Tuesday, February 12, 2013

In Praise of Simple Things




Campanula was available in the grocery this week. But I really got it for the pot it was in. It's nice to have something pretty blooming in a window this time of year.




It was the punch of color I needed for this simple shelf. I was going to show the before and after, but I forgot the before! It was a nasty beige color that kept it from being its cheery self. Every cottage needs a shelf or two or three like this. Sturdy for pots or dishes inside or out.



I admire simple things with simple lines to just do the job.




One of those is a squarish vintage glass jar. I never pass one up. Useful to store all kinds of things, and good looking enough to stand alone.







Lace is nice, but you gotta have the no frills linen as a foundation for things. I like plain old pieces the best. The one on top here has a nice stitched monogram.




This is an inherited piece of china, one of two alike with sprays of spring flowers to dress up all the white.









A tea towel with inset crochet softens the lines too, but you hardly notice it in the background.








You can still find hand worked linens like this in Europe where they are still part of daily life. This one is from Lucca, Italy. I remember meandering through the beautiful shops there every time I use it.






Just a few simple things to add a little enjoyment to the day. . . .

So glad you stopped by for a look!

Jacqueline 




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26 comments:

Pamela Gordon said...

Hi Jacqueline. I love the pop of purple colour the campanula gives to this white corner shelf. It looks very pretty.

Nancy said...

Oh, I love the pot the campanula came in. The flowers are beautiful, but that pot is to die for. Great find. Love your little shelf and all the pretties on it. Thanks for sharing.

Linda said...

Lovely Jacqueline...
I have perennial Campanulas in my garden at home...
Blue and white...
Love them...so dainty...

Thanks for the birthday wishes...
Had a wonderful day...

Cheers!
Linda :o)

Unknown said...

I loved this post - and the beautiful vignettes - great photos -
The purple against the white is just perfection!
Your newest follower - would love to have you follow back when you have the time :)
Hugs,
Suzan

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Hi J,
Simpily lovely!! Great new shelf, perfect cottage lines. Of course I love the campanula, purple:-), and what a great pot it came in...
Hugs,
Bella

On Crooked Creek said...

Jacqueline,
Oh, how lovely are your linens, dear friend!!!
As a time filler before an appointment yesterday, I spent my time in a unique Antique Shop where the owner has a room full of linens!!! I'm just sure I should have brought home at least one (or more) of those lovelies, but alas, I didn't!
I find such serenity when surrounded by the touch, the look of linens in the home!!!
Thank you for sharing your lovely collection with us!!!
Fondly,
Pat

fromgentogen said...

The purple is striking against the white...The embroidery is beautiful... Thanks for the breath of fresh air....Blessings, Becky

Faded Charm said...

Such a nice touch of color on your new shelf:-)

xoxo
Kathleen

Art and Sand said...

How is it that you can put some empty jars on a shelf and it looks perfect. If I did it, it would look like some empty jars were left out.

You have such a flair for staging!

farmhouse-story said...

looking at your pictures just make me happy, jacqueline:) happt vday to you!

Marlis said...

I would have purchased those beautiful flowers for that scrumptious pot too! Love the inherited dishes. It's still your linens that make me sing for joy. Gorgeous.. xo marlis

Haworth said...

How lovely, Jacqueline! That purple is so gorgeous against the white, and what a beautiful pot that is. I use my old linens all the time, even at the risk of making them worn and thin. By the way, Target has started selling remakes of those square jars! I was so happy to see them. I have one with a dark green lid, and I've seen them with white or red lids, too.

Olive said...

The shelf is beautiful. I love the square jars too and my Joe has a set of vintage ones with green lids. One would think I would photograph them. Linens from Italy, now that is my kind of romance.

Jeanette@Creating a Life Studio said...

Isn't it amazing how "simple" can be so exquisite! The lovely spot of purple in that darling pot is just perfect.

Jeanette @ Creating a Life

Malinda Tamlyn said...

You always make everything look so beautiful. I adore your linens.
Linda
Reuzeit Emporium Blog
Reuzeit Emporium

Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse said...

Beautiful shelves and that tea towel is so pretty!

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

You've got a beautiful collection of tablecloths. I always enjoy looking at crocheted and embroidered pieces. Plain ones with just a lovely damask pattern can be very pretty too.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Hugs,
Julia

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

I can always count on your beautiful posts to put a smile on my face!
Love those flowers and the jars!!
Happy Valentine's Day!

Custom Comforts said...

Beautiful simplicity you have captured again in your home and photos. I always love your collection of linens. They make every room look loved and welcome. I think I might try embroidering a pattern on my new pillow cases like you have on that linen from Italy. It's been a very long time since I've embroidered and my eyesight isn't what it used to be, so maybe I should try something easier to start with.

Cindy

Celestina Marie said...

Since this is my birthay month, I love the purple against the white. Just stunning and inspiring for spring. Always great pics.
Have a nice weekend.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

Ruby and Arthur said...

I just love your pretty linens. The pop of purple is perfect! Jean

Old Time Cindy said...

Happy Country Whites Weekend! Thank you kindly for embracing your country whites and sharing that pretty pop of color with your beautiful whites.
Farmhouse hugs,
Cindy

The Farmers Daughter said...

Beautiful Country Whites! That pop of color is the perfect accent. Thanks for joining Country Whites Weekend and inspiring others! You have lots of "Country Charm". . . .

Blessings from the Farmhouse,
Dru

Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement said...

Very pretty! I love the pop of color with all of your lovely white pieces!

Have a great day.
Pam

Unknown said...

Beautiful whites and I love the pop of colourful too. The lace and linens are so pretty and romantic and how wodnerful that you were able to travel to Italy and find that piece. Your photos are always lovely.

Ivy and Elephants said...

I love the cottage whites and fabulous shelf. Thanks for bringing a pop of color to share with us. Love it!
Hugs,
Patti