Surprise With Monkeys!
I think of summer as a time of fun, lightness and children playing. This view led me to a set of monkey plates at a thrift shop. Each has a different pose and lends a surprise to the table when guests come for lunch. A set of red dishes from a local yard sale framed the monkey plates perfectly, but seemed harsh for a summer theme. My set of square white plates, which are larger than the red ones, added the perfect light touch.
Mix Complimentary Colors and Neutrals
A red bowl matching the red plate was added on top of the monkey plate. The napkins used were two yellow and two white, each folded into a ‘fan’ shape, folded in half and put into the bowl. As it unwound, it formed a backdrop for a lovely yellow flower. In fact, if allowed to unfold on its own, the napkin forms another ‘flower’ layer. As you can see in this picture, it almost looks as though there is a large white flower with a yellow center. In this case, the napkin mimics the flowers in the wooden plate stand centerpiece.
The centerpiece is a wooden plate stand made by my uncle, filled with a fat candle and white and yellow daffodils. On either side are small black bowls filled with a single large sunflower surrounded with vine-style leaves.
I am not a florist and putting together a flower arrangement is not within my skills at the moment, however, anyone can buy silk flowers and remove the blossoms to decorate just about anything, as will be shown throughout the Decorator’s Corner.
More Fun With Yard Sale Items
In addition to the terrific red plates, the yard sale yielded unusual salt and pepper shakers. The top formed a cage surrounding a clear marble that sat over the hole where the salt or pepper came out. It’s little treasures like these that make yard, garage and estate sales such fun. Always go to them with an open mind, looking for the odd touches, or something to add an element of surprise to whatever room you may be decorating.
And finally, a picture of the complete table. Even with dark reds and a dark wooden plate stand, a table can have that summer feel. Anyone can decorate. All that’s needed is an idea of your taste and a willingness to try.
Looking Forward to Living Rooms for Summer
The next item in the Decorator’s Corner will be touching up the living room for summer. More surprises are in store; surprises from the latest trips to my favorite yard sale lady, plus a couple of tips on finding interesting, inexpensive sofa pillows.