Santa Pitcher and Tumblers

1950s Santa Pitcher and Tumbler Set.

I found this at the Goodwill shop in town. It was a busy day after Halloween when they first put out all the Christmas items. The place was packed with treasure hunters inspecting every little thing so I was surprised when no one seemed to notice this great Santa Head pitcher with 5 tumblers. This set was made in the 50s and is most likely an import from Japan. I have seen the mugs glazed in colors but never a plain white set. This set is currently the Christmas centerpiece for my dining room table but come Christmas Eve it will be filled with Eggnog topped with whip cream and nutmeg! I love some of the Eggnog that you can buy by the pint at the grocery store making it an easy drink to serve but if you like to make your own here is a recipe for cooked Eggnog.

Egg Nog - Cooked recipe
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup water
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/8 tsp salt
6 eggs
3/4 cup heavy cream
4 cups milk
2 tbsp hazelnut liqueur

Mix the granulated sugar, 2 Tbl. of water, and lemon juice in a med. sized sauce pan. Let boil, cook 5 min, until it turns dark amber. Remove from heat, and slowly stir in remaining 1/4 c. of water. Beat eggs and milk together in a bowl. Stir into sugar mixture, cook over med.-low heat for about 10 to 12 minutes. (It should thicken enough to stick to spoon) Poor into a clean bowl (punch bowl or something), stir in vanilla, nutmeg and salt. Refigerate, covered, until cold. Before serving, beat together cream, liquer, adn 10x sugar, until soft peaks form. Pour chilled eggnog into a serving bowl, fold in whipped cream with a whisk.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!!

Mid-century Modern Chess Set

Mid-century Modern Ceramic Chess Set

What a wonderful find this was! I have seen this set pop up every so often in different glazes, which leads me to believe that the these sets were glazed and fired by individuals in a ceramic class or group. It was very popular in the 70's to glaze molds and a great outlet for people who enjoy crafting. This is a complete set in Avocado Green and Harvest Gold. It's available for sale HERE!

SOLD

Bell Snack Set

Snack Set by Bell - Mfg, U.S.A., 525 T

Pictured is a striking snack set by Bell Manufacturing USA and is in great shape.  They can be used for relish, nuts, candy, crackers, or just about anything! Both pieces make for a fabulous table setting for the aqua enthusiast. This set is available for sale HERE! SOLD

Time for Life

Seth Thomas Lucite and Marble Alarm Clock

Sometimes you have to take a chance and have a little faith that it will all work out. I came across this little Seth Thomas alarm clock a few weeks ago. A couple of knobs were missing on the back so you couldn't set the time or the alarm but it ticked when wound. My wonderful husband made a trip to the local jeweler and with a little hunting in an old clock parts box they came up with 2 knobs. This little clock runs like a top. Time is ticking away with each minute. It just took a little faith. It's a reminder that we should all slow down to appreciate the good minutes. This little clock will be my reality for the months to come and I will appreciate each minute that passes. I will hope some of those minutes go fast so this time next year I can slow down my little mid-century Seth Thomas clock. For now my goal is to keep it ticking.

Autumn Harvest Thanksgiving

 

We bolted from a traditional Thanksgiving dinner a few years ago and opted for a festive meal that is low prep allowing us to spend more time relaxing and enjoying the day together. On the menu this year was Cornish Game Hens that were baked on top of a wild rice mixture, 2 cups chicken broth, mushrooms chopped celery, onion and  Marjoram. The side dishes were buttered brussels sprouts, salad and rolls. There was plenty of left overs for the next day. The prep for the meal was 35 minutes. The desert was made by wonderful son, Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie. It did take a couple of hours the night before as he does it all from scratch. It was delightful! Happy Holidays to all!!

The dinnerware is Taylor Smith and Taylor, Ever Yours, Autumn Harvest and the goblets are Indiana Glass, Kings Crown Thumbprint.

The Hitchcock Chair Company is Back for the Holidays

There is much to be thankful for because Hitchcock Chair Company has returned. Rick Swenson, along with his partner Gary Hath, purchased the Hitchcock name, plans and their artwork last spring. They announced the GRAND Re-OPENING of the Hitchcock Chair Co, LTD in August 2011.

We own a Hitchcock hard rock maple dining room set from the 70's and absolutely love the craftsmanship and quality by this 200 year old American manufacturer and wouldn't trade it for anything. As always we will be having an American made Thanksgiving. Pictured with the set is our choice for dinnerware this Thanksgiving by Taylor Smith & Taylor in the pattern Autumn Harvest and Anchor Hocking glassware.

Life and Lockets

Thanksgiving is on it's way and it has me thinking about my loved ones and how grateful I am to have them all in my life. The greatest gift has been the two sons. They have filled my life with such joy and I am so very grateful to be part of their incredible lives. No mother could have asked for more and they never have to be afraid because I always have them close to my heart.

Happy Thanksgiving 2011.

Wok Time

Orange Wok

This is just one cool looking WOK with a warming stand! I found no marks on this piece but I do know quality when I see it and this is it. There is a bend on the rim but this is definitely a looker.

Harker Rockingham?? Bennington?? Tankard and Stein Set

This gorgeous drip glaze horse head tankard and stein set is one of my favorite pieces from my collection. It's unmarked which has made it very difficult to identify. The set appears to be fairly old but could easily be from the 60s. The glaze is similar to Harker Rockingham pieces but I am unable to attribute it to that group. I just have hit a road block with it. If anyone out there has any ideas on the piece I'd appreciate your input.

On another note I purchased this from a gentleman who also happened to design the MSU mascot. Just a fun side story.

Mid-century Modern Ethusiasts

Welcome Mid-century Modern design enthusiasts. Through the years I have personally collected, shared and shopped for many clients. We are fortunate enough to live in an area filled with people who are turning over older items in favor of newer pieces. The purpose of this blog is to create a document of well photographed items that are not only part of my collection but sometimes of my evolving collection. So what is an evolving collection? Every 2-3 years I sell off parts of my collection and make room for newer items. It provides me an opportunity to continue to collect and refresh our home with newer pieces. This blog allows me to document and share that information with fellow design enthusiasts. It also gives other collectors an opportunity to add to their own collections at a savings to them both in time and money. The cycle good for the dealers and sellers because they know I'll be back to refresh and renew. Some people have time to thrift, garage sale and attend auctions and some do not. Without people willing sell there will be no collections. I will continue to share ideas and tips for vintage collectors on a budget. I welcome all parties be they collectors, dealers, interior designers, hobbyists, information gatherers to visit and read here as often as they wish. We are all part of keeping the history of Mid-century design updated and documented. I enjoy sharing and passing that information on if possible and frequently share freely the photographed items in my collection as well as the evolving collection. It is a well intended gift to those who share the adventures of collecting Mid-century Modern pieces.

Harvest Dinner Party Picks

Taylor Smith & Taylor Autumn Harvest will be my pick for setting the table this year!

Mid-century Chafing Dish SOLD

Swedish Bo Borgstrom Cocktail Set

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it's time to start planning for the ultimate family dinner with classic Mid-century pieces. Once you've selected the perfect autumn color palette for your dinner you can get down to planning the menu.

Let's begin with this classic Swedish Bo Borgstrom cocktail set in chestnut brown. I especially love the stirring stick that ends in a fat teardrop to hasten mixing. Borgstrom began designing glassware pieces for Aesda Glasbruk in 1960 which has been out of business since 1974. The simple lines in this set is sure to set the mood of any autumn gathering.

The next piece is a Mid-century Modern chafing dish. The manufacturer and designer are unknown. Chafing dish fragments are a common find in medieval archeology sites. In fact chafing dishes have been a big part of American society since the 17th century. In fact cookbooks specializing in chafing dish recipes appeared in the late 19th century. Fannie Farmer's Chafing Dish Possibilities was published in Boston in 1898. Maybe you'll be able to find the perfect recipe for this classic piece! The warm wood tones of the sealed bamboo around the outside of the dish will perfectly compliment the autumn's harvest.

On the top of the pile is Taylor Smith and Taylor's, Ever Yours in Autumn Harvest. Featured is a close up of this stunning Mid-century dinnerware set. This set has been hosting Thanksgiving meals in America since the 1950s! So celebrate this year's bounty with Autumn Harvest.

Size Matters for Blue Decanters

SOLD

When it comes to marketing a product visually, size matters. A shopper must be able to quickly distinguish the size of any item for sale. Size is the reason why you will see so many Ebay and Etsy sellers include a coin with the item they are selling. It may not be an attractive look but the buyer can quickly distinguish a size through visual comparison. In the first photo of the decanter I failed miserably at sharing the size. The decanter looked more like a perfume bottle then a 13" liquor decanter. The solution was simple, include an item that the buyer can use to visually determine the size. In this case I was able to locate 2 small shot glasses, that oddly enough, seem to match the decanter. I also included a large silver tray to better define the shape and color of the decanter itself. The shot glasses serve the same purpose as a coin. Now the buyer can quickly determine size.

Evans Ashtray & Lighter Set

I'm not smoker but I grew up in a house full of smoke. There is just something about these old ashtray and lighter sets that draws my eye to them. Pictured is a set of a Evans ashtray and lighter set. As close as I can date them is late 50s to early 60s. Who wouldn't want this set on their coffee table, even if it's just for looks.

Available for sale HERE!

SOLD

Mad Men & Tea Cups go Hand in Hand

Look for these cups in a future Mad Men episode! Propping for a show like Mad Men is all about details. Kuodos to there prop master, Ellen Freund, for her much appreciated efforts. I knew these tea cups had a future from the moment I saw them. I'll never be on a famous tv series on AMC but it's nice to know my tea cups made it. ;)

Mid-Century Modern Doll House by Brinca dada

Due to all of the recent acquisitions of vintage Mid-century Modern Strombecker doll furniture I had to peek around and see if I could find a suitable modern home and found "The Emerson" by Brinca dada. The house is light and airy with 6 large rooms for the modern doll. It even has solar panels!!!! What a wonderful gift this would make for that Mid-century Modern little girl in your life.



I found this cute little set of vintage Mondrian themed doll dishes recently that would look perfect in this house!!! They're available for sale HERE. SOLD

Strombecker Mid-century Modern Doll Furniture

Strombeck 8" Doll Sofa 1950s available HERE! Still available!

Four Strombeck 8" Doll Kitchen Chairs available HERE & HERE! SOLD

Oh if I was only 8" tall and made of plastic I would so love relaxing on this cool set of retro Strombecker Mid-century Modern furniture set. Just not going to happen.

Fred Press Cocktail Pitcher Mix and Match

Every once in a while I find two items that just look right together and here is a great example. Of course a set is always desirable but not always . This fab cocktail pitcher is signed by one of my favorite artist designers, Fred Press, and made by Rubel. The pitcher is from the Regal line. The "on the rocks glasses" are made by Federal Glass and is decorated in the Bahamas pattern in the Presidential shape.

SOLD

"The Help" is Filled With Retro Eye Candy

We finally made it to the movie theater on Saturday to see "The Help". It is by far one of the best films I have seen in a long, long time and didn't deviate to much from the book. Having grown up in the South during the 60's it was refreshing to see a film that expressed so eloquently so many of my memories of that time. Like many Southern white women of the day my mother hired "help" to come in once a week. We had two house keepers, who oddly enough were both named Jean. The first Jean was quiet and reserved. She rarely spoke. I always wondered where she came from and where she went at the end of the day. Did she have kids of her own? I never knew. She helped my Mom with the ironing and cleaning. My Mom usually worked with her to get the house in order. I don't recall there was ever an issue with Jean using the restroom. She always used ours. I have no recollection of a bathroom initiative but I was a little girl. Then one day Jean was gone and replaced with a new house keeper, also named Jean. The new house keeper was warm and friendly and she wore a wig. Aibileen, the main character in The Help reminded me of Jean. Sometimes Mom would have to go out and I'd remain behind in Jean's care. Jean and I would take little trips to Woolworth and to her church. It was always fun. I always felt bad that she got stuck with me but I have to admit I was glad to be with her. The film brought back a host of memories of my life in the South some good and some not as good. I wish I knew what became of the two Jeans that were in our lives in such turbulent times. We moved away from the South in the mid to late 60s. I lost my accent and packed away my memories until this movie.

I had to wonder if anyone else in the theater paid as close attention to the architecture, furniture, rugs, dinnerware and clothing from the time period as I did. It was like visiting an old friend that you haven't seen in such a long time. Every detail of the set design, the props, the hair styles, signage and clothing was retro eye candy to a Mid-century enthusiast. The only thing that seemed out of place to me was when Skeeter was in Hilly's kitchen with Yule Mae asking her if she'd consider being interviewed for the book. Behind Skeeter's head was a cabinet filled with every day dishes. I couldn't help but notice that the blue transferware coffee cups didn't match the red transferware dishes. That would have never been the case in a well to do Southern woman's home. The dishes would all match. Southerner's take setting the perfect table seriously.

Metlox Poppytrail Free Form For Sale

This was a lucky find! Three Metlox Poppytrail Free Form dinner plates in great vintage condition. It seems like every time I find some of these pieces they're chipped or cracked. These are in great condition and available for purchase HERE!

SOLD

Dan Baird Snack Set

Wow is this Mid-century Modern snack set cute!!!! As I go through the process of hunting out the best in vintage Mid-century items I am always ready to learn something new. Today I discovered Dan Baird glassware. His designs are bold, high contrasting explosions of color with bright red crowns set in the middle of black convex glass plates!! You cannot go wrong with this set on your table for the holiday entertaining season. This set is a fine example of the L.J. Houze convex glass company and probably produced in the 50's. Houze Glass was in business for 102 years in Point Marion, Ohio. The company was sold in 1954 and closed its doors in 2004. Dan Baird was one of several artists Houze produced glass pieces for. for additional information on Houze Glass check this article Memories of Houze glass continue to shine.

SOLD

Lipper & Mann Snow Star Dinner Party in A Box for Christmas

It may be a little early for Christmas shopping but it's never to early to begin planning for that perfect little dinner party. Available is this breathtaking Lipper & Mann Fine China in the Snow Star Pattern from the 40s. Perfect for any winter dinner. Included in this dinner party kit are 4 elegant cut glass crystal wine goblets, five brass chargers, 4 glass bread plates, 4 Lipper & Mann dinner plates, 4 Lipper & Mann soup bowls, 4 Lipper & Mann salad bowls, a crystal candle holder and two white turtle doves. Everything you need to set a festive table.

L & M Snow Star Dinnerware, Crystal Goblets and other items for sale HERE! SOLD

Empire Sofa Makeover Can Suit Any Style

As most of my family knows I really don't have a favorite style. I just like style. This old Empire sofa hasn't seen it's potential for the 21st century. Overall it's in good usable condition but the previous owner tried to reupholster it herself. With all of these minor flaws and a little creative ambition and this old sofa could fit well with any decor. Imagine a little work on the wood and some bright new fabric and it becomes that modern piece everyone will talk about. Imagine it in a different fabric and it becomes that cozy cottage chic sofa that everyone wants to snuggle up on in the coming moths. Or leave it the way it is and admire it for the way it was. No matter which style you prefer this sofa is available for sale at a price that you can use your imagination and make it what you want, in your style. it's scheduled to go on sale this evening.


SOLD

Hans Olsen Dining Chairs Danish Modern

Hans Olsen Dining Chairs for sale on Ebay HERE!

Available for sale is a set of 4 Hans Olsen dining chairs. These chairs are in well loved vintage condition. I love them but can't keep them. :(

SOLD

Dinner Party In A Box Knowles and Libbey Head the Table

Knowles Festival Dinnerware

Sometimes when I'm out and about I find this that and the other in dinnerware and glassware. It's not hard for me to imagine how one of those things would look with another of those things but know for some that can be a challenge. Then it hit me! Why not do a little mixing and matching to come up with an extra special dining experience. What about putting it all together to create a "Dinner Party in a Box". For the first Dinner Party in a Box I combined 4 wonderful Knowles Festival dinner plates and bowls with 4 Libbey wine glasses in tawny brown. I added a gorgeous pair of Danish Modern sculptures for the center piece along with a candle holder and it became a "Dinner Party in a Box".

This unique Danish Modern styled Dinner Party in a Box is available HERE.

"The Shop" a Consignment Store in Fremont Indiana

BICENTENNIAL FOLDING ROCKING CHAIR for sale at "The Shop"

I want to share The Shop with you. For the past year I have occasionally stopped in to this homey little shop in Fremont IN and it has come along very well. The owners have done a wonderful job cleaning the place up and outfitting it with the best used stuff I have seen in a while. The Shop has all kinds of items for sale including fresh floral arrangements with the current holiday theme. The prices are just as nice. The Shop features many items for that vintage decorator in Shabby Chic and Country Cottage styles.........but don't stop there they also had some nice Mid-century Modern pieces tucked away here and there. So if MCM is your thing don't hesitate to take a drive to Fremont, Indiana. And....pssst, pssst there are 2 full size Paul McCobb headboards for Calvin framed in stainless steel just waiting for you there. They are open Thursday-Saturday from 10-5 and on Sunday 12-5. And don't forget to tell them, "hello", from the Garage Sale Archeologist.

The Shop
700 E. Toledo
Fremont, IN 46737
260-624-7395

ENAMEL KITCHEN TABLE for sale at "The Shop"

MIKASA Fine China for sale at "The Shop".

EARLY AMERICANA furniture for sale at "The Shop".

Morgantown Glass Cocktail Set From the Decor Line

Sometimes you see something and you know your in the presence of Mid-century Modern greatness. This is a cocktail pitcher, six glasses and stir stick by Morgantown Glass Company from their Decor Line period. The color is "Steel Blue", although it looks more like a smokey bluish gray. Morgantown Glass Company was established in 1899 by Frank Bannister. From 1958 to 1971 Morgantown produced a line known as the "Decor Line" and pictured a fine example from that time period. The Decor Line features sleek modern design with a rainbow of colors offered for everyone's taste. The company was purchased in 1965 by Fostoria Glass Company which closed them down by 1971. Russel Wright designed a series of glassware for them called American Modern which was sold to compliment his American Modern tableware from Steubenville Pottery. In 1961 Jackie Kennedy ordered a line of crystal stemware for the White House. After that the line was known as the President's House.

This Morgantown Cocktail Barware Set is available for sale HERE!

SOLD

Murano Art Glass

Alfredo Barbini For Cendense Murano Art Glass Fish Bowl circa 1950s for sale HERE!

Murano Art Glass Green Vase with Calla Lilies for sale HERE!

Ferro Toso Murano Art Glass Bowl with copper flecks for sale HERE!

Ferro Toso Murano Art Glass Bowl with Gold Flecks available for sale HERE!

I am very new to the world of glass and glassware but have always appreciated glass pieces I see at sales but rarely purchased. As I become more comfortable with glass I have become more comfortable with taking a risk. Italian Murano art glass pieces have always fascinated me as an artist and I am especially drawn to the Mid-century Modern pieces from the 50s and early 60s. After World War II the Murano artists focused simple minimalist, functional design. Prominant artists of the time were Seguso, Santilona, Scarpa, Barovier, Bianconi, Zuccheri, Chrivi, Martinuzzi, and Barbini.

Here's Looking At You!

Using my one eye hypnotic stare down technique while I sit by my empty mid-century weiner dog cast iron food bowl so she'll notice it's empty.

Georges Briard Has Dinner At Henredon's Circa '60

My favorite part of summer is dining on the porch of our little cottage in the woods. We have a mere 400 square feet of living space so without the porch this kind of dinner may not be possible.......or could it. The best part of this great Henredon Circa '60 dining room table, manufactured in the late 50's, is it's ability to go from a table for 10, (there are 2 more leaves), to a very tiny drop leaf table only around 20" wide. It's perfect for that small apartment or duplex dweller that likes to entertain. Add a few pieces by Georges Briard and soup and salad becomes a dining event.

Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Sofa

This is a classic Milo Baughman sofa made by Thayer Coggin in 1971. Thayer Coggin has long been known for their quality furniture and sleek modern designs. Milo Baughman had a long and fruitful relationship with Thayer Coggin. From the Thayer Coggin website:

"Milo Baughman (1923-2003), was a pioneer in modern design and one of the leading modern furniture designers of the second half of the 20th century. Baughman was brought east from his native California by Thayer Coggin in the 1950s to design the first lines for his collection of related upholstered groups. Baughman's uniquely American designs were forward-thinking and distinctive, yet unpretentious. The relaxed and timeless quality of his furniture created a ready and consistent response and his highly influential work continues to be collected and reinvented and revived by designers around the world. Paramount to Baughman's design philosophy was that good design is enduring design. Baughman's characteristic restraint does not permit the look of mere novelty to enter in. Rather, he achieved a look that is uncompromisingly modern, but which never violates the timeless standards of classic good taste. "

The sofa is free of stains and no tears or rips. There is a very small thread pulled in the fabric on one cushion. It's not noticeable at all..It's pretty clean but one should have it cleaned as I would suggest for any piece of vintage upholstery. SOLD