I love a good vintage find almost as much as I love spending time with friends. Over the years, I've collected vintage hosting essentials that make any dinner party with loved ones feel like an extra-special occasion. These items add charm to any gathering, and they're an easy conversation starter — a must-have for any good party.
Finding the best vintage hosting essentials can take some time. I love browsing antique stores and thrift shops, but if you don't have time to go in person, there are some great online antique stores where you can find vintage glassware, serving trays, and more.
If you see an item that looks a little worse for wear, don't write it off immediately. Many vintage silver items can be restored with a little bit of polish. If you spot vintage linens with minor holes or stains, consider whether you might be able to transform them into placemats, napkins, or table runners.
Keep reading for more tips on finding the best vintage hosting essentials. If you're looking for even more creative home ideas, read up on the vintage finds that double as smart storage solutions and the vintage decor trends designers say are making a comeback.
Vintage Glassware
I'll never stop singing the praises of vintage glassware. My bar cabinet is overflowing with wine goblets and cocktail glasses I've accumulated over the years. Older designs can be so stunning, and they're a great way to add character to a tabletop outfitted with modern plates and servingware. A word to the wise: if you spot a set of seven glasses while secondhand shopping but only anticipate needing six, be sure to still buy them all. Inevitably, glasses will break over time, and you'll be grateful to have a backup on hand!
Vintage Silver Platters
Why serve appetizers and desserts on standard plates when you can use elegant silver platters? I've amassed quite the collection of silver platters from thrift stores, tag sales, and sites like eBay. Whether arranged in a group or individually, they infuse my gatherings with some fabulous old-school glamour, which is having a moment right now. When hosting a cookie exchange recently, I placed a dozen or so silver platters on a folding table in my living room so everyone would have a place for their treats when they arrived. The end result looked incredibly elevated without much effort.
Vintage Champagne Buckets
Vintage champagne buckets are all the rage—thrifters are always excited when they come across these, which often just need a little bit of TLC (ie: silver polish) to be brought back to life. While you can use a vintage champagne bucket for its intended purpose, I also like styling them as vases. For instance, during the holidays, I'll fill one with evergreen clippings and red berry branches and display it on my mantel for a festive touch. Because champagne buckets are taller and wider than many vases, their structure makes it easy to accommodate larger bouquets, too.
Vintage Wine Bottle Coasters
Sure, you can set out a bottle of wine on the coffee table and call it a day, but to make your setup more elevated, why not place one inside of a vintage crystal bottle coaster? Doing this will protect your tabletop, but it also just looks chic. It's one of those small details that will make your friends feel as though they're getting a five-star guest experience. You can find these coasters on Etsy or eBay, and they even make great gifts.
Vintage Table Linens
Keep your eyes peeled for stunning vintage and antique table linens as you secondhand shop. Whether you're in the market for a tablecloth, a runner, a set of placemats, or just some nice cocktail napkins, you can discover so many gems when going the pre-loved route (they just might need a bit of ironing!). My favorite tactic is to look for monogrammed linens; it always feels special to add a "bespoke" touch to my tabletop. That said, don't be afraid of a mismatched look. It's often difficult to find complete sets of anything while secondhand shopping. A great workaround is to combine two sets of three placemats to create a stylish dinner party setup for six, for example.
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Country Living. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.
