Are you one of those people that everything on your table matches? Or do you have an assortment of styles? Today, either way is considered acceptable.
Growing up we had simple plates, cups, glasses for everyday use. Plastic tumblers in an array of colors that were thermal that kept your drink cold. Grocery stores gave out point coupons that you could purchase displayed sets. Dinner plates one week, bowls the next, cups, glasses. Everything matched. Every household had them. Catalog stores were popular back then and they too gave out coupons for each dollar you spent. Families would goo goo eye the catalog for new tablescapes applying their coupons to get a break on price.
Now a days they sell patterns, colors either by set or open stock. When my husband and I got married I decided on a simple Corelle pattern. Now Corelle isn’t supposed to break but I thought I better buy a few extras just in case because I wanted everything to match. I bought 12 of everything. Was I nuts or what. Twelve. What was I thinking. We still have a few bowls and plates that we use amongst our other styles on our mistmatched table. Glasses and mugs range in size, styles, colors, patterns. It’s funny because the cupboards are full but we gravitate towards certain ones. I will never forget the time my husband gave my 90 year old cousin a mug that said “Do you think I give a sh**. I was like all the nice mugs from the Corelle pattern cups and you give her this one? He was like but it is one of my favorites. We laughed over that one. She loved it.
How fun would it be to create a tablescape of vintage plates and cups? Perhaps taking pieces from your grandparent’s or parent’s collection and adding great finds from many online shops, thrift shops and even strolls through a flea market your collection will come alive. The great advantage of building mismatched tables is you never have to worry about a plate being broken that your complete set of patterns has been ruined.
Each place setting could be different or change with a different or change with a different course of the meal. Maybe even a mish mosh of patterns. It all works creating that warm cozy dinner table maybe even spurring conversations of memories.
Where to start? Is there a color you love? Maybe a pattern – is it floral, stripes, an art deco style. Choose one as a jumping point. One thought would be to start your tablescape with all white plates and adding one, two or a rainbow of colors in cups or bowls. Maybe add a pattern. If you love flowers pick out one type or mix match several types just like a garden. Look at the colors of the flowers and pick out one type or mix match several types just like a garden. Look at the colors of the flowers and purchase cups or bowls that pick up one or two of the colors of the flowers. Add surprise elements of colored glass to catch the light as serving bowls and platters. Shapes can add great dimension to a tablescape.
What fun either approach would be. You could create a new look for you and yours for everyday use and guests would be in awe. The best part is no more crying over a broken dish.
And if something does break look at creating something with those shards of dishes. I had a customer buy these colorful plates from a store. I hadn’t noticed this small chip on the back when I listed them. I wrote her before I sent her purchase along and she said no problem as I am using them in another way. I wondered if perhaps she was using them as I do under plants, soap dishes, catchalls. Some day I will make jewelry and perhaps mosiacs that I use to love to do as a kid.
Look at some of the old pieces as a stepping stone to create a present. Cups filled with candy or a small plant, pairing with teabags or coffee makes great little gifts. Maybe even two with a bottle of your favorite wine. Who says wine has to be served in a wine glass. I bet those ladies with their pinkies in the air would wholeheartedly agree.
So, next time you look at a vintage piece of table ware look at it as piece of art for that wonderful table. Maybe even display to catch those sun rays that will gently reflect back at you. After all art is beauty and we all need a little beauty in our lives.
You might have just found a fun way to spend a day by yourself or with someone scouring an estate sale or two. Have fun with your new hobby.
If you are looking for a particular piece drop me a line as it could be waiting to be posted. There is a contact link on the homepage. https://wildchild708.com
Check out what we currently have in the shop at https://wildchild708.com/kitchen-dining