You might remember, I had decided to take all the china and glassware out of my corner cupboard in my dining room last Christmas and use the cabinet for seasonal decor instead.
Best decision EVER!
We hardly ever use the dining room. Like maybe possibly 2 times a year.
But since I converted a corner of the dining room into my office a few years ago, I sit in there every single day writing my blog and doom-scrolling on Facebook and Twitter.
So I was spending a lot of time staring at a cabinet full of china while I was working. It's much prettier to stare at some vintage goodies instead.
It's a cabinet that I remember fondly from my grandmother's house. She used to have all sorts of trinkets and toys in it for the grandkids. Then it later went to my mom's house and even later came to live at mine.
This year for Valentine's Day I decided to decorate it up again.
I tried to not make it too cutesy, but then my inner-child took over and it ended up being pretty darn cutesy.
In my mind Valentine's Day is for kids more than adults anyhow.
I started out with some pastel colored pottery.
Top Left - pink Anchor Hocking Fire-King hobnail planter (the hobnail pattern is almost always seen in white)
Top Right - blue quilted McCoy planter (I've also seen this called a diamond pattern)
Bottom - pink oblong McCoy planter - not sure of the design name (Berries? Pinecones? Thistles? Some fictional plants the factory workers made up to play with us?)
Added a vintage blue Admiral radio a reader sent me.
And a couple red trucks.
Red trucks are not only for Christmas, but are for Valentine's Day around here.
My Buddy L Zoo truck carries a chocolate covered cherries box. Oddly enough it probably hasn't had chocolates in it for 50 years, but it still smells strongly of chocolate.
Not sure if it's advisable to sniff old chocolate though.
My kitschy anthropomorphic bluebird with rhinestone eyeballs flew into the photo. Before you run off to Google, anthropomorphic just means an animal or plant that has human characteristics (eyelashes, bowtie).
This red truck was found at a local vintage store. It's had a hard, hard life, but I really liked the chippiness of it.
I just tossed a heart shaped hanging thingie into the truck bed.
Of course there is a hint of plaid in my cabinet, just because I'm OBSESSED with all thing plaid. And a couple color-coordinated thermoses.
This little blue bird planter is another McCoy piece. I found it years ago at a yard sale for a couple bucks.
Back when people had yard sales and you could go to them. I'm hoping yard sales are going to make a big comeback this summer!
Tips For Decorating For Valentine's Day Without Being Overly Obvious
- Use lots of totally normal non-Valentine's Day decor as a base.
- Add some red, pink and white items in. Turquoises if you want another pop of color.
- Then layer in your typical Valentine's Day pieces - hearts, vintage Valentines, doilies, etc.
- Use a little bit of greenery to "spring" it up a bit - roses, tulips, etc.
- Don't take it too seriously, Valentine's Day is lighthearted and playful. Have fun with it!
Where To Find Vintage Valentines
- I have found almost all of my vintage Valentines at estate sales, antique malls and local small vintage-styled gift/decor shops.
- You can also find them on Etsy or Ebay.
- Or if you are very lucky, you may find them in your Grandma's attic.
The ones that were handed out in the classroom are much more readily available than the adult Valentines, I think just because of the sheer number of ones that would have been bought for any school year.
Have you decorated for Valentine's Day yet?
Other Post You May Enjoy:
How To Display Vintage Valentines
Mirjam Madges
Nice, I do the same with my corner cupboard, and old hoosier.. I love my plaid too. Turquoise pops out, I know my 57 chevy does. It is tropical turquoise. Also has an under the dash record player. Keep the ideas coming.
Pam Kessler
Wait, you have a full size 57 Chevy? And it's turquoise!!! Love it!
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
Your cabinet decor is pure whimsy, Pam! I love all of your wonderful goodies!
Pam Kessler
Thanks, Linda!
Vivianne
O m goodness,!! I love it it. Like you, I have many pieces from mother and g ma. Vivianne
Pam Kessler
Thanks Vivianne! My grandmother died when I was fairly young, so that cabinet is one of the few things I remember about her house. I'll always cherish it 🙂
STEPHANIE C
Everything looks great! The blue McCoy planter is beautiful. I wish I had 1 just like it. The turquoise makes everything pop.
Pam Kessler
At first I was going to make it traditional red and pink, but thought the turquoise changed it up a bit 🙂
Barb
Good Job with all your McCoy and valentines. I think your red truck is Hubley .I was lucky when my Grandmother downsized, and got toys from her toy box. A doll. a teddy, wooden blocks and a GREEN truck just like yours, missing hubcaps too. I live in the area the toys where made, Lancaster. Pa. FUN post!
Pam Kessler
You are right! I just picked it up and turned it over and it does say Hubley and Lancaster, PA on the bottom!
Diane
Darn cute, Pam, in the most wonderful way! Lovely gift to find your Valentine treasures in my 'in box' this morning. Always a treat. Especially today. A WONDERFUL day!
Pam Kessler
Happy it brightened up your morning! Hope you and the hubby are doing well!
I saw the Packers are going to the next round of playoffs. No such luck for the Browns, but since I even get to talk about the Browns and the playoffs in the same sentence I'm fine. It was a fun year(football-wise).
Paulette
So cute!!
Pam Kessler
Thank you Paulette!
Kathy
Love your pottery and the birds, but my favorite is the candy box with the cherries. Lately I haven't been getting all my decorations out for the holidays. The older I get the harder it is to get it out. Thanks for sharing yours.
Kathy
Pam Kessler
That was me with Christmas. I just didn't want to drag all the stuff out and then have to put it all back! I even got a smaller Christmas tree so there would be less to decorate 🙂
Astrid Eastman
I love using vintage pieces to decorate for holidays but never thought about it for Valentine's. I love all the pops of colour and the cute one of kind pieces you used. You've now added to my list of things to look out for while thrifting this coming year!
Maureen
I've been procrastinating enough, I think I'll decorate my office too. since valentines day is coming I really think it really turn the vibe homier
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