A Thrifted Thanksgiving Table: 5 Vintage Finds That Go With the Dishes You Already Own

Start with the plates you use every day. Set one on the table, pull out the napkins you already have, and see what’s missing. Maybe it’s a big bowl for the mashed potatoes or a platter long enough to hold the rolls. That gives you something specific to look for when you go antiquing, and you can build the table one piece at a time.

Here are five vintage finds worth looking for.

1. A serving bowl with a little color

A cream-colored Hall Jewel Tea Autumn Leaf bowl, with its warm orange and brown leaves, is an easy starting point. Put it beside plain white plates and pick up one color from the bowl in your napkins. If you’re shopping with a particular dish in mind, think about how it will be served. A wide bowl gives a serving spoon room to move, and a steady base helps when the bowl is passed around.

2. A platter big enough for seconds

An oval platter is handy for sliced turkey, but I’d look for one even if someone else is bringing the bird. A plain white platter makes a pile of roasted carrots look good, and a patterned one gives a row of dinner rolls a place of its own. If your table gets crowded, measure the space between the place settings before you shop.

3. Cloth napkins that can do double duty

A stack of mismatched cloth napkins can tie the table together if they share one color. Try cream linen, tan checks, and a rust stripe. If you find an extra napkin you love, fold it into the bread basket and let the corners hang over the sides.

4. Two candlesticks with some character

A short pair of brass or glass candlesticks can fill that awkward gap between serving dishes. Look for bases that sit flat and holders that fit the candles you have. Try setting them near either end of the table so there’s room in the middle for the food and everyone can see across it.

5. A gravy boat that pours easily

Pick it up by the handle and see how it feels in your hand. A good spout and a little saucer underneath make it easier to pass without leaving a trail across the table. After Thanksgiving, bring it back out for warm maple syrup at breakfast.

If I were shopping for just one thing, I’d pick the piece that solves a problem I have every year. In my case, I’d look for a serving bowl generous enough for the potatoes and pretty enough to leave on the table for seconds.

If you’re heading toward Julian, stop by Wynola Junction Antiques & Collectibles and see what catches your eye. Bring a photo of your everyday dishes if you’d like to see how a find might look alongside them.