Being inspired.

Blogger friends have been inspiring me this week, providing nest fluffing opportunities.

Lorrie @ Fabric Paper Thread is hosting a magazine swap next month.
In readiness I've bought some of my favourite English and French decorating magazines to send but couldn't resist the opportunity of checking them out myself first and noting the new trends and ideas for Spring décor.

The March issue of Country Homes & Interiors is full of inspiration and this little display caught my eye.

I utilised 2 plain clear glass bottles, a vase, a whisky tumbler, a conserve pot
and faux flowers

This is my copycat version, reflected in the antique French country mirror found at auction in Bayeux many years ago, it really brightens up the hallway. 

A few days ago I learned from Lorrie that she will be one of the two partners allocated to me in the swap. Mary @ A Breath of Fresh Air is my swapee, Stateside.
Lucky me will be the receiver of magazines from both the US and Canada.

I "met" Lorrie and Mary through blogging several years ago and I think I've come to know them both quite well despite never ever having met either of them IRL!
Mary recently blogged about the joys of changing loose/slip covers on chairs and sofas, a challenge which I can so relate to. What caught my eye in the post, however, was the stylish “vignette”, for want of a better word, that she has created on the coffee table in front of the couch.
Click here to see my inspiration.
I have been scouring Pinterest for weeks for inspiration on how to add a touch of class to the table that sits between our two squishy sofas in the sitting room, whilst still being able to use it for the occasional fireside petit dejeuner a deux.

The solution of displaying items on a large tray that can be moved to another location, as and when needed, is perfect.

The best part about being inspired by both the Country Homes vignette and Mary's table top was that creating my versions didn't cost a sou because I shopped in my own home.
You know what I mean, looking around the house and picking up pieces from various rooms to see if they display well together in ways you'd not thought of before.

For the table top I began with a vintage French decoupage tray purchased for a few euros at a brocante fair, added a Rene Lalique vase paired with creamy silk roses and other faux greenery; a cute Lladro/Nao puppy serves as a paperweight on top of those decorating magazines I mentioned before and a couple of stoneware drinks coasters, always useful when steaming mugs of tea are to hand.
I'm very happy with the end result, pretty and practical.

Where do you look for your inspiration, I'd love to hear your ideas?