What is it ?
The idea is to combine pieces of vintage tableware, not coming from the same set to create series of plates, glasses, silverware, etc ...
A trend that has been going on for years now, which is not running out of steam, on the contrary, because it makes it possible to set up magnificent tables with a unique character.
So if you think that these two beautiful plates you had a crush on at the flea market, will not be useful because you need more of them, think again ! With a little patience and inspiration, you will find other pieces to complete them.
The result is infinitely scalable to give free rein to all your ideas and play with the seasons.
Only for the mix to take, you have to respect some basic rules.
How to do it ?
You have to find a common thread between the pieces.
This is the essential rule to make it works every time. If each piece of crockery has one point in common with the others, it’s a win ! It can be a touch of color, gilding, a shape, a style (country, baroque, English ...), an era, a motif, a theme (flowers, birds, seasons ...).
However I recommend to create an assortment in a unique material. It is rather difficult to combine pieces of different materials, so to avoid a mistake, prefer only porcelain, or only ironstone or barbotine, etc.
The easiest way to get started is to choose a color. Shop the dishes you like, focusing only on this color. The current trend, for example, is to mix ironstone plates with different patterns but in the same colour. Or why not the elegance of a timeless white tableware that you can sometimes pimp with pieces of color. With experience you will dare more challenging mixes.
The benefits?
Beyond the obvious aspect of receiving around a table with a unique style and that looks like you, the advantages of the mix & match are multiple :
- Vary table styles by playing on different combinations possible. Six plates like this, six plates like that and you can already create different mixes according to your inspiration. This does not require having in your cupboards several complete sets to surprise your guests each time, a big saving of space in the end !
- In case of breakage, no inconsolable regret, the pieces being interchangeable, you can more easily replace them.
- Buying a full set is a big budget. Bargain hunting its tableware gradually, also allows to spread the expenses in time, while enjoying with beautiful antique and rare pieces.
- No need to remember that choosing to buy vintage/ antique/ second hand is a more respectful way of consumption for the planet.
"There is an incredible personal satisfaction to set a table with tableware that has been patiently bargained over time."
- You will have beautiful stories to tell your guests about how you found, by incredible luck, this or that piece of your tableware !
So there is no more to hesitate, dare to mix and have fun ! Here are the little beauties to shop on Kitchen Brocante.
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