Anyone else in the vintage dish collecting club? You know the one where you can’t walk by a pretty vintage dish without picking it up, contemplating bringing it home, setting it down and trying to walk away and then turning around to grab it before anyone else does? Yeah. I am right there with you in that club and did you know that I was once asked if I would trade several pieces of antique children’s furniture for 2 sets of antique china? You know I did (and I have the china sets even now) So, I might even be in the running the president of that antique plates and platters collecting addicts club.
So aside from deciding to have 270 china cabinets and cupboards to store them all- how Do you decide which pieces you have.to.have. and which ones will be a passing fancy? I mean, you could probably make a case for most of them – but there are definitely some that I will grab more often than others and so, I am sharing my rationale for floral china today. Spoiler- it may be right or wrong- but it is what I do haha.
Floral Filled Favorites
I cannot resist a floral embellished plate or teacup. Those dainty delicate flowers and scrolls just get me every single time. And if there is a whole set on the thrift store shelves? Somebody hold me back. I will put allll of them in the cart.
I remember the first floral filled set I brought home- it was from a tag sale down the road from my grandparents house and it was a Limoges Chocolate Pot and cups. It had the most dainty details and beautiful delicate lavender color flowers and I stood there and stared at it for I don’t know how long. I think it was $125 for the set if I remember correctly- and that was a lot for me to spend on anything at that time- but after a couple of days- I could not forget about it. Since then, it has been all about collecting those dishes that speak to me. So how do I decide which to bring home & which to show some restraint on? Well, it usually comes down to that feeling and the 3 loves rule.
Staying Power or Passing Fancy?
I have a rule that applies to most everything when I am shopping- new or vintage. It has to be a Love, Love, Love – or I don’t bring it home anymore. Why? Because I could fill up the house, the cottage, the barn, the you name it in about 5 minutes if I brought home everything that caught my eye or talked to me. So, I decided to pause and ask myself if it is a LOVE or a LOVE LOVE LOVE. You see, I LOVE a lot of things- I see potential to a fault and love details or quirks or the ‘idea’ of using that item in the house for a fabulous styling or vignette. But do I triple Love it? Not always.
Have you brought something home that you LOVE and you put it on the sideboard, you admire it, you think it is pretty when you walk by – for awhile. And then something else you LOVE comes home and the sideboard is perfect for that – so the other LOVE gets set aside- even goes into the donate pile after just a short time in the house. I kind of think those things are like a ‘passing fancy.’ Maybe you saw a beautiful styling in a magazine and knew you could recreate it when you saw that ‘piece’ but really, in the end- it maybe wasn’t exactly ‘you’ and your lasting style- and so, it isn’t hard to move it along for something else that is.
I have been there so many times. And truth be told- I have some passing fancy pieces in storage as we speak that are going to be donated so someone else can use and enjoy them. But I knew that I had to change the way I looked at things to stop bringing those ‘this could be really beautiful if I put it here’ things home. I realized that there are some spaces and rooms in my house that I styled with pieces I absolutely loved {love, love, love kind of love} – and they have pretty much stayed the same consistently. Even if I update bedding for the season. Or change the flowers and nightstand details or rearrange the inside of a cupboard. Those staple pieces are triple loves and I don’t remove them. They are very much ‘Me’ and I love them just as much as I did when I first brought them home.
So if I can’t walk away from something I think I am so in love with because I just know that I LOVE LOVE LOVE it and it fits ‘me’ and my style perfectly, I am already drooling about where it will go and can even imagine it in several places- well, you know it comes home with me. Otherwise, I let it simmer and wander down another aisle and see if it keeps talking loudly and I keep coming back it.
Makers Marks
Limoges, Nippon, Meissen, Royal Staffordshire, Haviland, Noritake, Spode- I could go on. and on. and on. There are so many different makers of beautiful vintage plates and tableware- I think that would almost have to be several posts to cover the favorites and what to look for in the most valuable. It is good to have a general idea of what to look for- and the most known or popular in various regions but you can absolutely collect with your ‘heart’. I tend to not pay As much attention to that Unless it is something I am planning on re-selling at some point or something that is costing me much more than a usual amount. But there are some makers marks that are very expensive and that collectors covet- and others that are simply absolutely beautiful pieces maybe unmarked even and are not necessarily the most expensive. So research the mark if you want to- but if you go with what you love- you will be happy either way.
Favorite pieces
Plates & platters & any pieces that have special meaning to me. Those are probably my 3 favorite things. Okay- and little covered dishes and pitchers. haha.
If I find a stack of 6 or 8 vintage dinner plates- oh I get weak in the knees. If there is just one – I bring it home even so if I have to have it. I am not picky when it comes to a need of a certain number of them- though the more the merrier, right? I love plates and platters for several reasons. Number one- both are beautiful on the table- mixed and mingled or on repeat. Two- they are also beautiful on the wall as decor- I love a good plate wall. Three- they look great in plate racks on display in cabinets and hutches- so classic and beautiful. SO- they are pieces I am always drawn to.
Special Pieces
I also have special pieces and sets. Pieces that were my grandmothers or great grandmothers for example. Even if they are worn or chipped or crazed- I love them and am reminded of them each time I bring them out or see them. So those are always keepers.
Teacups & Saucers?
I do love a dainty teacup and delicate saucer- no way around that one. But I don’t generally bring them all home. They are so darling so I do have a few stacks here and there of ones I really love the shape or style of- but they generally really have to talk to me to come home with me.
Bowls & Tureens
Small bowls and large bowls -yes, yes, yes! Regular sized bowls are not necessarily my always on repeat pieces so I find it easier to bring home just the ones I love. Since I do use the vintage china pieces I have- those larger serving bowls and tureens are some of the favorites to have and enjoy.
Display or Use & Enjoy
I currently have a fresh quinoa salad in an antique bowl that was my grandmothers in the refrigerator and it brings me joy in several ways. The quinoa is delicious and it makes me feel like Bob in What About Bob every time he takes a bite of the food at dinner at Dr. Marvins house (any other Bob fans out there? You get me. ) And the bowl also reminds me of my grandmother every time I use it. I am a big believer in using the pieces you love.
Our silverware drawer if full of mixed vintage silver-plate flatware. I will admit that when I am grabbing a fork for dinner- I navigate to my favorite vintage ones over the more ‘clean’ looking newer ones. So use and enjoy- and Display them in between. The best of both worlds.
5 things I look for in vintage china
So we covered the triple love rule and my favorite pieces- so here are 5 more things I look for when it comes to saying yes to the set (or piece).
- The Right Color Palette: I seem to almost always navigate to my favorite go to colors – in every shade. They are easy to mix and mingle effortlessly and beautifully as well.
- The Delicate Details: Oh those details get me Every.Time. Delicate swirls, raised embossing, scalloped edges- you know what I am talking about – if a piece has those- it is going to give me a challenge to leave behind.
- The Pattern: Of course, if you are already collecting and have certain patterns that you love- when you find a stack of plates in that pattern – you are bringing them home. If you are starting a new collection – go with a pattern (or patterns) that speaks to you.
- How Many Pieces There Are: I don’t generally care if it is just one or a couple pieces if it is something I am in love with. They will go in the cart. But sometimes you might find a whole set of delicate china- maybe a cream color with gilded edges for example. I bring them home- because those larger sets can mix and mingle with patterns and other sets easily. And especially if you have just a few pieces in each size at home- they can help give you a full table in a snap.
- Condition: While I do have several pieces with old coffee stains and crazing and yes, indeed, many that are chipped. If you want only pristine pieces- shy away from those with too many ‘dings and dents’. I tend to fall for the things that give something character (hence this old house of ours) but from a collection standpoint- if you only have a small amount of space to store and so are only going to have so many pieces – pay attention to the condition and be a bit more selective.
Where to find and sell
Adding this note in since there have been a lot of questions- you can find vintage pieces at thrift stores, tag sales, antique stores and online. Or barter with a friend who has a set you love haha. You can also sell them in those same places. I would try local antique shops- see if they have an interest or might be a collector and also Facebook marketplace & craigslist – which you can sell locally on. For online with shipping- try eBay and Etsy.
What are you Collecting?
I hope this helps give some idea of the method to my collecting madness and inspires you to bring out those pieces you have collected over the years and love them even more.
What about other collections? Well, I have talked about chair addictions before… (I have made some progress there with brining home random chairs) but what about linens? Big furniture? Fancy tables and chests of drawers? There are so many things that we all collect- and that we love and love to collect. And after the crazy last year and half- I am more and more about just letting some of those rules go- and going with the ‘if it brings you joy’ rule. And if it does- bring it home. Even if you already have 27 pieces just like it. Just be glad it isn’t an old car collecting addiction. 😉 We will explore some tips for collecting other things in the next post- any suggestions?
Really though, the point is- collect what you love and what works for you and your lifestyle. There really are no ‘rules’ for collecting or design to follow. And I am not a big believer in rules anyway. I say just follow and do what makes you happy and it is perfect.
Happy collecting all.
What a WonderFul cOlumn! Ive inherited maybe 300 plates, cups, platters, bowls. Many Limoges etc.
Whats the Best Way to sell them quickly? Your FAVORITE sites?
Hi Rosemary! Oh that sounds like a wonderful collection! I think probably try to give a couple antiques stores a call and see if they might be interested? Or if you want to sell online- places like eBay, Craigslist and even Facebook Marketplace are good ways to sell all kinds of things- it is just more work for you with packaging when shipping anything fragile.
I love this topic! Thanks for your input. I have been a collector of white dishes and I absolutely love them. Dishes, teacups, saucers, pitchers, bowls…..yes, please! It’s nice to know I’m in good company!
Ahh I didn’t even cover white dishes! haha! I have them too- maybe a future post! We might need a virtual club. 🙂
Yes, a virtual club would be lovely!
After my husband’s death, I was pulling my china off the shelves when it suddenly hit me; What were you saving them for? So now, I use them every day. I run them through the dishwasher, too! They are made of tough stuff, so I enjoy them!
I am so sorry about your loss Susan. It is wonderful that you are enjoying the dishes everyday- they are far too beautiful to sit and admire without enjoying.
I’m right there with you in collecting dishes. I have them all over the walls (and in cupboards, of course) because, to me , they are like pieces of artwork. I choose what i like with only one “rule” that i can think of: cups must have a disign on the inside of them.
beautiful post on one of my favorite subjects!
They most definitely are artwork! The amount of intricate details and designs are incredible. I too love teacups with designs inside- those are like little surprises
Oh i can so relate to tou, courtney… i see a pretty plate with a Dainty FlowEr design and gold edging and my Heart skips a beat and must come hOme with mE almost every time. I do the same as You, I’ll walk a Few isles tO make sure i do “love lOve love it” before i PURCHASE it; though it is already in my carT, just in case 😂… time dEcides if i truly love it. I do have to say that I’m glad i have a sMall home and not much room to store things, OTHERWISE i wouLd Bring everything hOme with me😬
YES! Sometimes you Have to have them in the cart- you don’t know who is following along behind just waiting for you to leave them behind. We do have a little bit of storage- but I am with you- I would bring them all home too! 🙂
And im sorry about the different size fonts… not sure why is doind that 🤷🏻♀️
No worries- it is a weird thing with the blog that happens sometimes- my developer is working on it.
I too love vintage dishes i have a beautiful collection. the one i am looking for is the pattern my granny had. we remodeled our kitchen the wall glass cabinet i have them in fell and i lost all but one vegetable bowel
Hi Beverly! If you want to put the pattern name here- maybe someone has some and they are looking for another home for them?
I sm also a collector of vintage pieces of chINa. Years ago i was taught to make each place Setting DIFFERENT; color COORDINATING. Every person at the dinner table is made to feel bery SPECIAL when you do this. Its fun and REWARDING!!
I LOVE mixed place settings- they are so beautiful and agree on everyone feeling special that way- it absolutely does make their own place setting unique!
Excellent topic!! Enjoyed your take on collecting what so many of us women love!! Gives me a lot to think about before purchasing an item. Also, makes one realize nothing is forever, and will hopefully be passed on to family members. However, i understand those items that one just loves, loves, loves!! there’s a connection with that piece!!
Yes- that three Loves rule is a good way to decide if it something that is a keeper.
I collECted tea cups when I first got married 43 years ago because i loved. now im stream-lining and need to sell; also, i have never used. many have a “pedigree” so i do not want to just give away. would feel better about selling. i also have an original fiesta ware collection with some pitchers, gravy boats, etc and some of the sought after pieces. where is the best place to advertise? thanks so much for your beautifully written blog!
Hi Paula! I would try online on eBay, Etsy, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. And also try your local antiques stores and dealers- they are always looking for pieces to add to their offerings – maybe their own collections even- and some will do consignments for you as well.
Love any with pink roses
Dishes are my wea! I loVe The tiny pink florals the most! When my youngest daughter got married we had tables set For 200, each with their own pattern! I now have them stored in a shed and dispLayed on shelves and ANTIQUE cabinets. They are easy to grab when needed and it tak my breath away WHENEVER i OPEN the doors! I loved your article!
Where is the best place to find vintage floral pieces of china? I have just recently started a collection.
Thanks for the guidance.
Carla
I found most of these at thrift stores and tag sales- so I would start there.:)
You can use those dainty, Beautiful teacups as christmas ornaments. Ive done an entire tree in teacups, vintage shiny bright pastel garlands and white lifhts.
Courtney, this is a wonderful post and definitely a topic that speaks to my heart. I’ve brought home stray dishes since i was a child. I don’t shop thrift and antique shops as I once did (mainly because i need to be letting go not adding), but there is still noting like the hunt. In fact, just today i passed a favorite thrift and pulled right into the parking lot. I came home with two petite creamers, very old, handpainted chinese porcelain. I’ll fill them with little blooms from the garden and use them in a placesetting. Also have a weakness for silverware, and i bought home a little bundle of butter knives. There were four, sweetly tied with a ribbon which makes me think they were left over from someones estate sale. Did i need any of these bits and pieces. No, but they brought a little joy to my day.
Great post! I Have all my Mom’s collections of China when she died 25 years ago! Finally i focused on GETTING them gone. I have a BOOTH at an an mall bUt its way to Small for all these dishes. so i rented a baker’s rack and have done great. My advise to ANYONE wanting to sell their china is to try a consIgnment or Antique shop. I don’t like to ship stuff anymore; postage is ridiculously expensive. Love your blog and lovely home.
I have been fortunate a couple of times to learn the history behind the dishes i have purchased. For instance, one set purchased in a thrift store had belonged to a military officer and his wife Who were stationed in germany. After her husband passed away, the wife donated some of their things. I would have liked her to know that hEr precious dishes ended up being loved by someone else (me!).
barbara, What a lovely story! The history behind the pieces can be as beautiful as the items.
I love vintage dishes! I’ve collected a number of tea pots and tea cups, some of which are tea-for-one sets. I also have a small collection of green depression glass. Though I like all the colors, I only collect the green ones. A number of years ago I purchased the Rose Chintz set of dishes by Johnson Brothers. I use them all the time. I still have a few vintage plates that need to be hung on the wall. I don’t keep collecting because I don’t have room in my house. Years ago a co-worker told me she knew someone who had beautiful china and never used the dishes! Even when that lady’s daughter got married, she still wouldn’t use them! I think that’s awful! Even her daughter wasn’t worthy of using her mother’s china? Terrible! Dishes should be loved and used. Even though I may not get to use all of my teapots and vintage dishes, it doesn’t mean they’re off-limits. Back in MA (where I lived most of my life), I used to shop at the Salvation Army store all the time. You wouldn’t believe the beautiful dishes you can find there that people don’t want anymore.
Hi COURTNEY,
WONDERFUL post! I too share a passion for collecting beautiful floral and feminine china. Ive been collecting Them for over 25 years. Right now im in the process Of washing and displaying them in my favorite cabinets and my favorite place which us my newly installed custom shelves in my kitchen that my husband Built For me. Im a collector of many things, but this is been lots of fun and since we have two daughters, I will ge so thrilled to Pass tgem diwn to them.
Happy hunting,
~ Stephanie
Courtney, I triple love your post! And your style!
Aww thank you Sharon! So good to hear you enjoy!
I started collecting white china years ago as I could not afford new and I love even better. No I collect china with roses and pinks as well as violets. I have girl teaparties all the time and love. My biggest problem- where do I store them all 🙂 I will suffer wiht that problem
I love this post COurtney. I do the same thing, if I see a pattern at a thrift store…it comes home with me…mostly full sets. Running out of space. Limoges reminds me of my dad, whom I lost this year. Our family in France lives an hour from Limoges so the china has always had a special meaning to me.
I love vintage dinnerware but worry about the lead content. many articles explain how dangerous the lead on vintage plates is.
When it comes to beautiful dishes, I’m right there with you. I love all my odds & ends collections. They totally make me happy!
Courtney
YoU stole my heart with this one!!!….I love vintage dishes and have inherited some over the years from some of my family and their collections and have also picked up pieces at rummage sales and antique stores. My brother was cleaning out an old barn and he found a platter and he thought of me and it was so precious to me that he gave me something from the heart. I treasure the platter and it is on display at my home. When I am out shopping and I pick up an old piece of China it brings a wonderful feeling over me to know that this piece has been handed down through the generations and that it has been at many many family gatherings over all kinds of discussions AnD at many holidays Anand it brings a peaceful feeling over me and I hope all of you out there enjoy all of your collections of beautiful China.
Oh, do I love antique dishes! I have several collections, but I also collected 200 different antique dishes for my daughter’s wedding several years ago, so every guest would have a different, beautiful place setting. I stopped at every antique store, goodwill, garage sale, etc. for a year, and we made it! Love all of your pretty dishes! thanks for the fun post!
I absolutely understand you and your feelings regarding vintage dishes. I can say that it is like a torture for me to pass by vintage dishes because they are absolutely aesthetic and their look so awesome that it takes my breath away. Also, I completely support your position about making purchases because I feel the same. I think that everything should be built on love and not only by passing fancy or a fleeting passion because in this case it is simply delusion. In the end, you can come to an awareness that your emotions have faded and you don’t need this thing. It is really important not to be careless and try to control your feelings, turning on a clear cold brain. To tell the truth, I also put my favourite colours in vintage china as priority because the visual component has a great importance for me and it always needs to be harmonic.
I have a arcoroc France Aspen Leaf plate set and I want to sell it. where can I go about it