All That Glitters

In the cozy space of our porch, evenings are accentuated with the sparkle of light from my version of the Victorian fairy lamp or night light. Repurposed glass chandelier shades make my fairy lamps larger than the Victorian version, but they create the same welcoming atmosphere.

I've collected a couple dozen glass shades over the years--the ones that caught my eye in thrift stores and at yard sales. Some are vintage, others just pretty. In the summer, I place battery-operated tea lights under a few and put them on a nice stand I found at a garage sale. In the winter, I line the front walkway with the glittering lanterns when we have holiday guests. The variety of cut-glass patterns adds delightful sparkle in the crisp winter night air.

This past week the weather here broke and I was able to do something I've been wanting to do for a long time:  reclaim the porch from a dastardly weeks-long heat spell. Cooler temps and lower humidity made the porch the inviting space it was meant to be. And, we made good use of our covered retreat reading, talking, relaxing.

Ours isn't an HGTV porch. In fact, it's very modest. Everything--yes, everything except the loveseat cushion and tea lights--are vintage or reclaimed thrift finds.

I snatched up the wicker loveseat at a garage sale for a song. The plastic lawn chairs and their pretty, buttery slipcovers, along with two vintage wooden tables were estate sale finds. I came across the metal zinnia tray and the rustic stars at Goodwill. We even rescued Barney from the animal shelter.

This is the Midwest, so we're sure to have some lingering hot spells over the next month. But, as for prolonged scorchers, I think the worst is over.

Linking to:

Coastal Charm
The House in the Roses
Her Library Adventures
Motivate Me Monday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Vintage Wanna Bee
A Southern Daydreamer
Designer Garden
The Colorado Lady