I always watch for red containers at thrift sales because they can be used for Christmas, summer picnics, and Valentine decorations. This little toy shoe shine box hit all the marks…red, great patina, and just the right size to hold holiday greens!

History

These little Shu-Shine boxes were made by the Amsco company between 1950-1969. I discovered they are also a savings bank…see the slot for coins? So cute!

How to Style

There a million ways to style this container and different locations you can use them in your home. I decided to pair it with other vintage finds and place it on the stair landing in our barn.

I gathered a chippy green chair, a set of small vintage books, a red metal lunch box, a small tin of mints, and a spool of plaid flannel ribbon. Look around your home and garden for pieces you can use to create a vignette.

Make an Arrangement

Gather fresh greens from your garden or local farmers market. Look for a variety of textures and colors like cedar, eucalyptus, holly, and laurel branches.

Organize your greens by variety. This will save time when you make your arrangement.

If you container is waterproof fill it with water, if it is not waterproof, slip a plastic container inside the box that will hold water.

Optional: If you have a small ball of chicken wire you can also place that inside the container. It will hold the branches in place. I was in a hurry so I skipped the chicken wire and it worked fine.

Start with filler branches. Use these to create the height and width for your arrangement.

Place the tallest branch behind the handle and drape another branch on each front-side of the box to create the width.

Add laurel stems (or something bright green) following the shape of the filler branches.

Next add something silvery like eucalyptus or dusty miller. Create an “off center” focal point with these stems.

Add holly in the center of your focal point to give a pop of color.

Now your arrangement is ready to be placed in your vignette.

Use stacked books to create height and top with another small item like this mint tin.

Add spools of ribbon or balls of yarn to your vignette. They can be placed in a small basket or just unrolled and draped over the chair seat.

Arrange more books, metal lunch boxes, baskets, or other festive vessels next to the chair. Add additional fresh greens to draw your eye around your vignette.

A super sweet and super easy decorating idea with vintage finds!