There are things I can explain: why a table works, why a glass catches light in a particular way, why you never buy a full set. And then there’s the other thing. The piece you find at the back of a market stall, or mid-scroll at 11pm, and you just know. No justification. Un vrai coup de foudre.
This is my edit for that. The pieces I fell for, vintage tableware worth hunting, worth keeping.
No market this time. Just me, the sofa, and a level of online shopping dedication I’m not entirely proud of. One tab led to another. My imaginary basket filled itself. That’s the thing about hunting online, it finds you before you find it.
I told myself, no theme, no rules.
Majolica was born in Renaissance Italy: tin-glazed ceramics that turned everyday motifs into something vivid and almost theatrical. Glossy surfaces, saturated colour, zero subtlety. I’ll be honest, these pieces are visually intense and they need a firm edit, but on a summer table they’re pure joy. The good kind of extra.
These Majolica Fruits Plates (made in France circa 1880) are the perfect summer plates to add onto your table. Kind of obsessed with the strawberry one.
This Wedgwood Sunflower Plate from 1877 is Majolica with the volume turned down. Still glossy, just easier to live with. I can completely see it outside on a summer table, mozzarella and tomatoes slowly revealing its details the more people eat from it.
Venini has been making glass on Murano since 1921, and if you’re going to spend on glass, this is where you do it.
A 1981 Venini Calabash glass dish. You might rarely use it but when you do, it will have an instant effect. Look at these colours and remember it’s all made of glass!
If like me you always without fail serve bowls of red berries at the end of a meal, this will definitely make it on your table. A 1980s pink glass bowl, also by Venini.
For those who remember, I wrote a whole piece on Piero Fornasetti. This cute 1950 little set is the perfect accessory on a table. Plus, they will be conversation starter.
If Fornasetti is not your thing, I have my eyes on this little monkey. Love it or hate it. Austrian shaker set from the 1950s.
We all need a nice tray to serve drinks or to leave on a bar. It adds a little touch to the whole vibe.
This Art Deco glass and metal service tray from the 1930s is a statement piece. The contrast of red and metal is bold, almost architectural. Style it with the right glassware and it becomes the best thing on your aperitivo table.
I’ve always been drawn to Danish design, so when I stumbled upon these teak salad servers by Poul Knudsen (1969), they went straight on the list. The design is perfect, but what I love most is the little lock that keeps them together. That detail alone.
Had you ever heard of a chicken cutter? I hadn't. But apparently it's the chicest instrument you could use to carve a whole chicken, at the table or behind closed doors, it doesn't matter. This Viennese piece is one I'd love to find in my kitchen drawers.
I can already picture this set of water ceramics on a table in the sun, filled with water, lemonade, or maybe my drink of choice this summer, Americanos in a jug. Handmade and glazed by Ceramiche Rometti Umbertide in Italy, 1930s. You’ll use it all summer!
I hope you’ve enjoyed hunting with me. If you have a theme you’d like me to explore for the next Coup de Foudre, leave it in the comments. I’m taking requests.
As always, thank you for being here and stay cosy until next time.
Jx
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