Vintage Fine China to Thrift

A few months ago while thrifting I came across this set of dishes.  When I spotted them, I knew I had no room for more dishes, not to mention the need.  But I honestly couldn’t pass them up because I’d been wanting a better pattern to display in my china cabinet that would fit the modern style.  Actually this “90’s pattern came out around the time when I purchased my dining set.  I’m sure quite a few you remember this popular fine china pattern by Retroneu called Wood Garland.

It was a set for a service of six with the serving platter, coffee pot and creamer.

I felt these would look more appropriate than my antique floral Limoges set styled in the cabinet and for $25.00 I wasn’t breaking the bank.  Here is how I styled them in the cabinet when I got them.  Being thrilled about my latest score, I shared a quick picture on my Instagram page.

A day later I received this direct message from someone.

What are the odds of that happening!!!  Can you imagine.. I was truly astonished by this.  Naturally I provided my address to receive the gift.  This is a prime example of how good things can happen via social media.  The dishes are all on display waiting for me to set a beautiful table with them.

I was out thrifting a couple weeks ago and came across more china.  I’m amazed how much is out there.  Here are some of the settings I found thrifting in Greenville.

I loved this antique Limoges pattern with the gold trim.  It was a complete set for a service for 6 and marked $99 but half off (great buy)

Here’s the famous mid-century wheat pattern.  This was another beautiful set that was hard to pass by and $79.50 was for the complete set for a service for 6.

For a more Spring setting, this antique Limoges set would look beautiful on a formal Spring tablescape

And then I spotted this set with the black and gold pattern which caught my eye.  I flipped it over to learn it was Mikasa Bone China.  This is a retro pattern circa 1990’s.  The set included 6 dinner plates, bowls and dessert plates.  It was marked $49.50 but it was actually half off so I got the set for $24.75  Now make no mistake, Mikasa bone china is not cheap stuff, even on the secondary market.

I’m really starting to wonder if millennials even think about china and having a formal setting.  My fixation for fine china goes back to when I was first married.  While planning my wedding, my grandmother asked me what was my wedding pattern for dishes because she wanted to make that our wedding gift from her and I remember wanting Mikasa, but it was so expensive and I just couldn’t fathom the notion of allowing her to pay that much for some dishes, so I opted out of her getting that gift.  Thinking now, I’m glad I made that decision, because finding this beautiful set for only $24.75 was a great score.  Some might want to know what’s the difference from bone china, fine china and porcelain, instead of me writing a dissertation on the subject, I found this site which summed it up in a nutshell.  Now, I have two (new to me) nice sets that blends with the style of my dining room.

What I’m realizing more while I’m venturing into to different stores, is faith based thrift stores and charity thrift stores are where I find the better quality dishes.  So if you’re looking for fine china for yourself or as a gift, check those stores. And when you find that set that makes you smile, pass the plates and set yourself a beautiful table.  Happy hunting everyone!

CIAO!!!