The Secret Garden

I think for me it will be like Christmas the day we move into our new home. Discovering all those items lovingly packed and stored. Spending time unwrapping them and finding new and special places for them to call home.

Earlier today I was moving some things around and came across a large old cast iron key I had picked up at the Eumundi Markets. I discovered it in a little vintage store and at the time it had brought back images of the key out of a favourite tale of mine from when I was a child. The Secret Garden. A book I am looking forward to rediscovering during the ‘unpack’.

 

I think this key should take pride and place quite fittingly on the library shelves. What do you think?

Finds ... Tea Urn

All my life I have been a dedicated coffee drinker. To me the sound of beans being ground in the morning followed by that first whiff of freshly brewed liquid gold is the best way to start the day.

However, in recent years I have ventured into the world of tea. I think for me it’s the art or ritual of making a cuppa that I enjoy the most. Placing the tea pot , cup and saucer and cold milk jug on a tray with nice linen, taking up a spot outside with a book or magazine and just taking a moment to enjoy. Heavenly!

Now my first encounter with a silver tea urn was at an interior design workshop I attended a couple of years back. The table had been laid with vintage cups and saucers, small finger sandwiches and an old family heirloom – a silver tea urn.

It was love at first sight.

After much investigation online I discovered the styles were endless but had difficulty locating the ideal one in Australia.

After searching around (like I need an excuse to explore vintage shops) I came across an antique store west of Brisbane and found this gorgeous little tea kettle/urn. It had a dent in the side but was assured it could be restored quite simply by a silversmith.

  

Edwardian Silver Plated Tea Kettle with Spirit Warmer

So the next task I have is to find a silversmith and have this little baby restored back to its original condition.

I am hoping it will take pride and place alongside my ever growing collection of vintage tea cups.

Vintage Finds

I was so eager to have a browse at a local fair having driven past the Vintage Fair signs over a 12 month period. But inevitably I always seemed to have had something else on or was out of town. Then one long weekend, the stars aligned and it was a date! My husband, Chris and I headed down, trailer in tow and we were certainly not disappointed.

With our wallets a little lighter we were able to give a new home to a few little treasures.

I fell in love instantly with this little Butlers tray.

Believe it was silky oak, tea trolley.

And a perfect little outdoor setting

Funny how often our little dog, Baxter seems to place himself in photos.

The setting needs a little TLC but is exactly what I have been looking for and I love a project.

In the meantime it makes a delightful little place for a morning cuppa.

For more on the Vintage Fair visit Our Kitchen Garden

Nicole