Last weekend I attended The Country Living Fair in Rhinebeck. The three-day fair is filled with antiques, vintage, flea market, handmade and repurposed items. The pages of Country Living magazine and childhood memories come to life.

Old, rusty, imperfection is tres chic. The shabbier the better, and the creative displays are impressive. The Flea Market/American Pickers Up-cycle/Recycle style of old cans, weathered wood and word signs mixed in with floral and greenery is getting shabbier. When done properly, it can look good in an interior space. My preference would be to dot the home with accent pieces mixed in with contemporary.

Timeworn garden pieces and feminine accessories are the shabby chic aesthetic. Bringing the outdoor environment indoors and creating a homey feeling outdoors and blurring those lines are true country living. The repurposed, reclaimed farm/barn look is country-living hot.

Burlap and brightly colored vintage fabric are popular. Old pots, lids and kitchen utensils become hanging holders for flowers. Old garden tools turn into a trellis for climbing flowers. The sheer creativity is fascinating, even if it not your cup of tea.

Speaking of tea, teacups attached to poles became garden art too.The Mason jar continues to be quite popular as a decorative container and appears in many of my stagings. One thing missing were the doll head items. Thankfully that creepy trend may have passed.

Metal containers such as old milk coolers and watering cans were turned into jack-o’-lanterns or flag-themed luminarias. I swear I just saw one of those old milk coolers go by in my Facebook newsfeed. Should I get it for 3 bucks and turn it into something I saw at the fair? How would I cut the metal? Dang! I should have bought it at the fair.

There is always next year. It is a great way to spend the day or two or three. My game plan next year is to start in the back and make my way to the front.

Father’s Day gift idea

Dad may not need another tie, but here is a practical gift idea he probably doesn’t have and you’ll want one, too. The stainless steel water bottle keeps water cool in your car, at the beach and even on the golf course. I have yet to try it with a warm beverage, but it can do that, too. It is life changing. Really! People actually stop me to ask what mine is made of, since it looks like it is made from wood. Everyone on my Christmas list got one. My son at college told me other students commented it was a cool gift. They come in lots of designs and are available in most retail and gift stores.