I don’t do much decorating these days. The walls need painting (how long have I been saying that on this blog?) I still want to build bookshelves in the den. And I want different window coverings in the living room. None of those things are urgent. I’ll get to them when time and funds allow. Other than that, things are pretty much the way I want them.
I did change a little thing the other day, based on a conversation I was having with Don. The center of the kitchen table has been taken up by the Vernor’s soda crate and Riley’s Dish Garden. Since the table isn’t that big, those two items take up a lot of real estate. Don mentioned he was a little tired of seeing the Vernor’s crate there. And then we talked about Riley’s Dish Garden, which is important to both of us, but let’s face it, the blue plastic dog dish isn’t all that attractive.
Hmmm. I wasn’t ready to move the Vernor’s crate out of the kitchen, so I moved it to the end of the kitchen island.
And I added the mug full of pens, pencils and scissors. There’s notepaper in one of the other compartments, along with my older camera and a jade plant. I tend to write out lists and pay bills while standing at the island, so this works rather nicely.
Moving it to the island meant that I had to find a place to store the cake stand and glass dome, which were pretty but were serving no purpose other than to accumulate dust. Since storage space is at a minimum here, finding a home for them took a lot of maneuvering. They had become a source of irritation, so I’m relieved they are out of sight.
Then I spent about an hour trying to figure out what to do with Riley’s Dish Garden. I knew I had to disguise it a wee bit, so I pulled out various pieces of pottery until I hit on this combination:
I grabbed the larger of my two Homer Laughlin Orange Tree bowls, then spent what seemed like an endless amount of time trying to find some little piece to put in the bottom of the bowl to work as a base for the dish garden.
But that didn’t seem like quite enough. So I plucked my vintage Fiesta platter from high atop the pantry and plopped it under the bowl.
I really like that splash of contrasting color.
Those succulents are getting a bit out of control. On the other hand, they look sculptural and I like that.
So there you are. The not-so-pretty plastic dog dish deserved a prettier presentation. To the rescue: a couple of pieces from my pottery collection.
Love you, Riley.
New post up on Just Let Me Finish This Page.
Happy Wednesday.
Love the new “presentation” for Riley’s Dish Garden. The colors are wonderful. Sometimes moving items just a little bit can make a world of difference. Glad you found another spot for your Vernor’s crate (btw – our grocery stores are now selling Vernor’s!!).
Jealous!
It looks pretty, Claudia. A little bit of pottery always adds beauty. I think it is so nice to have this in memory of darling Riley. I, too, would have a hard time putting away that Vernors box. We love Vernors ginger-ale and I know the retired-guy would love to find a box like that on our treasure hunts. I did fine a wooden box with Wilson’s tomatoes on it last year and since that is my maiden name I scooped it up quickly. :) Hugs to all. Deb
Love that you found the Wilson’s Tomatoes box. Perfect!
That looks so charming! Sometimes all it takes is a little Spark…(get it?)…and voila! Hehe! ;)
I get it! xo
Luv the colorful planter idea too. I just realized we have the same dog food dishes. My dog Rodney had a blue one exactly like Riley’s. Unfortunately he had to be put down in April. One of the first things my husband did tho was to throw his dish away. He couldn’t stand to see it as a reminder because Rodney LOVED to eat and it was too painful for him to be reminded of our loss. Guess we all deal with pet grief in various ways. My three dogs now have white, red and gray dishes, exactly the same as the blue one. And we have a larger green one for water! Glad your Vernor’s crate found a new spot too!
It’s funny, I hang onto those things. Dishes, collars, brushes, toys. I can’t bring myself to get rid of them.
I love the crate. I have so sold many and now have none for myself. There’s so many things that a crate will hold. I also love using the flower pot as a centerpiece. I always love reading your writings and enjoy your creations and ideas.
Thank you so much, Bonnie.
It looks so pretty Claudia..I’m sorry I missed knowing Riley on here..he was such a handsome boy..glad you kept the Vernor’s crate out..I like soda crates and I am still keeping an eye out for the aqua Vernor’s that you want..
Thanks, Nancy. I love those crates, too. I’d like a 7-up crate…I’ve seen them in white.
Claudia, Riley’s garden dish looks good like that. I also like the way you did the case. Making it hold things that will be handy. :) Hope you are enjoying some good weather. It’s a bit muggy here today, after the thickest morning fog ever. But I have to say we have had some wonderful low humidity days. Wishing you and Don a fun day. xoxo,Susie
Thanks, Susie!
I think that is why we collect things. Just so we can pull something off the shelf when we need a little something extra. At least that’s my excuse, and I’m sticking to it.
The splash of orange really does make the arrangement pop. What does the Dame think?
The Dame seems rather indifferent to it, Trudy.
Don’t know how or why, but EVERY time Riley is heavy on my mind, you post something about him! Lovelovelovelove his dish garden. You always get it right!
jane-in-tx
We must be connecting on a whole other level, Jane!
I like to take things I love and change them up a little bit, it’s amazing how much different they can look! Oh Riley’s dish garden is so special and I love it in the pottery bowl.
hugs,
Linda
I like the change a lot, and I think Riley would like it, too!
Yep, it looks perfect now. All the layering of colors and then the dish makes it pop.
Thanks, Dawn. A little thing, but a much bigger impact!