Yesterday was a busy day full of creativity and preparation. I tied colorful bows, refurbished a charming old bench, and painted a mailbox to take to my booth today. As items sell, gaps appear in my display, so I work ahead to fill them, keeping my booth inviting. Today, I’m adding some Christmas touches, selecting ornaments and decorations to capture the holiday spirit. It’s a strange feeling when the world outside changes from green to fall colors while my home is decorated with autumn leaves, and I’m adding winter scenes and Santa to the booth. In retail, being a step ahead is crucial, especially compared to larger stores that lack personal touches. The bench was dark wood from an estate sale and had an old ’70s fabric top, which I didn’t like. I painted it with Miss Mustard Seed’s Ironstone Milk Paint for a soft white finish and covered the top with checked green and cream fabric for a fresh look. As the paint dried, it chipped as intended, adding character and a farmhouse feel. Dressing the tree in plaid bows and adding ornaments will be fun when it arrives at the booth; I can already picture it sparkling with Christmas cheer. The mailbox, which once collected mail for a family, has its own story. I sanded off the previous owner’s name, added Santa Claus’ address with vinyl letters my friend Kaitlin cut out, and decorated it with ribbons and painted snow. It’s ready for someone’s Christmas season, perfect for holding holiday cards or as a porch decoration. You are always invited to visit our booth at Dogwood Vintiques at 1415 Missouri Blvd, Jefferson City, MO, Booth 7, Evergreen, where you can find unique items and enjoy the holiday spirit with us.