Are you heading up to Round Top this week? If you haven’t been it’s a must see event!

Round Top hosts one of the largest antique shows in the entire world, and it just outside of Brenham, Texas. Just a quick car ride away!

I remember one year, my hubby planned a very romantic trip to Round Top so we could go to this show and celebrate my birthday, which is tomorrow!

We visited old downtown Brenham, had the most lovely dinner and went antiquing the very next day.

I was very pregnant with my first baby, Rohan, but hunting for antiques got me moving!

After hours of dreamily walking through a pickers-paradise, I stumbled upon this charming little painted, vintage armoire that captured my heart. It was a big splurge for us for sure, and for a long time the only piece of furniture in that room, but we decided to go for it.

It was painted white & gray with the prettiest chicken wire detail, gorgeous hardware and tons of storage.

To this day, eleven years later, I cherish that memory and love, love that piece everytime I see it.

I will say from experience, as much as I love this fair, it can be extremely overwhelming.

Often times I hear, “WOW, this event is so huge I don’t know where to begin or end! And I don’t know what I should go home with!”

I have certainly felt that way, lost in an endless paradise of antiques, beautiful things, oddities and curiosities.

So if you’re going for your first time, or 50th time and just don’t have a project in mind, here’s my shopping list that I use whenever I go (and am not in need of a new armoire, ha!)

Old Books

I love little bundles and collections of old books because these add instant warmth and coziness to any corner. Especially if you are working with a new home, or new furniture pieces. They are familiar, and old and inviting.

So grab a bundle of books and bring that warmth into your project.

Not sure what to go for? If you are buying them to read them, go for whatever your heart desires.

If not, I always select bundles that match my decor, so everything looks cohesive together.

Available at Village Antiques

Vintage Paintings

You can’t go wrong with a vintage painting. There is always an empty spot in your home, or a bookshelf or on your night stands.

I just finished hanging a bunch of artwork in my home, and guess what happened. It revealed more spots that need artwork!

I simply jot down a few notes of what sizes may fit and keep them with me on my iphone.

Here is one I picked up last year in Round Top. I keep these in my office, at my desk and they just add cheer and joy to my workspace.

Here a two new vintage pieces that just came in to Village Antiques, that I adore.

Wall Pieces

So many of us have a few big walls to cover, so this adventure is a great place to find something extraordinary for your walls.

Such as this jaw-dropping floor mirror

Available at Village Antiques

Available at Village Antiques

Or unique wall panels

Available at Village Antiques

Available at Village Antiques

Or an antique plate rack

Available at Village Antiques

So what do you think? Does this list inspire you to go find something unique and special for your home? I kept it short and sweet so not to overwhelm you, but feel free to print this and add more based on what you are looking for.

I love this experience so much – it has given me so many happy memories with my husband, my dear friends and in designing my home. I wanted to make it simpler and easier for you so you too can experience that same joy and happiness.

So if you use this list or even just go to Round Top, be sure to leave a comment and let us know.

And if you have a favorite piece you like to look for whenever you visit antique shops and fairs, leave a comment and let us know!

With love,

Amitha