I purchased this rickety old desk at a flea market for $50 with the intentions of banishing it to my outdoor patio. From the minute I spotted it I knew it would fit perfectly inside a little corner I'd been meaning to fill. I also thought it would be terrific to use for refreshments and appetizers while dining al fresco.
For a recent get together I stocked it with sparkling lemonade, Italian grapefruit soda, Pellegrino and iced tea. Quick and easy beverages make party planning a cinch. A great place to find delicious beverages is Trader Joes. They always have a large selection of unique items.
Instead of an ice bucket I used an old ironstone bowl and a tin scoop I've had for years. And I didn't have any fancy schmancy sugar cubes on hand so I filled an ironstone soap dish with sugar and tucked it inside the drawer.
I also nestled some napkins inside the cubbies and a few votive candles for when the sun goes down. The sliced lemon wedges fit perfectly into a shabby tea cup (and no worries about the chip in the rim). I left a few lemons on the boards for guests to cut more if needed.
It's been such a terrific little workhorse of a desk even though I've neglected to seal it or repaint it. I don't even bother worrying about the paint that is continually peeling off. Maybe someday I'll give it a fresh coat but for now it suits me and my guests just fine. So the next time you see a "piece of junk" think twice about where and how you can use it. You might be surprised how much you grow to love it!
