Temu Could Never
Why I’m skipping the trends and setting the table with soul, story, and secondhand treasures
I have a confession: the current trade war has reignited my latest obsession—vintage and antique dinnerware.
In recent years, vintage and antique pieces have made a major comeback. From mid-century furniture to heirloom jewelry, more and more of us are being drawn to the timeless charm, craftsmanship, and character these items carry.
And when it comes to antique dinnerware? I’m all in.
Heirlooms and New Habits
It started with a visit to my grandmother. Before I left, she bequeathed several pieces of her beloved china to help jumpstart my collection—and just like that, I was hooked.
There’s something so special about holding a plate that has graced tables for generations. I’ve become completely enchanted by the unique patterns, delicate details, and weighty elegance of vintage pieces.
Setting a Table You Love
Designing a table you love becomes even more joyful when it’s filled with dishes that have a story. Whether I’m hunting down a specific pattern to complete a set or mixing and matching styles to create something entirely new, the process is half the fun.
“Your tablescape isn’t just beautiful—it’s one-of-a-kind.”
Layer in vintage linens, glassware, and serving platters, and suddenly every meal feels like a moment worth savoring.
A Hidden Gem in Peachtree City
One of my favorite hunts took me to Brown’s Crossing Antique Mall in Peachtree City, Georgia. I was searching for dinner plates to complete my Easter tablescape—something with a unique pattern for that perfectly layered look.
We’re still boycotting Target, and after two disappointing trips to HomeGoods, I was ready to give up. But God—and good ol’ Google—had other plans.
A quick search for “dinnerware near me” led me to a quaint little building, with antique furniture and odds and ends spilling out onto the sidewalk. It reminded me so much of Sanford and Son that I couldn’t help but smile.
Thank God I don’t judge books by their covers.
Stepping inside Brown’s felt like discovering a room full of treasures—antique furniture, vintage art, crystal, and even wedding gowns. I wandered shelf to shelf, peeking under tables and behind cabinets, until I came across a display of Franciscan Desert Rose dinnerware—and I was instantly obsessed.
A Table That Tells a Story
I ended up purchasing the hand-painted dinner plates and matching salad plates, and they were stunning on my Easter table. The perfect mix of charm and craftsmanship, they’ve officially earned a place in my growing dinnerware collection.
I already can’t wait to bring them out for more special occasions.
Why Vintage is the New Smart
With the rising cost (and diminishing quality) of mass-produced goods, there’s never been a better time to embrace a more intentional, consumer-conscious lifestyle.
If you’ve ever considered making more sustainable shopping choices, investing in durable, timeless dinnerware is a beautiful place to begin.
Antique malls, estate sales, and collector shops are filled with treasures waiting to be rediscovered. And every time you choose vintage, you’re not just curating your home—you’re preserving history, championing quality, and choosing beauty that lasts.
“If you ask me, there’s no better place to start than with a plate that tells a story.”
Looking to start your own collection? I’ve included a few tips for treasure hunting below.
Lessons from My First Antique Hauls:
1. Go in with a vibe, not a list.
Vintage shopping is more about feeling than formulas. Before you leave the house, I suggest taking a walk through and looking at spaces in your home that are in need of some character. From there, get a vision in your head of what colors or textures might work well there. Instead of hunting for something specific, think in terms of a theme—like “floral dinnerware” or “1960s bar cart energy.” Let yourself be surprised.2. Check for chips, cracks, and signs of wear.
A little patina adds charm, but structural damage? Not so much. Always inspect plates, glasses, and linens for damage, especially around the edges and seams. Ask to test anything with moving parts (like drawers or latches).3. Don’t sleep on the shelves below and the cabinets above.
The best treasures are often hidden in plain sight—tucked behind other items or stashed underneath the display. Take your time. Open drawers. Peek behind furniture. The thrill is in the hunt!4. Be friendly—and ask questions.
Most antique mall vendors love to talk about their pieces. Ask about the history or origin of an item. You’ll often get insider knowledge, pricing flexibility, or leads on similar finds.
Prefer to shop for something new? Check out my list of MacKenzie-Childs dinnerware. It may be new, but it carries the same spirit that draws me to vintage: bold patterns, hand-painted details, and quality craftsmanship. Their pieces aren’t just pretty—they're heirloom-worthy, full of character, and designed to be mixed, matched, and treasured for years to come.
If you’re looking to balance vintage finds with modern craftsmanship, I love pairing antique dinnerware with ethically made decor from shops like 54kibo. Their pieces are rooted in African design traditions and add a rich layer of texture and story to any table.
