The Allure Of Vintage Dinnerware: Setting A Table With Timeless Charm

Vintage dinnerware is a great way to add a touch of old-world charm to your dining table. From delicate, hand-painted porcelain to sturdy stoneware, vintage dinnerware sets can be a unique and elegant addition to your mealtimes. Whether you're looking for a full set or just a few mismatched pieces to create a whimsical, eclectic look, there's a wide range of options available. Vintage dinnerware often reflects the styles of bygone eras, with intricate patterns, vibrant colours, and unique shapes. You can find everything from antique ironstone tureens to colourful mid-century plates and bowls, allowing you to create a table setting that truly stands out. So, if you're looking to add a touch of history and character to your dining experience, vintage dinnerware is definitely worth considering.

Vintage Glassware

Blendo Glassware

Blendo glassware is characterised by a bright neon/pastel solid base that fades as it goes up the glass and a gold rim. Blendo glass was made by the West Virginia Glass Company and was popular in the 1950s and 1960s. It is still relatively easy to find and comes in cocktail and juice sets and pitchers.

Culver Glass Company

Culver Glass Company is known for its stunning decorative glassware adorned with 22-karat gold. In the late 1950s, Culver started applying 22-karat gold to their glassware, a process that remains a secret today. Their glassware features a variety of patterns, including gilded mushrooms, owls, cats, wildlife, Egyptian or Asian-inspired designs, scrolling leaf patterns, holiday designs, and sports motifs. The Valencia pattern, with its Moroccan-style trellis and raised emerald-green diamonds, is the most popular in cocktailware. Other collectible patterns include Prado, Antiqua, Seville, Pisa, and Paisley.

Dorothy Thorpe

Dorothy Thorpe was an MCM American artist who designed glassware and ceramic pieces out of her Los Angeles studio. She decorated simple blank glassware with her personal designs and was also known for her silver overlay and paint-speckled glass pieces. Since Thorpe designed on "blanks", the only known silver pieces that can be attributed to her are her wide-band sterling overlay glass creations.

Libbey

Libbey has made millions of glass tumblers, water glasses, tea glasses, goblets, and other drinkware over the years. Some of the most popular patterns include flamingo, daisy, and travel. Vintage Libbey glassware is signed with a cursive "L" within an ordinary circle or ring.

Georges Briard

Georges Briard was the go-to for decorative housewares in the 1950s and 1960s. His success came with the use of 22-karat gold as a screened decoration for bent glassware. His design hallmarks are repetitive patterns, most often featuring geometric shapes or nature-based images. Popular patterns include Ambrosia, Fancy Free, Forbidden Fruit, and Persian Garden. All Briard glassware is signed with his name in cursive.

Arcoroc

Arcoroc glassware was produced in France in the 1980s but is commonly known as depression glass. This glassware features swirl patterns on a variety of glassware, including saucers, coupes, flutes, goblets, and more. The Rosaline collection, with its pink swirl cups, is a dream for vintage glassware enthusiasts and often pops up on Instagram and Pinterest.

Vintage Dinnerware Sets

If you're seeking a complete vintage dinnerware set, you can find various options online, including on sites like Etsy, Amazon, and specialty stores like DishesOnly and In The Vintage Kitchen Shop. These sets typically include dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, with some sets also offering additional pieces like serving platters, teacups, and saucers.

For example, Etsy offers a wide range of vintage dinnerware sets, such as the Royal Heritage Collection in Red/Gold trim, the Chinese handmade 34-piece set, and the Midwinter Earth set, which includes a gravy boat and stand. In The Vintage Kitchen Shop also has an extensive collection, featuring well-known brands like Corningware and Noritake, as well as unique, handmade pieces.

DishesOnly offers elegant, Italian-inspired designs, including the BIANCO NERO luxury glass dinner set with printed goblets and spoons, and the Fiore hand-painted rustic-chic dinner set.

Amazon likewise provides a variety of vintage dinnerware sets, such as the Elama Rustic Birch 16-piece set, the Stone Lain Brasa 16-piece set, and the Corelle Vitrelle 18-piece set.

If you're looking for individual pieces to create your own mismatched set, Etsy is a great option. They offer a variety of vintage plates, bowls, teacups, and saucers from different brands and periods.

Vintage Plates

Materials and Styles

Patterns and Colours

When it comes to patterns and colours, the options are endless. You can find vintage plates with floral patterns, geometric designs, or intricate gold detailing. Soft pastel hues, such as the popular colours of pink, blue, and green, are often seen in vintage plates. However, you can also find bolder colours like black, red, and yellow. If you prefer a more subtle approach, vintage plates in white or ivory with delicate embellishments can be a great choice.

Brands and Makers

Well-known brands like Corningware, Noritake, and Wedgwood offer vintage plates with their signature styles. For example, Wedgwood's English porcelain tableware is known for its elegant and refined look. On the other hand, Corningware offers durable and versatile options. If you're looking for something unique, handmade pottery and one-of-a-kind pieces are also available in the vintage market. These plates often feature artistic designs and craftsmanship that stand out from mass-produced tableware.

Places to Shop

When shopping for vintage plates, you can explore various options, including online marketplaces such as Amazon, specialty vintage shops like DishesOnly, and antique stores such as 1stDibs. These sources offer a wide range of vintage plates, from individual pieces to entire dinnerware sets.

Vintage Bowls

Pyrex Bowls

Pyrex bowls are a classic choice for vintage lovers. These bowls were first introduced in the 1940s and have since become highly collectible. They come in a range of colours and patterns, with some of the most popular ones being:

• Snowflake (1956-1967)
• Gooseberry (1957-1966)
• Butterprint (1957-1968)
• Sandalwood (1960-1962)
• Early American (1962-1971)
• Town and Country (1963-1967)
• Square Flowers/Verde (1966-1972)
• Friendship (1971-1974)
• Spring Blossom Green (1972-1978)

Ceramic and Porcelain Bowls

Ceramic and porcelain bowls are a great option for everyday use. They are typically durable and come in a variety of styles, from rustic to elegant. Some options include:

• Hand-painted ceramic dinner sets
• Vintage porcelain dinnerware sets with floral designs
• Stoneware bowls with embossed patterns
• Mismatched vintage china soup and salad bowls

Glass Bowls

Glass bowls can add a touch of elegance or whimsy to your table, depending on the style you choose. They are perfect for serving desserts, salads, or even just displaying as decorative pieces. Some unique glass bowl options include:

• Vintage pressed pattern glass ice cream bowls
• Vintage glass dessert bowls in pink or green
• Handmade pastel glass bowls
• Vintage glass compotes in peacock blue or clear glass
• Vintage Pyrex Cinderella bowls

Wooden Bowls

Wooden bowls, especially those with a rustic finish, can add a warm and natural touch to your dinnerware. These bowls are often hand-carved and can be used as decorative centrepieces or serving bowls. Some examples include:

• Extra-long handmade vintage dough bowls
• Antique primitive wood dough bowls
• Vintage hand-carved wooden bowls
• Decorative wood bowls with unique designs

Whether you're looking for a specific Pyrex pattern, a one-of-a-kind ceramic bowl, or a set of mismatched vintage china, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to vintage bowls.

Vintage China

Where to Find Vintage China:

• Etsy: Etsy is a great source for vintage china, offering a wide range of patterns, styles, and prices. You can find everything from mismatched plates to complete dinnerware sets.
• Chairish: Chairish offers a curated selection of vintage china, including plates, bowls, and teacups. They have pieces from well-known brands like Royal Crown, Wedgwood, and Noritake.
• In The Vintage Kitchen Shop: This shop offers a variety of vintage and antique dishes, including pieces from brands like Corningware and Noritake, as well as handmade pottery and unique one-of-a-kind items.
• Local Antique Shops: Don't underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned antique shop! You can often find hidden gems and unique pieces that will add character to your vintage china collection.

Popular Patterns and Styles:

• Floral Patterns: Floral china is a timeless classic. Look for patterns like blue willow, pink or red roses, and chintz.
• Mismatched China: Mismatched china sets are all the rage these days! Mix and match different patterns and colours to create a unique and eclectic tablescape.
• Chinoiserie: Chinoiserie is a style influenced by Chinese and East Asian art. It features intricate patterns, landscapes, and motifs and can add an exotic touch to your table.
• Gold Trim: Gold-trimmed china exudes elegance and sophistication. Look for brands like Lenox and Royal Albert, which are known for their luxurious gold-trimmed pieces.

Caring for Your Vintage China:

• Handle with Care: Vintage china is often thinner and more fragile than modern dinnerware, so handle it with care to avoid chipping or cracking.
• Gentle Cleaning: Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive sponges when cleaning your vintage china. Opt for mild dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge instead.
• Storage: Store your vintage china in a safe place, preferably in a china cabinet or hutch. Stacking plates too high can put pressure on lower plates, increasing the risk of cracks or breaks.

Frequently asked questions