Our big ol' farmhouse table!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010


The dining table is the centre of the home.  It is the place where the family stops, sits down together & praises the Lord for his provisions (as well as sharing in them).  It is the church, school & trauma centre of the home  .  It is where many memories are made of loud, happy family meals, where many tears are cried over sadnesses, where much advice is given out  & where many friends are joyfully welcomed.
 The first table we purchased was just before we were married - it was a you-beaut cheapy off the floor at Super Amart - defective- which means that we got it even cheaper.  (We were on kinda a super tight budget - what with Dave having just finished his apprenticeship & myself almost completed my uni degree (I finished 3 weeks before we were married).)  We always planned on updating as it  squeaked everytime someone leaned on it  & as the years went by the chair backs began falling off - at first we could repair them, but eventually even the repair holes got too big to fit anymore screws of any kind in, so we just warned the kids to be careful & made sure guests had the couple that stayed intact.
An impromptu picnic by the silt dam - it was quite cold, but the first mildly sunny day we'd had in weeks!

  Well finally after 10 3/4 years of marriage we've done it - we've made the big plunge & updated.  Now before you start thinking flash - we are not flash.  Oh & have I told you that since reading the Duggars book, we try & use the "buy used, save the difference" policy.  We decided to buy a bigger table than just 6 seater - for two reasons - one being that we love to entertain & it is so nice to fit families around the table rather than banishing the children to another room.   We were eyeing off a few tables on ebay & were so disappointed when one that was only 3 hours drive away went before we could bid.... but finally we came across this 10-seater that was poorly listed (they said it was orange, although it looked very pine in the single dodgy picture).  We were a bit dubious about buying it, but figured at the amount we were bidding it could be redone & used as an outdoor table if it wasn't what we wanted (ie was actually orange) - we did ask a lot of questions & it sounded great   I waited to the last minute to bid & then wham-bam in only the way of online auctions, we were the proud owners of a new (to us), 3m long orange table complete with 10 matching chairs. (Yikes what had I done????)
We travelled 5 hours  to Sydney to pick this up - choosing to look at it as a fun family road trip (in case the table was a heap of junk).  When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised to see this:


A beautiful pine table in perfect condition with just one previous owner (a little old lady who recently passed away).  Also 10 sturdy chairs that looked like they could stand up to the onslaught of our boys without any troubles (a least the backs shouldn't fall off!!).  Well we packed it up & bought it home & got one of our good friends to help maneuver it into place in the dining room.  We are just so thankful for this blessing as we priced a new one of this size & we paid less than a 10th of the price (which is actually less than we paid for our squeaky, falling-to-pieces first table!) 
So why am I writing about this - well I have a twofold reason - firstly my family have asked to see pictures &  the blog is an easy way to show them all.  Also does anyone know how to get the faint smell of cigarette smoke out of wood??? - I've polished it top & bottom & it's much less, but I'm really hoping to banish it completely.

So should you visit Sunnyside, we are now ready with somewhere for you to sit & relax & enjoy the warm sun coming in the big farmhouse windows (unless it's raining which is a regular occurrence these days :) -although that's a whole new post)!
Have a happy day

23 comments:

Unknown said...

Renata! I'm so thrilled for you! And I know exactly how you feel. We only had small rickety tables or hand me downs until we had been married for over 20 years when I got to purchase one that I picked out! And it's such a joy to have the family sitting there around the table all together. I went big, too - seats 8-10 easily - and while our family is only 5 at the moment, I hope that someday, they'll be more - like son-in-laws!

By the way, if you ever get a chance, watch The Family Meal Table with Nancy Campbell (Originally from New Zealand, she's lived in Australia and the US and has a ministry called "Above Rubies"). She shares about feasting both physically and spiritually and gathering around the table together. You can see a video clip here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br0R82K85BA

Blessings for many memorable meals together at your new table!
Amy

Bobbie-Jo said...

I don't have any for sure way to get smoke out of tables, but I've had success with other items using plain old sunshine and wind for several hours. (But NOT rain!!)

It's absolutely gorgeous! I love it! I've been thinking about a new table for some time and you really found a gem. Good on ya!

A Bite of Country Cupcakes said...

How Awesome is that!!!!! "orange????" Sheesh no wonder some people sell things online for next to nothing!
I am so glad you got the bargain it is beautiful!
I have my 10 seater dining table still in storage till our reno's done....Been there for three years!
It is like the table from the last supper so long and so accomadating!

Renata said...

Thanks Amy for the link - I hadn't heard of it. I've only just found the Above Rubies website. I'll enjoy watching this!
Renata:)

Mum-me said...

That looks like a great bargain! What a lovely table. As for the cigarette smoke smell, I've only had to get that out of the knitted clothes my MIL made for the girls which I did by hanging them out in the fresh breeze for a few days. I can't see you being able to do that with your table ;) I'd suggest just try keeping the windows and doors open as much as possible and get the air flowing around it. Vanilla fridge spray might help too.

Cassandra said...

OOhh i love your table, I think it was meant to be yours !
Our still only seats 6, i think we are going to have upgrade soon :-)

Cassandra xx

Smilie girl said...

What an awesome table! Wishing you many blessings as you eat, play, share and pray at it.

Peta said...

oohh, nice bargain Renata..not sure how to go about getting rid of the smoke smell though..

Grandma said...

What a gorgeous 'orange' table - looking forward to sitting around it with you all!!! It's good to get a big one - I would have loved to have had a bigger dining area and table for when others visited! I'm sure it'll get a looootttttttt of use in the coming years - probably one of the most used piece of furniture in a home. The chairs look good and solid too. The picture of you having the picnic by the dam is so lovely too....makes me wish I lived closer...
Give all the lovely ones a big hug - miss you all
Lots of love from Mumxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ps I felt very sad about the decision made by the Independent pollies yesterday.....oh well, we should be grateful that we do have free, peaceful elections!!!!
Love to all Mum xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

SF said...

Your table is beautiful my friend!! God is SO good isn't He?! What a wonderful blessing. :) xx

Unknown said...

Wonderful purchase! Love new/used! Your table is great and I'm sure will serve you well for many years to come.

Pioneer Beauty said...

Dear Renata,
I came across your blog through Homeschool on the Croft...The Lord is so Gracious to us and always gives us that which we need..What a blessing to have so many seats to be able to share with family and friends...May your table be Blessed and Full of Joy Laughter and Song unto Our Lord..
In Christ
Angelina

aunty sel said...

Hi Narn,
The table is huge!! You could get lost on it!!
Paris is beautiful at the moment, I have been loving my time here. One day we will have to visit it together, then you can see how good flowers on windowsills look!!
Have fun, give all the little ones a hug for me,
luv
sel

"Are These Kids All Yours?" said...

I love the Duggars Book!!! We love to make home made baby wipes, make our own laundry soap (although we have a different recipe), etc. What a great table!!! Now....for that getting over to visit you??? Hmmmmm....maybe some crazy day - we would love it :)

Skipper said...

Oh wow! That table is amazing!! It fits and suits your dining room beautifully! As for smelly ciggy wood - wipe the table down with a hot water and vinegar solution - or if it's very strong, spray with 100% white vinegar, and wipe with a soft cloth. Vinegar is a natural deodoriser. :)

Enjoy your wonderful dinners with friends and family around that beautiful table! What's your signature dish by the way?

xxx Skip

Catherine said...

Oh Renata, you do make me laugh! I know exactly what you mean about giving the reliable chairs to the guests, although we've still had mishaps. But this table looks really beautiful - well done, what a score!

Homeschool on the Croft said...

What a gorgeous table! I'll need to keep an eye out for 'orange' sale items on e-bay too!
I hope you have many blessings sitting around it - as a family, and also with guests. I think most happy memories are made around a table.
Love, Anne x

Haf Dozen Reasons....... said...

Wow!!! Enjoy!!! Its a lovely "orange" table!!

Anonymous said...

It's great! You guys were Blessed big time! We recently updated our table too (from a 4 person to a 8/10 person).

Thanks for stopping by.
Kathi

Ann at eightacresofeden said...

Love your new old table. I have a square 8 seater it is the centre of our family life. We bought it when there were just six of us. I call it my prophetic table because one day I looked at the two empty chairs and saw two more children sitting there. And then of course I had the twins! Now there are 9 of us and we need a bigger table but will look for a long outdoor table for the patio when it is finally finished. By the time that happens I'll probably have grandchildren!! So I'm thinking maybe bigger than 12/14 - I have visions of our future family Christmases here - we will need lots of chairs!
Hey regarding the smell - have you tried a very strong scented wood polish. There is an all natural beeswax one I used to buy at the Farmer's market. It was lemon myrtle and quite overpowering - don't know if this will only mask the smell but as you keep rubbing it in maybe the wood will absorb it. Method wood polish is also very strongly scented with sweet almond - you buy it at Woolworths.

junglemama said...

Lovely table Renata!

Deanna said...

LOVELY table.....
The smell will go away within time... Other than just leaving it out someplace to "air out" i'm not sure there is much more you can do...

Chris said...

My favourite deodoriser and moisturiser on wood is pure Eucalyptus Oil. You buy it from the supermarket, in the medications/lotions aisle. I buy the biggest bottle as it's more economical and I never have to worry about running out.

Eucalyptus oil is an old cleaners tip passed down from my mum. You can also add it to boiling water and mop wodden floors with it. But for polishing wood, you just put it on a soft cloth and rub it all over. The wood will gleam and smell like a forest!

I would do the vinegar solution (as previously mentioned) first though. Leave it a day and do the oil.

I love your new table and what a family day out.

Blog Widget by LinkWithin