Finding new uses for stuff you don’t use

Before you buy that new decorative vase on impulse at Target, dig through your cabinets and see if you can maybe turn some servingware you never use into useful organizational and decorative objects.

I have two pieces of glass servingware from Crate & Barrel, featured in my lovely pictures. (Sidenote: I need to learn how to take better pictures of glassware with a flash - not much natural light in my place.) I worked there years ago and accumulated a ton of C&B stuff. I’ve since sold much of it in my move across country. It’s not that I don’t love my Crate & Barrel goods, cuz I do, I think they’re way better than Pottery Barn and better prices. I just needed to lighten my belongings.

I didn’t want to part with these two pieces, one, because I like them, and two, cuz I used them quite frequently when I used to entertain. I figured they would become useful again. So for the time being, since I’m not doing much entertaining I decided to pull them out and make other use out of them in my living room. The divided dish (top photo) I am currently using as a valet for random items. And the chip and dip (above) is displaying my collection of rocks from beaches around the world. I’m happy to finally have them out on display. (Another sidenote: natural materials are great for decorative accessories and free!)

My pics don’t really do them justice, but they look great and I’m quite happy I didn’t spend any money!