Recently I discovered that I had given away or sold all my dishes when I left Oregon in '09. So, I went shopping at the local thrift shops. Boy, even sets can be costly, and I kept finding things I could afford but didn't like and vise-versa. That is when it hit me. Why do my dishes have to match? Why can't I find unique place settings that give each guest a set of their own?
So, at the local St. Vincent dePaul store's "as is" in the back, where plates are .50 and cups and saucers are .25, I found these plates, saucers, and mugs and gave them a new home. I don't have a table and chairs yet, so the display is a bit funky, but you get the picture.
The next time you are thinking that everything should match - well, don't! Get fun and whimsical and find what you like. This inspired me to find more back in the "as is" section to use for planters, clocks, and to break up for frames and serving trays. If this inspired just one other person, then my job is done!
By Sandi/Poor But Proud from Salem, OR
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I love your dishes. I don't understand why society dictates that dishes have to match. Why can't we be whimsical and buy or collect dishes that are neat and have character instead?
Keep in mind your table and chairs don't have to match either. I have different chairs around my table. And when I go to an antique store and find a lonely chair that is unique. I buy it. Some of the less expensive ones I have in the back yard weathering.
I love this idea! I also like the look of mismatched chairs and mismatched cloth napkins. Very shabby chic! I love the look of your collection. Good job!
Love Love your idea! They all 'go together' because of at least one colour running throughout! Beautiful! Thanks for your tip!
Several years ago I saw a Martha Stewart show about using mismatched china for a wedding reception. I was amazed! She had several tables set up and the colors of the dishes were so beautiful!
I do love this idea, and I love the set you've built so far. I am tempted to do this as my plates get more and more chips, which is one of the benefits of doing what you suggest. At .50 a person can afford to replace as they get a chip or crack. My only reservation would be how they stack in my cupboard as I collect them. I guess one would try to collect very similar size and thickness and depth of "bowl" so they do stack a well as possible.
Bet it's a conversation topic when you serve guests!
Brilliant, your 'mix and match sets' remind me of a beautiful, wildflower meadow, who cares about everything being the same, that's just boring!
This is the way my mind works too. I've never been one who had to have everything matching, not my pots and pans, dishes or glassware. I have some preferences for the way flatware feels in my hands, but other than that, they do not have to match either. I love the variety of mix and match.
Wish I could give you 2 thumbs up.
Pookarina
I have been doing the same thing. It is for me going green. I also use them for all my gathering instead of paper. My favorite is Corelle.
I agree wish I could give you two thumbs up.
Thanks everyone! Yesterday I went back and got some cups and some wine glasses. I am going to put different colored water in each glass for a stained glass effect in my window that's too high for the cat!
If you have old decanters, mason jars, or anything glass you can fill with pretty water, marbles, or glass stones, you can create your own effect that so far has cost me .25. In the immortal words of George Peppard, "I love it when a plan comes together". I will be submitting these today.
This is a great idea, I love it!
I've been guilty of this cardinal homemaking sin for years. lol. I'm just a hopeless washer upper and I chip and smash on a regular basis.
Thanks for sharing. I have done this with my flatware since I moved in 1999. Each one is a different pattern. I just love my set :-) and the folks that do comment are always positive. And like marinewife5, I try to get heavier ones because they feel better in my hand. Keep up being you!
I recognized some of the $$ patterns of your 'new' china. You have gathered some top notch dishes!
I have gone green for get togethers.
So I buy plates corning ware/correlle the same way. I also keep forks and extra glasses around. I agree they do not have to macth.
Absolutely beautiful! I can hardly wait to get to the thrift store.
When I purchased my home earlier this year, I finally had the chance to do what I've wanted to for years and years. Just what you've done! I started out at the closest thrift stores and a couple of yard sales and I was complete. I just love having dinner parties for 8 or 10 or more and seeing the table just jump around with happiness and glee!
As an aside, I didn't realize it at the time, but one dinner plate is an original Haviland commissioned Limoges plate that I paid $.25 for. (photo attached) I've received offers of up to $500.00 for it! Of course, I still have it.
My chinaware is blue and white. So far I have 7 different blue and white patterns I use interchangeably. I love them. One pattern is a replica of the blu and white china from the Titanic my son gave me. I love using all of them.
brilliant. They look great
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