The other day I was running errands and I stopped in at one of my favorite discount stores on a whim. As I was looking through all of the fall decorations, I stumbled across a couple of orange pumpkin plates. They were the identical plates I bought last year, however, I was only able to find 4 plates at that time. I was excited to find these twins and I happily snatched up the new ones to add to my collection.
My husband would roll his eyes wondering what use I couldpossibly have for two more plates, but to me, these were a great find and a fantastic addition!
When I entertain, I like to mix and match my dishes. I think it adds a lot of visual interest, warmth and color. Plus, the more I have to mix and match, the more it enables me to serve a crowd in style. (I’m a big believer in using real dishes for special occasions.)
I have always been a believer in mixing and matching but I put more emphasis on it a few years ago when I decided it was time to update my dishes. (I didn’t register for china when I got married, instead I just mixed and matched my every day with some fancier salad plates and pretty bowls when I entertained.) My every day dishes, although still fine for every day, weren’t looking so nice for guests after several years of daily use. So, I bought myself some inexpensive white dishes from IKEA to get started and to serve as a “base layer” from which I could build.
Although they were very inexpensive and simple, they have served me well. But, I knew I needed something that were serve me for many years and for many occasions.
That’s when I started collecting my Spode Delamere brown transferware. I started by buying the salad plates so I could mix and match easily with the white. I was able to entertain with style while I bought dishes as I could afford them.
I now have 12 salad plates and 8 dinner plates in my precious Spode. I have also added white handled soup bowls from Williams-Sonoma as well as various holiday plates such as my pumpkin hors d’oeuvres plates to add interest and color, and of course, practicality.
I love the pops of color the inexpensive additions add to the timeless beauty of my Spode transferware!
It takes some time to gather a collection of dishes you love, but it’s so much fun to create an inviting table for guests.
To me, layering makes it feel extra special.
Tips for mixing and matching dishes:
- Start with solid dinner plates if you’re just starting a collection. Of course, I recommend white or creamy white. It goes with absolutely everything!
- It’s easy to add pattern and color with accent pieces like salad plates and bowls.
- Choose patterned pieces that are timeless.
- Use punches of color for your accent pieces (usually salad plates and bowls)
- Get whimsical with inexpensive pieces like bowls or bread plates.
- It’s okay to mix inexpensive with higher quality — be more concerned with colors and patterns and it will all work together just fine!
- Invest in pieces you love!
- Experiment! Mixing and matching is fun!
Where did you find the cute pumpkin plates? Love them!
Thanks Marty! I found them at Marshalls.
Headed there tomorrow! Did you go to the one on Denton highway?
Beautiful! Everything you do is just beautiful…:)
Thank you so much, Terri – you made my day! 🙂
I love this post. Lovely tableware. Great ideas. Thank you. You have a wonderful flair for beauty at home.
Sherry
Thank you so much for your kind compliments, Sherry! I really appreciate it! 🙂