Mix Vintage and New Dishes For Charming Table Settings

Especially for a larger gathering, your vintage dinnerware collection might need some additions. And if you have a party coming soon, it can be easier to acquire some pretty new things to mix and match with your existing set of china.

Dessert plates, for example, do not have to match the china for the meal. Usually we clear our table of the lunch or dinner dishes, then bring out clean plates for the coffee and dessert.

Choose colors and motifs that coordinate with your dinnerware, and use dessert plates for a generous serving of something sweet, in beautiful and tasteful style.

Vintage tablecloths and napkins are also readily available online.

Acquire some new -- or new to you -- napkins, table cloths, runners, place mats, bread cloths and tea towels, and they will become like old friends as you use and enjoy them.

White or ivory linens will go with many table settings. Gold adds a subtle elegance. Earth and nature colors work well with a casual look. And bright, bold colors will help you show off light colored dishes.

Present your napkins with charm by using napkin rings. Or, take up the art of napkin folding in a variety of ways to decorate your table.

Add texture to your table, a feast for the eyes with these finishing touches. When your gets sit down, they will get to see your handiwork up close.

Napkin rings are available in a wide variety of materials, from fine metals to wire, glass, china, acrylic and just about anything you can bend into a circle. No matter your color scheme or theme, there is a style that will fit.

Old silver pieces have a wonderful patina that makes a vintage table. Small pieces like demitasse spoons and napkin rings, middle size creamers and sugars, or large coffee pots -- any or all can grace your table with beauty.

These pieces are available in the secondary marketplace. Watch for condition, especially for places where the silver plate has worn through to the base metal, and especially if you plan to use these pieces.

If you cannot have a vintage set, or grandma's, then add some new silver pieces to your collection and let them join your parties and special events, like wedding showers, anniversary parties, christening luncheons, or quiet, intimate tea parties with just a few friends.

Use silver cleaner, and silver cloth to store your pieces, and they will last for many, many years.