May 03, 2013

Mini Theme Displays are one of my favorite ways to decorate. They are a great way to do a little theme decorating, but not go overboard. These are made by using trays, containers, or even small tables to make displays on for an event. The trays or containers should contain some varying heights, textures, and colors.

It's a way of having some theme related articles to enhance your activity but have it small scale and not so overpowering. It's all contained in one space which makes taking it down and putting it away so much easier too.

I'm sure you are wondering how it is different than a "focal point". It is a focal point but not with other theme decorations involved. To get away from using too many theme decorations, it is the only theme related items you would use.

These displays are great for small events or even monthly meetings where you want to have some element of fun but yet not go all out in preparation.

Mini Display Container Ideas

• Baskets (the longer, flatter or more open the better)
• Serving Trays
• Galvanized containers (They are not just buckets and tubs anymore. You can find almost any container done in galvanized)
• An old Dresser Drawer
• An old wooden chair (small enough so that it can be placed on top of a table)
• Wooden Crate
• Wood Bread Boards and Cutting Boards
• Dough Bowls
• Large Open Box with Lid (Marshalls and Ross sometimes have some really great ones at great prices)
• Suitcase with Open Lid
• Trunk with Open Lid
• Large Glass Jar or Container
• Apothecary Jars
• Pedestal Serving Plates
• Large Platters
• Large Mixing Bowls (Vintage ones make unique displays)
• Terra Cotta Pots (Even just the saucer tray to extra-large flowerpots)
• Framed Mirror (these are fun to sit things on because of all the reflection)
• Small Bookcase (small enough so that it can be placed on top of a table)
• Tray Tables
• Small Round Accent Tables

Mix in Fabrics

A mixture of textures makes great displays. Have some fabric pieces on hand for these mini displays. Here are some ideas of what you can use.

• Burlap
• Lace
• Cheesecloth
• Gingham
• Plaids
• Calico
• Muslin
• Vintage Aprons
• Vintage Tablecloths
• Crocheted, embroidered, or lace edged pillowcases
• Throws
• Quilts
• Pillows can be used to add in fabric texture too (needlepoint, crocheted, one with a saying on it)
• Small soft rugs

Look for Items of Interest

Look around your own house for items to add into a display for interest.

• Clocks
• Weathervanes
• Vases
• Kitchen items such as kitchen bowls, pretty teacups, cookie jars
• Candles, Candlesticks, and Candleholders
• Books
• Figurines
• Garden Statues
• Pictures
• Empty Picture frames in different sizes
• Small lamps
• Plates to display on a stand/easel
• Pillows

Staying Away from a Theme?

Make a mini display using home decor items just to add a little interest to your space. Try using things made of the same material, the same color, or something all the same but in various sizes and shapes such as a collection of vases.

I think you get the idea. Less is more!

Copyright ©2013 Julia Bettencourt

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