Everyday Guide to Collecting Vintage, Antiques and Cottagecore

Everyday Guide to Collecting

“Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love”- Nate Berkus

In this post I am going to share some of my favorite things that I inherited from my grandmother and where to find them now. I’m sharing my everyday guide to collecting vintage, antique and cottagecore. Most of them have been passed down from my father’s side of the family, which my grandmother had been collecting.

I received her china set, along with her china cabinet which I love! I use it to show my collections. Another set I have, I got passed down to me from my aunt as well.  I know that doesn’t say exactly where the pieces are from. But I have spotted pieces to my sets at thrift stores and garage sales.

It all started when I was kid, watching my mom decorate along with my grandmother on my father’s side. I always loved to help decorate, whether it was for the change of seasons, holidays, or parties. My grandmother always used her fine china for special events and gatherings as well as my mother. I was and still am a girly girl. I loved to dress up, have tea parties, and anything floral!

On top of that, my mother had several collections of her own. It ranged from plates, lace, doilies, teapots, tea cups, and baskets. I told myself I wanted to have a collection of my own when I became an adult. And that’s what I did, with some help along the way.

One thing that I love about collecting is the joy of finding these beautiful and fun treasures that you will cherish, use, and share with others for years to come. I believe in using what you have; you don’t have to wait for special occasions. I encourage you to surround yourself with your collected trove.

I collect a lot of plates. I use the small ones to put scented candles on them or jewelry.  I also love larger decorative plates, especially in my bedroom. I try to find both less feminine/flowery ones for more neutral look and super feminine/flowery ones.  I also try to find full sets to use for entertaining.

My mom always collected a lot of blue and white plates, which are a great place to start.  Because of their popularity, they are timeless. I also recently started collecting glass. Glassware and jars are one of my new favorites to collect. They go great with my plate collection because I can use them all for parties and special events. It is fun to mix and match them too. You can create a stunning table setting.

I love collecting old vintage books. This one started out slow, then once I watch the first Fixer Upper episode and I saw Joanna use them in the décor. I fell more in love with them! They are versatile and have many uses. To cozy up a shelf, bookcase or even a kitchen counters. I am also a history nerd and love all things historical. I find myself reading some of the books and feel like I have been transported back to early 1900’s. They come in all sizes and colors.

Now you are probably wondering where to start looking. If you feel intimidated, don’t! The wonderful thing is that I find most of my treasures at thrift stores or garage sales.  Which you will find bargains there! I’ve gotten some for only fifty cents apiece at a garage or estate sales! Check out your local newspaper to find out about sales in your neighborhood.

Or now thanks to social media, you can find out about garage/estate sales. Now for thrift stores, I usually walk down each aisle a few times- look high and low. Another great spot is antique shops or flea markets. Now this can be pricier but usually worth it.  And you will have some successful trips and some not so much. But I always think that if I don’t find treasure that day, the next time I’ll find a trove!

–Megan 
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