I’ve been in homes that were decorated from floor to ceiling with the owner’s passion – whether antiques, advertising, Star Trek, Coca Cola or glass – and in homes where the only hints to the owner were carefully tucked away in a china hutch. There is a happy medium!
If you would like to show off your display, please post a photo or two on our Facebook page at www.DepressionGlassFun.com. I’ll include readers’ photos in the next post and will take a few pictures of my collections to show you when the light is better.
I have a nice set of Rose Point crystal goblets, tumblers and candle holders. We use these and they are in a glass fronted cabinet in the living room. It’s not really set up for display, more as a way to keep them safe and clean.
My husband Dave collects old cookbooks. Oh, he would tell you that he doesn’t actually collect them, he just likes them and he does intend to make that one recipe that looked so good when he perused it at the estate sale. I won’t comment on how often that actually happens, or whether the ensuing meals are very good!
When we moved we took two long bookcases with us that had divided the dining room from the sun room cum office in the old house. These are each about 40 inches long with two shelves. One is in the dining room stuffed with recipe books, cook books and my unabridged dictionary. Once that is filled up Dave may have to cull his collection.
That is one method to display a collection: Use shelves.
I collect hand carved wooden birds by artist Jim Durow. Dave gave them to me as gifts over many years and they are all perched happily on an open front wall unit. More birds and carvings from my Dad and me are on the mantle.
Besides birds, I love – love – love those cute figurine planters. Those are in their own special book case in my downstairs office. Two of my favorites that my son gave me are upstairs in the dining room on the buffet (did I mention how my wonderful husband never ever complains about these?) I’d like to find a place to put the book case where I can see it better and where no one will bump into it. That’s another project.
The figurines, the birds, the different pictures and special memorabilia are all special. They all lift my spirit and add joy to life. Even Dave’s cookbooks make me smile because I know how much he treasures every single one.
The saddest thing is when people put their favorite items away in boxes or hide them in the back of the cupboard. If your collection makes you smile then put it out and enjoy!