Displaying Magnets At An Outdoor Craft Show Using An Old Metal Street Sign On A Post

Clever Display Ideas From Eliza Dolittle Today

While visiting the Celebrate West Hartford Fair, I spotted a cool way to exhibit magnets at an outdoor show. This clever vendor ( http://elizadolittletoday.weebly.com/ ) used old metal sign to show visitors the magnets she was selling inside her booth. For more clever ideas from this digital photographer who


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Decorating Your Antique Booth, Shop Or Home With A Vintage Valentine's Day Theme

 Antique Valentine's Day Decorating

Decorating your Antique booth or shop for Valentine's Day is easier than you think if you just use a little creativity in the process. Today I am inspired by visiting The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford Connecticut.  The photos shown were taken by me at this 22,000 square feet Antique Mall. I'd like to share some ideas with you about how to set the stage for a Valentine's look. Traditional Valentine's colors are red, pink, white so that is the palette you will be focusing on.


Ideas For Vintage Objects You Can Use For Your Valentine Display 

The first step is to sort out what antiques, collectibles, decorative accessories that you already have such as white plates, milk glass, ceramics, glassware, vases, figurines, tablecloths, lace, doilies, books, planters, jewelry etc.  Next, you may want some accent pieces such as crystal, silver candlesticks, shakers or greenery such as a plant or floral arrangement.

Creating Vignettes for Your valentine Holiday Display

After you have gathered all your "props" together in one area, your next step will be to combine objects together to tell a story or create what we call a vignette. You might find a nice tablecloth in soft colors to use along with a decorative plate or tea cup and saucer. Or you might turn a wooden box over to create a  pedestal and add objects at different heights.

While this article is suggesting that you stick with pinks, reds, whites, you can also add some soft yellow or soft mint green as long as the dominant colors are sticking with your Valentine's theme.

Planters, bowls, tureens etc. can be used to display cards, jewelry, hankies, or textiles etc.

Pretty vintage candy boxes or older tins are also lovely to use for Valentine's Day.

While you do not actually have to add hearts or Valentine'
s cards to your displays,  they are lovely additions if you have them. I have also seen people cut out red and pink hearts or add some heart shaped candy to their booth. or home decorating.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Creating Attractive Shelves With Wooden Boxes to Display Antiques and Collectibles Outdoors

Displaying Antiques and Collectibles at an Outdoor Flea Market or Antique Show

I spotted this wonderful display of antiques and collectibles at a local Flea Market this past weekend. Wooden boxes are easy to find and create cubbies for showcasing your wares in unique ways.
These simple make shift shelves are terrific for using both indoors and outdoors and can also serve as a way to  pack and cart your merchandise.          


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Stacking Antiques and Collectibles To Save Space In Your Antique Booth

Tips When Displaying and Stacking Kitchen Collectibles 

If you rent space in an Antique Mall, you probably have more stuff than room for all your stuff. So it is important to find ways to neatly and safely display your kitchenwares and treasures.

You might consider stacking collectibles, by turning a bowl upside down to form a pedestal for another object such as the pitcher shown in the photo. Lots of different items can be stacked on top of upside down bowls. Consider, another (smaller)bowl, pitchers, beverage glasses, tea cups and more.

Make sure the assemblage is quite stable and not on a shelf that is too cluttered. Always test the arrangement to make sure a buyer will have any easy time putting the top piece back.

Photo taken by C. Dianne Zweig at Coffee Trade Antiques, CT


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Industrial Antiques And Collectibles Need Color: Add Flowers To Your Antique Booth Displays

Metal Factory Wash Basin With Colorful Flowers Is A Great Accent To Your Antique Booth

Dealers who sell metal industrial antiques and collectibles know that their booth will look a bit drab unless they add some color. One of the best ways to perk up a booth filled with Factory antiques is too decorate with some live flowers. It seems like such a simple concept, yet many dealers plop their metal  pans, basins, tubs down on a field or in their booth and wonder why sales are slow. Customers need to get ideas....add flowers...and watch your inventory move.


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Mixing Patterned Textiles in An Antique Booth To Show Off Folk Art Antiques And Collectibles

Decoratng Your Antique Booth With Patterned Textiles

Textiles are often used by Antique dealers to add color and interest to Antique booth displays. In my booth at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, 1950s colorful tablecloths are frequently used not only to perk up the booth but because the patterns aand palette of these vintage tablecloths help accentutate the time period of the collectible that I sell.

Strolling around The Harwinton Antiques Show recently, I came across a gal who speciallized in Folk Art, Outsider Art and Americana. She used a combination of a tight patterned Folk Art textille for a wall background with a loose pattern geometric cloth for a tablecloth. Look how ell her booth showed off
her collectibles.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Tilting An Old Fire Pail To Create A Funky Antique Display

Wonky Antique Booth Displays

Adding interest to an antique display just might mean, tilting your main object so ity is not in it's customary form. While browsing one of the indoor pavillions at a recent Antique show in Harwinton CT, I came across a gal who had plenty of surprises in her quirky antique booth. In the photo show, she took ano old tin Fire pail and presented it on a tilt to complete her funky display.


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Adding Color And Interest To Glassware Displays In An Antique Shop Or Mall

Vintage Game Pieces Add Interest To Depression Era Glass Candy Dish

I spotted this eye catching display at Antique On The Farmington in Collinsville, CT, a pretty vintage glass candy dish was filled with an assortment of game parts such as dice and letters to create a very lively display. It was hard to miss this colorful display as I was strolling this popular multi-dealer store. The game pieces as well as ther dish were for sale .

Photogrpah taken by C. Dianne Zweig at Antiques On The Farmington, Collinsville, CT

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Displaying Colorful Jewelry On Tree Bark: Artsy Happenings At The Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT

The Farmington Valley Arts Center Gallery Is Ready For Holiday Shopping

These colorful artisan made necklaces are on display for the holiday  season at The Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, CT. I just adore the way the colors look when showcased on a piece of tree bark. Love the look of the shapes, colors and the quieter background of the tree bark. They are fairly priced . I have got my eye on the blue/green combo.

Reminder the 37th Annual Candlelight Opening is Friday, November 22, 2013 , 5pm to 9pm. For the entire schdedule of events visit http://artsfvac.org/37th-annual-candlelight-opening/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Ideas To Inspire Antique Booth Creativity

Getting Over An Antique Booth Slump

Need I say that it is the time of the year when antique booth owners start pulling out their Halloween and Autumn themed
collectibles. I too have been known to do a "Fall" look in my booth each year. But with temperatures in Southern New England  still quite warm, I'm still in "summer mode" and besides, I'm tired of the same old  "Halloweenish" booth look. This year I think  I'll do orange and turquoise instead of the expected combination of Harvest colors?

Time For An Antique Booth Intervention

If you are feeling a little bit of an Antique Booth slump perhaps you need a little push to help you with some antique booth creativity?

Here are some tips:

Antique Booth Inspiration Ideas

1. Look at home and design magazines for inspiration about color palettes and ideas. Try something entirely new for you
vignetttes (displays) with i.e. purple and yellow, orange and turquoise, green and pnk

2. Buy a few new vintage tablecloths and copy the colors themes in the cloths, adding objects that match.

3. Go visit other antiques malls to scoop up ideas.

4. Visit your favorite blogs and see how some of the successful dealers (who also snap photographs of their booths) have their antiques and collectibles on display.

5. Think completely out of the box. Buy something kooky and unsual to jumpstart a neew booth look.

6. Visit a paint store and select out color samples you look from the paint cards to establish a new color palette for you new look.

7. Choose a style you want to imitate......i.e. "Country"  or "Nautical"  or "Mid Century" and arange objects in your booth that go together.

8. Hang drapes or other materials as a backdrop and add a new look to yur booth.

9.  Forget about your booth for awhile and enjoy the break. When you finally do return yhou will have renewed energy.

10. Read my blog posts on  Antiq Biz Ideas

Readers please share your ideas and strategies to combat Antique Booth slumps!

Photos taken at Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Displaying Jewelry On A Rusty Old Car Muffler and Tailpipe

New Use For Exhaust Pipes: Displaying Jewelry

I get around, but this is as first for me, finding a shop in Portland Maine that displays their jewelry on an old rusty car muffler and tail pipe. The shape of the this vintage car component is great for showcasing  bracelets. What do you think? Do you like the idea, tell us if you would do this in your shop?

Do you have unique ideas to share about how you display jewelry?

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Antique Booth Intervention: Mixing Up The Color Combinations Of Collectibles

Drastic Measure For Kitsch n Stuff Antique Booth

The time had come to go to my shop "Kitsch n Stuff" at The Colllinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT and take some drastic measures to make the booth look different. For me a radical change is mixing up two unlikely or interesting color combination of kitchen collectibles or creating a vignette with objects that are are little quirky.

Trying A New Color Combination In Your Antique Booth

Of course many of us who sell kitchen collectibles  we have tried lots of different common color pairings such as red and white, blue and yellow, orange and blue, black and red etc. Sometimes it is helpful to use a piece of fabric or a vintage textile to help you decide on what colors to combine or to highlight. When I get sick of the tablecloths or textiles I use as props in my booth, I usually stroll the others booths at Collinsville Antiques Company and buy as new runner or tablecloth to get my creative juices going.

Start Off With A New Textile Or Tablecloth Color Pattern

On Sunday, I found a colorful piece of barkcloth that was just what the antique booth design doctor ordered. It did the trick. I draped it over a chippy painted narrow table and completely changed the look of this Shabby Chic country console to a funky retro 1950s look. Wow, the power of imagaination.

My advice to my readers who are suffering from winter doldrums and cabin fever is to think COLOR. Come up with some new color combinations in your booth. Let me know how you do?
Tell us what you paired together and how it looked. You can even email me photos of your booth at Dianne@cDiannezweig.com.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Displaying Antiques And Collectibles In Your Booth Or Shop

How To Arrange And Display Antiques And Collectibles In Your Booth Or Antique Store

When you create displays for your antique and collectibles shop, it is important to keep in mind the importance of using  color, texture, shape, size in an engaging way. I always step back from my display and talk to myself. I ask myself questions like: "Is it exciting?", "Is it boring? "Is it eye catching?"

Organizing Your Antique Display Vignette  

I have written about this topic before and suggested that diplaying antiques and collectibles is like painting a picture. You look at the vignette as if it is a still like painting. In the picture shown above, the antique dealer has successfully mixed different shapes, sizes, colors and textures together. You don't always have to use objects that make sense either. While I prefer to keep the eras and styles similiar in the objects that I group together, April of "Queen Anne Antiques", is a master of combining all kinds of collectibles together. She can make great junk look AMAZING!

How To Arrange Antique And Collectible  Displays So They Look Like They Belong Together

In the top photo shown,  I love the way she added incense sticks to the blue pottery vase to help add height to her vignette. And notice how the color of  the sticks mirrors the colors in the Chinese game board which was a real eye catcher. Also do you see how the vintage orange tin is repeating the orange in the game borad cover as well. These deliberate display strategies help to organize the vignette and make the objects all look like they go together even whe they do not.

In the wooden box photos, April sticks to two main sets of colors, wood tones and silver. It's an interesting mix of color and textures.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Organize Decorative Plates For Display In Your Antique Booth Using An Old Enamelware Tub Or Basin

Decorative Plates Displayed In An Old Enamelware Basin 

Many antique dealers are so clever about how they use their limited booth  space in an Antique Mall. After you have been doing the dealer gig for ahile, you come to learn that displaying dishes is not such an easy task. You also catch on that big items take up a lot of room and may not always yield a big enough bang for your buck. At  Antiques On The Farmington, Collinsville, CT, this gal used heer noodle and displays her lovely decorative plates in a large enamel basin or tub. Now that is  great way to tidy up your booth and make use of space.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Whining About Knick Knacks: Lovable Or Clutter In An Antique Shop?

Should Owners Of Antique Malls Read Their Dealers The Riot Act? No More Bric-a-Brac

Is it me or do you all agree that there is a lot more bric- a- brac (worthless knick knacks) out there mingled in with a few decent items when you go shopping for antiques and collectibles?

Is The Internet Gobbling Up All The Good Stuff For Online Selling Venues?

I have been hearing for years that the internet and all the online selling venues have gobbled up all the good stuff leaving the left overs in the brick and mortar Antique stores.

Antique Stores Cluttered  With Tschotskes

I'm now seeing more and more of some of my favorite antique haunts cluttered with a lot of tschotskes and "smalls'. And the truth is, many of these "smalls" are the kind of things that I often would find at Goodwill.

 Antique Dealers Come And Dealers Go Each January

As January approaches, there are a lot of dealers who will pack it in and decide to leave their booths at a group Antique shop or close their stores after the holidays. This happens every year and the changeover usually brings new booths, new stores and new dealers. They arrive with a fresh bounty of STUFF and do very well at the beginning. But the trick is being able to keep up quality of your inventory and to attract new customers  throughout the year.

What Comes Around Goes Around

My husband jokes that all of the dealers just buy from each other and sooner or later your junk ends up back to you. There is some truth to that, but I even hear dealers telling me that they are buying less from other dealers in the very same  group shops where their booths are and that they visit regularly. Friends tell me they used to come home with more goodies than they brought into sell, but now they leave  empty handed.

Are You Seeing More Bric-a-brac For Your Vintage Comfort Zone?  

So I would like to hear from my readers.....are you seeing more bric a brac in Antique stores that you like?
Should owners of these stores read their dealers the riot act? Or is the economy so poor that the owners of large (and small) group antique shops lucky to have filled thier booths?

Top photo courtesy of http://loveshackchic.blogspot.com/2012/05/found-antique-markets.html

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Camouflaging Smells In Your Antique Store: Learning From "Interior Design For Idiots"

Is It A Good Idea To Hide Bad Smells With Good Smells In An Antique Store Or Home ? 

I'm back talking about the topic of "smells"  (remember  my post "Do You SMELL Antiques And Collectibles Before You Buy Them? ) a few weeks ago.

I guess I'm smell sensitive because my nose knows it isn't  happy. Cold weather, dry heat, fumes,
antiquing.....the whole kit and kaboodle....adding to my smell meter.

Today, I was poking through a whacky book called "Interior Design For Idiots" and I landed on a page called "smells".  O.K. what  pearls of wisdom  did this author have to say about smells? Should you try to get rid of them and how?

After all, as an antique dealer, I like many others in the biz are surrounded by all kinds of stale or icky smells that go with the business of buying and selling old stuff  (musty, dusty,  damp, smokey smells).  We go down to basements, up in attics, into garage spaces. We hunt, we poke, we pack, we unpack, we wash, we polish...we are always exposed to smells.

Camouflaging Smells In Antique Stores

Many antique dealers, especially the Romantic cottage collectible types have been known to  camouflage nasty  smells with candles,  air fresheners or incense. Is this a good idea?  Shall we take a poll?

Interior Design For Idiots: Advice On Smells

Here is what the author of  "Interior Design For Idiots" by Mark McCauley A.S.I.D. (1999) has to say about SMELLS

"Kill your rooms. Ruin them beyond repair. Disgust visitors, family members and pets. All that's required to accomplish this is to inflict extreme odors on your interiors. And not just bad odors, wither. Overuse of  pot-pourri has sent  many a guest reeling. Lemon freshness  has been known to asphyxiate laboratory rats. Be wary of this trap, it is easy to fall into. Let your nose be your guide as you lightly provide ambience with delicate scents".

Antique Stores: Good And Bad Smells 

I would add to this advice that  antique stores that sell books, papers,  vintage clothing, linens and textiles need to be very careful about what is in the air. Cigarette smoke and incense fragrance penetrate  everything. So not only do you have to smell the antiques and collectibles that you buy, but dealers you need to watch what smells you are allowing in your interiors as well. Be concerned about Scent machines or Fragrance systems which are very popular and  being integrated into many businesses and offices.

Many people  are sensitive to smells and will not shop in stores that have strong smells, good or bad.  
Readers, what do you think? Please share your ideas, experiences and comments.


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Creating A Retro Inspired Display Space Outdoors: Great For Antique Or Craft Dealers

Red, White, Black Retro Kiosk For Outdoor Craft Show

While visiting the Christmas Holiday Market in Union Squjre New York I was amazed to find a street vendor who converted his tiny kiosk into a RETRO inspired selling space. He used a Formica table top on top of a red painted file cabinet to shocase some of his handcrafted wares. The drawers served as
a useful space to store receipts, supplies and other materials needed to conduct his business.

And what about the black and white floor? Mind you this little space was no bigger than a tiny walk in closet. How clever was this use of space?

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Adding "Height" To Your Antique Displays

Stacking Smaller Tables And Other Props To Help Feature Your Antique Displays

A very simple and effective way to display antiques and collectibles in your store is to use props to create different heights.

When you keep objects all at the same level, such as on a shelf or table, the display becomes static and boring. But with just a few tricks of the trade,you can create more interesting and engaging presentations which will help you to attract the attention of buyers.

Stacking Small Boxes, Tables, Benches To Create Better Antique Displays

Small tables, boxes, tins, stools can be used as "risers" for providing "height" to an otherwise level plane. Also be sure to mix us the degree of "verticals" and " horizontals". The addition of this cute lamp provides a nice "vertical" addition which coordinates well to the table on the left which was stacked on top of a larger table.

This display idea was spotted at Antiques On The Farmington, Collinsville, CT


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Vintage Red Metal Candy Cabinets Are Great For Displays:"Everybody Loves Candy"

Bright Red Vintage Metal Candy Racks Featured At The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, Connecticut

One way to bring a charming vintage look into your store or home is to use an older metal display rack as a decorative piece. Recently, I spotted two wonderful matching bright red candy racks at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford. On the top of the rack the sign reads : "Everybody Loves Candy"

As I turned the corner from where my booth is located, I practically ran into these marvelous Colorful Era displays. Probably from an old Luncheonette, old Drugstore or Candy Store, these red beauties are the cats meow!

Everybody Likes Candy

At first the racks were tagged and for sale. But when I returned a few days later, Cindy (co-owner) adopted one for her Cruisin cafe to feature snack foods and Doug (husband and co-owner), adopted the other rack for the entry way of this 22,00 square feet Antique Mall to hold free pamphlets and info about antiquing.

I'm not totally sure these fab cabinets are still for sale...BUT I just betcha they are! .

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Displaying and Using Colorful Vintage Glassware For the Holidays

When you visit my antique shop "Kitsch N Stuff" at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT you will notice that I live for COLOR! (Except in my home which is NEUTRAL).

But in my shop I just love buying kitchen collectibles and textiles in vibrant colors that were popular during the colorful eras of the postwar years.

As you can imagine, when I am out shopping (something I will be doing as soon as I finish this post), I am attracted to shops and booths that display their items for sale in elaborate and colorful arrangements. At this time of the year
I pay attention to how other dealers bring in the holiday razzle dazzle.

While my main focus has always been the buying and selling of everyday vintage housewares and kitchen accessories, I still am very much attracted to beautiful displays of decorative and practical glassware.

Mixing the Old With The New at The Holidays

The holidays is a wonderful time to bring out all your colorful vintage glassware or start looking for some additional pieces for your holiday entertaining.

Many people have inherited odds and ends as well as special decorative pieces from family members and are now stuck on what to do with such items from grandma or a favorite aunt.

Well as you have noticed, "vintage" is hotter than ever and now is the time to blend the old with the new. The nice part about using a family heirloom is that there usually is a colorful or nostalgic story that goes with the acquired piece.

In fact, I was heart broken to discover a few days ago, that my favorite glass depression era mixing bowl from Aunt Dotty was chipped. The chip was on the "foot" of the bowl, so I suppose I can still hold onto to it. So many holidays were spent with Aunt Dotty and the bowl is just so special to me.

If you own some colorful pieces, take them out of storage and use them. You can also shop for other pieces and use these vintage gems in your holiday displays and for entertaining. You will find many wonderful antique dealers in Connecticut. I am delighted to share with you some great places to find vintage glassware for the holidays.

Meet Linda at Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford

In my own antique mall, opposite my shop (booth) is Linda, who is a wizard at showing customers just how lovely older glassware can look when a table is set.

Linda's prices are very fair and she moves items in and out very quickly. Her booth displays are always changing and it is so much fun to visit her shop and see what she has come up with for each holiday.

Visiting Salmon Brook Shops of Granby, CT and Coffee Trade Antiques of Avon, CT

Salmon Brook Shops of Granby, Ct is another multi-dealer shop where you will find a huge selection of colorful glassware arranged in very tasteful and inviting displays. Owner Sharon and others (Joan) are pros at exhibiting vintage finds. Joan also owns Coffee Trade Antiques in Avon, Ct a coffee emporium with a huge collection of fine and everyday glassware and ceramics.

Patti's Treasure and Antiques of Windsor. CT

Patti's Treasure and Antiques of Windsor. CT is a frequent stop for me when I am out antiquing (which is all the time). At Patti's store, every nook and cranny of her shop (a former home) is packed with goodies and yet there is no evidence of dust anywhere. The same can be said of Linda's shop at The Collinsville Antiques Company and Sharon's glassware displays at Salmon Brook.

Linda, Patti and Sharon while in three different stores are three gals who have been selling collectibles for years and are serious about how their shops look. These gals fuss all the time and you can see the terrific results.

When you visit Patti's Treasures you will first be introduced to a main room filled from floor to ceiling with costume jewelry. In several additional rooms on the first floor you will find kitchen collectibles, decorative glassware and ceramics, doll accessories, old prints and wall decor. Upstairs is Patti's collection of vintage clothing, textiles and sewing collectibles.

Mixing Colorful Glassware Together

In my last visit to Patti's treasures I was delighted to photograph her collection of colored glassware and ceramics. As you can see in these photos, Patti (like Linda and also Sharon) has a knack for creating colorfulorful galssware displays.

Treat yourself to a trip to these wonderful shops and enjoy browsing and shopping for the holidays.

Shops to Visit for Colorful Glassware

Collinsville Antiques Company, New Hartford, CT

Salmon Brook Shops, Granby CT

Patti's Treasures & Antiques, Windsor. CT

Coffee Trade Antiques, Avon, CT

The Old Carriage Shop, Litchfield, CT

Photos courtesy of the shops mentioned above.


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.