Collections

Recently, I messaged my aunt and mentioned that I loved the motto "an antique in every room."  I don't know where I first heard that phrase, but it fits me to a tee!  Some people may classify that as needing large antiques like furniture, mirrors, or chests; others may say as long as it is displayed, it can be any size.  

I love to get a feel for someone in their home.  What their home says about their personality.  How it reflects them.  If you were to come into my home I wonder what you'd think.  These days we have many perspectives on decor.  With social media, we are too privy to the private lives of others and the comparison game begins. 

But, let's think about this as a visit!  Sitting down in someone else's house and enjoying your favorite tea, coffee, lemonade...  What do you see?  What makes this their home?  Are you comfortable?  Do you hesitate to sit on the furniture?  Would your child be welcome here?  Are you cared for?

If we applied these things to ourselves, what would we determine?  Does the atmosphere in our own homes make people feel at home?  Is the feel one of rest, or will our guests feel overwhelmed?  Do the things we have around speak to our own family- tastes, likes, talents, beliefs...?  Or is there a lack of character and personality?

I have been in homes that were so beautiful I was afraid to touch anything.  I have also been in homes where there was no feeling of rest or comfort, but an overwhelming anxiousness.  At times we have visited people who had decor that made my eyes rove and wander and peruse, pointing to aspects of my host's character and personality and give plenty of eye candy to enjoy.

When we visit someone, the feeling of welcome can take many shapes.  It doesn't always, and sometimes won't mean a cleaned up home.  It may look like not even being inside at all.  But, we all know what it feels like to be welcomed and wanted and encouraged to stay.  In the south where I'm from, you often hear the phrase "Y'all get out and come in!"  You can't get a much friendlier welcome than that.

As I consider my own home and how to make people feel at home and welcome, I can't help but look around and see my collections.  They show my tastes- favorite things that I have deemed worthy of taking up space in our home.  Any family member here in my home has their own- but since I am chief decorator and mama, mine are a bit more prominent.  I love things to be pretty and serve a purpose (example: I use a wooden dish brush instead of a plastic sponge).  Can I use all of my collections? Most actually!  Some pieces couldn't serve food alone, but bread could be placed inside a soup tureen lined with a tea towel.  I am including some photos of my favorite collections: white Ironstone, baskets, copper, galvanized metal containers, and books.  I'm sure someone may comment on some other things I collect, like small ceramic chickens!  

What do you collect?  Do those things shine into your personality and character?  How do you welcome others into your home?  We will talk more about hospitality in another post.  Take time today to peruse your own home and see yourself there!