Wandering Plates

At Interiors Etc. we have always loved plates. We usually place them symmetrically ---- either in a grouping by themselves or on either side of a picture or mirror--- and all matching or of the same type. The latest trend, however, is to mix several different types of unrelated plates, and let them "wander". How fun!

Here are some great pictures of this new look:

Plaid plates, floral, transferware, plain, and majolica all work together to make this interesting grouping.


Here the plates are all solid white, with interest being added by using several different sizes and shapes including square plates, round plates, oval platters, and tiny butter pats, with some overlapping.


A great idea for a narrow space, these groupings can be customized to any size or shape!


Another great mix of colorful plates that fits the space remaining beside a lamp and chest.



This grouping is unified by a common color scheme of pink, white and black.


All floral plates make this grouping a feminine and pretty contrast to the industrial looking desk and chair.


If you feel really brave, you can even take the grouping around a corner or two!


And if you're feeling artistic, add a trunk and branches for them to "grow" from!

We have recently re-arranged the shop, and have a few "wandering plates groupings" of our own. We hope you'll stop in to see them soon.

We will continue to have the Christmas sale until Wednesday. And starting Monday for ONE week only, all jewelry and watches will be 50% off. I plan to bring lots of great jewelry back from the Atlanta show, and we need to make room for all the new pieces.

The City of Mishawaka will be doing some street/sewer work in front of our shop for the next two weeks, and Lincolnway will be closed for our block only. You will not be able to enter our parking lot from Lincolnway, but you can park on Race Street, or enter the parking lot from Race Street and park in the back of the building. You can also park in the Library parking lot. We are sorry for any inconvenience, but grateful to the City for postponing the necessary work until after Christmas.

Bonne Annee

Happy New Year to everyone ......wouldn't you just love to be in Paris for New Year's Eve?? (Maybe that should be one of my resolutions for next year!) I love New Year's Day. It is a day to organize (I cleaned out my sock drawer), get caught up on little things you've procrastinated on through the holidays (wrote my thank you notes), set your goals for the coming year (I promise to post more blogs here), and review what you have accomplished in the past year (became somewhat more computer literate by starting this blog:). It always feels to me like a complete new beginning for wonderful things to come......and right now the plans for all of the upcoming store events are swirling in my head like the snow is swirling outside! I leave for Atlanta very soon to begin the buying process for Spring and Christmas 2012, and before long the store will be filled with lots of new and exciting merchandise. I hope all of you had a wonderful New Year's weekend, and are ready for new beginnings and wonderful things to come. Thank you for making 2011 a great year for us, and hope to see you in the shop soon!

P.S. Check the side of this blog for our updated calendar, and remember that our 50% off Christmas Sale will continue through Jan. 9.

Merry Christmas to All!

Christmas time is the perfect time to say thank you to all of our wonderful customers and clients. We at Interiors Etc. believe that we have the best customers ever----loyal, enthusiastic, and always so appreciative of our efforts! In turn, we truly appreciate your patronage-----it is the reason we are still here after 37 years, and plan on staying for many more. We promise to bring you more exciting merchandise, lots of fun events, great decorating and display ideas, and quality customer service in 2012. You are truly a "gift" to us, and everyone at Interiors Etc. wishes you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. We hope to see you lots in 2012!

P.S.We will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. But don't forget ----all Christmas merchandise will be 50% off starting at 10:00 a.m. Monday (12/26)!

More Christmas Decorating

A few weeks ago, I said that I would post a few more pictures of my own Christmas decorating here, and then I misplaced my camera! I just found it today, so here are a few more pictures of my Christmas decor for this year.

My den is very easy to make "Christmas-y" since it is already red and green! Above my little bulldog figure wears his Christmas scarf. The tartanware on the shelf above that stays out all year long, but lends itself particularly well to the holiday season.


A small grouping of iron reindeer reside on a skirted end table.


A corner cabinet displays more of my red baby shoe collection, mixed with additional plaid items.


A close-up of my tartanware collection.

My main tree holds my collection of ornaments from 30 Christmas seasons at the shop, plus additional vintage ornaments and personal momentos.

On my mantel this year I displayed my Belsnickle Santa collection, rising to new heights on stacks of books and a miniature chest.

Last year I displayed my tartanware collections on the mantel ---which I think I liked better, but wanted to change it a little from the previous year!

A little leather book collection rests under a glass cloche on an old linen press in my living room.

Miniature antique Santas sit on glass cake plates in front of a framed chalkboard message to all.

One garland twined through the chandelier, left to dangle and topped with a bow, adds a festive touch above the dining room table.


A little vignette on the kitchen counter hosts a lovely black transferware platter the girls from the shop gave me for Christmas last year, and also a tiny tea towel with cross-stitched deer given to me by Gwen this year.

Hope you enjoyed this little Christmas "tour" ---and hope you all had fun decorating your own home for the holidays this year!

Dates to Remember

Still decorating? Still shopping? (Me -- I'm done with the decorating, still shopping!) We have lots of great items to "deck your halls" or to present to that special someone as a cherished keepsake gift. Beginning this Saturday until December 23, all Christmas items will be 20% off.

Since many of you have already been asking us the dates of certain events, the 2012 Calendar of Events has now been posted along the side of this blog. Lots to look forward to!!

In planning your shopping, please note that we WILL be closed on Christmas eve, as well as New Year's Eve. But we will re-open on Monday, Dec. 26 at 10:00 a.m. with all Christmas items at 50% off. It won't last long, so shop early!

Girls' Night Out!

This Thursday evening (Dec. 8) is the night we all look forward to ---- our special Holiday Girls' Night Out featuring chocolate martinis and cosmopolitans made by your favorite bartenders, Tony Simeri and Mike Collins! Not only that, but we'll also have nibbles, door prizes, and 20% off! You won't want to miss this fun night---- 5 p.m. till 8 p.m. Can't wait to see you then!

*20% excludes antiques and sale items.

A Green and White Christmas.......

In looking at Christmas decorating ideas this year, I noticed that all of my favorite pictures were of rooms done in green and white -----not a touch of red in sight!! Although I have always been a traditionalist, and have used lots of red in my Christmas decorating, I found all of the rooms pictured here to be beautifully refreshing. Maybe next year I'll leave out the red!