Cool antique find

I spotted this antique chest at Canal St Antiques about two weeks ago.  I liked it because it was black and it had glass knobs.  It looked small but I thought it might be the perfect size for a corner in my kitchen that was badly in need of a little sprucing up.

I had one of those butcher block carts that can double as an island in the kitchen corner.  It was too big and too tall for the area so I was looking for something smaller.  I also wanted drawers so I could store dishtowels and maybe some small dishes in it.

So after measuring the kitchen space and the chest, I took the plunge and bought the chest. After a major struggle transporting it out of the car and up some stairs to the condo, I placed it in the corner of the kitchen. Wow, I am out of shape! Note to self, ask for help next time!

It fit nicely in the corner with room to spare. As you can see, there is a heating grate on the floor so I had to make sure that the chest did not cover it completely.  It is the perfect display spot for my collection of Anthropologie teacups. That's a chalkboard platter from Pottery Barn.  This may not be a permanent display, I am always moving things around.

You can see that I have some wall art over the chest so I had to make sure the chest was not too high.

That's my bedroom door to the left in the photo.  Yes, I put a number on the door. I wanted it to
look like a hotel room door.  The curtain to the right is made of a black and ecru toile fabric.

The chest does have some flaws and scratches.  After all, it is from the 1800's. I don't mind, it just adds to it's character.

 I bought a reproduction of a French dryer rack from Brissonte in North Reading.  I think it suits my Anthro teacup collection.

I love these teacups and the colors are perfect for my kitchen.

Here's the wall art I mentioned earlier.  My little ode to France. The Steinlein print is one of my faves. I actually saw this print at my vet's office and thought it was so me that I googled the artist's name. I then found a print on Ebay and the rest is history.

I often write messages on the chalkboard platter but not today. I'd like to find a nice quote to write on it. Nothing too long, I'm a lefty so I smudge my words.  I usually have to write from right to left on a chalkboard.

This is the adjoining wall with the Harney Tea wire rack and a little clock.

Surprise, the interior of the drawer is red! Again, this is a nice accent color in the kitchen.

I'm still playing with the display on top of the chest. If you look closely you can see that the box is a tea box.  The samovar is Russian and needs to be rewired for American use. I think it is pretty but not sure that all of that looks good on the chest. I will probably stick with just the platter and teacup stand.

I hope you enjoyed your mini tour of my kitchen.  I have tomorrow off so I will post about my weekend activities soon. So far I am planning to attend a craft fair and then have lunch with friends.

And then of course there will be football!  Hope you all have a great weekend. I am linking up with Cindy of My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.  Check out her post here and then check out other particpant's posts through her blog.

Canal Street Antiques

About a week ago, I discovered a new spot for antiquing.  It's located in Lawrence, Massachusetts at 181 Canal Street.

At first it might seem overwhelming.  After all, there are 50 dealer spaces to investigate in this old mill building.

I really want this for my dining room. I've been looking for a chandelier for about 3 years now. I would love to replace the ceiling fan in the dining room with a chandelier but I never found one I really liked. I think this one is it!

Wouldn't this be quite the conversation piece? It would be perfect in a home office. Don't you think?

There is so much to see here. I went twice in 2 weeks and I am sure I still missed some items.

I love trunks.  They are great for storage and decorating. 

I have one just like this. I got it for free, found it by the side of the road!

This piece is fabulous. I don't need it but it would be a nice addition to a bathroom. It was sold.

I spotted this for a friend.  She is looking for a vintage coffee urn and this one is lovely!

Lately, I'm into marble. I have a new table with a marble top. I'll share later. This piece caught my eye.  I need a bureau for my bedroom so I came here looking for one.

And here is the object of my desire. An Eastlake Victorian bureau circa 1885 with a marble top. The dimensions are perfect too. I am thinking seriously thinking about it.

I really like this lamp, however, I don't need a lamp.

And this one reminds me of one I already have.  I bought from a woman who was selling her Victorian home.  Mine is blue, this one is more reddish.  Mine is from the 50's and this one is from 1967.

 I liked this lamp with the small green shade. Even the bottom of the stand was decorative.

I love the way some of the dealers merchandised their booths. They knew how to showcase their items.

Another cool lamp.

You know I gravitate to teacups!

                                             I love these drawers from a sewing machine table.  I bought two of them.                                              I already have one at home that I use to house my CDs.

Don't this just scream Autumn to you? I can see these on a Thanksgiving table.

The fabric is a little funky but I love this chair!

                                               Hmm, this china cabinet looks familar! It looks like my grandmother's china cabinet that now resides in my dining room.

                                            
                                            They also have auctions at 181 Canal Street.  I highly recommend Canal Street Antiques.  I did buy a great piece and I will share it in my next post!
                                      
                                          

Oktoberfest

On Saturday, I attended an Oktoberfest at a friend's house. They went all out for the party.

There was a big tent in the yard.

                                
                                     And they hired an oompah band.
                                           

                                                    The band was really great!

They played throughout dinner.

                                                    There was a photo opportunity.

And they wore lederhosen.

Some pretty frauleins.

The pretzels were delicious.

                                         A fruit plate complete with German cheese.

                                     A sweet snack of chex mix and melted white chocolate.
                                        

           
                                         The oompah band assembled us at the beginning of the driveway and
                                         had us parade into the backyard.  Evidently Oktoberfest starts with a
                                         band leading a parade.

                                I was behind Duane during the parade. He was dressed appropriately.

                                          Our hosts Roger and Deborah officially opened Oktoberfest.

                                             Lots of authentic foood.

                                        Don't ask me to name it all but it was really good. I loved the
                                        noodle thing.
                                         

                                                    Duane was very happy with the food too! Or was it the beer?

                                    This couple was outfitted by the man's mother who makes costumes
                                    for a theatre group.  His shirt is from Transylvania, a gift from a Romanian
                                    exchange student.


                                    

                                           More frauleins!

                                   Here's an overview of the "beer hall".

                                         Black forest cake, of course!

                                       Apple streudel, yum!!

                                              Vanilla sauce for the streudel.

                        
                                                     Roger contemplates his beer.

                                        Our host's daughter carved this pumpkin.

                                       They have a gorgeous home with two decks.  One on the left
                                        and one on the right side of the house.

                                           It looked so beautiful with all the lights.

   
                                        The left deck.

This section connected the left and right decks. 

And here's the right deck.

Our host's son entertained us with the cello.  And yes, he is available for

weddings and parties. He has an impressive resume.

We all had a great time at Oktoberfest. The weather could not have been better for an

outdoor party.  It was unseasonably warm! When the sun went down it was nicely cool.

We were told this is going to be an annual party. What a fun tradition!