Country Living Fair Nashville

It isn’t actually hoarding if your stuff is really cool. This t-shirt, from Folk Funk and Whimsy, pretty much summed up the Country Living Fair — booth upon booth of really cool stuff.

It’s so opposite of the KonMari and minimalism trends, but you just must go. Even if you bring home nothing, you will leave inspired.

My husband put it well — “It’s as if you’ve been to church camp, and you came home fired up for Jesus.” Except… I’m fired up about crafts, home decor, and gardening.

Sidenote: This makes me feel a bit guilty {that we are talking crafts and not Jesus}. However, when I feel inspired, it motivates me in many ways — and that includes using creativity to share my faith. So… maybe… I feel better?

Anyhow, I hope you’ll consider penciling in the next Country Living Fair into your calendar because it is sure to inspire you. I mean, there are some things that make a perfect weekend, right? Good company {I traveled with my mom}, good food {fried green tomatoes, fruit tea, apple pie… to name a few} and good weather {70s and sunny}; but on top of all that we were surrounded by beautiful, artistic, creative ideas.

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Country Living Fair Nashville

#1. Olde Tyme Marketplace had a beautiful booth and I especially loved their numbered antique bottles.

#2. Remember tinker toys? I bought vintage bracelets from Hot Tamale Antiques, but couldn’t pass up snapping a picture of one of her tinker toy necklaces — it would be a fun craft for the kids.

#3. There were so many wooden signs to choose from, but I really liked the simplicity of this black and white “Welcome.” Don’t be surprised if something similar ends up on my porch.

#4. Your pick of succulents, for $5 each, filled this antique tub at The Garden Patch. I bought several herbs and a handmade wooden box filled with lettuces.

#5. Urban Abby was selling gorgeous pottery, but I also love how she had turned antique windows into artwork displays.

#6. Cutlery Couture had set a bright country table by mixing pink, green and yellow with reclaimed wood, burlap and galvanized metal.

They sell tableware and utensil holders — my favorite set included tags holders which could be customized for seasons and events.

#7. Since I’ve been focused on our exteriors this spring, the gardening booths were a favorite of mine. Aren’t the greenish-gray ceramic pots lovely? In the top-left corner you can see pails sitting in a chandelier — hang herbs over the patio table instead of candles.

#8. Your grandmother’s vintage doilies can be sewn onto a decorative pillow and strips of her old quilts can be wrapped around a wreath form.

#9. I’m a map loving girl, so these pillows really fit my style. However, my favorite item in this photo is the table runner with its combination of bright floral, teal and a burlap coffee sack.

#10. Again, a simple black and white sign appeals to me. I love its skinny size, it would be perfect tucked on a sliver of wall in the kitchen. The blue and white crocks aren’t too shabby, either.

#11. This is a beautifully rustic table setting, and I especially love the clear plate over vintage sheet music.

#12. The colors in these old seed packets are fresh and vibrant. They’d look lovely framed and hung in a kitchen as art.

#13. Wouldn’t this industrial table make a striking kitchen island? If only I had space for an island, because I love this shade of green.

#14. I’m tempted to collect hankies anytime I come across vintage linens; but it just hasn’t been practical — until I saw this idea: wrap homemade bath bombs in vintage hankies. Friends and family… expect to find these in your Christmas gift this year.

#15. Another item that I’d love to collect — vintage brooches — and now I have a reason. This bulletin board filled with brooch push pins would give an office space a little bit of glam.

#16. Again, a simple wood sign caught my eye. I like the patriotic feel without the traditional red, white and blue color scheme.

#17. I picked up two painted pails from 2 Chix and a Barn {and almost bought another nightstand} and a painted wooden bowl from Whimsy Creations, each to use as a planter.

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As if shopping and food aren’t good enough reasons, there is also a full show schedule. We’ve been to the Country Living Fair the last two years and haven’t made a single show yet. However, after checking out the lineup, we might have to extend our trip to the full three day weekend next year {we only did two days this year}. A few of the shows that I would have chosen are:

• Market Floral Arranging
• Summer Entertaining with Thrifted Finds
• Live Painting with Deann Hebert
• Stocking Your Decorating Pantry

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There were over 250 booths featuring both vintage and handmade items. It’s a huge event — each tent and pavilion were filled to the brim.

If you don’t live near Nashville, there are several other fairs near Atlanta, New York City, and Columbus. So, take your pick… and maybe I’ll see you next year.

If you’d like to see more photos, check out #clfair on Instagram.

If you enjoy long weekends filled with thrifting, check out my review of the Highway 127 Yard Sale, the 2015 Country Living Fair, and the 2017 Country Living Fair.

Have you ever been to the Country Living Fair? How did you like it?

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