Charity shop finds
I don’t know what I’ve done to Instagram, but my ‘Suggested’ feed is now full of Americans visiting thrift stores and showing off their finds. Thrift stores are the American version of our charity shops, the most famous probably being Goodwill.
In my case, I’ve always been a lover of charity shops. This is because frugality is my mother’s second name and while I’m nowhere near as frugal as my mother, I do love a good rummage. I’m a voracious reader, so charity shops have always been a great source of books, and my top find of all time was a red, A-line, suede skirt from Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. I still have it in the wardrobe, even though its days of fitting are behind me.
Charity shops can also be a great source of homewares and kitchenwares. You’ve got to keep your eyes open, scan the shelves for the styles that you like, and if you’re lucky, you’ll come away with some great finds. It’s possible to unearth some great vintage finds, and it can be great fun digging into the history of the pieces that you find.
Vintage platters and plates
Having a nice selection of platters and plates is great for when you have guests over, but it also brings immeasurable joy even when cooking for yourself. The right plate can bring contrast and interest to a dish. I have a range of modern Irish pieces, but I’ve also picked up some beauties in charity shops.
This brown and cream platter, for which I paid €10. There is no obvious maker’s mark, but it is the Asiatic Pheasants pattern made famous by Royal Stafford, but this pattern was produced also by multiple other manufacturers. Regardless, this one is perfect for serving up big slices of roast meats and Christmas dinner.
A Wedgwood plate in the Tiger Lily pattern, purchased for €5. Confusingly, Wedgwood had two different patterns called Tiger Lily, one a delicate pattern on fine china, and one on more ‘standard’ pottery. I haven’t been able to put a definite date on this plate, but regardless, I love the Art Deco vibes.
An earthenware plate from Connemara Celtic, purchased for €7. I think this pottery was produced in Kilrush, though I haven’t been able to find any real detail on the company. If any reader can shed light, please do. Their sets from the 1950s and 1960s are highly distinctive and attractive.
Cups
This single tea cup caught my eye one day, and even though it was sadly missing its accompanying saucer I picked it up and turned it over. It was made by Arklow Pottery who ceased manufacturing in 1998 after over 60 years in business. The pattern is called the ‘Kildare’ pattern, and based on the stamp, I think it was made in the 1970s. I’m currently using this as a pen holder on my kitchen windowsill, where I can smile at the design every day.
These aren’t a vintage find by any means, but I already have two of these which I received as a gift from Nespresso when I placed an order. Because I mainly drink espresso at home, I was delighted to pick up another two for €1 each recently to add to my existing two.
Vintage Pyrex
There’s something about old Pyrex that I just love. Over the years, Pyrex (or JAJ if in the UK) was manufactured with a huge range of designs and patterns, which reflected the styles of the time. There are several internet archives where you can search for patterns and when they were manufactured, including Murielle’s Antiques and Pyrex Potluck.
I picked up two immaculate cups and saucers in the Autumn Glory or Dahlia pattern, which was produced between 1969 and 1984, so these are at least 40 years old. Stick out that pinky, and enjoy a cuppa.
The odd slightly green tinged glass in this measuring jug caught my eye, and I could immediately tell it was old Pyrex. When I did some Google Image reverse searches, I learned that it was most likely from the 1920s. It’s not worth a lot, but amazing to think it’s 100 years old.
I have multiple vintage Pyrex or JAJ casserole dishes. But the oldest one I own is this ‘Snowflake’ pattern which was manufactured from 1958 to 1967. So it’s a whopping 60 years old. Sadly, the bowl didn’t come with its original lid, but lids often pop up on their own in charity shops, so hopefully I’ll find a replacement someday.
Hopefully, I’ve left you with some inspiration to go search out treasures in your local charity shop. Regardless of whether you’re into vintage, or just want functional replacements for everyday use, charity shops can be just the spot, and all in aid of some very good causes.
I love this! I adore older ware. I have my Gramdmother’s earthenware oven casserole dish. It’s well over 100 years and the only thing wrong with it is a little chip and it’s a terrible brown colour but I value it so much