Many summer vacationers return home with not only pictures of their travels, but also with bagfuls of souvenirs and holiday keepsakes.
But what to do when you find yourself surrounded with items that languish in post-holiday limbo? Try turning them into decor, of course.
-- Assemble a dramatic feature wall of colourful destination plates hung haphazardly with metal plate hangers or formally with a plate-rail dining-room display.
-- Stack piles of those embroidered Mount St. Helens or silkscreened Niagara Falls toss cushions atop a rec-room couch or den daybed.
-- Assemble that meaningful personal memorabilia ---- think beach sand, shells, snapshots, or receipts from favourite restaurants ---- in sleek shadow boxes or vintage glass Mason jars.
-- Postcards and photos can be hung via bulldog clips on a simple gallery wire or arranged via a contemporary mobile mechanism like the Umbra mobile.
-- Traditional scrapbooking is another way to creatively capture memories for posterity and coffee tables.
-- Try to support local artisans and industry and select practical homewares when you're souvenir-shopping -- handcrafted ironwork, carved or turned wooden spoons or bowls, pottery, glassworks, fibre crafts, etc. Many items, including honey, preserves, locally roasted coffee or blended teas, handcrafted chocolate and specialty items such as sauces or dip mixes, make perfect hostess gifts.
-- Hotel-size body essentials such as shower gels, mini-soaps and shampoos are also well worth hoarding. Once you return home, place your loot in a hand-woven basket and lay it out for your next weekend guests.
-- Postmedia News
