I have a love for beautiful old things. I love history, really, and antique things that remind me of the past are the only way to "capture" history in my home. 

     The downside to loving old things....? Finding places for those old things! 
     My solution? Vignettes!
     A vignette refers to many things and subjects, but in this case, it means a collection of things put together for display (more or less)! 

     So, when I realized I had so many lovely little things, and no place for them all to be seen, I painted a little shelf thingy I had, and worked on arranging my things. The key to a good lookin' vignette is to have levels, mix mediums, and create balance.  

     So, while planning my daughters 3rd birthday (a tea party), I knew I would have to rectify the problem where I didn't own a cookie stand (one of those pretty, multi-layered thingies).
     Well, I looked around for one, but was never terribly impressed with either the cost or how it looked. Then I saw one on Anthropologie.....for around $80. Yikes. No thanks.

     Well, when you find something you love, but it costs too much, what do you do? You go to your local thrift store, and get 'er done your own way! 
   
      I looked around our "Hidden Treasures" store in my small town for dishes that would fit with the pink and white theme. In total, $3 was spent on the dishes. 

     Then I headed over to our Home Hardware for some glue. Elmer's makes a "Fix-All Cement" (pictured below) that is good for hot and cold weather, as well as water resistant. 
   

    I went home with my dishes (one of which I broke while going home.....good thing I bought that glue....) and my glue, and started working on my cookie tray.

     I just kept stacking and re-stacking the dishes until I had something I thought was perfect. Then, I carefully glued them together, and put it somewhere safe to dry. 

    So, for under $10 and not that much effort later, I had my own, Anthropologie inspired, cookie stand! I have used it a lot since making it, and so I am glad I have it! It's also a great conversation piece, so that's a bonus!  :)      

   When my (then) 8 year old son said we should have a tea party for his sisters birthday last January, and she agreed, I was soooo happy! I have a "thing" for  tea cups and tea. 

   In my defence, my hoards of tea cups and antique china are our only dishes, beside a few Ikea dishes for the kids, and 4 coffee mugs. So, although I am a smidge obsessed, at least I'm not being a useless hoarder! I see my china collection as a revolving door. If I see something new I love, I get rd of something I already have.   
 

  Anyway, back to the tea party for my 3 year old!

   I bought a set of tea cups, saucers, and plates from our local St.Vincent DePaul for $8. Yes, I know I own tea cups already, but I didn't want to have a bunch of children breaking my lovely "made in england" mostly antique tea cups. I know, I'm such a party pooper.

   For the food, I thought of classic british tea party foods: crustless sandwiched (including cucumber sandwiches), and other little nibblies. Tiny quiches, bite sized sausage rolls, sweet mix and bread and butter pickles. Crackers and cheese, and veggies and dip were included as well.

   Of course the tea is an important part of a tea party! We made a pot of decaf tea, and let it cool a lot before setting on the table for the kids. 
   
    For the grown-ups, a kettle and lots of tea, and hot chocolate was set out. Adult guests were able to choose their own tea cup from my collection. 

   The sweets (though there were many) were not a stressful part of the party. I literally wrote on my calendar what I needed to make and when so that I was slowly adding fresh baked goods to my freezer to be able to pull out the night before the party. 

   So, the party went great, and all the kids really enjoyed themselves, even if (as my husband pointed out) they probably didn't notice all the details. 

   Really, I love the details. As a stay at home mom, I love having a "project" to work on, and look forward to. 

   And to me, celebrating birthdays is important. Life is a gift, our day of birth is a gift! Celebrate it!