Vintage Telephone Table Or Gossip Bench: A Great Idea

Gossip Benches: Popular In the 1940s and 1950s 

Grandma lived in a two family house in Brooklyn, N.Y. with a wonderful front porch, attractive awning and a door bell with chimes that I will always remember. As soon as you entered the foyer into her home you headed straight down the  hallway towards the dining area and kitchen and there was  what every grandma had in those days....."the telephone table" or "gossip bench" as many people called these charming seats with an attached table.

  Gossip Bench Or Telephone Table Came In Many Styles

While grandma's telephone table was Mahogany with an upholstered fabric seat, I have seen these tables in all kinds of styles (Danish, Victorian, Early American, Modern) and  different woods and materials. You will see Gossip benches  with a variety of seats including needlepoint, vinyl,  upholstered, patterned, striped etc. You will also come across  Mid-Century looks, such as a wrought iron hairpin mesh bench. These modern benches are cool but can fetch big money as compared to ordinary versions!

Where To Buy Telephone Tables Or Gossip Benches 

Buyers can still find plenty of telephone tables out there and easily available on Etsy.com or eBay.com or other online sites as well as in antique shops.  While I generally see common benches  selling for $60-75.00, you will also come across  special telephone tables selling for even higher prices. And in Metropolitan areas such as New York City where decorators are re-doing these benches in high end glitz the prices are really climbing. It seems everyone is now after The Gossip Bench or Telephone Bench or Telephone Table! And I have also seen newly made Gossip Benches in cottage style, see http://www.benchesbythebunches.com/Cottage-Gossip-Bench---Black.htm

It's easy To Find Your Phone With A Gossip Bench

These tables were very handy before cordless phones and of course way before cell phones. How nice it was to actually know exactly where your phone was. It was of course...ON THE TELEPHONE TABLE! Now that is a handy idea.

Read More About Gossip Benches Or Telephone Tables 



http://adesignenthusiast.blogspot.com/2010/04/gossip-benches.html

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/going-gaga-for-141790

Turquoise bench courtesy of http://adesignenthusiast.blogspot.com/2010/04/gossip-benches.html

Top bench spotted at http://www.collinsvilleantiques.com/

Painted lack bench was found at http://haverfordhouse.blogspot.com/2010/04/ive-got-gossip-girl.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

Dressing For Passover Circa 1960s

 What To Wear To A Passover Seder

With Spring shortly approaching I am reminded of  shopping for Spring clothes as a child and pre-teen.  In my home, Spring also meant getting ready for Passover which included  lots of new  holiday  recipes but also new clothes to wear to the Seders (dinners). Some of my fondest memories were gathering for a mega Seder with the entire extended family crammed into my Aunt Dotty's small apartment in Brooklyn, New York.

Old Fashioned Seder: Seated By Rank

Table arrangements were by rank. The elders sat at the head of a very long chain of tables which spanned the living room and dining room.  Older kids may have made it to the far end of the main table or were delegated to the bedroom where another mini Seder was set up for the young ones. You marked the years until you would be promoted to the main table, an accomplishment indeed . Aunt Dotty had her trusted housekeeper who returned each year to help her manage this huge gathering. Guests  were  fussed over and the meal was DELICIOUS!


Remember Patent Lather Shoes With Flowers?

Getting ready to go to Aunt Dotty was a big deal. Mom had us dressed in a new skirt or dress, matching   clean tights,  patent leather shoes, a cute handbag and perhaps a bow or headband to wear. I particularly liked the shoes in the 1960s. If only you could buy shoes like that today.

Those were the days. In honor of Passover just around the corner, I feel like going shopping. After all, I need to set a good example to my children who truly believe that  flip flops can be dressy or casual depending on whether they have sequins or not. 

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

"Craigslist Connection": A Group Forum For Buyers And Sellers Of Antiques And Collectibles On Craigslist

Spotting Antiques And Collectibles On Craigslist

Often I get an idea for my site I Antique Online.com in what I call a flash of creativity. As far as I know there is no conscious thought about a particular idea when I am in the midst of a sudden burst of creative energy.

Case in point is my recent flip  decision to add yet another group forum to I Antique Online.com called "Craigslist Connection". What I was thinking was that it would be great to have the power of over 9000 members browsing the antique and collectibles section of  Craigslist to share great finds with other members of IAO.

So I started the group and with hours the buzz throughout the site was amazing. The group instructions were that a member could post something they spotted on  any of  the many  Craigslists copying and pasting the title, date and LINK.

"Craigslist Connection" Popular Group  Forum

So the group was up and running and members added their own twist to the group as well. Some of the members began showing us pictures of "bargains" they actually bought on  Craigslist. So that now the group is a place to share items that may be of interest to a social network of antique and  collectibles buyers and sellers as well as a place to drool over missed  opportunities.

 To learn more about the images shown, visit "Craigslist Connection Group" 

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

Painting An Antique French Provincial Dressers In Two Charming Colors

Liven Up An Old Dresser  

 Pretty combination of blue and lilac paint. 

Look how attractive this older French Provincial style dresser looks when painted a combination of light blue and lilac. It's simply delicious. It certainly caught my eye when I was out browsing my local Antique mall.

Painting A Dresser In Two Colors

If you are a dealer having a harder time "moving" furniture or a buyer wanting to liven up  a room in your home, consider painting your piece(s) in two compatible colors. As you can see there is also extra finishing touches done to this dresser. Local paint stores can show you the materials to add accents as well.

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 Antique And Vintage Costume Jewelry Bracelets On A Chunky Tree Branch

Clever Ways To Hang Antique And Costume Jewelry  Bracelets

Retro Hang-Ups

This is another terrific Retro Hang-Up idea for costume jewelry lovers. Spotted while shopping in Winsted, CT. a factory town with a cluster of interesting Antique shops, this clever tree branch jewelry display caught my eye. Look how great chunky  bracelets look hung on the chunky tree branch. This idea proves that you can really show off your jewelry without spending a lot of money. All it takes is some creativity.

The light colored branch is a lovely contrast to the darker colored bracelets also like how only a few bracelets are displayed.

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

Junking Old Clothes: Don't Rush To Purge Your Clothes Closet

The Myth Of Organizing Your Clothes Closet

I just came across yet another magazine article  about how to organize your clothes closet.This gal suggested never folding your clothes because folded clothes get hidden and are not worn. I could  relate to that advice. But what about the all too common advice to give away old clothes that you haven't worn in a year? Do you buy into that one?


What If I Had Kept My Peter Max Scarves ?

I once thought that purging older clothes was a sane idea, but how old is old? And when is "old" "good old" versus "bad old". Think about this... what if I had kept all my Peter Max scarves or my groovy handbags from the 60s? These gems would be fabulous to have kept. So clearly, some "old" is cool and some "old" is OLD and gross  no matter when it was in vogue.

Skipping Seasons Before Unloading Old Clothes 

And what about the boredom factor? Don't you get  tired of wearing a particular vest or sweater over and over again ? Isn't it nice to take a break from a particular  garment, skipping a season or two before re-falling in love with the very same outfit or item you got tired of? Certainly it may not be wise to cart off clothes to Goodwill too soon. Let a few seasons go by and  re-evaluate your love affair with these clothes.

The Yo-Yo Effect And Clothes

Oh, and I need to mention weight and clothes. Weight goes up and weight goes down....and that is yet another reason to think twice about having a tag sale and unloading your clothes. I am finding myself coming up with all sorts of reasons why it is not wise to give away clothes too soon.


Out of Sight Out of Mind 

My solution is too pack my clothes in plastic boxes and hide them in an extra closet. Every decade or so, I find them again and think......yikes these clothes are so out of style, I should have given them away years ago.

Shoe image courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/listing/92361932/vintage-high-heels-in-red-white-and-blue

Peter Max image courtesy of http://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/123980359_Pop_art_legend_still_in_style.html

Handbag image  courtesy of http://fashionmanisfesto.blogspot.com/2011/01/handbags-1960s-history-of-fashion.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

Decorating With Colorful Vintage Ceramic Vases

Thrifty Decorating Ideas Using Vintage Vases

Vintage  ceramic vases from the  1930s, 1940s, 1950s are great to collect and use as decorative accessories in almost any room of your home. Some people like glazed pieces while others prefer matte finishes.

I have found that there are common colors that you will consistently find that these planters and vases came in: aqua, yellow, pink, soft green, jade, chartreuse, white, cream, sky blue. Less frequently you will discover  ceramic pottery in crimson , grey,  peach.


Shapes of Vintage Pottery

When I buy older ceramic vases or planters, I am looking for a  variety of interesting shapes. In my living room, I have a collection of matte cream/white vases arranged on a built in bookshelf. You will find vases and planters with shapes that are rounded,  scalloped, angular, tubular, curvy etc.  You may also decide to choose vases with detail or one's that are plain.




Size Matters When Displaying Vintage Pottery 


When using pottery in displays, you may want  to keep all the sizes of your vases and planters consistent or you may prefer to vary the sizes. Collections of several pieces grouped together often look better with varying sizes. However, you may also want to mingle "single" pieces with 
a book collection and have the vases stand out as solo pieces. 

Hunting For Vintage Vases By Style

The fun part of collecting older pottery is that you can set your collecting parameters. Then, when you go out hunting you have a goal in mind. While prices vary somewhat according to the manufacturer. for the most part, I think it is safe to say that you can find plenty of choices from $18.00-36.00. That is not to say that some very lovely ones might be priced a little higher.  When you handle a lot of older planters and vases, you  become  familiar with "ordinary" versus "less common". You also begin to appreciate which pieces seems to be made finer or with more decorative appeal.

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

Think Small, Comfy, Safe When Downsizing Parents:

Helping Older Parents Move 

What do you need to keep in mind when you are helping your parent's downsize into a smaller place. The key words here are SMALL and  temporary.  

I know it is a hard concept to swallow, but when you move a loved one into a small apartment whether it is in an Assisted Living facility or a private apartment complex...think  small, comfy and safe. It's important to take along sentimental items, but NOT everything. It's a tough time for
everyone. Sometimes an older person is comforted  
if they know that family members will hold onto some of their keepsakes.


Comfy But Not Cluttered

Those are the three words I would  emphasize...small, comfy and safe.  When you buy or bring furniture do not over do it. Older people

 Always bring a few of mom's favorite things.

who are unsteady on their feet are fall risks. So keep the setting open and airy but cozy. Do not clutter with lots of small tables, plant stands, floor decor, area rugs  etc. that an older frail person could TRIP OVER.

Buying Smaller Scale Furniture


Vintage  furniture is often of smaller scale than what you will find today inmost furniture stores.  If you start shopping around for furniture you  will see that everything tends to be oversized. This style is great if you have a big home, but most  apartments for downsizing seniors are SMALL. This is where it makes sense to visit a Second hand store, Antique shop or Consignment shop to look for  furnishings. Many people do very well buying items on Craigslist.com Some towns have weekly newspapers with classifieds as well. Look for comfortable and safe furnishings i.e. rounded corners on tables, solid wood pieces that do not wobble, kitchen chairs with arms.

Read all my articles about "Vintage Mom and Dad"

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

Charming French Blue Painted Shabby Chic Antique Bedroom Set Featured At "Finder's Keepers", Southington, CT

Pretty Painted Antique Furniture 

Thought I would share with you a fabulous looking Shabby Chic vintage bedroom set I spotted a few days ago  at "Finder's Keepers" in Southington, CT. This ensemble was professionally painted French Blue with Cream accents.

1930s Painted Antique Dresser 

The dresser appears to be 1930s, but the night stands while painted in the same French Blue color are probably later. I am guessing from the grill work on the night stands that they were 1950's pieces.
But the set is charming. There is as dresser, mirror, two night stands. two twin bed headboards  and a wonderful chair.


Finders Keepers: Quality Consignment Furniture

Father and son Larry and Chris Kelleher,  owners of "Finders Keepers" only take in excellent quality consignment furniture as well as some new brands. While I was visiting both gentleman were quite helpful and very gracious. They have been in business a long time and are a good source for both buying and selling furniture.

Finder Keepers
Home Furnishings Consignment
1226 Queen Street (Rt. 10)
Southington, CT.

860-793-0676


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

Buying A Used Dinette Set For Elderly Parents

What To Look For When Buying Vintage Or Older Furniture For Mom Or Dad

What do you need to think about when you are out shopping for a second hand dinette set for an elderly family member?    Be sure that any table and chairs you are considering are really sturdy. You have to be very careful what you buy for this age group. Wobbly old seniors do not need wobbly old tables. You are probably already aware that many frail seniors steady themselves by holding onto a table or chair when lifting themselves up and away from the kitchen or dining table. With this in mind, look for used or vintage furniture in very good shape.

Inspect all tables and chairs carefully before buying them.
The photo shown here is of a  used Country style table with an easy to clean Formica top. The table top is easy to keep clean,   Make sure the legs on all the chairs and the table are SOLID and sturdy. When buying a kitchen or dining set for a frail elderly person, be sure to have at least one chair that has arms. Again, this is to help the person lift themselves up and away from the table. If you can not find a table set with this type of chair, consider buying one "orphaned" chair to use.

And don't buy a table that is too small either. Remember to leave room for visiting family
members and caretakers.

Be sure to read more articles about this topic at
http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/search/label/%22Vintage%20Mom%20And%20Dad%22

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