Black and White Rocking Horse

During the holidays I moved this table over to the corner and have decided to keep it here.  I updated the interior of the wood lantern.  This location proves difficult to take a picture because of glare so bear with me. 

I opened the door to view everything better.  

The idea all began with this little rocking horse.  Isn't this the cutest!  I found it at a local store in a basket of mark downs.  I only took one since I had it in mind for this lantern.  I love how it looks like an old piece chipping away with age.  It's actually sold as an ornament but it's kind of heavy so I just took off the string hanger it came with.

We were at Hobby Lobby shortly after I found the rocking horse and I spotted this antique looking candle holder.  The black part is cast iron in the shape of a flower.  I cut the candle shorter and melted it a bit to look aged.  It's too close to the top so I really won't be lighting it again.

I put a lace doily in there that came from my Mom's house.  The tree came from the same place as the horse but I had to have Dan cut a chunk off the bottom of the tree to lower it because it was taller than I thought.  It came with the wood base which I thought was pretty cute. 

I added more black and white with another candle holder and the plates.  The swan was already dressed for the occasion!  

The swan has some history.  I saw this Swan Decoy in a Ballard Designs catalog (still available $129).  We were at a friend's house and I became aware that he liked to carve wood and I casually said I had recently found this swan for but it was too expensive for me to buy.  He privately told Dan he could carve one for me so they secretly worked together on it.  

Dan finished the painting on it and then it was presented to me at Christmas 2016.

While putting my pictures on the post I realized something seemed to be missing.  I decided some kind of tray should hold the plants and candlestick on the left side.  I looked and looked on the internet for something but just didn't want to spend the money on what I was finding.  

Finally the light bulb went off and I remembered I had this white charger.  I was happier with the look the moment I put it together.  I am even more happy because it tied in the black and white look that I had started with the dishes I put on the plate rack.

This charger was originally a green/with gold color from Pottery Barn several years ago.  I didn't like the coloring the moment I got it (didn't even look like their pictures) so it got a coat of an off white color.  The details showed up much better so that was an unexpected bonus!

I love to play this way!

Joining the following blog parties:

Dishing & Digging It 

Celebrate Your Story 

By the way-

I will be joining a group of bloggers starting Monday Feb. 5th thru the 9th for my first blog hop

sponsored by Chloe @ Celebrate & Decorate

I hope you'll check it out!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Joining the following parties:

Dishing It & Digging It