Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Got Trays? Now what?

I walked right up to these trays at the thrift store and stopped in my tracks!

They were PERFECT!

But $40 each! WHAT?

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I asked if they would take less and they offered $40 for both.

(I got some more discounts and walked out with a smile on my face!!!)

And BOTH trays! I have 2 round tables and I love the colors of both trays.

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They are very large and look what’s on the back.

Made in JAPAN

Alcohol Proof

hand painted

1922

But now I’m ready to accessorize. Oh what fun!

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So far this is what I have for the kitchen table.

(I need new placemats too but it’s hard to find oval placemats!)

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Still don’t have anything on the library table. I don’t want to completely hide the design with stacks of books.

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Thinking…thinking…!!!

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Any ideas?

I’m joining the Vintage Inspiration Link party HERE,

and Roses of Inspiration

and Ivy and Elephants.

42 comments:

Arlene G said...

So pretty Diane!! Library Table...maybe a note pad, pen and magnifying glass? Whatever you choose I am sure it will be just right.

Diane said...

Hey, Arlene and I are on the same track-- I thought of a magnifying glass, etc. too. Or a squatty vase or bowl with fresh flowers? Lovely trays!

Linda Kay said...

Diane, I love them. I ran into a bargain a while back with some little tin plates that are hand painted, and I use them as chargers under glass dishes. Such fun, and so colorful.

Christine said...

You are the best at finding thrift store treasures at bargain prices!
I love how you've accessorised the tray on your kitchen table. Perhaps just a few cups on it?
Have a fun day!

magnoliasntea said...

Love, love those beautiful trays. I can see a Black Betty teapot (to contrast with gold & green) with a couple of teacups on the tray..reading glasses, too, maybe.

Benita said...

Those trays are gorgeous!!! And what a great price! I love how you styled the tray on the kitchen table with simple, elegant items that help the design of the tray shine through. Rather than styling the 2nd tray on the table, I think I would remove a few books from the bookshelves behind the table and buy a stand to prop the tray on and put it there. The design is just so beautiful and should be showcased! Put a few books on the table (some closed and one or two open stacked around) and style them with pad, pen, a pair of glasses, etc., you know, like someone is working. Just a thought!

Anonymous said...

Read thrift store on my reader and clicked right over. I'm so hooked on thrifting these days...every Saturday without fail.
Love the trays. Made in Japan markings, very nice. I'd add a short flower vase like a little creamer or sugar bowl, a pretty pen and tiny journal, a small tea light lamp, and something from a storybook, like Dorothy slippers.
Have fun!
xoxo

Cranberry Morning said...

Cool find, Diane! And you know I always try to read the spines of your books. LOL Have a wonderful day, friend. :-)

Petite Plangonophile au chocolat said...

Hi Diane!
I vote for the magnifying glass as well.
Anyway I'm sure you are going to come up with something great.

Arlette

Pamela Gordon said...

Beautiful trays Diane. The colours are so rich looking. I like the idea of a couple of small old books (leather?), a magnifying glass and/or old eyeglasses on the library one. I'm sure you'll find something for it. :)

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Diane, you sure found some gorgeous trays and a good price too.
How lovely your table looks. I know what you mean about oval place mats. They are harder to find these days. I was thinking I might have to made some but finding the time is another story.
On your library table maybe adding some small books with an old pair of eyeglasses and a bud vase might be nice not hiding all the pretty design on the tray. I know you will come up with something special.
Have a great day!
Hugs, CM

The Tea Lady's Journal said...

Wonderful new thrift store buys. The two trays are so beautiful.

Pam~ Virginia Retro said...

Such pretty trays. I remember my Mom having one very similar. Love the tray on the library table, just perfect.

~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ said...

Wow those two trays are lovely!! I just love what you put on the one for your table!! So cute!! Happy sweet day! xo Holly

Beth said...

Those are beautiful, Diane! Love the silver spoons too! Classy decor and style!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

The trays are gorgeous! Wow what a find Sis!!
hugs,
Linda

Finding Pam said...

Those are beautiful trays. Have you thought of standing them upright in a easel on your table and then design your accessories in front of the tray. They are too pretty to cover up. Just a thought.

Martha's Favorites said...

I love to collect trays. Yours are perfect. Have a great week. Blessings, Martha

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Those trays are beautiful!

September Violets said...

Lucky you!! These trays are so pretty, and I know you'll find something perfect to set on the library table tray. Wendy

BeachGypsy said...

Very nice find! The trays are unique! But THAT OLD BLACK TELEPHONE!!!.......oh my! Been looking for one for ages! Where did u find one?

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Those are gorgeous and a good deal, too. I've never heard of something being alcohol proof though- are they meaning like spilled liquor? LOL!

Debby Ray said...

Oh wow...these are stunning! You find the best deals and get such wonderful things, Diane...what is your secret?? I can see the greenish one in particular as a part of a lovely Christmas centerpiece of some kind...maybe holding a tall cloche with pretties or a tall glass candle holder...the possibilities are endless! Love the blackish one on your table too!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Wow, they're beautiful!

Nancy's Notes said...

Diane, Diane! You scored big time! I'm crazy about your trays, they are just beautiful!!

Beedeebabee said...

What a great find, Diane! Those trays are just stunning! xoxo

Anonymous said...

Diane, those trays have such vibrant colors! Beautiful!

doodles n daydreams said...

My first thought was your vintage telephone but I don't suppose they would have one on a table in a library. Love the trays.

Diana

Shug said...

these trays are really neat.....you know, I don't think I have ever seen the oval placemats in stores. Never thought about it before. Great find for you!!

Chris said...

Wow your trays are so pretty and have such great colours? And such a bargain!

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

So very pretty - and what a nice deal. I love the way you are using the one tray - the colors are just amazing. I'm sure you will come up with something pretty - as so many have suggested. Happy day my friend.

Musings from Kim K. said...

Have fun accessorizing your beautiful trays! You are the Queen of a good deal! What fun and beautiful finds.

Red Rose Alley said...

I saw your trays on my side bar, Diane, and had to come over a look. They are just gorgeous.....and from 1922, how special is that? I just love unique and one of a kind things.

love, ~Sheri

ann said...

Great finds. It is amazing what can be found at thrift stores. I have sort of given up thrift shopping for a bit. Taknig a break. Instead, I have filled the back of my car with donations. Lol. Give back a bit. Enjoy your beautiufl trays. PS do you have Tuesday Morning where you live? My last visit they had several 18 inch Madame Alexander dolls for 19-29 $. No I did not buy one.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

The trays are beautiful, what a find! I can see them hanging on the wall, or displayed on a stand. For the table in the library area, I can see a pair of vintage glasses with a vase of flowers or a candle on the tray. Have fun with them!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

These are so pretty! I love them and they are perfect on your tables. I love your silver pot and shakers. The second one is perfect for red roses :) xo Karen

eileeninmd said...

Hello Diane, beautiful trays and a great find.. Enjoy your day!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

I would have grabbed those trays in an instant, but not at $40 each. Wow, you did good at getting the price down. Love them! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Inspiration Party. I'm inspired!

Stephanie said...

Ooooh, your trays are beautiful, my friend! And I bet you will enjoy them even more because you got them for a great deal! :)

I loved Celestina's idea for one of the trays. I know whatever you do will be lovely. Thanks for sharing with Roses of Inspiration - it's always a joy to have you at the party. Hugs!

Elizabeth said...

Those are beautiful trays! What a wonderful find! I have been "playing" today! I pulled out all my tablecloths, placemats and napkins, trying to find just the right look for guests this weekend. I had forgotten how much fun it is!

Kathy said...

$40 each at a THRIFT - seriously!! Happy you were able to bring them to their senses. They look beautiful!

Linda Walker said...

Oh Diane,
I love these! I missed this post somehow! I have not ever seen trays like that in a thrift shop! Just beautiful! Your table looks so nice too!
xo
Linda
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