Turkish olive basket

Does this photo look familiar? If so, it is because I posted it back on February 7th as I was describing to you the wonders we saw at the Alameda Point Antiques Faire. These vintage Turkish olive harvest baskets were in the Big Daddy Antiques tent.  Here is what I said about them, “The one thing at Big Daddy’s that I really wanted to buy was at least one of these vintage olive harvest buckets. As we walked through the faire, I’d see people with them and be so jealous and sad that I couldn’t get one home.”

Guess what?  I got mine! Yep, I was out shopping in Gilbert and Chandler with my friend, Tram Mai, the weekend before last and found it at one of the two stores Tram introduced me to.  The Crowded House in Chandler and the Potato Barn in Gilbert are sister stores and have unique home furnishings at spectacular prices! When I say “spectacular” – I mean big-time steals compared to similar items I’ve seen around town.

Originally used to gather fresh olives, these perforated metal baskets can serve a multitude of purposes from storage to display, indoors and out. Don’t they look fabulous placed under an open kitchen unit for food storage?

And you won’t believe where I spotted them in use while watching television last Friday…

There they are holding dozens of red roses behind Ellen on the set of her show. Even a better shot behind Ellen’s guest, Seth Rogen.

This makes me wonder if the show’s prop department might be getting some of their stage props from Big Daddy’s in L.A.  I’m going to ask that question when my friend, Sheila, and I visit Big Daddy’s and The Rose Bowl Flea Market in a couple of weeks! Yes, we are flying over for a shopping spree and if we find treasures, we’ll rent a U-Haul to bring them back in. If not, it’ll be a fun trip and a quick one-hour flight back home.

Anyhow, I love the patina on my basket and the size is perfect for so many things. It is currently living under my 1901 doll house in the entry. Maybe if someone brings me 6 or 7 dozen roses, it will be moved to an even more prominent location and celebrities will drop in for a visit and chat…. hey, you never know!