This weekend, Jaithan and I were in Greenwich for a wedding between two good friends of mine from high school, Kristina McKittrick and Brian Walsh. Now I can't take any credit, but the location, the food, the flowers—everything down to the last detail was spectacular! This was a total fairytale, I promise you, so be sure to check out the post mid-week. In the meantime, here's a quick spin through the Knights of Columbus Flea Market we did on Sunday, the first flea market I ever went to and one of my absolute favorites. It happens twice a year, fall and spring, with all local vendors and lots of great tabletop stuff, just in time for holiday entertaining!
Check out this old wooden biscuit jar I found. Very Ralph Lauren on a budget—just 8 bucks! It has an ironstone insert that used to keep biscuits fresh at tea time. This one's missing its lid, but I'm fine with that. I'll probably use it for flowers anyway—maybe a masculine mix of white spider mums for a library. Now, if only I had a library...
Jaithan spotted this teapot with an inscription from 1900, and I almost gagged it was so beautiful! Love the ebony handle and finial. It really is in amazing condition, so I'm definitely glad it's getting colder outside for all that tea we're going to be drinking.
And what goes better with tea than toast? This antique toast rack I spotted is Victorian silverplate with an unusual shape I love! Can't you just see the stacks of thinly sliced pullman loaf toast with sweet butter and preserves? It's such a sophisticated way to serve a simple breakfast, don't you think? Or, do what I do with some of my other toast racks and repurpose it completely by placing it on a desk for stationary and cards.
These plates caught my eye as well. They're a little ornate for my taste in table settings, but I do think they could be made modern by grouping them together in a graphic arrangement over, say, a sideboard in a dining room or in a line going down a hallway.
They're Royal Doulton and are of excellent make. I'm actually getting inspired now to do a post on all china and silver markings, just to share what I look for whenever I'm shopping the flea market. Let me know if you'd be into that!
I have to admit...I do love a plate! Throw in a seasonal pattern, a scalloped edge, give it to me for a buck and I have to get a closer look! These were on the dollar tarp, so I decided to get in.
Love the basket weave edge, the autumnal colors and all the bittersweet berries and leaves. Just looking at them, I suspected they might be Spode...
And they are! How perfect would they be for a fall dessert?
The Fairy Godmother of Fall Entertaining must have definitely been smiling down on me because at the very next booth, I found this incredible set of 1940s German Bakelite for 50 cents a piece. Can you believe it? Love the shape...and the color. It's almost like caramel! Oooooo—apple upside down cake with caramel sauce would be so perfect on those plates, don't you think?
And while we're on the topic of dessert, check out these antique German pudding molds in two of my favorite types of pottery—yellowware and ironstone. These I'd use for serving pieces or even flower arrangements.
Another thing I love are vintage wire drying racks. As a caterer, I used them all the time for setting up buffets. Once they're all polished up, they're perfect because there's already a place for silverware and plates. How great is that for the holidays?
And speaking of, for a Thanksgiving table, check out this vintage turkey cream and sugar set! Things like this can get a little Thanksgiving kitsch, but these are in a sophisticated color palette I love. I'd collect a whole bunch, all in different sizes, then group them on a table filled with nuts, flowers, and fall fruits.
This booth was full of antique kitchenware, which I'm always on the look out for. The deeper you dig, the better the find!
Take these antique canapé cutters I found in clubs, hearts, spades and diamonds. How perfect would they be for a super chic bridge party with my favorite playing cards from Hermés. I'd do black bread salmon sandwiches on glass cake pedestals and beautiful tartlets with mandarin oranges and lemon curd. Hermés orange never looked so good!
And how cute are these little individual Pyrex pie plates for 50 cents each? I've never seen them before, and I love anything individual. If the apple upside down cake on the Spode plates doesn't work out, individual pecan pies would be so pretty, don't you think?
Love the dollar table! You never know what you'll find, especially with all those onsies. When I saw this railroad etched wine glass, I almost fell over! It's exactly my pattern, and after one got broken at my Christmas party last year, I've been on the look out ever since.
Isn't this pillow case pretty? I love collecting antique linen pillow cases, then giving them away as hostess gifts. They're great in a guest bedroom, especially the ones with monograms.
Flea markets are full of doilies that always look so dated, don't you think? To modernize mine, I recently dyed a bunch gray. Do you have any other ideas for how to update them?
I'm always on the look out for vintage cookbooks. I especially love all the illustrations and classic recipes. This one Jaithan spotted, and I'm already craving a classic Sunday night supper of roast with carrots, potatoes and celery.
And to carve it, this antler set would have been perfect if it only had a knife. The good news is that you can find them almost anywhere, including eBay. Collections take time, but that's the fun of it!
All these fall dinners I was planning in my head definitely made me hungry, so I had to stop for a hot dog at the cafe right on the grounds. They were grilling them up fresh, and I couldn't resist!
Once I'd had a little something to eat, it was on to the furniture! This pair of old interior French doors I loved, especially for the good original hardware. If I had more space, I'd store them until we buy a house. Then, I'd have a cabinet in say, the kitchen, built especially just for them.
And while I'm building my castle in the sky—or, in my case, an 1870s farmhouse with out properties—this old carriage lantern would be perfect. Now, if only I had a carriage house to hang it on...
This table I thought had a really great shape. Loved that it had a coffee table tray; hated the dark brown wood. For a bohemian, slightly exotic living room, I'd paint it fuchsia, pile it high with books, then do all Moroccan rugs with poufs in gold and orange.
Chairs like these are at practically every flea market out there. The shape's pretty; the finish, not so much. These I'd paint a pretty pale blue, cover the seats in blue and white seersucker, then monogram the backs in white. How chic is that for beachside living?
All in all, I'd say it was a great day at the Knights of Columbus Flea Market in Greenwich. And be sure to check back this week for the wedding post as well as Objects of the Day with all my finds!
ooooh yes please on the post with silver markings... silverplated, nickel silverplated, silver, sterling silver, very duh for someone who is very new to the silverware world!
Posted by: Audrey "drey" Coggins | February 06, 2009 at 09:55 PM
Hello Eddie Ross:
What a wonderful flea market -- filled with treasures...you have a good eye for details.
If you came to my home it would look like I went on the flea market hunt for treasures with you and your friends,,
Love your blog. Thanks for sharing your photos and talents
Joanny
Posted by: Joanny | November 21, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Love that upright toast rack amd the rattan round table. What fun - I felt like I got to go the flea market vicariously.
Posted by: My Notting Hill | October 08, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Another "yes" vote for the china/silver markings post.
I love love love the bakelite silverware. I can't believe they were only 50 cents! Could you loan out your Fairy Godmother of Fall Entertaining to us here in California for a spell please?
Posted by: dutchbaby | October 08, 2008 at 01:29 PM
"Sigh... I love you Eddie Ross."
Posted by: jill | October 08, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Yes, definitely enlighten us with the marks you look for. Thanks in advance, Eddie!
Posted by: Kimberly | October 07, 2008 at 02:14 PM
I saw you on Martha Stewart a week or so ago, so now here I am reading your blog. I love flea markets! My husband and I are looking for narrow French doors to install between our new master bath and walk-through closet in our 250-year-old stone home. The door in the one picture looks perfect!! Any recollection of who that vendor was, on the off chance the door(s) didn't sell?
Posted by: Erin | October 07, 2008 at 12:22 PM
i would love to see a post with all the markings you look for! love your style!
i was excited the other day when i found an Ironstone Harmony House Emerald Isle Gravy Boat from 1965 :)
Posted by: jess | October 07, 2008 at 04:33 AM
It's always so satisfying going shopping with you. The next best thing to being there because you give us so much to look at. Thanks, Eddie!
Posted by: Marie | October 07, 2008 at 02:33 AM
De-lurking here, recently found your site from the Martha show on blogging. I loved those Spode plates and the setting you painted with them! One question, maybe you have answered it somewhere in your archive, but I know NYC apartments, and where do you store all your stuff??? Do you have an inventory list?
And Duh! *smacks forehead* I need a toast rack to sort my mail. Also loved your idea of making magnets from old earrings--I have a ton from several grandmothers!
Posted by: meanders | October 06, 2008 at 09:35 PM
YES! please do a post/series on what you look for ... china markings etc... i loved the tea party theme ... how's about a beautiful tablescape with your fabulous tea pot, toast rack, and china..!??! I a glad that you struck gold with some more bakelite utensils! I finally got home and got to log on to see what you were up to this weekend.. great way to end my day! :)
Posted by: Ivy Lane | October 06, 2008 at 09:16 PM
The last two weeks I've been studying silver marks because I inherited a set of Danish Modern sterling flatware by Hans Hansen. I stumbled upon this website for silver marks; perhaps it will help you and your readers, Eddie?
http://www.925-1000.com/silverplate_A.html
With my thanks for all your glorious work!
Posted by: Barbara | October 06, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Just another yes for a post on china and silverware markings.
I'd love some info on collecting in general - maybe some books you might recommend on whats-what.
Thanks!
Posted by: Jessica J. | October 06, 2008 at 07:38 PM
I love your blog, it is a daily read for me.
Of all the finds above at the Flea Market, I would love to know what things you actually purchased. Just being curious :)) It would be good at the end of a post to show goodies you bought. I think you have done that before. But not this one!!
Posted by: Patricia | October 06, 2008 at 07:01 PM
I am offically de-lurking to tell you I am beyond jealous!!! I was in Greenwich on Sunday and couldn't convince my husband to stop. It looks like you found some amazing things!!
Would love love love for you to do some posts on what markings you look for in regards to china and silver!!
I know you mentioned possibly doing some flea market tutorials in the city and would LOVE to have your valuable advice as I have lived here for 3 years and tend to get a bit overwhelmed when it comes to hitting the markets in the city.
You are beyond adorable with personality plus!! Thanks for sharing your great eye and fabulous finds with the rest of us!!
Posted by: Courtney | October 06, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Once again, love your flea market posts!
Posted by: DecorPad | October 06, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Eddie....Where did you get your sweater???? I want it. Love your finds...I'm always out checking for the best deal of day too. Wish you would come to Washington State. Have a wonderful week!
Best to you both.....
Posted by: Helen | October 06, 2008 at 04:53 PM
I would LOVE a post about china.
Posted by: Camille | October 06, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Great finds- If real estate wasnt so darn expensive in New York Id tell you to open a store- what an incredible eye you have-
Posted by: Suzanne | October 06, 2008 at 04:33 PM
First time poster -
Love that you always talk about painting dated furniture. How I have a super-cool 50s bar but it's veneer and is in desperate need of a really cool paint job. Not sure which color OR how to paint veneer.
Can you do a special day where people upload photos of furniture in need of 'updating' and you tell them what it needs?
Thanks!
Posted by: Stephanie in Atlanta | October 06, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Color me jealous! I never headed to CT this weekend due to the rain.
My Mom had those heart, spades, diamonds cookie cutters when I was a kid, love it!
Posted by: Renovation Therapy | October 06, 2008 at 04:18 PM
A few things:
1. Yes please on the post regarding the markings.
2. Do you ever *not* score at a flea market?
3. You are so beyond adorbs, with your big grin and stylish outfits.
4. I've been meaning to post this forever, but I love your camo tote. LOVE!
5. You need to post some pics of you and Jaithan! Hee!
Posted by: Jennifer | October 06, 2008 at 01:48 PM
LOVE your blog!! How does one clean and maintain an antler carving set? I own a set in desperate need of cleaning but am afraid I'll ruin the finish. It belonged to my grandparents and probably dates to the 1920's. Any advise is greatly appreciated!
Posted by: Inspired Living | October 06, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Yes please on the China post. I do have some knowledge but am always looking to add to it. So far I have been limiting my china collection to a few specific English manufacturers like Royal Doulton, Johnson Brothers, and few Spode.
Out here in the Pacific Northwest I do not believe I have ever seen bakelite flatware ever. I will have to keep a better eye out just in case I over look it.
I also have not ever seen the individual glass pyrex pie pans. I have a few metal ones but not glass.
Posted by: Stephanie | October 06, 2008 at 01:38 PM
You did fantastic as usual. My favorite treasure is the bucket. I would love for you to post on the china markings. I love the dollar tags too and have found some real treasures. Oh and the teapot is wonderful too. Of course all your finds are wonderful.
Posted by: Judy | October 06, 2008 at 01:15 PM
You certainly scored! The prices and quality of goods are unbelievable,but then there's that Eye of yours...I love your idea of the old doors worked into a kitchen or later a cabinet,really love everything you purchased.The table painted fuchsia,v.cool,two days until Top Design,am I really looking forward to your creations.Best.
Posted by: barbara heady | October 06, 2008 at 01:02 PM
wow, those were amazing finds! please china and silver marking tips with us...I could use the education!
Posted by: hanako66 | October 06, 2008 at 12:51 PM
those plates! those wire racks!
but I keep going back to how wonderfully styled you are at every one of these flea market trips. Love the stripe on your shoe mimicking the stripe on your sleeve.
Posted by: beachbungalow8 | October 06, 2008 at 12:28 PM
How do you store all your wonderful kitchen-finds?!
I would love to know more about spotting silver and china gems! :)
Thanks for some creative inspiration.
Posted by: karyn | October 06, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Well, most said it for me. I too would love to see the markings your look for. I have an "eye" (an antique acquaintance told me after seeing my house), but just wonder at all I'm missing because I only buy from the gut and not knowledge. That would be great of you to teach us.
(Can't believe that weird table setting beat yours. WHAT were they thinking on Top Design??? His were plopped down "organically??" and yours was FABULOUS!)
Hugs,
Pam
Posted by: Pam | October 06, 2008 at 12:20 PM
YES!! Would love to learn a little more about china and silverware - as I'd like to start a collection. I am always at thrift shops looking, but I want quality items that won't break the bank. I also love to collect vintage glass - a post on that would be fab!!!
Posted by: Mona | October 06, 2008 at 12:15 PM
A post on china and silver markings would be fab -- I'm always wondering what ELSE I should be looking for.
Posted by: ellen | October 06, 2008 at 11:38 AM
I love your flea market trip posts. They are so informative. You have a great eye!
Posted by: Kelly | Purple Lemon Designs | October 06, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Great post - I love everything you found, especially the teapot and the toast rack. Do you have any tips on cleaning silver/silverplate? You've inspired me to start collecting!
Posted by: Rielah | October 06, 2008 at 10:59 AM
i agree withi all that i would love to see a tutorial on china and silver markings - what you look for whenever you're shopping the flea market! i suggested this in an earlier post but thought you probably weren't into the idea -so i'd be thrilled to read it. i've began educating myself on this very topic but there is so much to keep track of! knowing the basics would definitely be helpful :) thanks!
Posted by: kay* | October 06, 2008 at 10:58 AM
I was so excited for you to find the bakelite utensils! Hooray! Would be thrilled to have a "tutorial" from you on china, glassware, etc markings - pretty please!!
Posted by: Alison G. | October 06, 2008 at 10:40 AM
A day of shopping with you would be heaven! How do you always manage to score? You are really training my eye. Thanks!
Posted by: Dianne | October 06, 2008 at 10:36 AM
I'm saying "yes, please" to a post about china and silver markings. That would be super!
Posted by: Anne | October 06, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Wow, what amazing finds at the flea market!!
And yes, I would totally be interested in a post on china and silver markings- that would be great!
Posted by: LindsB | October 06, 2008 at 10:21 AM
You hit the jackpot! The bakelite was the best. Love the tip about dyeing the doilies. Thank you!
Posted by: Laura Ingalls Gunn | October 06, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Your blog is tons of fun! I love seeing all the deals, and your ideas for giving some things a new life are really inspiring. (I love the idea of using a toast rack for stationary!) I think more entries on recognizing quality - like through marks - would be fantastic.
Posted by: rachel | October 06, 2008 at 09:55 AM
eddie, Another great shopping trip. You have such a great eye. Love all of the special finds.I would love more info on china and silver. I loved the tea pot!I think that glass was there just waiting for you. I would say the decorating Gods were with you.
Posted by: Kathy sue | October 06, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Yes - please do a posting on china and silver markings! Since discovering your blog I've been inspired to collect all sorts of wonderful things, but I don't feel like I know enough to be smart about it. Please help! Also, do you or any of your readers have recommendations for flea markets in the Chicago area?
Posted by: Katie | October 06, 2008 at 09:26 AM
I can't believe how cheap that flatware was!!! Someone must not have known what it was.
Posted by: pigtown-design | October 06, 2008 at 09:16 AM
A VERY successful day at the flea market -- just wonderful finds and treasures! Thanks for sharing -- can't wait to see how you use them! And waiting for those weddings photos too! LOL!
Jan at Rosemary Cottage
Posted by: Jan | October 06, 2008 at 08:53 AM
I have that complete antler carving set, it belonged to my Grandpa! It's even better when they are pieces that actually worked their way down to you through family!
Posted by: GoP | October 06, 2008 at 08:01 AM
A friend sent me your blog link and I love it! It's so fun to see your flea market shopping, almost as good as being there, almost.
Personally, I think you're being judged harshly on TD - I think you should have 2 of the triathalon legs.
Thanks for the fun and inspiration-
barb
Posted by: barb | October 06, 2008 at 07:56 AM
Whenever I read a post about bakelite, I feel guilty about giving away 16 place settings of bakelite from the 60s from my family's beachhouse....oh well!
Posted by: Things that Inspire | October 06, 2008 at 06:27 AM
would love to hear about your experience on china and silver markings. thanks for the "tiop design" link you sent me. erika
Posted by: erika | October 06, 2008 at 02:45 AM
Wow, Eddie...thank you for sharing your great finds...you had a very successful day at the flea market, to say the least! Also, a post on china and silver markings would be wonderful. And on another note, with regards to your favorite flea markets, do you have a top 5?
I can't wait to see the fairy tale wedding pictures...have a great week!
Posted by: Keri | October 06, 2008 at 02:39 AM