I was at Crate and Barrel recently and had the chance to ogle their mid-century Marimekko linens. Continuing our hunt for all things authentic vintage Christmas, check out the Marimekko Manty tablecloth and napkins from 1959. Also see the Tamburiini, 1962, offered in red or ivory. Crate and Barrel Marimekko.

Thanks to reader Adam who wrote to let me know that vintage Vera Neumann designs were “rediscovered” a few years ago, and that some of her original designs are now available again at places like Macy’s. Right now, Macy’s has three table linen lines available on their website. At the left: Turning Leaf. Maybe it’s time to think ahead to a Merry Retro – Thanksgiving. Two more styles — both on sale as I write this — after the jump. Heck yeah there is more →

Readers still looking for major furniture sets like dining rooms and bedrooms should remember to keep your eyes – and heart – open for traditional furniture from the postwar era. This stuff is far less “popular” today than “modern” sets — but how can you linger over the lines of this 1955 Drexel Peasant Provincial and not agree how beautiful it truly is? I love the stain on this wood as well. And – you will be able to buy it for a song! (eBay photos – listing come and gone.)

If you have a Cape or colonial-ranch, all the more reason to consider traditional-style furniture, which is sympathetic to the lines of your home.  With this particular set, I see a tone-on-tone small print wallpaper by Thibaut to go-with. But, you can take this set any number of directions – it is very versatile.

This vintage dining room set is up on Last Day ebay – but I love it so much I have the feature it down here for posterity. I’m hammering away at this issue right now: Mix up your decor! This set is so eclectic – the color, the scalloped table edge, the upholstered chairs with their unusual back – it’s probably not what you would go looking for – but it would be smashing nonetheless. Keep you mind open and your interior, delightfully unpredictable.

So what kind of vintage flatware do retro renovation readers prefer? I am going to be tied to the computer all day Saturday – so send me an email and/or photos and I’ll post them throughout the day. We did this with dinnerware a while back, and it was lots of fun.

Me? I use vintage Coronation stainless that my grandma Aggie Kueber gave to me shortly after I was married. I also bought a complete second set a year or two later, when Oneida reintroduced it for a time. I recently checked with the company, and the only “true” vintage pattern they still offer today is Revere – a very colonial pattern. You can also find complete sets on ebay – there are some real beauties.

Owning and using vintage flatware every single day is one of the greatest ways to be in touch (ha!) with the period!