A Place In The Life of...: The BIG Antique Show..BIG

Brimfield is like Christmas for decorators - it's the biggest antique show imaginable AND it's mostly affordable, outdoors, and features fried dough! I mean seriously - there's nothing better than shopping outside with fried dough - maybe prosecco - I've been known to pack some in my cooler in my rental car. Brimfield is three times a year for one week each stretch - May, July and September. I recommend you go in May or September to avoid the unbelievable heat. May and September also tend to attract the most vendors due to better weather and more shoppers. If you're interested in a great weekend getaway for one-of-a-kind finds, visit Brimfield, MA: http://www.brimfieldshow.com/

I've done the work for you and combed through hundreds of vendors for some of the best finds. Another piece of advice - if you go, you'll need to note that there are different sections of vendors - you will want to visit the J&J section. This is easiest to find as it's fronted by a beautiful red barn and parking lot - you can't miss it.

I always get tons of inspiration - it's the latest and greatest in collectables and trends in the ever-changing antique market. Here's the amazing part - what you see at Brimfield one year will no doubt be in the department stores the following year. Everything from old seltzer bottles to mason jars and fishing floats are found aplenty - yes, fishing floats are the new / hot garden decor trend! Who knew? Oh yeah, I did!

In the J&J field, I spotted this amazing collection of rare wooden spoons and servers:

Some of these started at $1000! Okay, okay - now on to more affordable items as promised.

Here's a super cool collection of old mixers:

One of these on a kitchen island, breakfast bar or baker's rack will truly make a statement and conversation piece. Many mixers go for a mere $50 - a great collection to start too as they come in all shapes and sizes. Feel free to bargain with all the vendors at Brimfield - be polite and start by knocking off 15% from the listed price - most good dealers will give you at least 10%..especially if you bring cash.

One of my favorite things to do at Brimfield is search for fun re-purposed items or salvaged pieces:

This mirror used to be a window in a German factory. The window panes were replaced with mirrors and the drop top gives so much character. Ummm - I totally bought it!

This trough used to be a wooden gutter - the dealer simply attached some galvanized metal to each side and poof! You have the coolest planter ever.

This dealer took an old sink and built the coolest potter's table. Picture this on your patio with plants OR make it into an outdoor bar - super fun!

I was in the market for a new bar in my living room / kitchen. I had searched and searched all the well-known furniture stores and I just couldn't find something that was the right size with the right amount of fun and uniqueness. Thank God for Brimfield. I found this amazing dry sink that has a ton of storage and makes the best bar: