Once upon a time, in a memory long ago, I thought I would grow up and spend money on fine furniture like this lovely side table for the dining room. You can purchase this treasure at Ethan Allen for a little over $1000. Yep, you read that right. It’s a pretty piece of painted wood to store stuff in and put food on. They even throw in the cute wine rack: $1049.
But Ethan Allen, as fine as it is, isn’t as trendy as say, Pottery Barn. And, oohhh, who doesn’t love Pottery Barn? You could buy this beautiful side table there for only a few dollars MORE. Candles and wine not included: $1399
But a funny thing happened on the way to growing up. Although I still think both of the above buffets are absolutely lovely, I have, along the way, acquired three helpful boys with the ability to destroy anything new within moments of said item entering our home. And so I ask myself, “Is this the best use of my $1000?” Ummm, what do you think?
So I looked around, and I saw this fantastic buffet for less than HALF the price of the others at the always wonderful Cost Plus/World Markets.
And you know what that means, don’t you?
Uh huh. It means screws and allen wrenches and an hour of looking at an incredibly lame instruction guide. It means a little sweat and a little frustration.
But it also means I won’t tear my hair out the first time I find matchbox or lego scratches. It means that instead of hanging onto this piece long after we’ve worn it out, because Dear Lord I paid over $1000 for it, instead I will happily repurpose it or give it away when its time comes. And in the meantime, darn, isn’t it cute?
The brown plates, though, they might have to go. I was trying to be practical, because I use them ALL of the time and where can I store them (?), but I think it’s too much dark in here. What do you think? Find them another home or leave them be? 
I love it! And it IS darn cute! 🙂 The brown plates can stay, but not like that. You need to jazz it up a bit. Make a grouping of 3 or 5 thing off to the right hand side with one of the plates on its stand. Mix colors, textures, and materials. Ditch the stand for the other plate and use it as a tray of sorts on the other end of the table with maybe a pretty candle ring and candle (one of the cool electric kind – i LOVE those!) on it. Just a suggestion. Enjoy your new purchase!
LOVE World Market. One of my all-time faves.
Yes, agree, either ditch the plates or add more stuff w/ color.
Husband who can build just about anything thinks construction guides are written by spatially challenged dyslexics.
Brown plates have to go.
great, smart investment.. and I love it.