I’m a longtime fan of the design style called shabby chic. Whether you call it vintage, mix and match or romantic, this is a lovely way to set your table and decorate your home. There are many, many vintage dinnerware patterns that fit into this style. I remember watching Rachel Ashwell on one of the […]
Indiana Glass was made for so long that the available styles cover a number of timeless design trends. While much of the glass produced by Indiana is now vintage, the styles are still relevant, making this glassware a good candidate for today’s table settings. This beautiful glassware can fit into many table setting themes and […]
Indiana Glass made a number of patterns that I’m especially fond of in glassware. These pieces are based on nature, with motifs that include leaves, fruit, berries and flowers. When I look for vintage glassware from the 1970s, color is one of my guidelines. Colors like golden amber and olive green are a telltale sign. […]
When I’m scouting, choosing between the glassware and the dinnerware can be a tough choice! Both have so many charms to tempt me, though I often find the china dishes to be easier to work with. Glass has its challenges, in both identification and condition. I presume that glassware in the secondary marketplace has some […]
Pfaltzgraff is one my favorite dinnerware brands. And, finding unusual dinnerware and tableware pieces is part of the fun of scouting for dishes. It took me a while to identify this unmarked piece. I could tell by the glaze that it was probably a piece of Yorktowne by Pfaltzgraff. But what? Solving the mystery is […]
Cinco de Mayo is today, May 5, a time to party in Mexican style. Casual dinnerware goes with the festive atmosphere of Cinco de Mayo parties, complementary to the lively colors and simple goodness of the salsa, tortillas, enchiladas, Margaritas and other foods you might be serving. I selected a divided vegetable dish in the […]
All dressed up and someplace to go… …your dining table for your guests’ enjoyment! Plain vanilla tapioca pudding doesn’t have to go Plain Jane to serve your guests. With a bit of real whipped cream, some silver cookie decorations and a silver plated spoon, it can be dressed up and ready to be elegant and tasty. […]
Pfaltzgraff has been making a beautiful dinnerware pattern called Plymouth for a few years now. The acorns, pumpkins, corn and other fall motifs, as well as the warm fall colors, make this an ideal dinnerware choice for Thanksgiving dinner and other autumn celebrations. I’ve had my eye on this one for a while, and am […]
Enjoying china has one downside: It can be difficult to choose one pattern to be your own. If you love them all, how do you choose? Eventually Summer Chintz by Johnson Brothers became my everyday contemporary china. This dinnerware was made for more than 20 years, and there are many pieces to add to this […]
Many of my dishie friends love glass as well. Then the challenge comes up: identifying glass. Most glass is not marked. Learning the makers and patterns takes time and experience. There are many wonderful books, but they will only get you part of the way. We are fortunate here to have our local Great Lakes […]
Glass accessories like goblets, cake plates, salt and pepper shakers or jam jars are guaranteed to light up your table setting ideas. The shine and transparent qualities of glass are often complementary to your china dinnerware sets. Glass has been used since Roman times due to its beauty, transparency and color possibilities. In Medieval Venice, […]
Finding special vintage dishes is fun! See what I brought home with me in recent weeks, including some extra special items.
My dishie antennae perk up when I see pieces of Mikasa’s Mediterrania line in my shopping travels. The patterns are so retro. Many of them show the best of modern style from the 1970s. The shapes are simple and sleek. The colors and motifs just work for me. I think Blue Bird is probably my […]