I don't know if you noticed how sneaky I was the other day...when I asked what was on everyone's wish list--and just-so-happened to mention what was on MY LIST.
I just figure ye have not, because ye ask not.
Do you agree?
Anyway, I need to amend that list. After looking with my mom at the table that I wanted to put the orchid on, she wondered what a lamp would look like, instead of the orchid? She was worried the orchid might not get enough sunlight in that spot.
So, today, I tried out a lamp that I already had, and I also walked through the lamp aisles at Target. But, I'm no good at this decorating stuff. My decorating style is called "Hand-Me-Down Decorating." Nearly everything in my house is from family. I LOVE having furniture that was my grandparents' and my parents', but when it's time to purchase something new and different, I am at a total loss.
Which is why I am coming to you, dearest readers. I know that many of YOU are fabulous at decorating. I've taken a couple of pictures, and I really hope you will help me figure out what to do with 2 tables in my living room.
Ready? Let's get started!!!
This first picture is how I've had this corner table for years. I originally loved the silk plant with pomegranates, but now I can't stand it another second. It is a terrible dust collector, and I just don't like the look of it anymore.

I am open to changing anything on the walls, and anything on the table. Please don't tell me you don't like the tablecloth--I really love the fabric, and love the way my curtains bring out the red tones in it. The shelf was my grandmother's, with several angels from her collection. The pictures I bought years ago when we visited the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Oh, and in case you can't tell from my lame photo-taking skills, the walls are a buttery yellow.
Here's the next table I need help with. Again, this is the way I've had it for years:
Ya'll, these pretty chairs were my great Aunt Mae's I can just see her tiny self perched in one of these, as we'd visit in her living room. That needlepoint footstool was made by my grandmother, and sat in her living room. I can remember my uncle's gigantic feet propped on it, as he'd con me into giving him a foot rub. The tiered table was also my grandmother's, and probably sat very near the footstool in her room, too.
I know you don't need all of these sentimental details. But, I just can't help myself. I just love furniture that tells a story.
Okay, next picture. Here is the first table as a blank slate. What would YOU put on it?

And here is this table with the dark red lamp (from the other tiered table). What do you think? Is it too much red? (The light makes the lamp look funny--but it is the same deep red as the curtains.) Would a darker color lamp look better? Black? Rubbed bronze? Or a different lampshade?

Here is the tiered table with nothing on it. Except for a doily. I know, I know. People haven't decorated with doilies since the early 1990s.

As I walked the lamp aisles at Target today, I snapped a few pictures. Do you think any of these lamps/lampshades would work on either of these tables?

The pictures don't do these lamps justice. I just love the gold (glass) lamp! Also, anything mercury glass makes me swoon, and this "antiqued" mercury glass lamp is no exception.

Please don't tell me to use the Eiffel Tower lamp. My favorite lamp here is the dark rubbed bronze twisted lamp on the right.
Oh, how I love this golden yellow lampshade. I realize it has more of a modern flair than my very traditional living room. However, I'd love to transition it slowly into a slightly more modern space. (Emphasis on "slightly.") What would this lampshade look like on a dark lamp--on the 2-tiered table?

Okay, there ya have it! Please please just make out a plan for me, and tell me what I need! Oh, and could you do it soon, please? I need to tell my daughters what they need to "suggest" to their dad for Mother's Day. *grin*
THANK YOU for your help!!!! I promise to post pictures after you guys tell me what do do!