to do better. the home front overflows with crafting items but i never USE them, opting instead to run out and be compulsive(should likely not go into a hobby lobby ever again, or at least for a year or two).
    thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  17. Brittany. says

    June 2, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    awesome! such a cute little caddy!

    Reply
  18. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    June 2, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    I love it!! What a super find at Good Will. I would love a caddy like that. I love how you filled it and what great shots!

    Reply
  19. Becca says

    June 2, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    Heather, this is genious !! I love how you transformed it into a super ca-ute utensil, etc. caddy !! And, to think that I just spent $9.99 on a white metal one at Target … wish I’d seen your inspirational post first … I would’ve scoured GW first!

    Reply
  20. Melissa says

    June 2, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    This is awesome! I just love it! Now I’ll have to keep my eye out so I can make one 🙂

    Reply
  21. Sue says

    June 2, 2011 at 6:38 PM

    This is just so versatile and cute, Heather! Love how you purposed it for the table. It could be used on your desk, as well. I need to go find me a carry-all. *grin*
    ~ Sue

    Reply
  22. Deborah says

    June 2, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    You are so awesome to think of such a cute idea!

    Reply
  23. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    June 2, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    That is perfect, Heather! It looks like it holds everything you need! I know what you mean about making new purchases. I question myself quite a bit now and usually it’s a “where will you put it?” question. If I have no answer, I don’t get it.

    Reply
  24. Val says

    June 2, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    I’m so in love with the project! Turned out great!

    Reply
  25. michelle says

    June 2, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    that turned out so cute! I love trying to find things and see what I can do with them but I also love to just buy things and I know that that shouldn’t happen too often. I do try to reason with myself more it seems and I am getting better. 🙂

    Reply
  26. Marianne says

    June 2, 2011 at 11:07 PM

    This is just so cute. And what a great thrift store find. We finally had one open here yesterday so guess where I’m headed tomorrow….Yes, thrift store after garage sales.
    Marianne 🙂

    Reply
  27. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    June 2, 2011 at 11:32 PM

    This turned out wonderful, Heather! The caddy is not only cute but you can use it for so many things. Thank you for joining my party.
    xo,
    Sherry

    Reply
  28. Okio B Designs says

    June 3, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    Sweet and such perfect timing! I just got a caddy at a garage sale and you have inspired me to try this! Coming over from Common Ground and your newest follower!

    Jeanine

    Reply
  29. Honey at 2805 says

    June 3, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    Neat thrifty find and so convenient to use. Inspiring!

    Reply
  30. Jennifer says

    June 3, 2011 at 11:16 AM

    I LOVE this caddy – it’s so perfect for summer! I featured you in my Friday I’m In Love favorites today – come over and take a look!

    https://socialsalutations.blogspot.com/2011/06/friday-im-in-love-week-2.html

    – Jenn @ Social Salutations

    Reply
  31. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    June 3, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    This is so lovely. I want to hop right over and join you there!! I love the romance of the stencil caddy. Aaaaah!!!

    Sarahx

    Reply
  32. Southwest Cottage Designs says

    June 3, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    It looks so colorful and pretty for summer! I love it.

    Reply
  33. Christie says

    June 3, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    This looks amazing! I adore eating outside, although now it is already 1000 degrees outside! I will have to try the stencils…my freehand is crummy and this turned out so stinkin’ cute! I added the Blog Block Party button to my blog! How fun! Can’t wait!! Christie

    Reply
  34. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    June 4, 2011 at 4:25 AM

    Super cute idea and love it all pretty and painted in white! The stencil is perfect ~ thanks for linking this up this week 🙂

    Reply
  35. Amanda says

    June 4, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    Love how crisp and clean this is! I’ve featured this post on Craft Gossip here:
    https://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/dining-caddy-for-outdoor-entertaining/

    Thanks for inspiration!

    If you would like a “featured by” button, you can grab one here:
    https://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/

    Reply
  36. Debra@Common Ground says

    June 5, 2011 at 3:21 AM

    I’m just a caddy “nut”, I just cannot resist them, and this turned out great! Love having you all link up for VIF! xoxo Debra

    Reply
  37. Jenny @ DIY Newlyweds says

    June 5, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    This is a great idea! Having a caddy for eating outdoors makes setting & cleaning up so much easier. I just use a plastic basket now, but this is so much cuter!

    Reply
  38. alison says

    June 7, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    love this…i actually scored a white shabby handmade tool box at a tag sale over the weekend and now i know what i can use it for! thanks for sharing at fridays unfolded!

    Reply
  39. Janet says

    June 10, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    Ok, I did a search for “dinner” in Google reader because I’m going grocery shopping in a few minutes here(ugh!), and this came up…how did I miss this!??!?! So stinkin’ cute, and PERFECT for our summer outdoor dining nights! WOW! Thanks so much for sharing!

    http://www.iheartmygluegun.com

    Reply
  40. Patio Furniture says

    June 13, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    What a brilliant idea, this is one of a kind. Thanks for sharing this one. I love this one. Gotta try one.

    Patio Furniture Set

    Reply
  41. Patio Furniture says

    June 13, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    What a brilliant idea, this is one of a kind. Thanks for sharing this one. I love this one. Gotta try one.

    Patio Furniture Set

    Reply
  42. Carmella says

    June 17, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    I just added this beautiful project to my Friday Faves post today! Hope you all are having a great Friday!

    https://creativecarmella.blogspot.com/2011/06/few-of-my-faves-this-friday.html

    Reply
  43. Betty819 says

    September 26, 2014 at 11:31 AM

    Heather and Vanessa,
    Just discovered your blog this morning and have been trying to post you a message and I click on post comment and it gives me a message..”You may have disabled javascript. Please enable Javascript before leaving a comment on this site.. The cache may have been out of date. Use this link to view a fresh version Making Outdoor dining easier.”

    I’m computer challenge..what are they talking about? Have no idea what javascript or cache means. Can somebody email me at BESHENOUR@COMCAST.NET AND walk me through whatever they are talking about.

    Reply

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  1. Are you a “Thrifting Diva”? says:
    May 7, 2013 at 5:57 AM

    […]  Like Vanessa’s upcycled kitchen cabinet turned dartboard or Heather’s toolbox turned Dining Caddy and old crate turned faux wine […]

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This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
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