Sunday, December 8, 2013

New Use for an Old Crate

I have a thing for ornaments!  New, old, large, tiny, elaborate, simple.  I LOVE ornaments!!  I'll post more on my favorites later this week but now I'd like to share an idea I saw on television several years ago. 




They demonstrated how to display vintage ornaments in old Coca-Cola crates.  When I shared this idea with Wonderful Hubby, he said he could help with the 'alterations.'  We have two built-in cabinets around our fireplace and we thought they would look nice on top with our other vintage pieces.   The hunt for the perfect crates was on!
  
 
We had a lot of fun tramping through antique and resale shops that fall looking for just the right crates.  (Memories help make these pieces more special!!) 
 
 
 
After finding two crates that fit the bill, WH got to work repairing one and adding the eye hooks in each little cubby.  When he finished, I found enough small ornaments that would fit well in the holes and secured each of them in their places.
 
   
 
 
We love how they turned out!  Some of these ornaments are from our childhood homes but most we've found at antique stores on weekend getaways.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One of the best things about these little crates is how easy after-season storage is!  Since the ornaments are SECURELY fastened to the eye hooks, all we have to do is lay the crate down and each ornament swings inside its cubby! 
 
 
 
 
 
I don't have to take each one out and wrap it up!  I stack the two crates on top of each other then place them inside a large plastic bag to keep off the dust. 
 
Great look, simple display and easy storage!!  How great is that?!
 
I'm linking up to these parties to see what other ideas you all have for decorating with vintage finds ..
 
 
 
 


18 comments:

My Garden Diaries said...

Not only is this just cool it is beautiful, brilliant and practical!!! What a fantastic idea friend!! I have never seen anything like it and I will be pinning this immediately!!! A very happy week to you!

Lady of the Manor said...

Thanks, Nicole. I thought it was a good idea, too, and really easy! Thanks for your visit!!

allisamazing said...

Oh, I love this idea! My parents have vintage ornaments handed down from their parents and I have the old Coca-Cola crates! I now have a new project! Thanks for sharing :)

Charla said...

What a wonderful idea! Have a Merry Christmas!

Joselyn @ The DIY Spot said...

This is such a cute idea. The vintage ornaments and vintage crate work so well together.

The Charm of Home said...

This is brilliant. I just got one of these old crates at a yard sale last year and haven't done anything with it. This was such a smart use for it. Thanks for joining Home Sweet Home!
Sherry

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Brilliant idea! I have a crate and ornaments so I just need some eye hooks! Thanks for sharing this fabulous idea!

Linda

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

I love ornaments also! They really look wonderful in the old crate. I have a Coca Cola crate, but it is open without dividers. I love using it, but want to find one with small openings. I actually have one, but I painted it red years ago. Darn, now I wish I would have left it alone. lol! Happy to be a new follower. So glad that you are linking to our 'Creating Christmas' party.
hugs,
Jann

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

I love the crate ornament holder. Rustic with shiny ornaments is a great combo!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

What a great idea, never seen a crate look fabulous as this one you created, my friend! Wish I found a coca cola crate, maybe in the Bottling Co.?! Thank you for your sweet visit.
Hugs,
FABBY

xinex said...

What a great idea! It looks wonderful...Christine

must love junk said...

This is so fun and creative-I love crates and I love how you've repurposed this one! Thanks for linking up :)
Susan

poppilinnstudios said...

What a great way to display your special ornaments. Very creative! And, thanks for stopping by :)
-Lynn

September Violets said...

This is a great idea ... I just wish I had more vintage glass ornaments AND a lovely old crate ;) I'm visiting from Fishtail Cottage. Wendy x

Highpoint Circle said...

What a great idea! And storing the ornaments is already done at the end of the season!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh I love this idea, how beautiful and how creative of you. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

Jeannie Marie said...

Very, very clever!! I love how you have displayed these!

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

what a wonderful idea for display and storage ! And I loved seeing the vintage ornaments. Merry Christmas :)