Getting Creative with Displaying Collectibles

It is almost impossible to not collect stuff when you are a decorator at heart. I am a bona fide collector of all things pretty, and like all you fabulous homemakers out there, I take pride in displaying my collections. For the last couple of weeks, I have been working on re-arranging my displays. While you will see many more ideas for creating interesting displays for your collectibles on my blog, I will focus today on how I display my collections using … well … another item I collect – Dishware.

I am always on the lookout for kitchen platters and serve ware and they do more than just hold the goodies for guests. Among their other uses are lending new heights to my displays. I share with you today, some of these ideas for displaying collectibles using kitchenware.

Jars of all shapes and sizes are excellent for displaying smaller articles. This pretty jar from Gibson USA is perfect for holding the larger seashells from my collection.

I have separate jars for seashells collected from different beaches, pretty pebbles from river banks and even a button collection.

When I said ‘lending new heights’, I meant it literally. My blue and white Kurt Adler figurines are too pretty to just keep rolled safe in bubble wrap. I alternate their display styles and locations. When I do not want them standing in a straight line, I add height with my individual cupcake stands from American Atelier. I am a baking enthusiast and pedestal stands of all sizes are abundant in my kitchen. Tip: Stack two cupcake stands on one another to create additional height.

Some objects are pretty enough to eat, I think! These Lenox ‘Butterfly Meadow’ salt and pepper shakers along with rose shaped candle holders and a beehive shaped honey pot make a lovely display in this Borgonovo ‘Palladio’ cake plate with glass dome. Perfect for both, the month of Love and the Spring season.

Besides dishware, my second largest collection is that of Christmas decorations. Even though I am not a practicing Christian, I love celebrating Christmas as much as I love celebrating Diwali. From the best international brands to street finds, I snatch up Christmas tree ornaments all the time. While they all come out in all their glory during Christmas time, I always keep a selected few in a display while the others wait their turns in storage boxes. This two tiered serving tray from Gibson USA’ Festive Traditions’ range is perfect for the purpose.

There are collectibles, and then there are hand-me-downs. Little pieces of interesting family history and nostalgia. From a decades old unused beauty soap to grandma’s last crocheted lace to Austrian crystals sent from across the globe by a dear friend, all the mismatched objects come together beautifully to create an interesting conversation-starter on this wooden tray. Every little piece boasting of its own story and yet merging together to create an eye-catching exhibit.

Collecting is a serious exercise for some people. They are particular about adding only things of a certain value to their collections. I belong to the other half. I collect for the feeling of sheer bliss that each object brings to me and display them in many different corners of my home. These collectibles are an extension of my personality and speak a lot about my personal journey and experiences over the years. I hope these ideas have appealed to you and will inspire you to bring out your gorgeous collectibles out for display.