Flea Market Christmas

Candle Pedestal and Card Display

Put utensils to work outside of
your kitchen this holiday season.

An old kitchen grater with curved ends (reminiscent of a sled runner) makes an unusual stand for a pillar candle or a potted poinsettia. If the grater is rusty and you prefer a clean metal look, restore the metal by applying a commercial rust remover, available at a hardware store.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to brush on a coat of the liquid rust remover; let it sit (depending on the brand, about 10 minutes), then wash off the chemical.
• Dry the grater well and apply a coat of paste wax to retard new rust.
• If using the grater as a candlestand, choose a fat pillar that burns only in the center to avoid problems with dripping wax.

Place all of the smiling
faces and charming cards that
contribute to the holiday
spirit on a whimsical holder.

An old garden gate serves as an inventive bulletin board for displaying Christmas cards and photos. Simply tuck the cards among the wires in the gate.