This weekend I became really inspired to get my dining room up to snuff as we prepare to host Jim's family for Thanksgiving. We are really excited to have them all here together - a first! Maybe this was just the kick I needed.
Over the summer, I found a new rug and updated the chandelier.
The buffet with a new mirror ($20 from Ross) and small buffet lamps ($10 each from Walmart). Everything else was mine already.
The new boat paintings were my grandparents'. They remind me of them and I love that. The colors just happened to be perfect for this room. I love when that happens. I may get the inner mat replaced at some point because it has faded to an odd shade of purple. I am sure it was dark blue at some point.
My china cabinet was rearranged a few months ago so we would get more use out of our good china (read about that here). I recently added the blue rimmed plates which my mom thinks my grandparents received as a wedding gift. Turquoise was my grandmother's favorite color.
The mini bar was a very recent addition although we have had the bar cabinet for years. (Read about that quick update here) I added a new picture above which I already had on hand. It's probably a few inches too high right now but I am not sure this picture is here for the long haul.
Finally, I added a reproduction map of Washington, DC in the mid-19th Century before Virginia took Arlington back. Arlington was mostly forts and farmland at that point in history. What a change in 150 years!
I am so happy with how it's turning out. Can't wait to break out the extra leaves for the table! What do you think? Any additional ideas?
