I stopped by the neighborhood Kroger to grab bread and milk, focused on getting home to start dinner, and the date on the calendar was the farthest thing from my mind. As I headed for the dairy department I saw a large crowd of people — well actually a large crowd of men — waiting impatiently in line. My daughter turned to me with a confused look, asking “what’s that all about?” “Darned if I know,” came my reply.
Then, we saw what stood at the front of the line. There was a sweet little gal, frazzled and trying to smile, frantically jamming roses into clear glass vases and trimming each with a bow. One by one the men grabbed their purchase and headed to the check out, probably thinking that they had made the perfect selection. The date, February 14th, the time 5:00 p.m., the mission accomplished — the purchase of a Valentine’s Day gift.
Don’t get me wrong. Grocery store roses are lovely and we have all been thrilled {?} to received them at one time or another. But this year, with a little more forethought and effort, you might find something truly unique for the person who holds that number one place in your heart. My suggestion? Rather than heading to the grocery, make a stop at your nearest vintage or antique shop.
Jewelry: Go Hollywood glam with a strand of pearls or a mid-century rhinestone choker, appeal to the Gypsy in her soul with Bakelite beads and bangle brackets, or opt for the romantic with a heart-shaped locket or a cameo. The selections at our major malls are endless, with prices from $10-$1,000, offering something for every budget. Should this Valentine’s Day be the time you have decided to “pop the question,” check into the wide assortment of vintage and estate engagement rings available at major antique malls in our area. Vintage diamonds assure her ring is one of a kind, just like her.
Books: Not good with words? She probably already knows that! Let the writing of the great romantic writers do your talking for you. Books of poetry and collections of love letters from Keats, Browning, Omar Khayyam, and a broad range of other authors are available in both first editions and reprints. For the budget minded let me share a gift my husband gave me several years ago. He purchased an early 1900s sterling frame for under $20 and placed in it one of my favorite Edna St. Vincent Millay poems. It remains to this day one of my favorite things.
Perfume bottles: Perfume is as one of the most commonly purchased of all Valentine’s gifts. Make this a year to remember by adding a vintage perfume bottle. Art Deco perfumes with their simplicity of design and bold geometric shapes, Art Nouveau bottles in red, dark jade green or the dramatic combination clear and black crystal, and glamorous mid-century bottles of Czechoslovakian blown/cut glass are available in our area in the $50-$250 range.
Still determined to give her flowers? Then make her the envy of all her friends by placing them in an antique crystal vase. Colorful Blenko Glass, Deco era Bohemian Glass in clear and red crystal or one of the beautiful patterns from Fostoria are easily found in the $15-$50 range. Adding a beautiful vase not only shows your thoughtfulness, but it will come in handy next year when you refill it…. with flowers from Kroger! Until next time….Linda
Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional estate liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
