I think I finally learned the beauty and joy of a decorated mantel from Little House on the Prairie. Ma used to put all of her prized possessions on the mantelpiece, not only for display, but also to remind herself that she once lived a different, less difficult non-frontier life. There was that one devastating episode where her prized figurine, the China Sherpardess (one of the few small fancies that was allowed space in the covered wagon) broke and Ma just about nearly lost all of her spirit right there on screen. I first saw this episode when I was like 5 or 6 and ever since I’ve loved the idea of a mantle cultivating matters of personal significance. Ma was never an artful designer but she was a thoughtful collector. I think that’s where I first learned that it was good to gather things that meant something. This platter, of unknown age, was made in Japan and traveled quite a distance throughout its life, eventually making its way here to the American South. I like how it can take on different aesthetics based on a variety of different arrangements. If you are a mantel lover and a collector of curiosities than you’ll love this platter too for its ability to highlight the significant stories of your life. Find it in the shop! . . . . . . #vignette #collecting #manteldecor #vignettestyling #littlehouseontheprairie #thingsicollect #oldletters #personaltaste #vintageplatter #oldphotos #handwrittenletters #vintagelife #cultivatingjoy https://www.instagram.com/p/CDzODUfJVSW/?igshid=6l5k1gvxbmkm
