Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Island Fever


Good morning........  I have island fever. Kitchen islands that is. As my kitchen is really starting to come together (so excited) and I will admit it is every bit the vision I had hoped it would be, I have allowed myself to start thinking about what will go where and of course how I will accessorize. I am not one that likes a lot of 'stuff' on my countertops but do like some strategically placed beautiful objects particularly on the island. I also want the beautiful marble that I have had to lose many nights sleep over, gain 10 pounds over and argue with hubby over work hard to get to really shine, its so beautiful! My island is quite large and will definitely need a few things to warm it up and give it a sense of scale and proportion to the room. I have been playing around with different ideas in my head, and have been thinking of adding a few tall/big items, ideally a pair (I am big into pairs and symmetry) and then some smaller lower items to balance it. In my thinking, I started getting a lot of online inspiration and thought this could make for an interesting post. So what do you put on your island? How do you like to decorate a kitchen island? All thoughts welcome! Do you have a favorite?

Clive Christian placed a few decorative objects including a pretty soup tureen
A great example of how pretty fruit and vegetables look along with the added height and punch of color from a tall flower arrangement, Downsview
Love this rustic island with a pretty bucket of flowers and the baskets lining the lower shelf
I think a big long bowl of fruit works well especially on a long island
Scattered bowls of colorful fruit and two interesting cube lights grace this large island, Deane
In a tone on tone kitchen, a bright pop of yellow and lime are a great accent, De Cesare Design
Love something tall next to  smaller objects, it adds perspective and interest
A big cutting board, a few strategically placed bowls are all you need in this stunner of a kitchen
Always like a container with lemons for a pop of color, seems to work in any kitchen, Palm Designs
A pretty silver wine cooler, pair of candlesticks, a stack of plates and a carving board all add differing degrees of heights 
A tall compote of fruit balances a beautiful arrangement on this island, Woodmode
An island this grand should have all kinds of goodies gracing it! Jonathan Wallen photo
Adding a very tall element is a dramatic way to jazz up an island...and what a beautiful island it is!
How about this? A huge long custom cutting board covering the entire face of the island? Home Inspiration
A tall clouche is a nice decorative touch in this European feeling kitchen, Beverly Ellsley
A pretty pail of wild flowers and a cutting board add some interest to this pretty island, Homebunch blog
Always like a pair of topiaries and a basket of fruit or flowers, Decorpad
Beautiful crystal and an elegant ormolu container of flowers always do the trick,Clive Christian
A pair of round glass jugs and  a simple dish of lemons, Palm Design
Thom Filicia placed a pair of hurricanes and a large driftwood bowl on this pretty island
Fresh flowers always work on any island, any color and any size De Cesare Design group
On a very long island, it looks great to have a few different accessories spread out as shown here
A great big bowl of fruit works beautifully on this rustic island, For the home
A pretty brass container flowers graces this amazing butchers block, Jonathan Wallen photo
One of my all time faves that has provided some inspiration for my own kitchen, this fabulous island by Arnold Palmer displays a grouping of pretty decorative objects
A trio of vases with flowers was used on this pretty island, Coastal Living
A pot rack hanging above makes it less necessary to have too much happening on the countertop
Though there is a lot going on in this gorgeous kitchen, I do think the tray with grapes and fruit on the island looks really pretty, Downsview
Classic clean white gets a few bowls with fruit, less is more, Simplified Bee
A pretty silver dish on an island is an elegant touch, Decorpad
Bowls of fruit and a low vase with flowers were used to add a little something
A beautiful potted plant or orchid always works, Clive Christian
Love blue and white in any kitchen and this pretty tiered piece with the grapes is perfect for an island, Downsview
A tall vase of florals and a bowl of fresh produce looks great and uncluttered on this pretty island, McCoppin Studios
A trio of pretty herb topiaries adds nice height to the island in this stunning kitchen, Nathan Egan
Love this island, with the inset marble, the parquet top is enough pretty without needing a single other thing! Stacy Branford Photography
Dana Wolter used some earthy looking accessories to give a little texture and color to this island
A pretty jug of fresh flowers on top an island is such a nice way to bring the outdoors in, Beverly Ellsley
I like seeing a few pieces of pottery or china on an island of different heights, Habersham
A tall arrangement of flowers next to a few shorter objects always looks good, Garth kitchens
I like the way the apple green really pops on this dark island, Mick de Guilio
A floral bouquet and rooster in porcelain are added here for some warmth, JEM wookworking
Amazing what a simple bowl of colorful fruit can do, Tip junkie
Sometimes one simple tray or container containing several objects is the way to go, Decorpad
I like adding greenery, this was done well with the topiaries and artichokes, Haus Design
A small shock of color like this cobalt blue cake plate is a way to liven things up!
Love the way yellow and green give such a vibrant pop to this dark base white marble topped island, beautiful!
Pretty crystal and silver objects grace this gorgeous island

So what are your island design and decorating secrets? Do you have a particular way you like to design a kitchen island? What works? Would love to know all your secrets and tricks of the trade! Wishing you have an enchanted day!


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43 comments:

  1. Hello my pretty Tina! :-)

    Wow! My goodness.. we aren't talking only about islands here, eh? Gorgeous kitchens in general!

    I usually like to have some fresh flowers, but I love the idea to have a couple of glass jars (large ones) with different kind of fruits. One w/ apples, other w/ oranges, and yet another one w/ pears. It add some healthy colors to your kitchen! It's easy to the kids to serve themselves and it looks fabulous.

    Loving this post today!

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  2. Great post and very timely. My island is on the smaller sidea bout 4x6 but I have a huge oversized Italian ceramic bowl in the middle of all different colors and I always keep bright green apples or pears in it.

    That is enough to give a little color and the oversized bowl makes its a statement. I also have a wooden cutting board that is permanently kept on the island as its used so much. Such beautiful examples, actually got a few ideas!

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  3. I got so excited to see this for your topic today Tina! I am going to bookmark it, it truly was amazing to see that many islands and compare and contrast them all. I am a fan of Clive Christian kitchens, so lovely!! I can see you doing the orchid in the antique silver bowl, or a blue soup tureen! On my island in the summer there is always a bowl of my garden tomatoes. I can's say I decorate it, as it is a workspace for us in this small space, but when the island is clean and "decorated" the kitchen feels amazing!

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  4. Loving the tray of cabbage from decorpad and the tiered grapes idea from downsview, but the tall branches in the white on white marble kitchen is my fave, it's almost like adding a sculpture to the mix.

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  5. You must have been reading my mind when you put this post together. I need to rethink my island. Of course not on the grand scale as most of these but what inspiration to pull from. What lovely kitchen spaces with fabulous islands. I have to say one kitchen hutch took my breath away! As we speak my island has an apple on it, no, not the kind you eat but my mac. Its the ideal place for me and the thoughts of moving it make me a little nuts but the kitchen is up for a spruce up. Your house is coming together beautifully. You must be so excited!

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  6. I am so glad you have island fever!!What a wonderful array of islands! I have a peninsula breakfast bar in my kitchen. I also have a quirk about having anything on it. I do have a lamp at the end where it meets the wall and occasionally I will have fresh fruit, but that is it. I know your island is enormous!!! so I know you will have to dress it. I love love a large lamp instead of what is usually expected. A few well placed large items will be beautiful on your island and I know you will choose just the right accessories with your amazing taste. I always keep in mind what you see beyond the island as a backdrop because that creates a lot of visual movement due to cupboards etc so I say Big is Better Less Is MORE!!! xo Kathysue

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  7. I am sooooo with you on the love of islands! I feel it centers the room that is the center of the home! I really miss visiting with you and commenting. I am dead in the midst of pushing forward on my business and my time is so limited. I really miss all of your great posts! I know, soon, I will be able to visit consistently again! Have a beautiful day Tina!

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  8. What lovely kitchens! I'm with you on clutter free countertops. While not on such a grand scale, the rule of three works well on my island, including something living, whether it's an orchidnor pitcher of flowers. I'm sure your island will be a stunner!

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  9. Hi, Tina,
    My island, which is 5' x 7' is going to be like the one you show with an inset marble surrounded by marquetry wood (Stacy Branford photography). This island was designed by de Poitiers of Montreal and has been in my inspiration file for years. They used a wood called African Shedua, but I will use black walnut with an inset of Calcutta Gold around the sink. I love the look of black walnut and all it needs is an occasional treatment with mineral oil and bees wax.

    Now to the question at hand, this week I have decorated my island with a large French tian bowl filled with lemons from my prolific tree, a green glazed confit pot filled with sunflowers (a la Van Gogh) and a small silver bowl containing marble fruit. (I am addicted to hand-carved, hand-painted marble fruit from Tuscany.) Of course, that is what I am using this week, but I like a moveable feast and on another day, I may use all blue and white or all silver, or my collection of various sizes of mortars and pestles or any combination of the above. The only consistent element is varying heights. Do what inspires you and have fun with it.

    Tina, I know whatever you choose for your island will be fabulous and I cannot wait to see it.
    Best...Victoria

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  10. Tina - what a fun idea for us all! For your house I think large scale urns or some aged pottery would look amazing...I also like the hurricanes idea as well as the herbed topiaries. And of course changing it out seasonally would be part of the fun too...I can see some gorgeous amaryllis in deep red blooming on your island around the holidays, a big bowl of fruit in the spring, etc...it's going to be gorgeous and so happy to hear that it's coming together they way you envisioned it - that isn't always the case with a new kitchen! I also laughed about the symmetry comment - I am SO uptight about that I just know I am going to drive our builder and architect crazy when the time comes!

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  11. Love those kitchen islands. I believe the 25th photo is a kitchen designed by Susan Arnold, wife of Jack Arnold.

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  12. I love the shot of the white kitchen island that just has a large tall potted plant- think it's so striking. Since I have open shelves with a ton of stuff on them, our island is staying clear of anything else but I do so love that plant idea- banking it for later:) I can't wait to see your gorgeous kitchen all come together!!!

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  13. Islands can be such an asset in the kitchen, in so many ways. Our current kitchen doesn't allow for one. (Arrgghh.) The photos you showed by Palm Designs and Thom Filicia were both *very* attractive, I like your thought on the fresh lemons!

    Sending you a smile,
    tp

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  14. I love the curved lines on the Clive Christian islands.
    My daughter initially mispronounced ours the Ireland. It stuck. Now we all do. You should see people's faces when we say, "Oh just put it on the Ireland"!
    I have an antique carrara marble table top on ours that we use as a cutting board and two ginormous concrete pineapple finials on each end...for now. The cats think it is THEY who look best on the island but we are in constant disagreement on that particular topic.

    Andie

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  15. *** I'm not SURE, Tina, but I SUSPECT I.O.U. a lonnnng overdue "THANK YOU"!!! ~~~ I have been "reading you" since, gosh, seems like "forever", and seldom comment... SHAME ON ME!!

    So, on this lovely morning here in the desert, as I sit out by the pool, "kids" (i.e. our two sweet hunting dogs, German Shorthaired Pointers) at my feet (or IN the pool), & enjoy & appreciate the vast views of Tucson below, I decided I HAD to let you know how much I really L*O*V*E YOUR BLOG, your generous sharing of your thoughts, ideas ANNND VAST & so-often-never-seen-before FAB PICS(at least by ME, & I thought I buy just about EVERYTHING published about design!!!)...

    Following the building of your magnificent dream home is F*U*N (and sometimes educational, which is ALSO good!), & I'll continue to follow and look forward to seeing the "finished product"~~~ It will be a show-stopper for sure... (and I'm SOOOOOO glad that someone with GOOD TASTE is able to "go for it", as you are.... annnd, talk about PATIENCE!!! OMG He must have given you a BIG SHOT of THAT when you were born... Grins!)...

    Oh yes, BTW, I just can't STAND to look at "necessities" (IE: any kitchen appliance, except for the pretties like fridge & stove/ovens!), so yes, I am JUDICIOUS about "clean-lined but PRETTY/Dramatic/warm & friendly" countertops & island... Walking into the kitchen in the a.m., & LIKING WHAT YOU SEE, is just ONE OF THE JOYS of a GREAT LIFE!!!

    Warmest & most sincere wishes, with THANKS again,

    Linda in AZ *
    bellesmom1234@comcast.net

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  16. *** P.S. Our island is big, and lonnnng, and keeping a lamp near each end (did this recently for a change) looks soooo fabulous, according to my Sis & BIL who just visited (HE is a gourmet cook by hobby, & a compliment from HIM is a "big deal" for me, as I just love to LOOK at it mostly... but, my BIL actually enjoys USING it all!!! (I PERSONALLY could be happy with it all FAUX PAINTED to be REALLY PRETTY, with only a MICROWAVE for my "real" use... Yes, hubby is a Saint (also a health nut, so it works out great!)
    * Happy day to you all! Linda ***

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  17. These are some stunning kitchens islands and all! Like you I’m not a big fan of a lot of clutter around my kitchen but I like to keep flowers or a small urn full of lemons and limes on mine to give our kitchen a pop of color. Since I use our island for food prep and guests for some reason like to lean on it I don’t like moving a lot of stuff for more space. I can’t wait to see what you do in your kitchen tell your workers to hurry!

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  18. I have island fever, too, after all thses lovely images! If I had an island (which I don't since my tiny 1920's kitchen won't allow it!), I'd keep it simple - a bouquet of flowers or a pretty plant and a bowl of fresh fruit!
    xxoo

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  19. Tina, I'm looking at my island right now. It's got a pile of school papers, a candle, and someone's rain jacket on it. I like your ideas much better :)

    In my dream world, my island would have fresh flowers and fruit. A rosemary topiary would be very cool.

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  20. Hi! I'm new here. I found your site last week and literally spent 3 solid hours reading and catching up! I love it!

    I figured I would say hello and put my 2 cents in on what I liked from the stunning examples you posted (also keeping in mind your amazing new kitchen)!

    I tend to like the more rustic metal containers or wood troughs with flowers and decorative elements. I also really liked the pot racks but your ceiling might be too tall for that (but it did add interest without cluttering up the counter). Since your island is so large you might be able to get away with a combination of the two... an elegant pot rack and with a lovely rustic wood bowl (large) along with a bass container or two (loaded with fresh flowers). That's just my 2 cents.

    I am in the process of redoing my house and I have found so much inspiration here! Thanks for the time you take to create these lovely posts! I can hardly wait to see how your house comes out too!

    HUGS!
    Lolly

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  21. Carolyn took the words right out of my mouth - or from my keyboard - I would keep it simple, bowl of fruit and flowers or plant!! I think otherwise it starts to look too contrived.

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  22. Oh, these photos make my heart sing! We ahve a smallish kitchen and NO island, which makes me SO sad as I ADORE islands in a kitchen! I think it is like the icing on the cake! The photo you showed with the white cabinets and Blue porcelain jars as accessories is my DREAM! I saved it a long time ago so I could just look at it and SIGH! Your island will be fabulous, as will be the entire house. You are so generous to share all this with us. Thanks so much! XO, Pinky

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  23. Great selections with wonderful ideas. I have a small island and I've gone from decorative to now functional. I have a basket that holds my different bags of coffee beans and two large glass enclosed canisters. One holds wrapped candy and the other holds colorful tea bags. I used to have ceramic pieces that held fruit and flowers.

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  24. Hi Tina!
    Thanks so much for stopping by. As for having a lot in common, as soon as I saw your blog I knew we had a lot in common :) I love watching your house come along it's a virtual dream and it's so great that you share it with us. I love the Clive Christian kitchens they make me drool!!! So much gorgeous inspiration!
    xo
    Sharon
    www.fashion-isha.com

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  25. I can't even imagine going back in time to when people didn't really want big kitchens, had no islands, and didn't entertain in the kitchen. These are all so beautiful!
    Stacy

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  26. I have a fairly good sized island with granite countertop. In the center under a antique 2 light fixture I have a green glass cake stand and on top of that is a vase filled with hydrangeas (green ones)...and surrounding the vase are seasonal fruits. I, too, like symmetry. I sometimes have pairs of candlesticks on it too. Great pictures your found and posted here- xo Diana

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  27. Considering the large scale of your kitchen, I can imagine a tall herb topiary (in a gorgeous carved planter), or an oversized blue & white porcelain ginger jar filled with flower branches. Photo 28 has a large topiary that caught my eye.

    Right now my island has a tall Tuscan urn filled with sunflowers, a medium glass vase of lemons & limes (I use them a lot) and a small marble & glass cloche stacked with chocolate chip cookies (meringues look good too). For low and long, I love an antique dough bowl filled with artichokes...and if you leave the chokes long enough to dry, they make great candle votives (stole the idea from a cafe in Bruges)

    We all know that whatever you do, it'll be gorgeous.

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  28. I went back a few of your posts to catch up a bit!
    How exciting for you to see things coming together finally! Everything is truly lovely Tina and I can't wait to see what you decide to do about that amazing new island of yours! It's simply gorgeous!
    I too have a new island being designed for our kitchen. We did a zinc top and I really want it to look like it is a vintage table so I might just do simple accessories!. One thing I know for sure, I have just bought 3 beautiful oversized cloches to put atop cake plates and a rosemary topiary for next to the cooktop!
    I am loving the photos so much inspiration!
    Donna

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  29. I would be more than happy with any one of these gorgeous, large islands! While I love the one we have, I would love one much larger in our next home. I can't wait to see your, undoubtedly, fabulous kitchen ... thanks for sharing such wonderful pics, too.

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  30. gorgeous islands..surprisingly enough I've not had an island in any of my homes...well, ok, I did but had it removed..it just didn't look right..but if it had looked as nice as any of these I would certainly have kept it...
    best,
    maureen

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  31. You have lots of beautiful inspiration for styling your island here. We love fresh flowers, topiaries, antique silver pieces with flowers, antique bowls...the list goes on and on. We like to mix things up periodically. You love blue and white pieces so we could see that in your kitchen.

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  32. Tina dearest,

    I am so late, but so happy to see so many of my favorite photos of islands. THAT FIRST PHOTO is actually the picture that I saw a couple of years ago that inspired ME to put a chandelier in my kitchen!!!!

    I bet you are just so anxious to get your home DONE! I AM !!!!!

    Anita

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  33. Love this post! I'm always looking for new ways to dress up my kitchen without putting things in there that aren't necessary. I love a blue and white bowl full of lemons or a big tray of beautiful fruits and vegetables. I think displaying food in a pretty way gives the kitchen a warm and inviting feel. These are giving me great ideas for how to style my kitchen after I paint it!

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  34. Tina, I now that you are sooo excited! Can't wait to see the house!
    I like using something seasonal, with lanterns, and flower arrangements.
    Have a great day.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  35. Oh my, Tina - so many lovely images! For me the kitchen is the heart of the house. Looking very much forward to the time when your kitchen is complete or finished or...

    Very inspiring post, thank you!

    Greetings, Karin

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  36. What a lovely round-up of islands!
    I had a beautiful island (at least I thought so!) that we put in in our Muskoka place - carrara marble top, pale aqua painted bottom, a white farmer's sink, polished nickel faucet - my dream island.
    What was important to me was how we organized it: a pull-out cupboard for garbage/recycling, a dishwasher, plenty of drawers for table linens/napkins, storage for wine glasses/patio dishes and a built-in beverage fridge.
    I don't like a lot of clutter on my island either so I kept a big oversized white bowl (one I use for making bread) and displayed my vintage rolling pins in it (or at Christmas, ornaments). Other than that, it was left clear.

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  37. The last image is perfection! Why not try all of them?!

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  38. You are just amazing with your research! I have a white ceramic rooster and a tiered fruit stand on our island...but that could change any minute.

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  39. It's amazing what a bowl of fruit or big vase of flowers can do for an island! Love all of your picks. xo

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  40. On marble, I would find the most beautiful vase in the world that fit in with the "feel" of the kitchen, and hint to husband that an arrangement between he and your favorite florist, would be a weekly delivery of flowers, seasonal, to have the most glorious fresh flowers always!
    My husband has never fallen for that - though I have two friends that did convince their husbands! I adore my granite island and have two topiaries in iron urns (a gift from a friend from daughter's wedding) a tea caddy given as a gift from my son, and a mortar and pestle given to me by son, a spoon and tool holder given to me by daughter....you get the picture - have forgotten all my great design ideas, and live with the love showered on me by family - the best!

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  41. Love these pictures. So helpful to me as I was able to pull so many pictures for my client and her renovation. Thanks!!! We are starting on the kitchen and the lighting.

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    Replies
    1. Love this site! You did a great job! Love, nicci

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  42. Hmmmm....... I'm torn between less is more but still having it look good. I got two cape cod type lanterns but felt they were too big and felt like they created a wall and blocked the flow. I want it to look great but not "done" and want to leave space to use it as prep or eating space. I had some glass domes and cloches and they looked fine but I moved them elsewhere to make room for the lanterns and now I like them where I moved them to. I wish I could post a picture here!

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Would love to hear what you have to say......happy thoughts only please!!