Two weeks ago I mentioned that I had picked up a beautiful vintage china pattern from the 1930s that I needed to photograph and inventory for Southern Vintage Table. Time to check this goal off the list!
Spring green never looked so pretty!
This pattern was made in Japan by a company called Garden City. According to a leading china replacement company, Garden City had only 17 patterns. This one is known as GAR13 – pretty plain for such a delightful, bright pattern!
Normally, I don’t buy whole sets of china, but there is the exception – might be that the pattern is extraordinary or it’s an exceptional buy – and in this case, it was both. Here’s the set I purchased.
Beautiful set of vintage green china!
What I saw in this pattern wasn’t necessarily how beautiful it would look at the dinner table but how well the florals of green, blue, yellow and pink would go with so many other patterns. With the distinct green rim, it is a perfect pattern to layer. Whether it anchors the place setting as the dinner plate or sits between the dinner and dessert, it makes a lovely presentation.
Starting with showcasing the dinner plate, here are a few gorgeous place settings!
The outer green rim sets off the trio of vintage patterns so beautifully in these settings with the Garden City pattern as the salad plate!
And, of course, two layers are simply beautiful as well!
China Garden’s GAR13 is now part of Southern Vintage Table‘s inventory. We can mix and match it with our other beautiful patterns for a charming, eclectic look your guests will love!
The continuing saga of my long list of goals continues. But first, I want to update Carrie’s ribbon count – she won 10 blue and 6 red! Her flowers are that beautiful! This week I’m focusing on painting and ironing with a marketing call in there, too. Thanks for checking in!
One lesson I am learning as the small business owner of Southern Vintage Table is to set goals for my week ahead and create a schedule. This practice keeps me focused, busy and positive! Here’s what I am working on for this week- and probably into next week, too.
1. Write a blog and keep it real. (Working on this goal right now.) Publish Monday. Get an idea board for future blog topics.
2. Produce and order a photo book with Carrie from Fernrock Farm in collaboration with Merry Hill Farm. Deliver to Lynne at Merry Hill on Friday for Saturday’s appointments.
Here’s a screen shot of our first draft
3. Finalize special pricing packages for Merry Hill clients. Print copies and get vintage china vignette ready for Friday delivery.
4. Visit nursery with Carrie to pick up indoor sedums to plant in china teacups for Merry Hill vignette and future clients. Drill holes in teacups and plant sedums.
Here’s a teacup that had a a chip but was too beautiful not to use on the table. So, it now has hens and biddies!
5. Visit the NC State Fair Fine Dining exhibit. (Yes, they have a competition for table decorating but there is a lottery for entrants. Unfortunately, I didn’t not get selected but I’m going to do a little research and be ready for next year! I’m working on an idea that uses one of the vintage trumpets I won at the auction as a center piece.)
6. Plan with Carrie our next marketing strategy (wedding planners and caterers?) and set appointments.
7. Take photos of recent china pattern purchases for inventory book and for upcoming blog. (I picked up a beautiful pattern from the 1930s that I can’t wait to share!)
Sneak peek – this beautiful vintage china pattern is from the 1930s.
8. Measure and take photos of lace toppers for inventory book and upcoming blog.
9. Paint and distress recently purchased frames. Buy blackboard, have it cut and mounted in each. Take photos and inventory.
10. Clean recently purchased silverware. Take inventory. (I may try a new technique for cleaning off tarnish that uses baking soda, aluminum foil and boiling water.)
Beautiful pattern! Can’t wait to reveal the sheen of the silver underneath that tarnish!
11. Iron and sort vintage napkins.
12. Stop by a couple of thrift stores on my way to visit my mom. (Love this part of my job!)
LOTS to do, but after years of teaching, planning and grading papers, I LOVE that my work schedule includes trips to the state fair, a nursery and a few thrift stores! Work is fun and fun is work!
Three little sugar dishes lost their lids and became sweet flower vases!
Recently I ventured outside of the thrift store arena to attend a couple of auctions and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I got some things that you probably can’t find at a thrift store today, like a butter churn and washboard. But, for basic vintage bargains, the thrift store can’t be beat. Whether it’s one topless sugar dish, a vintage ironing board or a set of beautiful gold trimmed bar glasses, thrift stores have it all – not all at once or at every store, but that’s part of the fun – you have to go out and find it. And, you have to be a frequent visitor.
Here are some of my latest thrift store finds that have been added to the Southern Vintage Table collection.
These gold trimmed vintage bar glasses are stunning!
After visiting my mom I usually stop at a thrift store closeby. On this last trip there was a set of the coolest highball glasses sitting on the shelf! They were all in perfect condition with their intricate, delicate gold trim. While I was inspecting them, the thrift store employee put out these small lovely blue vases. With the vintage glasses, vases, blue drawer, sign and decanter, the bar is open!
Take one vintage wooden ironing board, add vintage dishes and linens and throw in a vintage butter churn and you’ve got a charming dessert station!
I found this vintage ironing board at one of the junkiest stores in town – it’s so packed you have to move furniture to get to some of the items. Needless to say, I love stopping in. This vintage wooden ironing board was sitting behind the door with a split down the middle. After some wood glue and clamping, it’s ready to be part of your vintage decor. Whether it’s a dessert table, welcoming station or drink bar, it will be charming!
This seafoam green vintage typewriter actually works!
At one of the thrift stores nearby, they have an outside area with bins filled with left overs from estates. Some broken, dusty and dirty, but good stuff to look through. For $2, which goes into a fund to help local folks with the upkeep of their homes, you get to fill a box. Sometimes there are also larger items nearby, which is where I found this vintage typewriter. I have to say this is one of my most favorite finds – the color, the condition and the look embodies the spirit of retro vintage.
This vintage silver plated shell dish has a beautiful sheen1
Another favorite thrift store is close to my home and I stop in pretty often. The prices are usually very low and folks appreciate it, so if you see something you like, or even think you like, you better get it that day or it will be gone. I found this silver-plated shell dish for under $2. It was very tarnished and a bit unsightly, but I took a chance it would shine right up. It did – I almost can’t believe how beautiful it is. Looked this one up – it was made in England and valued at about $50.
Found all of these vintage items at various thrift stores in the area
This collection of items all came from various stores. I love the old tins and the two candle holders, once tarnished and encrusted with wax, now gleam. The teapot didn’t have a lid and I even found the candles on the shelf. When I think about where each of these items have been and how they ended up with me, it’s like an adventure story!
So, will I go to another auction? You bet – the energy, the variety of vintage items and the people make it very exciting. The gambling atmosphere is a little risky (at least for novices like me) but certainly fun. However, the everyday thrift store is still my favorite place to hunt. For the unexpected, and usually, very inexpensive vintage item, thrift stores are where it’s at.
All of these wonderful vintage items are here at Southern Vintage Table and we would love to share them with you at your next gathering!
My favorite unexpected find at the auction – recycled into a vintage bar!
Recently I went on a working day trip to a local auction house to check out a few items I wanted for our vintage decor collection at Southern Vintage Table. My list included a butter churn, blue mason jars, a washboard and a suitcase.
Here’s one idea for a vintage washboard – display birthday greetings at your next birthday party!
I drive into the parking lot and quickly notice there aren’t many cars. I start thinking, this is a good omen – not too much competition for the items I have come to bid on. Hah – little did I know that those items are on other folks’ lists as well as mine. Phooey…
I sign in, get my number and mosey around the place for the next 10 minutes before the auction begins. So many interesting old things – jewelry, signs, musical instruments, furniture, doo-dads, glassware, wooden boxes, magazines, books and much, much more. Some in pristine condition and others dusty, musty and soiled but definitely vintage.
I sit close to the front and, after settling in my seat, I check out the other folks nearby. A lady down the aisle starts pulling things out of her bag and I notice she’s got snacks, a drink, a book. The guy in front of me has his computer in his lap. Wow, I’m thinking, what a fun way to spend a Monday! I get my pencil and paper ready. This was lesson 1 from my first auction experience – always write down what you buy and how much you spend.
One of the early categories was cowboy stuff – nothing I was interested in so I felt pretty safe to listen and figure out the pace of the bidding. Quickly I realize that folks were holding tight to their money and starting bids were dropping low – some all the way down to $1! Somewhere in there I win a cowboy dinner bell that I didn’t know I had bid on and a signed Gene Autry photograph. After bidding $2 on Gene Autry, the auctioneer says to me, “Ma’am, we are sure glad you came today.” You can translate that anyway you want…
The blue mason jars come up and I sit up straight, thinking and hoping that folks were going to let these go low – well, no such luck. The bid gets high really fast and I have to back out. A bit later the butter churn comes up. Unfortunately, others also want it but I stay in this one and get the highest bid. Ditto with the vintage suitcase – win that, too.
Here are two of the vintage decor items I won at the auction – aren’t they terrific?
The featured items come up soon after – an array of vintage musical instruments from guitars to trombones. They are lined up down the center aisle for everyone to inspect before they came up for auction. Again, starting bids are low and I just can’t resist bidding $5 for a trumpet … or two … or three…and a guitar or two…and a saxophone…and two empty banjo cases…and…
Love these two vintage banjo cases!
Somewhere in there, I forget to write down my items and my card is full anyway so I start getting a bit nervous about my total bill. I’m thinking that I should pay up at this point, which may be one of the best decisions I make that day. Lo and behold, it is well over my spending budget!
After loading up my loot, I decide that I better not go back in even through there were three hours left. Heading home I recount the adventure in my head and ponder what lessons I learned this time.
First, remember Lesson 1 – write down everything you win and how much you spend. Lesson 2 – bid on the items you come for and maybe pay more than you think you want to. Lesson 3 – only bid on other items if they are truly exceptional and suit your purpose, not because they are a good deal.
Now I wish I had saved some money for the blue jars and not bought those trumpets but I’m working on a vision for those, too! But, I am glad about getting the banjo cases and the vintage radio – they are perfect additions!
This purchase was one of those exceptional buys!
So, oops, I did it again by winning something I didn’t know I was bidding on, but I’m with the auctioneer, I am glad I went that day. Not only did I learn more auction lessons, but I ended up with some wonderful vintage items. These and other cool vintage decor are available at Southern Vintage Table!
Armed with nearly a hundred receptors in each, your fingertips perceive your personal environment – soft or hard, cold or warm, pain or pleasure. While pain receptors help us know when we are hurt, receptors also help us feel pleasure – like when you pick up a textured vintage goblet or glass.
One distinguishing feature of many vintage patterns of glassware is texture – it can be cut or pressed glass, bumpy, or cubed. Vintage colors span the rainbow, with greens, yellows, blues, pinks, reds, and clear. There are many, many patterns and here are some of our favorites of amber, green, and blue glassware at Southern Vintage Table.
The green and gold are Milano and the blue is Driftwood.
I call this crinkle glass and have seen it described as lava glass, bark, or bumpy, but two official pattern names are Milano, manufactured by Anchor Hocking, and Driftwood by Seneca. Both patterns come in varied colors and Southern Vintage Table has many in green, gold, blue, and clear. I love the way this glass feels in my hand and how the light shines through it.
Beautiful vintage blue glassware
Both the color and texture are noticed in these beautiful blue vintage glasses. The first pattern is Tartan by Anchor Hocking and the other goblet is Facets by Libbey/Rock Sharpe glassware. The pattern names of the two circular tumblers are unknown. Wouldn’t these all be lovely with vintage blue and white plates?
Vintage Whitehall glasses
One of my favorite patterns is Whitehall Colony glassware. It’s heft and cubed texture make it just perfect to sip any cold beverage. The colors are also varied – harvest gold, amber, avocado green, light blue, emerald green, and clear.
Country Garden in blue and amber
This happy vintage pattern is called Country Garden made by Libbey/Rock Sharpe. Discontinued in the mid 1970s, this embossed flower pattern embodies the saying “flower power.”
Colony’s Crown tumblers have rich hues of green, amber and blue.
One style of glassware that fits perfectly in your hands has a “thumbprint” indentation. Colony’s Crown pattern is one and we have this lovely glassware in green, gold, and blue. We also have goblets in green and bowls in amber.
Provincial by Imperial GlassWe have Old Williamsburg in green and clear.
Imperial Glass has several patterns that use the thumbprint feel. Two are Provinicial and Williamsburg. Their green and amber colors are rich and the feel of the glass is impressive.
Recent additions to our collection!
The final set of featured goblets are our most recent additions. I found them at a thrift store and both the owner and I had never seen these! They are very substantial and unusual with the coolest feet and pedestal. The citron green goblet was manufactured by Franciscan Crystal in the 1970s and the pattern is called Madeira. I cannot find the dark green goblet with the bark-like texture but I haven’t given up just yet! It’s full of details and I’m certain I’ll eventually find out more. Any help out there identifying is welcomed!
The sparkle on the table is the glassware and vintage glassware patterns give you much more – texture, heft, deep colors, and history! These patterns and more are available at Southern Vintage Table for your guests’ pleasure and enjoyment!
Square vintage plates are now high on my list of favorites here at Southern Vintage Table. Whether it’s a dinner, salad or dessert plate, glass or porcelain, the unexpected shape is a sweet surprise! They look terrific layered and also make fabulous serving dishes.
One classic vintage square plate pattern is Madrid by Federal Glass, manufactured during the early 1930s in Columbus, Ohio. This is the only Madrid dinner plate I have found on my adventures and will be a lovely serving plate for sweet treats or hors d’oeuvres.
This depression glass pattern was also made in clear, pink, green and blue.Here’s a beter look at the intricate detail of the Madrid pattern.
Classic blue and white – a look we all love. This white swirl salad plate by Johnson Brothers between the two vintage blue dishes makes this place setting distinctive.
Liberty Blue, Regency White and Bluebonnet vintage china patterns
This setting features a square plate with a Godey print. The image comes from a publication called Godey’s Lady’s Book which was popular in the mid to late1800s. Here’s a link to the site, Accessible Archives, with articles from this vintage publication – very interesting material!
The sheen of gold on this plate is stunning!
This final layered settings are for that high drama look. These vintage china patterns featuring gold and flowers and beautiful by themselves but layered together, wow!
Gold and flowers – perfect combination!Ooh-la-la! The gold glitters in this place setting!
Square is in – at least for vintage china place settings. They can be center stage or the backdrop pattern but two things are for certain – they will add pizzazz to your table and Southern Vintage Table is ready to help!
Having a party and want something that’s gonna raise the bar just a bit? Pun intended, of course… Consider renting vintage bar supplies from Southern Vintage Table.
We have vintage ice buckets and decanters; vintage relish dishes, snack bowls, platters and small snack plates; an eclectic mix of vintage stainless steel flatware; and vintage glassware. We also have an assortment of tubs to chill your beer or other drinks for your guests.
VIntage relish dishesWe have lots of green, gold and clear goblets.Chilled beer in tubVintage decanters can be filled with spirits or used as a vase on your vintage bar!
I really do enjoy looking for vintage items for my business, Southern Vintage Table and actually like going solo. I don’t have to consult with anyone about where I’m going, how how many times I walk down that same aisle of china or whether I want to stop at just one more store. But, no doubt about it, it’s tons more fun when you get to share the experience with someone, especially if it’s a friend who loves thrifting as much as you!
Last Friday, Jami and I explored my favorite haunts in Burlington and Mebane. At our first stop we found some vintage wheat china and Jami’s keen eye spotted a beautiful blue and gold china pattern. At the next store Jami found a pair of Golden Wheat glasses and I mulled over whether to pay $15 for a vintage school desk. As far as the desk, I decided that I’d keep looking.
The gold on this vintage wheat pattern sparkles!Two Golden Wheat glasses that once came in Duz detergent boxes!
We toured a used furniture store and then went to the place where Jami would find the best deal of the day – the child’s metal school desk – for only $5. It’s perfect for displaying a bouquet of flowers, a potted plant or even a sign. I got a few other things and Jami bought her major purchase of the day – a $1 plastic container with a lid for her paints. Talk about thrifty!
A greeting for your guests on a vintage school desk!
Clay Street in Mebane was our last stop and after eating a late lunch, we walked through Melville’s Trading. I knew Jami would love this place and she did. It has a little bit of everything with different vendors renting spaces throughout the building. I left with a vintage file box but also with visions for future projects.
It was a great afternoon – exploring, admiring and finding treasures – with my kindred friend. Thank you, Jami!
Check out Southern Vintage Table for beautiful vintage rental china as well as unique vintage decor for your next event!
While collecting vintage china patterns for Southern Vintage Table, I have found many vintage patterns with wheat shafts. Why wheat, I wondered? It’s brown and umm … brown. I knew there must be a story behind it. Well, of course, there is.
Wheat designs on three vintage china patterns – HLC2022, Golden Wheat, GRI207
Wheat symbolizes many good things in life. To name just a few – prosperity, love, home and hearth, harvest, spring, birth and hope. In the bible wheat is the symbol for righteous people. No wonder it was popular on china, to be seen everyday at the family dining table!
One of the most prevalent patterns in the mid 1950s was Golden Wheat by Homer Laughlin, featured in the middle of the photo above. It was a marketing gimmick of Duz detergent – they wanted to have an edge over Tide, so they started including china dishes in their boxes of detergent! Don’t you wish someone would do that again?
The third image above is a beautiful golden scalloped edged pattern on a luscious cream background. I came upon it at a local thrift store – there was an entire set! One of the volunteers, Polly, and I sat down on the floor and examined each piece, reveling in its design and beauty. The pattern is from Grindley, manufactured in England and dates during the 1940s-50s. Of course, I bought it!
Vintage china wheat pattern from Grindley
One more trio of wheat images is below from the 40s-60s. The first two are on fine porcelain china and the third has a beautiful teal coloring.
Three vintage china wheat patterns – Platinum Wheat, THA1 Wheat and Autumn Harvest
So, lovely wheat is in – at least on vintage china patterns – and we have them available for you at Southern Vintage Table!
China Garden’s GAR13 is now part of Southern Vintage Table‘s inventory. We can mix and match it with our other beautiful patterns for a charming, eclectic look your guests will love!
