Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers

Dressing Up Kitchen Collections

Look through your kitchen cabinets with a fresh eye. Almost any utilitarian objects can be used to create an interesting display.

Containers
If you have a variety of containers, jars, boxes, tins or pitchers, arrange them all together on a shelf, counter top, along a window sill, on top of a small table or in a dry sink. They will look good and are practical for holding wooden spoons and cooking utensils within easy reach. Fill small pitchers with fresh herbs.

Baskets
Nothing beats the charm of baskets for their variety of shapes, sizes and textures. Fill them with vegetables, fruit and dry goods in canning jars. Keep everything natural for a harmonious grouping. An apple bucket, filled to brimming is an open invitation for a healthy snack and looks great anywhere!

Bowls
White, over-sized bowls, blue and white banded bowls, and yellow-ware arranged on open shelves makes a bold country statement.

One Design Many Ways
It's fun to use one design in a variety of ways. After having her new kitchen painted Shaker blue, my Nantucket neighbor added a stenciled wallpaper border of a vine and doves above her kitchen wainscoting. She used the border paper to cut a stencil in order to repeat the design on her curtains and tie-backs. A dove hangs from a wreath on the door and echos the stencil design throughout the kitchen.

Not Just For Beds
Quilts are not just reserved for bed covers and wall hangings. Dress up the kitchen table for Sunday brunch with a patchwork quilted tablecloth.

Playful Centerpiece
Old wooden toys make a cheerful display in the center of the breakfast table. Create a setting or tea party with dollhouse furniture and dolls. Use early childhood blocks to spell out a greeting, such as "Cheers" or "Joy" or a birthday child's name.

Mix and Match
If you have a collection of mismatched plates, use them all together for an interesting table setting. I once found a pitcher at a yard sale. It's shaped like a chicken and the beak is the spout. Every since, I've been collecting odd pitchers. Use any collectables to create a whimsical centerpiece. You'll be surprised at how creative you can be.

Copyright Leslie Linsley, author
Reprinted by permission HouseNet, Inc.

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