Coffee Table Decor When You Have Small Children

We’ve only just reached the point where we can risk having photo frames on our side tables – my youngest used to climb on the table, grab the frames and run round with them, throwing them when something else grabbed her attention. Not the best for the frames and, more importantly, for little feet if glass should break.

I’ve been putting more frames up in the last few day as I’ve started to turn my attention to the living room – using up fabric I’d bought some time ago but haven’t had the chance to use to make covers for our sofas. So as a result I thought I’d try a few photo frames and see – they’re still there, so now I’m becoming ambitious.*

I love coffee table decor – it can give a room a polished finish don’t you think? However fingers that love to touch would never be able to resist such a tempting display. To be honest I couldn’t even trust my eldest not to fiddle and break.

Yet as the living room becomes more as I’d like it to be, I sit in it in the evening with candles lit, relaxing and I long for a little grown up glamour. After all, it’s  hard to be on the beck and call of little ones all day – you find yourself somehow disappearing. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing – it’s a walk towards humility after all.

Nevertheless the girls getting older means I’m gradually regaining a sense of myself as seperate from them, and that’s a good thing too. I’ve received regular, and I have to say a little heartbreaking, reminders recently that they are growing and this precious time will not last. I’m becoming more aware that I must treasure the moments we have, without submerging myself within them, in order that I can help them develop into adults.

So – grown up glamour for time to be me, that’s family friendly. This is the tricky balance I’m trying to pull off.

At first I thought of using items that can be played with safely – but if any of you can work that I’d love to know about it. I didn’t even know where to start!

So my next idea was a set of table decor that I could put away and then take out when it was time for me to relax. Not only is this a safer option, but it means that my taking it out is a signal to myself that this now is my time. Or better still, when the hubby’s at home, our time.

My first step then was to clear a space in a cupboard to store my table decor in.

Next step, what would be stylish and suitable for using like that? Here’s a list of things I came up with….

Tray

Of course a tray, otherwise it would take much time to  be moving things around of an evening. Instead of relaxing it would be another thing to do. So whether it’s a simple wooden one, or glamorous silver one, a tray is needed.

I’ve chosen a mirrored silver tray as it’s a bit glamorous, has a little vintage vibe so suits our home and was, importantly, inexpensive so if it’s broken in all the moving around then it’s not the end of the world. You’ll find ‘inexpensive’ and ‘if it gets broken’ used a lot in this post, FYI.

Candles

One or two, these are essential for setting the mood that this is time for relaxation. It’s amazing how a simple candle can add a feelings of comfort, treasured times and evoque memories with their scents.

I love the scent of roses, so this was my first choice. I had a colourful, glitzy one in mind too, but my little tray wouldn’t hold them both with my next item. Again, it’s a case of what practical.

Flowers

I’ve chosen faux flowers due to the need to keep them in the cupboard. However a good display of silk flowers shouldn’t look tacky and adds a feminine feel.

Books

Coffee table books. Sometimes I don’t want to look at a screen, but I want to be inspired so I like to have some good decorating books around. Alternatively keep the novel you’re reading with your tray and bring it out when you’re having ‘me’ time.

My books are based on Art Nouveau decor and one on sourcing items for period homes..

Little glass coasters

As this is grown up time a coaster for a glass of wine on the weekend seems appropriate, no? The ones I have were a gift from my husband’s Aunt and Uncle and they’re not suitable for little ones. This is a perfect way to use them.

An ornament 

I’ve chosen this beautiful little horse, but when season’s change and holidays come around it will be easy to mix things up to reflect that.

You may be surprised to learn that the horse is only a resin, mass produced item made to look old. Again it’s the cheap and, well, not exactly disposable, but if it’s broken….angle.

Now, perhaps it’s time to get the wine out?