Plain Janes and Elephants

I love 19th century one-drawer stands.

They are such a pure and plain form, and so useful -- just the right size for tucking in next to a chair, to hold a cup of tea and a book, or for cozying up next to an old 4-poster bed as a nightstand.

I am especially fond of a poplar and cherry stand that Howard and I bought when we lived in Pittsburgh; this poor thing has been dragged to about six different homes in three different states with us, and has finally come to roost in a corner of the parlor at That Old House.

After working hard for us for many years, now it's retired to a pretty cushy job;
all it has to do is behave itself, stay in its corner, and look pretty.

And now I get to place some things on its top, and leave them there,
and know that no one is going to move them, or want to play with them.

I've got white china elephants, one from my Mom, the others from Ebay.

A Christmas Cactus, one of the many cultivated from my Grandmother's massive plant.

A few old books. I have a lot of old books, most of them gifts from a Great-Aunt.

Put them all together, and ta-da! It's a tabletop tablescape.
It's not fancy or bling-y, but it's a plain old table in a plain old room.

I'm joining Tabletop Tuesday, which is usually hosted by Barb of Grits and Glamour, but for just this week is being hosted by Kimberly at Southern Whimsy blog. Stop over and say Hi, and take a look! It's just the fifth week for this blog party, and it's lots of fun!


And as usual on a Tuesday, I'm joining Tam at The Gypsy's Corner, for her Three Or More Tuesday blog party. This week -- three elephants! Go visit Tam for other triple plays.
I need to give the computer back to Howard, who is working at home today because of a head cold. Ick. We're expecting a foot of snow before Wednesday ends. Staten Island Chuck, we need to talk! -- Cass