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Vintage Bottles and a Summer Mantel

flowers, home decor August 15, 2016

Summer is more than half over and while I love fall, I will mourn the loss of long sunny days. But for now, I’ll enjoy the colorful flowers from my garden.  My ever-expanding collection of vintage aqua bottles proudly display cheery Zinnias from the garden. Altogether it makes my summer mantel. I thought I had collected all the vintage aqua bottles I wanted. But a trip to our local flea market last weekend proved me wrong.

Summer Mantel of Vintage Bottles and Cheery Zinnias
 

I needed a place to display my newfound vintage bottles and the mantel was an obvious choice.

Summer Mantel with Vintage Bottles

 

I hope you’re not tired of seeing my zinnias. They’re blooming their little hearts out in the garden. They’re a perfect adornment for aqua bottles.

Collection of Zinnias

 

One of the vendors at the flea market had tables overflowing with vintage bottles in a variety of colors. Clear, aqua, brown, purple; in all shapes and sizes. They were all beautiful.

Vintage Bottles

 

I couldn’t resist and bought several. The vendor knew a lot about vintage bottles and shared a few stories about his bottle-scavenging experiences. He scoured rivers, dumps, and more to find these precious glass gems.

Summer Mantel with Vintage Bottles, Books and Zinnias

 

Three round bottom soda bottles at one end of his expansive table caught my eye. The idea behind the design is that people can’t set the bottle upright, ensuring that the cork stayed wet. Hubby asked how I was going to display them since you can’t stand them up. So I tracked down a a crusty metal basket before leaving the flea market for the day.

Wire Baskets with Soda Bottles

 

A larger bottle makes the perfect flower vase. And a teeny tiny one is the perfect receptacle for a button zinnia.

Summer Mantel of Vintage Bottles and Zinnias

 

A large stoppered glass bottle stole my heart.  It’s beautiful all on its own.

Summer Mantel with Vintage Aqua Bottles

 

My summer mantel is looking cheery and colorful with the addition of my latest finds. I plan to use my vintage bottles when I decorate for Christmas. I have a few ideas floating around in my head.

Summer Mantel with Vintage Aqua Bottles

 

My summer mantel will be enjoyed for as long as the zinnias last. I’ve got plenty more in the garden to replace any faded blooms. I’ve also got more vintage bottles to share with you.  I finally started a purple bottle collection and will share those soon, along with a special story about them.

Summer Mantel with Vintage Aqua Bottles

I hope you’re enjoying the last days of summer. Make the most of it by dining al fresco, take a long hike, or pack a picnic lunch. Now’s the time to enjoy a few more warm-weather activities!

Filed Under: flowers, home decor17 Comments

Comments

  1. Angie says

    August 15, 2016 at 6:44 am

    I love your summer mantel, Jennifer. And those bottles are wonderful. I’ve got a few vintage bottles but I’m wanting more after seeing your collection. And the zinnias are beautiful. Love the bright colors.

    Reply
  2. sandra powell says

    August 15, 2016 at 7:43 am

    So pretty, I love these vintage bottles they look great done in numbers like how you have done it !

    Reply
  3. Debra says

    August 15, 2016 at 8:58 am

    Love vintage bottles. I’m lucky enough to have one from great grandfather, who was a doctor, we believe it was a medicine bottle. I have tried to clean it to get rid of a white residue that coats the inside in a couple of spots, but have been unsuccessful so far. Any suggestions on how I might get rid of the residue?

    Reply
  4. Kathi says

    August 15, 2016 at 9:28 am

    I gotta admit, Jennifer, I bought an aqua bottle on my last antique shop trek. ???? You have influenced my choices in decorating. I have also started collecting old milk bottles from dairies that were located in my childhood hometown. I just love your zinnias too. I remember my Dad putting a row of zinnias in the front of his vegetable garden every year. Thanks so much for your fun and informative blog!

    Reply
  5. Debra Oliver says

    August 15, 2016 at 10:52 am

    so pretty, Jennifer, love the bright pops of color with the Zinnias!

    Reply
  6. Kari says

    August 15, 2016 at 11:00 am

    These are a great collection and can’t wait to see the purple ones!

    Reply
  7. Carol Paulus-Kalis says

    August 15, 2016 at 11:07 am

    Hi Jennifer,
    Your mantle is truly summery and looks great! The bottle with the stopper in it is a real find…would love to find one just like it.
    Zinnias are also a favorite of mine. Can’t wait to see what you do with the bottles at Christmas time.

    Reply
  8. Sherry Legan says

    August 15, 2016 at 5:53 pm

    Love the bottles. Your mantle is gorgeous. I love Zinnias.
    Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
  9. Shelly says

    August 15, 2016 at 5:58 pm

    Going to a flea market on Sunday. I hope the purple bottle guy is there! I have been passing him up, but I think it is time for me to meet him!
    Love the bottles on your mantle and the flowers make me smile!
    Blessings

    Reply
  10. Debrashoppeno5 says

    August 16, 2016 at 8:04 pm

    The mantel is so pretty. I love the bright color of the zinnias with the soft aqua of the bottles.

    Reply
  11. lynn cockrell says

    August 18, 2016 at 1:33 pm

    Your mantel looks beautiful and those bottles are wonderful!

    Reply
  12. Rae Huneke says

    September 4, 2016 at 7:30 am

    I was just looking for my bountiful zinnias. My husband has a whole gathering of vintage bottles. What a fantastic idea! Guess what I’lI be doing today!

    Reply
  13. Deb says

    July 14, 2020 at 11:51 am

    Loved your zinnias so much that I might have to move the lavender around the bird bath and replant with zinnias!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 15, 2020 at 10:23 pm

      Hi Deb,

      I do the same thing – move flowers around to make room for more! You’ll love the zinnias. They’re so easy to grow.

      Reply
  14. Martha says

    July 14, 2020 at 3:26 pm

    Where did you buy your mirror?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 15, 2020 at 10:22 pm

      Hi Martha,

      I found the mirror a few years ago at a local flea market.

      Reply
  15. Bettsi says

    July 18, 2020 at 11:40 am

    This is quintessential summer to my eye- just love it!

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Jennifer and I'm happy to have you here! I live where the suburbs meet the country, which affords me the best of both worlds. Come along on my journey where I share decorating, cooking, gardening and more as it relates to both city and rural life. Visit my new sister site, Pond and Garden, for outdoor ideas and inspiration.

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