I am a sucker for black entertaining pieces… This time of year, you have a slight chance of finding some cool pieces in the store…. As the Halloween merchandise goes out on shelves, some home stores will add some black dishes and bowls… but black drink dispensers and punch bowls are a bit harder to come by. So when I had the chance to create a unique Gothic Punch Bowl for myself, I jumped at the chance.
Last month, I finally got out of my own way and went to visit some friends in Florida for a girls weekend. We were driving around when we passed a huge Goodwill. They know me so well, they pulled in so I could have a look around. I was excited for a thrifting adventure in a new town!! To my dismay.. the prices were at least double if not triple what I see in my local Goodwill… I was shocked. Pieces that I’d normally pick up for a buck or two were listed at almost the same price I’d find in retail home stores. I was feeling very lucky that my local thrift haunts were so reasonable. For all of you that live in a place where thrift stores have apparently forgotten that they are THRIFT stores… you’ll have to forgive all of my ramblings about how cheap & easily you can find things while out thrifting… You all may have to work a bit harder for those deals.
Anyway, despite the sticker shock, I was determined to salvage my out-of-town thrift shopping excursion with at least one great find. I came upon this “home decor” piece. Seriously, what is this thing? Some kind of urn or vase I assume?? I honestly think this is just a random piece that is supposed to sit & look pretty. I mean, it is pretty… obviously it caught my eye… but still. You know it’s one of those things that people buy and stick on a shelf next to a plant just to fill some space. Everyone has pieces like that (unless you too have tossed yours). It appeared that this one still had some potpourri left behind in it. Did someone seriously fill this huge thing with potpourri?? The point is… you see these kinds of pieces everywhere, so even if you don’t happen upon one in an overpriced thrift store like I did, go to the home decorating department of just about any store, and you’re bound to see one!
Like I said, I did find this piece very attractive. I loved the ornate gothic looking carved detail of the base. The top was flipped upside down and securely taped into the vase, so I had to go on faith that it would be as cool as the base. I immediately knew I wanted to turn it into a drink dispenser. I do not have the guts to attempt to drill a hole in that crackled glass in order to add a spout, but luckily the opening was plenty wide for a ladle. Punch Bowl, uh – I mean Vase… here we come!
I thoroughly cleaned the vase. Then using magazine pages and painters tape, I completed covered every bit of glass. Lastly, I spray painted the top and base with a Gloss Black Spray Paint. Piece of cake!
I have no doubt that many people would disagree with the fact that I chose to paint this piece. I know it looked good as is… but look who you’re talking to. I pretty much have Halloween on the brain 365 days a year, so an ornate Black Punch Bowl is getting way more play in this house! If you’re like me, you’ll pull this out for all of your parties…. And for those of you that let your wicked ways out only for that one night a year…. this makes an awesome punch bowl for a Halloween spread!!
With Fall around the corner, I had envisioned some sort of play on bobbing for apples. The jar is so big, it’s perfect for large apples. I also thought a red colored punch would look dramatic with the black ornate details. A red cocktail with fruit floating it in???…. I took to my kitchen to develop the perfect Fall Sangria. I created this delicious Envy Apple Cherry Sangria. It fit perfectly with my apple bobbing vision! When it was time to fill the punch bowl, I simply removed the sliced apples (once they had soaked and flavored the Sangria for a couple of days), and replaced them with the large floating apples. This was obviously for dramatic effect only…. and those sliced apples happen to be mighty tasty after a few days of soaking in the sangria!
I’m excited to use this bowl for many more set ups, so I’m sure this won’t be the last you see of it!
If you’re a fan of black entertaining pieces like I am, you’ll dig these Candle Holders turned Rock Star Serving Bowls or this Black Fringed Gothic Glam Cake Stand.
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Oh. OH! I adore this! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything these amazing at a charity shop, even in its raw state, but I am going to be looking out for one. And might I just say, your photography is STUNNING! I’ll be taking my staging and snapping inspiration from you. Sue x @SuzyHomemakerUK
Thank you so much Sue!! I really appreciate it!! Always feels good to find a special piece and make it more special!!!