Oils and Vinegars and Oh My!

It's nearing midnight here in the South, so you know what that means? Barb is in one of her "moods" to decorate and re-design. As part of my on-going "In-Home Shopping" excursion, and in conjunction with my After-Holiday Clean-Up, I decided to try a few new things on my kitchen countertops. Because I love to cook, I like to keep my oils and vinegars and such at close hand. They sit right next to my cooktop. I have olive oil, canola oil, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, a pepper mill, dried bay leaves, fresh herbs from the garden - and, course salt and freshly ground pepper in the little, red crocks. I am out of a few items, so generally there are a few more bottles not seen here. This chopping block works okay, but I wanted to try a few different things sitting around my kitchen - just to liven things up a bit.

First I tried a pretty woven basket. I usually plant primroses this time of year in this basket, but thought I'd give it a try. I like the look, but it doesn't hold near enough of my bottles et al. So, I guess it will get planted with primroses after all.

Next I tried one of my beautiful hand-painted Portuguese plates. Loved the burst of color it provided on top of my black granite, but again - just not enough space. I also cringed whenever my bottles were placed on the plate at the sound of glass on glass.

I could see myself sitting a bottle down a little too hard...and oh my! Let's get this collectible out of the way and back where its safe. :-)

Next, I spied my copper bowl I purchased a few years back through Southern Living at Home. I thought this would work well, because I have a hand-hammered copper farmhouse sink from Mexico which closely resembles this bowl. Not only was it way too bulky, but it provided very little storage space. Nope - back to its normal space above my hutch.

I unloaded my plates from my plate stand, and left a single plate on the bottom tier. I even added in my hand-painted Portuguese plate as an alternative. (I wanted to see what a plain white plate vs a colorful plate would do.) I loved the look - and was tempted - but again, it just didn't yield the space I desired. When it comes to decorating, I will sacrifice function over form - but not when it comes to cooking. So, even though this was one of my favorite looks....

...I went back to the chopping block. I like that I can fit most everything on top. So, until I run across something that works better...I will keep this look for now.

I would love to hear what you use and maybe you can inspire me. Just make sure it can hold lots of stuff! :-)

Happy Improving Your Home....Barb