Elegant Displays That Won't Break the Bank

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the ShesSoWitte Queen Bee Boutique!  Or should I say Winter? This year I decided to decorate with design elements that take me through February 1st (which traditionally produces immediate guilt for still having Christmas decorations out.) Historically the first quarter of the year is my busiest time, so I didn't want to have to change out displays until spring. 

I used white garland to wrap strands of white lights and draped it around the mirror. It's gorgeous at night. So cozy. 

One of my goals is to create beautiful displays while making sure my jewelry is easy to access. Some customers may be shy about asking you to remove a piece from a display, and some feel more obligation than desire once the salesperson is involved. I've found that if they can pick it up, see the price, and try it on without asking for assistance, they're more likely to buy.  (Always stand by to listen for questions and watch for cues that they want assistance.)  So to combine beauty and ease of access, I've become adept at repurposing thrift shop finds to create pretty AND functional displays.

  

This is an old brass coat rack with 7 swivel arms, each of which holds two necklaces - longer ones to the back and shorter ones in front.  Everything is easy to see, and it doesn't feel wrong to remove something to try it on.  

This is one of a pair of brass candlesticks that never sat straight. No matter what, they wobbled. But screw them into the wall and add a 1980's clip earring to the end and you have an elegant hook upon which to hang a couple necklaces and a coordinating bracelet!  

One of the most useful decorating skills I've learned is how to tear apart old lamps.  The most hideous $1 yard sale lamp can provide parts that make a gorgeous display element.  Take the spinning stand above, for instance.  The arms and the top are old chandelier parts.  The base and stem are repurposed candlestick pieces and everything is secured on a lamp pipe with a large screw and a hex nut. Proof positive that you don't have to spend a fortune to create elegant displays!