Our Hopeful Home: Modern Milk Glass: How to Grow Your Collection

July 25, 2014

While on vacation at the Jersey shore this summer, I stumbled across a beautiful vintage-style porcelain pitcher that I knew I just had to have. It literally called to me from across the store as soon as I stepped foot over the threshold. My eyes were drawn to it like a magnet. I kid you not. Have you ever had that happen to you?

The pitcher reminded me of vintage milk glass, which can still be seen at flea markets and in antique stores today. Ironically, when I walked over to it, I saw that the pretty box it came in said "Farmhouse Pantry." I love to decorate in farmhouse style so that was perfect.

It reminded me of tableware from Pottery Barn called Emma. Sadly, I don't think it's being sold anymore. But bottom line, theirs was super expensive, and I like mine better!

I even love the box it came in.

And of course I just HAD to fill it with some of my hydrangeas.

My wire cloche is from Antique Farmhouse. I thought my milk glass pitcher fit perfectly beneath it.

The pattern is called Hobnail, a very popular pattern back in the day. Vintage pieces range in price from quite inexpensive to moderately expensive, depending on the age and rarity of the piece. So there's something to be found in everyone's price range.

The obvious places to look for milk glass would be flea markets, thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, Etsy shops, eBay and antique stores. And if you're lucky you'll find some on the inexpensive side. Antique stores can tend to be pricey, though.

If you're not satisfied with the types and/or prices of milk glass you're finding out there, take heart. Sometimes the object of your obsession turns up in the least likeliest of places. You just have to keep your eyes open, be patient and have faith.

Case in point. Did you notice the white Hobnail patterned dinner plate? I got it, and 14 others just like it, from my local Dollar Tree.

Pretty amazing, huh? I think they had other pieces available like cups and bowls but they were sold out before I discovered them. Either way, I was quite happy with the plates.

They currently reside in our large hutch in the kitchen eating area.

I have more in the kitchen cupboard. We use them every day.

Next up are the mugs. I'm a tea drinker (Earl Grey, thank you) and I hate it when someone gives me tea in a tiny little cup. Unless the cup is made of bone china, that is (and finger sandwiches are involved, of course). Bring it on, I say, especially first thing in the morning. So you can imagine my delight when I came across these at my local Target store.

Two sizes, both large and regular. I use the large every day. I can't remember the exact price but I do remember that it was really reasonable (or I wouldn't have bought them!)

Three unlikely places afforded me the opportunity to acquire some tableware that I otherwise might not have acquired: a funky store at the beach, Dollar Tree and Target. Put 'em all together and what do you get?