The Amazing Country Living Fair in Rhinebeck

In lieu of my regular “This Week’s Vintage Finds” post, I’m going to take you on a tour of the Country Living Fair, held in Rhinebeck, New York this past week-end.

Note that all of the photographs in this post were taken with my iPhone 5s, which is much lighter than my Canon Rebel T3. I recently wrote about my initial experience with the 5s camera. I’m quite pleased with the quality of the camera so far, including the photos from the fair below.

Every single booth contained fascinating items and the dealers had arranged their wares superbly. It was certainly a feast for the eyes.

Constant Companion Nancy and I attended the fair last year and loved every second of it, so of course we were beside ourselves when we heard that Country Living had decided to return to our area. I have to tell you before we get too far.

I almost couldn’t go! At 11 pm the night before, I threw my back out. I’ve been having some trouble for months and had been seeing a chiropractor three times a week for almost four months. He did a great job, and I felt I was good as new.

So of course, I began slacking off on my exercises, and boom, back in trouble (pun intended). My chiropractor is a sweetie and his receptionist squeezed me in first thing Friday morning, so I was able to meet Nancy at the fair, and only an hour late. Phew.

Okay, are you ready to see some of the goodies for sale at the fair?

Who can argue with the awesomeness of this huge carnival piece?! Love it! Would look fantastic in somebody’s great room (a daring somebody).

I can’t quite put my finger on it but these upside-down pots enchant me. Do collections of anything enchant me? I don’t think so, but maybe. Let me know if  you agree that this display is pretty awesome.

In light of my recent post on how to Decorate with Vintage Bottle Brush Trees, I had to snap a photo or two of some sweet little trees for sale. These were in Jennifer White’s Cottage Flair booth. She had some beautiful items for sale.

Isn’t this display amazing? Also in Jennifer’s booth, this assemblage really draws you in and then holds you as you struggle to see and enjoy every single piece.

This photo came out a bit underexposed but I liked the hazy, vintage affect it gave the cubbies and the old bottles it contained.

Some of the dealers really have a knack for composing attractive and thoughtful displays. This one caught my eye with the flags and globes and paper and writing sample.

A collection of wonderful antiques at the booth of CJ Zondervan of True North Interior Design and Antiques.

When I sold my wares in a “live” shop, I dealt primarily with country and primitive merchandise, so I am always attracted to that genre (even though I’ve never decorated much of my house that way–just the kitchen). Benches, funnels, galvanized anything, shutters, bird houses–I enjoy it all.

I sepia-toned this photo. It came out all soft and dreamy. I’ve never seen so many clock faces in one place!

The topiaries available at booth after booth cried out to me all day long. Lavender. Rosemary. Myrtle. I bought one. Guess which?

This booth is Constant Companion’s favorite, and I have to say it’s right up there for me too. Jan Blough of Silhouettes and More has filled her booth with all sorts of delights: bird’s nests, cloches, silhouette ornaments, and more. Another true feast for the eyes.

What a special day we had. We gasped over some crazy-amazing beautiful booths. We oohed and ahhed about some super crafting ideas we hope to borrow.

We enjoyed talking with creative and pleasant vendors. But, speaking for myself, I especially enjoyed spending a carefree day with a girlfriend who shares a passion for beauty, creativity, and bargains(!)

Click here and see what I bought at the fair.

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