Whenever I’m thrift shopping, I can’t help but grab beautiful crystal glassware to display on my bar cart. However, now that the cart (and the entertaining cabinet in my kitchen are both quite full), I’ve been turning my focus elsewhere while strolling through the kitchen aisle.
These days, I’m hunting for pretty porcelain teacup and saucer sets. I’ve found several that have caught my eye during recent trips.
As a seasoned secondhand shopper, I know by now that it can be quite difficult to source a matching set of two or more teacups and saucers while at the thrift store, but I haven’t let that deter me.
If I find a couple of singletons that I like, I’ll pop them into my cart anyway. I’m not too concerned about setting out matching cups for everyone when I’m hosting—as long as the general size and style are the same, I’m a proponent of mixing different patterns on the table. In fact, I think going this route adds the perfect amount of eclectic charm! Gone are the days of ultra-formal entertaining, and with that, there’s no need to be so serious!
I’ve been into scooping up teacups and saucers for storage purposes, too. I use cups and saucers to hold hair clips, earrings, or thin necklaces that I reach for often and don’t want to accidentally leave on my bathroom counter overnight. When I’m getting ready in the morning, retrieving my baubles and accessories from the inside of a teacup feels whimsical and a bit glamorous. I also keep a simple saucer on my dresser and use it to hold a pair or two of earrings; the end result is both functional and decorative.
Where else could you place these throughout the home? A teacup and saucer would be useful by the kitchen sink—they’d be the perfect spot to hold rings as you tackle the dishes. Another set could sit on your desk to corral paper clips, loose change, you name it.
The very best part of shopping for teacups and saucers is that they tend to cost very little; oftentimes, at stores like Goodwill, you can score these pieces for $2 each, which is truly a bargain. Of course, you’ll want to inspect the rims for chips (though some may argue that a little wear and tear adds charm) and leave behind anything with too much discoloration. Otherwise, there’s not too much to fret about when buying within this vintage category, so go ahead—stock up, and say yes to more whimsy!
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.
