Collecting Vintage Dishes
It all started 20 years ago with 2 faded teal English teacups.
They were up high on a shelf in a little shop off the beaten path. I was immediately drawn to the color, shape, the delicate pattern, and really every detail. I remember pulling them down and they had some staining and were definitely imperfect but still had plenty of life left. They ended up being in a post of mine years later and that photo was painted by the talented artist Ben Peck-Whiston. He saw it too. The teal, the scrolls. I was hooked. So it began, my love of mixing vintage china pieces for a layered, collected table. And yes I still have that sweet pair today.
The dainty scrolls and delicate flowers get me every time. As the years have gone by, I still love to collect but I’m definitely a little pickier just because I could eventually run out of room. Is there such a thing as too much beauty? Nah.
Things I look for now…
Gold details. I love a simple white and gold table with flowers for color. Bonus they mix with all the floral patterns so when I see those I grab them up.
2. Color palette. I seem to always be drawn to the same palette of pinks and greens but love to mix different shades together. The more the merrier.
Details. Oh those delicate details get me every time. Delicate swirls, patterned edges- all the details that make a piece unique and hard to pass up
Condition. I have plenty of pieces that have been repaired, that have staining, or small chips. We use vintage plates daily so those definitely aren’t perfect and that’s fine with me. I do love a French piece in beautiful condition. Makes my heart pitter-patter.
Mix of shapes and sizes. Lastly, a collected table can easily feel effortless when you mix platters in, a few odd-shaped pieces, and a cake plate for height.
Happy decorating. And if you’re trying to hold yourself back from buying that piece that makes your heart skip a beat, I’m not sure I’m the girl to help.
Happy Collecting,xx Lindsey
