I LOVE it! I just don’t know what I would DO with it.

Every vintage dealer has heard this lament regularly from shoppers who haven’t quite been bitten by the collecting bug but are drawn to an occasional treasure-hunting road trip on a Saturday afternoon. You are often drawn to a color, a shape, or a theme - often one that evokes a memory. You walk past the item first admiring it from a far. You may comment to your partner in crime for the day as you continue your survey of the shop. Slowly you circle back giving the item a second, longer look. Finally unable to resist, you pick the piece up admiring it from every angle, taking it to the best light - looking for an excuse to put it back or simply appreciating it up close. You check the price, sigh, and say it.

“I just love this ______. I just don’t know what I would do with it”.

Even in the best merchandised space, customers often need help to envision how that piece that brings them such joy would fit into their home. They need an excuse to treat themselves to an impulse buy that they often subconsciously compare to the Milky Way on their way out of the grocery store only worse because the price is higher. However, unlike a candy bar, this piece won’t add an extra hour to their workout and it will continue to bring them happiness once they give themselves permission to treat themselves to a well-deserved indulgence.

So the question it, what will you do with it? Besides love and appreciate it? There are lots of things you can do with these sweet vintage finds. That pretty little cream pitcher can hold tooth brushes, make up brushes, or pens. The vintage crystal relish tray that catches the light so beautifully can be

​the end of the ‘Where’s Waldo” treasure hunt for the earrings that match the necklace you would wear but if only you had time to look for it. That adorable trio of vintage head vases can take the place of that awful plastic organizer that holds the paper clips and rubber bands on your desk. That lovely planter can become the new home to your dish soap and sponge near the kitchen sink. Baskets, crocks, and boxes all serve as great hidden storage options. The opportunities to repurpose these great vintage finds are as limitless as your imagination!

So go ahead, buy it! You’ll use it somewhere. It will look great! And yes, it will find a place in your house and fit in just fine! You chose it, just like you chose the other things that you found, brought home and love. Those things have a way of weaving their way together to make your house your home.