Collecting Mismatched and Vintage China

Hey friends!  Today, I want to share with you something that's near and dear to my heart...antique china!  (insert sigh)

I have a huge weakness for any type of vintage china that's decorated with a gold rim and that has the pretty pastel colors....Aaaand anything dainty, floral and delicate!  In other words, I love shabby chic!

My love for vintage china began probably about a year ago, when I discovered some super-inexpensive (25 cents each, that is!!) fancy dishes at a thrift store.  When I realized I could find delicate beauty on the dime for my tableware, I was sold!  I don't want any of my collection to be too matchy-matchy.  What's the fun in that?!  Granted, some of it is definitely from the same line of each other, but that's okay.  I just like variety.  :)

My number one rule when buying china is that I have to absolutely LOVE it.  There's so much vintage china out there (via hand-me-downs, thrift stores, estate sales, and antique stores), that if I just buy every inexpensive piece that I see, I'd have a serious problem of clutter!

So in addition to the above pics, below is a little snippet of my collection.  You'll notice that I've paired some pieces with each other that don't share the same design, but they DO share a similar color palette (which is key).

What do you think about the gilded salt cellars and the vegetable bowl (below)?  I'm in love!

And I love these beautiful tea cups!  Look at those gorgeous curves!

When my dishes aren't on display, they're tucked away as neatly as possible in one of my kitchen cabinets (pic below).  And to take it a step further, I added a few sheets of scrapbook paper to the back of the cabinet wall!

I hope you enjoyed viewing my little collection.  It's still growing, and one of the main things I'm on the lookout for right now, are dainty tea cups with pretty handles.  That's what I love about antique shopping.  You never know what you'll find!

What do you think about my china?  Do you have a similar love for fancy dishes?  I'd love to hear all about it!