Three years ago I did a post on some fabulous plates I 'picked' from a local charity shop where I live in South London HERE. This fall I have done some major picking and have found some real gems. In August we spent some quality time with my cousins in Sweden and I returned home inspired to make some serious changes to the disposable nature of our home, family, and occasionally values, all of which seem to be influenced by the disposable nature of our society, heavy eh? Thoughts on that post are HERE. At any rate, my love for History, antiques, unique things and a new commitment to avoid living in a disposable world led me on an interesting adventure through charity shops where I have made some most AMAZING picks.
My maternal grandmother has an inspiring collection of depression glass, both pink, green and I believe amber. Every Thanksgiving as much thought was placed into the table setting as was the meal planning itself. I helped my grandmother decide on which lovely set of dishes we would pull out and clean to set the table with year after year. When I wandered into a shop and saw this gorgeous etched pink depression glass pitcher with 6 glasses I knew I had to have it. I was in love. It was a matter of a week before I wandered into another shop where I found the pink glass bowl and another week when I discovered the pink glass tea cups and saucers. I have used all these dishes many times as I have fed various peoples as well as my own family and find myself completely in love with them. The glass dates back to the 1940's- 1960's.
I have a gorgeous set of inherited American made china that is over 100 years old, but I didn't move it overseas with me. When I decided to throw out all things plastic and get some lovely dishes I scoured the charity shops for a set that would both remind me of my time living in England as well as serve as a lovely set of china. I settled on a red toile set that was super inexpensive £19.00 for the entire set because it was missing a few pieces. John had been urging me to look for a set of English Bone china to buy as a souvenir of our time in England, but I couldn't possibly bring myself to spend that kind of money on something when I could get something else that was old, unique and much more beautiful.
This little dessert plate was manufactured circa1905. Yes, it is over 100 years old. I loved it the moment I saw it and because there was an odd 11 of the dishes I got them for a song. Another buy that made me feel like the luckiest girl in the whole of the county.
When I saw these dishes I couldn't help but picture Miss Adessa Dawn sat at the table with a group of her friends having a lovely High Tea. They are beautiful and old and delicate. Again, because they are in odd numbers they were inexpensive, but the sentimental value to me is becoming very high.
I went to this charity shop 3 times looking at these dishes before I actually purchased this set. I love all things turquoise and so the little turquoise trim around the plates was a major selling point for me. I found other plates almost exactly like these ones online in a museum in NZ. Another find that had me clicking my heels and threatening my children's lives if they chipped or broke a single dish! Not really, but I do love them and find the children know how precious the dishes are and use terrific care and good table manners when using them.
I had zero serving dishes. Whatta ya know, I wandered into a shop to find these beauties along with 2 large serving platters. I couldn't resist. Thanksgiving was coming and I needed some serving dishes, the fact that I looked up the maker and found they were antiques whilst in the charity shop helped seal the deal. I thought they were gorgeous and though my dishes are a bizarre modge podge of dishes I set every other place with a matching set, in whole the table looked superb.
Carnival glass. The moment I saw this piece behind the counter I knew EXACTLY what it was. My mother has a piece of carnival glass that she has treasured for years and protected from the destructive hands of several grandchildren! The amber carnival glass is the most common whilst the piece that my mom has is a much more rare colour and shape. I have since found another smaller piece in the amber that has a chip in it, but looks nice served as a butter dish on an autumn table setting. The mineral salts they used on carnival glass are what cause it to have the 'oil slick' like colouring on the surface of the glass. Many people have probably seen or recognise this glass from the homes of elderly people. The glass is becoming more rare and I think it is absolutely beautiful.
I have recently bought a series of copper pouring/measuring pitchers. I love them. I should have taken pictures of the pitchers before I cleaned them, yikes, they were in bad shape. I used sea salt and vinegar to clean the pots and a bit of lemon juice, voila, they looked as good as new. I have been using these beauties as flower vases and table decor for the time being, but one day I will get a pot holder for my kitchen and hang them up. I have always loved copper pots which remind me of my Swedish grandmother. When I was in Sweden I was again reminded of how beautiful copper pots look. Copper pots are much more rare and will mostly be found in antique shops rather than charity shops where they will come at a much higher price. I have had great success with finding my pitchers in the charity shops, but actual copper pots, no luck. I might have to suck it up and just buy one at an antique shop. I have been busting for a proper copper kettle, in the meantime I am keeping my eyes open.
Repurpose and recycle has become my motto. I already have a bag of washed glass pasta jars and soda bottles to use for crafting and decor in the new year, I can't wait. Now that the kids will be back in school and the holidays are over I have a little time to do some good 'picking,' I have already let a silverware set pass in a charity shop which I TOTALLY regret. Not happening again. Watch out all those faces that I have come to see regularly picking in the shops, its a new year and I am ready to make the rounds. Boo ya!
