The patio is almost done....

... but unfortunately, the patio cushions we've used for the past several years had to be tossed (which is too bad, because I really liked them!). So I'm off to The Christmas Tree Shop to see if I can find new ones and I thought you'd like to join me!

Many times it's hit or miss at The Christmas Tree Shop...

...but if you're in the market for some new mugs, there's a good selection right now...

Most of the mugs in our house are from CTS... I prefer to buy a variety of "mix and match" styles and patterns....

... that way, it doesn't matter if one or two get broken along the way... I always have a "full set" of coordinated mugs...

Since we're in this department, let's see what else they have... These little teapots are really cute...

Got milk? I've had a cow creamer similar to these for as long as I can remember (so long that I don't even remember where I got it, but Japan is embossed on the bottom of it)...

Lots of assorted pottery to choose from on these shelves...

If you use just plain white dishes in your home (which I do), it's always easy to pick up filler pieces in this section...

And just look at all these pieces for entertaining and serving!

Oooh - cute chenille/floral rugs!! I think little scatter rugs add so much cottage charm!

Does anybody buy CD's (or CD cabinets) anymore? I know I do, but both of my girls buy/download their music from the Internet... I'm so old school. I went kicking and screaming from LP's/albums/45's to 8-tracks to cassette tapes to CD's - and that's where I'm stopping. Yes, I have music on my blog that I sometimes play in the background of my office, but I'm still a bona-fide CD buyer. And the same goes for books. Whether it comes from a store or the library, I love the feel of a book in my hands and the actual experience of turning the pages. So for all the benefits (and I know there are many), I think it's safe to say I'll probably never get one of those little computerized reading/book gadgets. (Of course I'm also old enough to know that I should never say never!)

Mmm ... such pretty pale blue wicker planters... This might be a nice color to paint the yard sale wicker planter I brought home last week...

I love baskets. I wish I had room for the white bench in my front entry... (alas, in my small split level entryway, there would never be enough room)...

... but I do have a lot of other organizational projects to tackle where baskets could definitely be utilized...

... and right now, CTS is loaded with all colors and fabrics. They even have sweet little Nantucket styled baskets...

And speaking of Nantucket, does anyone feel like decorating with a beach/cottage decor? You might want to check out these shell garlands, shell 'trees,' or sea bird decoys...

Or how about some sea shell accent pieces or bowls?

These seashell wreaths were gorgeous!!! And there are loads of starfish sizes to choose from!

How about a seashell hurricane lamp to set the mood?

... or a nightstand for your cottage bedroom, complete with a "cottage by the sea" design...

Speaking of bedrooms, I love these striped "quilts in a tote"... After you've spread your quilt across the bed or sofa, you have a cute little tote to bring shopping with you!


If you're not into stripes, they had some beautiful florals and Hawaiian themed quilts and shams...

How cute would those quilts be in a bedroom or sunroom with some white wicker furniture?

I think I see some leftover egg wreaths from Easter!
The faux lavender wreath I have on my garden gate came from CTS a couple of years ago.

It has held up amazingly well over the past several years, especially when you consider that it stays outside during the hot, humid New England summers....

... and the bitter cold, snowy New England winters....

I was thinking another one might be nice on the reverse side of the gate...

Well I'm so glad you joined me on my trip to The Christmas Tree Shop.... Okay, now what did I come for? Oh, right! Cushions for the patio set!! (Have you ever gone to the store for one specific item only to get home without that one item? Please tell me I'm not the only one that happens to!)... But I did remember the cushions and I'll show them to you in my next post...

Donna