12 thrifted table topics procured while out Thrifting with the Gals. Join me for tea and toast with vintage Johnson Brothers, and let’s set the table together in blue and white.
12 Table Topics with Thrifted Vintage Flare
What are table topics? Table topics are conversation starters, chats, or debates surrounding a mutual passion or affection for something or someone, often while gathered around a table, buffet, or party setting.
And with our mutual love for all things thrifty, vintage, and chippy, I thought it would be fun to explore several table topics while enjoying a tea and toast affair.
*To join in, please leave a comment at the end of this post with any insights, knowledge, or special memories you may have about any of these or your own thrifted table topics.
Let’s get creative together.
“Order of the Eastern Stars” Silverware
This past weekend at Vintage Market Days Vermont, I found a rare vintage find: “Order of the Eastern Star” engraved vintage silverware sets. And these silverware pieces will surely be at the heart of today’s tea and toast table topics!
See and learn all about this thrifted silverware set and the “OES” in the Order of the Eastern Star Amidst This Vintage Market Haul blog post.
I am also blessed to have my mother’s sterling silverware set, which is a classic and refined pattern, whereas this sterling set is more shabby chic in nature, and I adore the engraving.
You may also enjoy this 45 Vintage Silverware Decorating Ideas post.
1. Table Topic:
Have you thought of starting a thrifted collection of different silverware patterns? They’ve become very popular in the markets and thrift stores as of late. I also love the ones with wooden handles, as I recently purchased my first of these, too. See more in the Fall Decor 2023 Trailblazing in Blue and White post.
Johnson Brothers Tea and Toast Plates
Another wonderful find from last weekend’s vintage market was these six vintage Johnson Brothers tea and toast plates.
Six of these snack plates were just $10!
I had never seen plates like these before. I found them so unique in all their charms. Surely, they would be darling on a breakfast table with a union of tea and toast.
2. Table Topic:
Have you ever seen vintage tea and toast plates before?
Perhaps you have a set, and if so, do you adopt them daily?
This set did not come with the matching tea cups, so I am going to improvise with what I already have on hand for today’s table setting until I can find six matching tea cups.
This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Blue and White Oval Pitcher
Last weekend at the same market, I also found this oval blue and white pitcher at the “Tin Hearts” booth. I added a soft blue velvet ribbon inspired by my friend Bernadette from B Home with Bernadette, who added a green bow to her own brown and white transferware pitcher that she found at the same vintage market—such a cute table topic idea.
What’s uncommon and makes this blue and white pitcher such a table topic is its large and oblong weird shape. The blue and white pattern is classic, making it ideal for flowers and table beverages. Unfortunately, there is no stamp on this beautiful pitcher to indicate its origin.
Pro Tip
You may also find inspiration in this Knife Rest French Table Silver and Crystal Ideas post.
3. Table Topic:
Would you add a bow or ribbon to a large pitcher, or what else would enhance the old-school charms of these handsome pieces?
Photo Credit: B Home with Bernadette
Blue and White Spongeware Bowl
Can we also discuss this extra large 16″ blue and white spongeware bowl? I picked it up for a steal at a local estate sale a few weeks ago. Learn more about it in this Country Estate Sale Near Me This Weekend post.
It’s vintage and oh-so charming. I’m enjoying it as a table centerpiece filled with fall apples and maybe later with evergreens for the holidays.
You may also enjoy this Cabin Decor: 8 Winter Table Setting Ideas post.
Pro Tip
Find more inspiration and fall table decorating tips in this How to Create a Stunning Fall Tablescape You’ll Love post.
4. Table Topic:
What would you be willing to pay for an extra large vintage spongeware bowl like this?
And how would you use or decorate with it in your home?
Colored Glassware
It was so fun finding these vintage blue goblets this past spring at Vintage Market Days Vermont from one of my favorite vendors, “The Thrifted Type.” Upon returning to her booth at this fall’s Vintage Market Days, the owner even mentioned them to me. You may see and learn more in the The Best Vintage Market and an Antique Haul post.
And today, I’m pairing these water goblets with vintage tea and toast plates.
5. Table Topic:
Do you like colored glassware? Do you have colored glassware? I love using different colored glasses. I find they really jazz up a table setting.
What is your favorite color?
Pro Tip: The Eclectic Table is my favorite online shop for quality vintage glassware.
Brass Candlesticks
Brass candlesticks are one of my favorite thrifted table fanfares! I use them every day and keep buying more as I find them. They are easy to procure and very affordable for the impact they create. For today’s tea and toast gathering, I’ve added these glass cloches, which I purchased from Amazon, and placed a few of the brass candlesticks underneath each cloche. There are no candles or flames—just the candlesticks.
See how I used green flutes under this cloche to decorate for spring in the St. Patrick’s Day Tablescape: Tips & Ideas post.
6. Table Topic:
Do you use cloches in your home decor? What other thrifted collections would you display under your cloches?
Linen Napkins
Do you decorate your tables with fine linens? That’s what I love about collecting old-fashioned linens. If you can find them inexpensively, you may use them in your everyday dining. I found these small linen napkins this past winter at an antique shop and use them on my everyday breakfast tables, like this tea and toast table.
In this post, learn more about How to Safely Bring Age Stained Textiles Back to Life.
You may also enjoy the A Thrift Here, a Vintage There, and a Valentine when I found these beautiful linens. You also won’t want to miss this Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design.
7. Table Topic:
Do you collect vintage linens? Do you use them every day?
If you can thrift them inexpensively, they are a wonderful way to formalize a table setting.
Glass Fruit Bowls
I picked up eight of these small fruit bowls at a yard sale a couple of years ago. They are wonderful for fall or Thanksgiving table settings. I have also found them helpful for small appetizers like peanuts, candies, and desserts.
These small bowls were popular back in the 70s.
And I have seen them at many estate sales and yard sales.
8. Table Topic:
Would you use these old-fashioned and possibly outdated fruit bowls on your table settings or as appetizer bowls?
Tablecloth
9. Table Topic
This now brings me to a multi-prawn table topic question: Do you prefer a tablecloth, placemats, or both? What are a few unique tablecloth and placemat ideas?
For instance, this tea and toast tablecloth is actually a neck wrap given to me by BXB by Jenny Buxton at last weekend’s Vintage Market Days Vermont. As I rested the wrap on one of the table’s chairs, I admired the colors and pattern so much that I used it as my tablecloth. You could also incorporate blankets, scarves, curtains, and shower curtains.
Any other creative suggestions?
Vintage Ski Lodge Decorations
Once we enter the fall decorating season, my ski lodge decorations start appearing around our home. You may have noticed a pillow, skis, and polls in some of the photos in today’s post. That’s just the beginning of lots more to come. See more in my Vintage Ski Lodge Decorations series.
In the dining room, I have a pair of vintage cross-country skis leaning up next to a ski lodge print that I found at a local yard sale, a pair of children’s bamboo ski poles that I found at Vintage Market Days Vermont this past weekend, and this hand-hooked skier pillow that I found at our local thrift shop.
Two Overland Australian sheepskin rugs covering two vintage wooden chairs are at the table; pull them all together. They add an extra level of winter coziness for table-topic conversations like this one, which we are having here today.
You may also enjoy this Cozy Winter Dining Room with Ski Lodge Decor | Get the Look post from last holiday season.
10, 11 & 12 Table Topics:
Do you decorate with old snowshoes, skis, ice skates, sleds, etc. in the winter?
Do you decorate with vintage ski lodge decorations outside and inside?
Have you ever made ice candles?
Your Guide to an Eclectic Style~
If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com
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This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
What a fun post, Ann! I love the idea of a velvet ribbon tied around a pitcher! During the holidays, I find myself tying velvet bows on everything, haha!
I have never heard these style of dishes called tea and toast. I think my mom called hers clear ones just tea plates. They were for ladies morning ot afternoon tea times to have the small choices of food and a cup of tes, coffee or punch. It was easy to hold in your lap during these gatherings. I have often wished thatI had them thoiugh I’m not sure thart Mom had hers.
Yes, I hadn’t seen them before either, but I love them. So unique and good for an afternoon snack too! Thanks Linda!
Wow! What a beautiful table setting. You picked up some gems. I could see the plates used for afternoon tea break. I’m copying the ribbon idea as well. I sure wish you were my sister! What fun we would have.
Lol you’re so cute Kathy. Thrifting sisters for sure, haha. I love the idea of an afternoon tea break. Perfect! Glad you enjoyed today’s post.