Collecting China 

Savvy and Thrifty: Great Gifts for the Holidays and Beyond

by Mary Dessoie

My area of interest is antique china. In that niche you will find everything you need to fit all taste levels on your gift list. You are holding the best resource for your antiquing jaunts in your hands. You can make your shopping easy and a delight by patronizing the advertisers who appear in this paper. Please make a point to attend auctions, shows, estate sales, visit your local antique malls and shops and say "hello" to your neighbors. Have fun getting out and about while crossing off the names on your gift list.

One of the best buys is a partial lot of china. These incomplete sets usually can be found for great prices. Don’t overlook pieces that are dusty or have small imperfections. They can be spruced up!

Everyone loves vintage tea cups. Why not purchase several? Tea cup sets are items of enduring beauty that will get you through your holiday gift list and on to birthdays, get well or hostess gifts. Fill the cup with an assortment of individually packaged tea bags. Place the cup and saucer on a large square of tulle. Bring the tulle up around the cup and saucer and wrap with a long colorful piece of fabric ribbon. What a welcome gift!

Try the same with butter pats! Place one large wrapped chocolate on a pat and surround it with tulle and a beautiful ribbon. Don’t forget to set one of these delightful treasures at each guest’s place setting at your next luncheon or dinner party and enjoy your guests’ complimentary remarks.

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