Every piece of furniture in the shabby chic home is meant to be used and the dining table is no exception. A simple, functional table that accommodates your entire family can create a relaxed atmosphere and encourage lively conversation.
The country farm table is a good example of shabby chic furniture. It is sturdy and grounding and able to withstand most any stress your family can put it through.

Add some sturdy chairs with washable cushions or slipcovers (the kids like to use them as a napkin), and you won’t have to worry all through dinner that your furniture is soon to be ruined.

The shabby chic table can be dressed up for special occasions with a luxurious tablecloth, candles, and fine dishes.

Shabby chic table images courtesy of Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic and CountryLiving.com

Much of the appeal of creating a shabby chic home lies in finding one of a kind vintage treasures.  Flea markets offer a perfect opportunity for you to dig around and uncover a neglected piece of furniture, just waiting to be dusted off, freshened up, and debuted in your living room! (If you haven’t experienced flea market shopping, be forewarned, it’s quite addicting!)  

If you’re already addicted or even if you’re just curious about flea market style, then you’ll want to be hanging around your local magazine rack in the spring of 2010.  A new magazine, entitled Flea Market Style will be debuting.  It promises to give you advice on collecting, it will highlight vintage style decorating, and even include some projects for you to try.  

The designers who started this magazine are Ki Nassauer and Matthew Mead, and Linda MacDonald of the Restyled Home chronicles it all in the Flea Market Style Magazine Blog.

Flea Market Style Magazine