Leigh at Tales from Bloggeritaville is hosting Thrifty Thursday again, and since I can't seem to stay away from a bargain, I H-A-V-E to play along! ;O) Be sure to stop by her blog to see what other thrifty shoppers have found this week!
I'm not sure what I'm going to do with these two things. I'm thinking I might use this tray in my laundry room, but I don't know how yet. Any suggestions?
And then this tray was a little 
Now, I need to have a Pity Party for a minute, so bear with me. In 2006, we moved to SC for exactly one year. Our home there had only been lived in previously by a single male, who had all builder's beige walls. It was like a blank canvas, and I'm still sad, to this day, that I never got to decorate that house. But the thing I miss the most, other than the frieze carpet and the neighborhood amenities, is the sunroom. It was huge. I have always wanted one, and when I finally got it, I never even got to enjoy it because we had a ping pong table in there most of the time we were there. 
So, being the nut that I am, I still buy things for my "sunroom" THAT I DON'T HAVE, but hope to have again one day. I know it's crazy, but I just can't seem to help myself...This is my latest purchase for my imaginary sunroom.
So, although this flower arrangement looks a little "tired", I really bought it for the birdhouses, and hope to freshen it up, one day,with spring flowers and put it in my future sunroom. For now, we'll just call it a project. ;O)Finally, I'm going to show you a little peacock I bought that is old and was hand painted. I put him (or her?) on my great room's mantel.
Now, I need your advice. I think I've mentioned how much I dislike those TV caves (like this one). 
And I know that we need some ornate wrought iron sconces up there on both sides (badly), but our now defunct builder was too cheap to put them up when the house was built I haven't found any that I like. I also need to have the room painted, but haven't yet decided on the "right color". So, I think this display on my mantel needs something else. I'm thinking some burlap ribbon kind of draped around everything to soften the look. I'm talking more about what to do with the mantel than the TV cave (alot have provided suggestions for that). The mantel is only about 6 inches wide, so it's not very big to sit things on. While I would love to cover this "cave" with shutters, I don't think it's practical because the tv is used almost every day, and I don't think family members would make the effort to open and shut them. What do you think? I'd love to have some feedback on this. I know it's not Rate My Space, but suggestions are always appreciated. ;o) I may be changing it out soon for Easter anyway, but this will probably be what's up on a non-holiday time of year.
And I know that we need some ornate wrought iron sconces up there on both sides (badly), but Thanks for coming by, and thanks in advance for any advice you may leave!
50 comments:
No idea on how to mask the TV. I hope you get your sunroom soon. Go here for sconces without an electrician.
http://muchtodowithnothing.blogspot.com/2009/02/wall-sconces-without-electrician.html
Roberta Anne
I love the trays! They are good anytime of year for a 'spur of the moment' thought.
A sun room...would be soo nice in the winter wouldn't it?
Sorry, no help with the TV dilemma! No idea on a color for the room yet?
I was so excited when I saw your sun room! LOL I was almost jealous!
I do hope you get it someday... The sconces would look nice.
♥♥♥
Wow! Alot in that post...ok, here are my suggestions, take it for what it's worth. Please dont say "squat". Anyway...
Bottom up- the tv area. For the cave, I would afix some shutters to cover the cave. Close when you dont want to see it, open for what you do. I think shutters would look great! And easy to install.I wish I had a "cave" so I could hide my tv. Our is above the mantel and the eyesore I cannot hide.
I would also, put two candles on one end, raising one with books so it is staggered.
For the other end I would put something to heighten, perhaps a vase with fetahers or sticks. LOVE sticks, and you can get them free.
I am with you on the sunroom project. I do the same thing, though I have never had one. I love the birdhouse. Hobby Lobby has some really cute egg pics and things you could pop in there and change it from fall to spring.
I LOVE the trays. Especially the brown. Those colors rock. SOOOO pretty. Yes, drooling on the keyboard again, but I love it. I would do as you do, put in a stand, or hang on a wall in a grouping with just some basic white plates to allow the tray to pop?
GREAT post, girl! Thanks for playing along. I really appreciate it. You're a friend!
BTW that sunroom you had, also made me drool. WOW! I wouldnt leave.
Leigh of course had some fabulous suggestions for your TV cave. I was thinking of a painting on a hinge, but I'm not quite sure how that would work LOL I thought your cave was deep, but now I think it may not be deep enough to put a painting back there when the TV is on.
The trays - the pink flowered one - I would decoupage it with pictures, wallpaper, book pages - something. However, I'm obsessed with decoupage.
You can also put items from your kitchen on a tray - the knife block, S/P, spoon rest, oils - trays just make good "keepers-of-things" and can really turn a corner full of stuff into an organized corner.
I too love the trays - - - especially the fall one.
I LOVE the sun room you have pictured, and if THAT is what you mean by a sun room, than I want one too!!!
I love your trays! I'm such a "tray girl"...always have been.
Leigh mentioned my suggestion. I'm all for the shutter look too and I think you can pick up shutter kits at Lowe's and Home Depot pretty cheaply. If you go for the shutter idea, take before/after pictures. I'd love to see how it all turns out.
I've always wanted a sunroom. Such a neat thing about living in the south! Yours was gorgeous!
Hi Tar...gee, I can't think of any better suggestions than what Leigh had...they sound great! Wow, your former sunroom was a beauty...and I can see why that is on your wish list. I love your thrifty bargains...they'll look great anywhere! ;-) Bo
I know what you can do with the first tray... You can mail it to me..LOL
I am having trouble with my mantel as well, so I am not a good one to ask.
I have a sunroom with nothing in it except my plants. I'm getting ready to do something with it though. I love my room, but can decide what to do. I will have to post some pictures and get my blog friends to help me.
What a great sunroom you had! It must have been hard to leave it behind.
I love your trays, especially the fall one.
Sorry I have no suggestions for the TV area. I still have a old style TV that goes behind doors in a cabinet. It will be interesting to see what you finally decide to do.
Hey! I wandered over from Leigh's blog.
I really love the trays - especially the pink flowered one for spring! I'd almost try to hang it on the wall by attaching a ribbon hanger on the back, tied in a cute bow at the top. I quick, easy and thrifty way to bring the outdoors in!
The only suggestion I have for the tv cave is to put up some curtain panels on a tension rod. If you're as "into" monogramming as much as me, I'd get some ivory cafe curtains and applique my family initial or a scroll design in black in the center of both panels. It's pretty easy, actually:
Enlarge a letter in your favorite font on the computer. Buy some cheap black fabric and some Heat N Bond. Draw out the letter, reversed, on the Heat N Bond, then cut it out and iron it to your curtain panels. Very Thrifty!
Great blog - good luck with all your projects!
I would love a sunroom too! I'm seeing lots of plants in there--check out Lowes and Wal-Mart! Then, you can really put them in there when you get one.
As for the narrow ledged mantle, I have the same issue. But after years in another house of no mantle, I'm thanksful for this one!
Hobby Lobby 50% off on finnials (spelling?) on either side? Pictures of your family up there? Something low in the middle--as not to block the tv! Little votives? Several that match? Just some thoughts! Let us know what you decide.
Where in Sc are you?
Hugs,
Susan
Hi there Tootz!
Idea for the trays. Get a small round wooden disk and put a spinner between the tray and the disk. Make a lazy susan out of it and put it in the middle of your kitchen table. Works great for salt, pepper, napkins whatever you want. Come over to my blog and see mine, I'll post it just for you.
Angi
So pretty!
I do love the Fall colors in the tray. :)
I really like the fall tray...it reminds me of one my grandmother had, now my mom has and hopefully I'll have one day :-)
That's so funny you buy for a room you hope to have. If you need somewhere to store the stuff...I know the perfect place...my porch :)
Hey Tar - I like Leigh's suggestions for your mantel - they sound the best.
Love both the trays. Hubby has one that I have hanging above the French doors in the sunroom in my house - you can start your collection now for when you get your sunroom!!
Good Luck with your mantel - I need to post pics of my mantel and TV - you won't believe what I have to deal with!!
I think mantles are the hardest thing ever to decorate. I'd give you some suggestions but my own mantle still looks like chit! I hope you get some good suggestions.
Thanks for saying hi! You know I saw on HGTV some episode that said the black TV is more noticible because it is in a light color. If you paint the walls a darker color including the box it is in...it probably wouldn't look so black hole-ish?!?
I hoping to one day have a sunroom too! :) I thought I would get one this past Fall during our renovations, but ended up doing more inside the house, so I ran out of time, money, and PATIENCE! Oh well, maybe we'll both get one soon!
Love the trays! I can't help you on the TV cave! LOL! Except for shutters, which would look nice, but then you might not be able to display anything on your mantle when they are open. How about shutters, and sconces that hold flowers or greenery on each side and nothing on the mantle. You could even change out the flowers with the seasons. I have black/metal Southern Living Home sconces in the front hall on each column, filled with greenery, and I really enjoy them! ...just an idea! :) ~hugs, Rhonda
I love vintage metal trays and use them all of the time. I'm sure you'll enjoy using them or displaying them. Your peacock is so great! I sometimes buy things for the "vacation home" that we don't have, and I'm sure we never will have it, so I know just what you mean. But really, that's a great spring decoration anywhere in your home.
Did you see Pat (Back Porch Musings) tv opening? When she painted the inside of it a darker color, the tv seemed to dissapear. I thought it was a great idea! laurie
Tar-ilina
I posted the Lazy Susan on my blog if you want to have a peek.
Angi
Thank you for popping over. The company asked me for a second interview, but after the first and the hours they expected me to put in, it wouldn't work. Helping my parents plus an hour commute each way and 10 hour days....On top of that it was a commission position with half of my income dependant on the people I manage. YIKES!
God has something for me, I just have to be patient (not a natural quality for me)HA
Oh, I'm BIG on nick names, so sooner or later you'll have a permanent one, I just have to keep trying some out.
You're an angel
Thanks
Angi
Those are great trays!
I vote yes on the shutters. We have our TV in an armoire that stays open 90% of the time. BUT I love the fact that I can close them when needed.
Thanks also for telling me about Beth's follower problem. I will try and find what she did. It's just good to know that I am not the only one! :D Jewel
Oh girl.. I love that you're buying things for your "some day sunroom".. a gal has to be ready doesn't she? I agree, go with some sconces and work in some more metal art..choose your paint color and have fun...hugs ~lynne~
Girl..you need some therapy..LOL and I don't mean shopping therapy.
You buy things for a room that you don't have?!?? Okay that's just weird! (but I already knew that, right?)
Those trays are so pretty. I especially like the one for the laundry room. I have a garden theme going on in my laundry room and it would look great : ) Linda
I like your peacock find! Its a male. lol
I think what I would do on your mantle is I would custom make my own floral arrangement, that covered the length of the mantle and also hung down around the sides, using the flowers and foliage that I liked or that fit my color scheme. I would make it very thick and full not like a garland, more substantial.
There's my two cents
DEAR TAR,
SO MANY BEAUTIFUL IDEAS.
I WENT BACK AND LOOKED AT PICTURES OF YOUR HOUSE AND THE TV NOOK.....IT IS HARD TO TELL WITHOUT BEING THERE BUT I WONDER ABOUT THIS....
IF YOU COULD FIND TWO MATCHING WALL PALM TREE THINGS LIKE WHAT WAS ON "PICTURE THIS RED" IN YOUR BATHROOM.....THEY LOOK LIKE SHUTTERS BUT....
YOU COULD POSITION ONE ON EACH SIDE OF THE FIRE PLACE ON THE WALL...PAINT THE NOOK DARK AND THE ART ON EACH SIDE OF THE FIREPLACE WOULD LOOK LIKE A PART OF THE FIRE PLACE...ONLY LIKE SHUTTERS WERE ALWAYS OPEN AND I WOULD TAKE A TALL CYCLIDER VASE AND FILL IT WITH ARTIFICIAL CHERRY BLOSSOM BRANCHES...ON THE OTHER END OF THE FIREPLACE I WOULD PLACE A TALL CHERRY CANDLE THAT HAD A ROSE AND DIFFERENT FLOWER CANDLE RING AND IN THE MIDDLE I WOULD PUT THE WORDS "LIVE"...A PRETTY RABBIT..."LOVE"....A PRETTY RABBIT..."LAUGH"....A PRETTY RABBIT OR YOU COULD SUBSTITUTE ANGELS OR BIRDS
I AM NOT VERY GOOD AT EXPLAINING THINGS...I HOPE IT MAKES SENSE....
BLESSINGS
debbie
I miss having a sunroom too. We had a great one in one of our old houses. Must admit that I'm still hanging on to some of the furniture that we had in it, in hopes of getting another one some day. So, I can relate to your aquiring things for your future sunroom ;)
Oh Tar! I love it that you buy for your sunroom that you don't have! I shop for my cabin in the mountains that I don't have. I haven't actually bought anything, but I'm always saying...Now, that would look good in my cabin...lol...!! I think it's OK to dream!! Have a great weekend...hugs...Debbie
I know,i'm late.I had dr appts.sorry,ha.but...it sounds like mama wants a sunroom.Tell me,how often do yall play ping-pong?I'm betting,not that often.Doesn't it fold up and DOWN?What's wrong with the garage?
Remember,ain't nobody happy if mama ain't happy!!!!!!!!!!!!It truly looks like you could figure something out,hummmmmmmmmmm?...Ann
I love the idea of the shutters. That is exactly what I would do. The only problem would be to open and shut them you couldn't have anything on your mantle. And that might drive me crazy. I have seen a shutter-like panel that hinges at the top and when you are watching tv you push it up and it locks in place somehow. You would probably have the same mantle problem and then I don;t know how easy it would be to push it up.
Tricky decorating dilemma... Thanks for letting me stop by!
Jen
Hi Tardevil, I love your thrifty purchases. Keep dreaming about that sun room. Dreams do come true. Love the birdhouse and it wouldn't be hard to spiff it up a bit. As for your mantel, I too struggle with what to do with mine. The TV cave is not offensive to me but I do know you need to find a place to reposition your TV. Then you can paint it an accent color and display art etc. in there. Pat, at Back Porch Musings, did that in her condo and it looked great.
Hugs...Jeanne
Hi Tar! Oh, I saw somewhere that this gal took a large picture, a little bit bigger than the tv and cut it in half, adding the right kind of picture molding so it looked like a frame. Then it was mounted on sliding hardware and when it was closed it looked like a picture but you could slide it open and there was the big ole tv.
Thanks for popping in to see me.
be a sweetie,
Shelia :)
Neat finds!
I really like the shutter idea... so maybe they stay open most of the time, but at least it would look really pretty when company comes over!
ps- in response to the comment you left on my post: THANK YOU - and believe it or not, that's the less pretty view - the other direction looks out on a completely open view of the bay! We really enjoy it.
Hello Tar, Just dropping by. You got a lot of good advise here. What I would like to see is a larger view of your wall and room to get a visual what the entire room looks like, then I could put my two cents in ;)
Hope all is well. Busy on my end but just wanted to say hello. It's been awhile since I have posted or commented in blog land.
Cheers,
T
Great post! You know that there are hinges that work so that if there is room, you can slide the doors/hinges into the side area of the tv. Just a thought.
The metal trays are great! I don't have any, but would love to start looking for some.
I really like the idea of shutters to cover the TV!
Hi! Love the trays and shutters would be nice if you want to hide the tv. Maybe you can find sconces that don't require an electrician. Some with a lovely glass hurricane for candles would look beautiful too. Deb
SITS is a good place to find new blogs and they have A LOT going on all the time. It's like Blog Stalkers Unite but bigger. Did you see Merry Sitsmas around Christmas...that's from them.
This is so funny! I love your post! And your home is beautiful. Thank you for visiting my blog. I am crazy for trying to do so much in a few days, but, at least I made a dent! lol I didn't finish 2 of my chairs though, so technically, it is still a work in progress! On your mantle, I would suggest (visualize here with me)maybe a couple of pretty candlesticks on one side, (I just read and love Leigh's suggestion for the books, books are great)some greenery "spilling" over in the middle (not too high, don't want to obstruct the view of the tv heaven forbid)and something to balance it out on the other end of the mantle. A pretty platter maybe? And you can fill in with some random "stuff". Can you see it? It looks good! lol
I know no matter what you do, it will look good. You have great taste!
Lou Cinda :)
Hi Tardevil, you are right I gave him the pretty bottle with the blue on it.
You are the only one who answered that question. I like your description of the colorful insulators. I have always loved those things too. I think we can do what ever we like for yard art.
Hav a happy day.
Hugs...Jeanne
Hey girl! Love all your finds! Those trays need to come to my house! *winks* You cracked me up with your sunroom story...although it's really quite a sad story....so... sorry for laughing! I am buying for my victorian mansion, which I'll probably never have! Lol! At least you HAD a sunroom! *winks* I like the idea mentioned about covering up the TV cave with shutters...or a tapestry maybe? I've never liked the TV caves either. Vanna
I have always wanted a sunroom! Or atleast a screened in porch.. so I'm with you there! *smiles*
Loving the trays, I've been on the look out for quite awhile and haven't seen any in my area *sigh*
TV cave... I'm totally stumped, I think the shudder idea sounds good or maybe you could hang a nice lightweight picture over the top and take it down when you're wanting to watch? Just a suggestion! I'm sure you'll come up with something great and perfect for you!
Love the trays! I saw on another blog that I frequent that they painted the "cave" either the same color as the wall or a shade darker. It looks great. If I can find the post, I'll link it for you.
Have agreat day, DEnise
I would install shutters on the wall above the mantel...maybe distressed.
Oh that sunroom looks like heaven.
A sunroom. That would be so nice. I hope you get another one soon. Sunrooms are not all that popular in Arizona. We're trying to get away from the sun. LOL
Charlotte
p.s. I love that peacock.
I love that you buy for your someday sunroom! I did that for years with my someday wedding room & now I have it. We had a sunroom in our previous home & I do miss mine, too. I had wicker & antique cupboards & it was so pretty.
Now, for the tv, hmmm, I'd paint the wall behind it darker, add some greenery trailing along the mantle top, & I'd add some twinkle lights in the greenery ~ but that's just me, I'm too blingy for most! You might try some branches or ting ting along one end of the mantle to add more visual height.
I know you will do your usual terrific job ~ can't wait to see the end results.
Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
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