My husband and I got up nice and early this morning to attend the Swedish Christmas fair. It is sponsored by the Swedish Womens Educational Association every year as a fund raiser. It is small town holiday happiness to us and a perfect way to start thinking about family, friends, and celebrations. Every year, we find something special to bring home with us. My big excitement this year, was a black and white rag rug. Since I started going to the fair, many years ago, they have always had a table full of these hand made rugs for sale.
Usually they are much smaller. I have bought so many of these that I did not expect to find or buy one this year. When I saw that they had one in black and white, I had to look more closely, and I realized that it would fill in our downstairs hallway. I thought of my Goth-Girl collection and how well the black and white would work with them,
and I thought of the kitchen floor and how well the rug would play off the black and white tiles. That was pretty much it for me...a new rug for the hallway, and a helping and grateful hand once again to the lovely Swedish ladies.
There is something about an approaching holiday, that makes me want to be neat, tidy, and super organized.
Could it be the thought of relatives looking through the drawers in the kitchen? Well, our silverware drawer came apart the other day, and I nearly went into panic attack mode! First of all, we put all new cabinets in the kitchen about seven years ago..top of the line Kraftmaid...all wood. How could this happen? That poor drawer was supporting two sets of flatware, many assorted serving pieces and several seafood, fondue, and cheese serving implements. It was time for a major reorg. I decided to make better use of the drawer in the desk/sideboard in our dining room. It had turned into a catch-all junk drawer, so I cleaned it out, found containers to fit in the drawer, and organized the things that I rarely use in it. Seafood crackers and forks, fondue forks, cheese servers, pie cutters, napkin rings, and all of the candles waiting in the wings to be used.
This is much better. Now the two sets of flatware can fit in the silverware drawer in the kitchen. The drawer has been fixed...we are now organized...so bring on the holiday company. You need a fork? You know where to find it...no embarrassment here. I am linking this organization metamorphosis with Susan's Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch and thank her once again for hosting this fun event.
♥, Susan
Hi Susan!
Looks like you had fun. I trying to recouperate from a huge craft show yesterdsay. Getting the shop ready for holidays....I'm pooped.
Loved the look at you store. Such a wonderful place!!
Posted by: Melody | November 22, 2009 at 03:22 PM
The other day I cleaned out the pantry on a whim, and carted out four bags of trash of things "expired!" We had our kitchen remodeled not even two years ago. Our bathrooms just a year ago. And I've already had to have things redone here and there! Amazes me!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | November 22, 2009 at 04:42 PM
Looks like you've been busy...great job! I need to re-organize my kitchen too. Thanks for dropping by my blog...be sure you check back to see the "after" photos.
Posted by: Lisa@DestinationSeaborn | November 22, 2009 at 06:02 PM
I just finished doing this, too.
Your's looks so nice and I know it makes you feel better, with company coming..
Happy Thanksgiving.
Posted by: bj | November 22, 2009 at 06:06 PM
I'm on an organizing mission too! The handmade rugs are super. So wonderful to support local artisans.
Jane T.
Posted by: Atticmag | November 22, 2009 at 07:01 PM
You have been one busy girl--
Happy Thanksgiving
Cheri
Posted by: Cheri Peoples | November 22, 2009 at 09:07 PM
Susan that rug is perfect for that spot!
Your organizing looks great. I wish I had a big drawer like that for storage. It's time I weeded out what I don;t use often and put those things aside somewhere.
Hard to believe Thanksgiving is just a few days away! Have a wondeful holiday!
Posted by: Pat | November 22, 2009 at 09:17 PM
Your organizing is incredible. I need to do the same, but never get around to it. Happy Thanksgiving.
Posted by: Jeanette | November 22, 2009 at 09:20 PM
I so love that rug, Susan-You have really chosen well. I hope that all of your newly organised serving utensils serve you well on Thursday!
Blessings and best wishes for Thanksgiving, Natasha.
Posted by: Natasha | November 23, 2009 at 03:26 AM
It must be the time of year. I am looking at all the drawers and closets and thinking I should do them again before Christmas. Oh, my goodness, so much to do.
Posted by: Nancy | November 23, 2009 at 11:06 AM
First of all I am super impressed that you have a collection of fondue forks!! :-)
That black and white runner is fabbbbbbulous. It's perfect...like it was meant to be in your hallway.
Posted by: laura @ the shorehouse | November 24, 2009 at 01:37 PM
I love the rag rugs..I have several blue ones..so cozy around the house...
and this morning I went on a rip cleaning out the fridge, cleaning all the untensil drawers,polishing the silver for Thursday, setting the Thanksgiving table......holidays are here...
have a wonderful Thanksgiving....
Best to you,
Kary
Posted by: Kary Gonyer | November 24, 2009 at 02:05 PM
Those Swedish rugs are forever. Such beauties. You are so lucky to have the market nearby and to get them. Great job on the reorg of your silverware drawer. Doesn't it feel great? Just in time for the holiday. Hope yours is happy and healthy and we send our best to you. Thanks for stopping by to see us.
Posted by: Jane F @ AtticMag | November 24, 2009 at 04:30 PM
Love the rug(s)! I know how much satisfaction goes along with those clean drawers! Enjoy the holiday and don't let anyone mess it up!
Ellen
Posted by: Nouveau Stitch | November 25, 2009 at 08:04 AM