Now THAT'S a Chandelier!

I love love love chandeliers. Don't you?

Isn't this one exquisite?

I took this photo, having just enjoyed the most perfect afternoon tea on holidays in France. This is a magnificent, hand blown milk glass chandelier at the Regent Grand Hotel in Bordeaux.

To me, it says drama, luxury, beauty, mystery. It brings to mind pictures of impeccably dressed ladies in enormous hats, walking tall dogs on long leashes. The silk curtains and brass tiebacks, seem to be there for no other reason but to frame the chandelier. Certainly the tiny room it was in, served no other useful purpose. How very French!

In my dreams, I live in a home grand enough to accomodate a chandelier just like this one.

Maybe one day....

A mini chandelier...just till I get a real one!

I'm indulging one of my long held wishes...to own a crystal chandelier.

Unfortunately, my contemporary Aussie home, does not lend itself to a full blown shimmering cascade of the kind I imagine in my dreams. Fortunately I am an excellent lateral thinker, and have a keen eye for a bargain.

When I spotted this little tea light candle holder in my local thrift shop, I just knew we were meant for each other. Still with 'new' tags attached, I grabbed this little treasure for just $6.

As the lady carefully wrapped it in swathes of white tissue to protect it, she said longingly..."I knew this one would go to a good home as soon as I unpacked it this morning".

So, no chandelier for me, but candles, mirrors, and faux crystal teardrops will do just fine. I can dream, can't I?

Sometimes we can get the feeling of a luxurious home, for very little outlay. That, I think, is the key to being content, no matter our budget.

Do you crave a chandelier too? Seek out Crystal pendants on eBay, suncatchers, cake stands with pendant drops, pendant earrings...they'll all give that chandelier feel, until like me, you find the real deal.

You could also indulge in other crystal whimsies, such as crystal balls, crystal glassware, or something special and unique like this little crystal hors d`ouevre serving dish...

 

What little indulgence can you find to satisfy the need for a larger one?

What's on your Tray of Bliss today?