Table-scaping

With all the talk of warmer weather and summer just around the corner, I noticed the Coffee Table in our family room was starting to look a little dreary and a little dark on dark on wood on wood.  Here is the wintry Coffee Table-scape I started with:

So I “shopped my house” looking for items that would freshen and brighten up this table, bringing in more contrasting tones and colors all while keeping in vogue with my recent aversion to all dark colors.  So in spending no money (only time) in re-imagining my table-scape, this is what I came up with:

It’s a much more reflective and beachy theme than what was there before.  Here are a few close-up shots:

I found these two coffee mugs at Home Goods a few months back and finally found a better use for them than sitting in a corner!  They have our last name monograms on them and were only $3 apiece – score!  It’s perfect for stashing the hubs’ keys and iPhone and wallet and change and money and glasses and….no, of course it doesn’t annoy me when he drops it everywhere….now that we have these cute little mugs to capture it when he comes home from work ;-)!  I also have a white sea biscuit thrown in there to tie in the beachy white vibe and to keep it feeling fresh and unexpected.

On the other side I threw down this gorgeous reflective serving tray that is a little too impractical to use for serving food, but is perfect to inject a little bit more light and modernism to the traditional table.  By the way, it was sitting inside my hutch and collecting dust, so this is a much better use for it.  On top of that, I layered a star fish trivet (that I found at Tuesday Morning for a measly $2) and a simple glass vase filled with wine corks to inject some texture and interest.  At the last minute, I threw in a bowl of raw almonds for some added natural elements (and to encourage healthy snacking habits).  I may throw in some lemons or limes for an added punch of summer-y zing when we run out, but oranges, apples, or even pears would be a fun wintry alternative too!  Just make sure that you eat them quickly so they don’t spoil!

So You Tell’Us.  What do you think?!  Are you planning on switching out some decor in your house now that the weather is getting warmer and brighter?!