Here’s an easy idea for the holidays: glamorize your holiday table with mismatched flatware! I love the look of mismatched flatware and use it all the time, especially in food styling for the food photography on this blog. And, over time have increased my collection through various resources.
Don’t have a collection of mismatched flatware at hand? Here are 10 tips to grow your collection…
Tip #1 – Buy It in Resale Shops
If you like shopping the old-fashioned way (on foot), start with second-hand stores, thrift shops, antique shops, etc. Often times you will find these sources not only selling flatware in sets of 4, 8, 12 or more, but individually, allowing you the freedom to choose. This can be a fun way to build a collection over time plus bring in new business to your local area stores.
Tip #2 – Buy It in Your Hood
Also, you can visit garage sales, neighborhood block party sales and estate sales. Not only is this a good way to meet your neighbors, but you might find something else you can’t live without.
Tip #3 – Buy It at Street Fairs, Flea Markets, Swap Meets and Antique Fairs
Sellers at street fairs, flea markets and swap meets usually would rather make a sell, than pack it up and take it back home. Often they will negotiate with you, especially if its at the end of the day or the last day of a multi-day event.
Tip #4 – Buy It through a Catalog
That’s a little harder because you have to know which company sells mismatched flatware via catalog. But, if you like to look at catalogs and have decided that you want to glamorize your holiday table with mismatched flatware, you can keep your eyes open as you flip through catalogs and take advantage when the opportunity strikes. One that comes to mind is Napa Style (link), Chef Michael Chiarello’s successful retail company. But, if you can’t get to Napa Valley to visit his store, you can shop through his catalog or website.
Tip #5 – Buy It at a Retail Store
Anthropologie (link) is another retail store that sells vintage mismatched flatware. But, if you don’t have an Anthropologie store in your region, they, too, sell mismatched flatware on their website.
Tip #6 – Buy It through an Etsy Store
A quick Google search of “mismatched flatware” brings up several Etsy possibilities.
Tip #6 – Buy It on Ebay
Endless possibilities to add to your mismatched flatware collection with the click of your mouse!
Tip #7 – Check Out Amazon
I found a set made by Wallace on Amazon (link). DISCLAIMER: if you click on this link, you will be redirected to Amazon. If you make a purchase (whether this flatware or anything else) from Amazon, I will receive a small commission on the sell. This does not increase the price to you. If you do make a purchase after redirecting to Amazon from my site, thank you very much!
Tip #8 – Inherit Your Collection
This is a hard way to boost your collection, though. This means that a loved one has passed away. In my case, I have inherited bits and pieces from my grandmother and my aunt. And, while my mother is still with us (she’s in hospice), she gifted me her flatware, which I in turn gifted to 2 nieces (my mom had a large collection of one set of flatware – not vintage, but beautiful and very modern, which suits my mother to a T).
Tip #9 – Barter and/or Trade with Family and Friends
Do you have 12 friends and family members in your life? It’s a sure bet that they each have a set of flatware. Maybe they’d be interested in trading. Organize a “swap party” with friends and you provide dessert and drinks. Everyone comes over with an entire place setting of 12, each person keeps one place-setting and trades the other 11 with each of the rest of the guests. Everyone goes home with a new set of “vintage” mismatched flatware. What a great party idea; you will end up with a new set to glamorize your holiday table with mismatched flatware!
Tip #10 – Borrow from Friends and Family
Don’t have the money to boost your collection of mismatched flatware at this time, but want to achieve the look this holiday season? Ask to borrow from friends and family. For example, if you are having 12 people over for your holiday meal, ask 3 of them if you can borrow 3 complete place settings (3 knives, 3 dinner forks, 3 salad/dessert forks, 3 soup spoons, 3 teaspoons from each). Then, using 3 of each from your own flatware set, mix and match each place setting. OR, ask each guest to bring a place-setting. But, if you do this, have a “backup plan” just in case a guest or two forgets. AND, be sure to return your borrowed collection of mismatched flatware to their rightful owner or risk the fallout from being a mooch!
Each of these ideas is a great way to glamorize your holiday table with mismatched flatware plus bring fun and whimsy to your tablescape. Plus, your mismatched flatware may become a conversation-starter when everyone sits down to eat!
Need some tablescape ideas for the holidays? Check out these earlier posts:
Decorating the Table for a Thanksgiving Celebration
Ice Cream Sundae Dessert Buffet
Decorating the Table for a Christmas Celebration
Decorating the Table for a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Decorating the Table for an Easter Celebration
A Peacock Tale: Decorating the Table for a Special Celebration
Lots of inspiration to glamorize your holiday table with mismatched flatware, plus mismatched plates, glassware, table linens, etc. I hope these old posts inspire you this holiday season!
Tootles,
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