It was a rainy holiday weekend in New York. Ideal conditions, it turns out, for thinking about being outside. Because summer is here whether the weather agrees or not, and the secret to al fresco living that actually feels special? Old things. Pieces with a history, a patina, a previous life somewhere more interesting than a warehouse in New Jersey. I did some hunting! Here's what I found. Happy summer. xx
Few materials have earned their place in the outdoor canon quite like wicker. Durable, lightweight, charming - vintage pieces in particular have a warmth and irregularity that feels at home everywhere from a Capri terrace to a Brooklyn brownstone stoop. Look for it at flea markets and estate sales - the older the better - and don’t be afraid of a piece that needs a little love. Some favorites below:
Vintage Wicker Crescent Basket, $89 - it’s giving Bottega?
Vintage Wicker Paper Plates Set of 4, $38 - gorgeous chargers for a little added formality on a summer evening.
Pair of Vintage Wicker Iron Chairs, $580 - I dream of this pair for a tucked-away outdoor corner.
Vintage 1970s Pair of Wicker Rattan Hourglass Side Tables, $145 - lightweight, versatile, and would be easy to move around a space.
Pair of Vintage Wicker Candle Holders, $100 - this pair would add a nice texture to a beautiful, unfussy setting.
Vintage 1970s Handcrafted Wicker Plant Pot Holder, $125 - leggy and cool, she’d do a lot of work for a space.
Vintage Wicker Napkin Holder with Curved Design, $23 - this would elevate any picnic table.
French 1920’s Antique Small Wicker Basket, $125 - the little feet 😩 Why do the French do everything better?
Vintage Rattan Towel Holder Stand, $42 - for a layered eclectic tabletop setup.
Produced on the Venetian island of the same name since the 13th century, Murano glass is simply in a category of its own. The colors, the craftsmanship, the way it catches light - there is nothing else like it. Hunt for it on Etsy, at estate sales, or the next time you're in Italy with a flexible carry-on situation. Until then, a few treasures currently available:
Rare Set of 6 MCM Murano Millefiori Iridescent Designed Tumblers, $279 - shimmery and sculptural? Dream set.
Mid-Century Vintage Handblown Murano Glass Paperweights, $145 - show me a chicer solution to misbehaving napkins or tablecloths on a windy day.
1960s Square Ashtray in Murano Glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso, $350 - I don't smoke, but this (almost) makes me want to - would look incredible on an iron coffee table.
Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Vase, attributed to the legendary Dino Martens, $190 - Dino Martens essentially defined mid-century Murano glass, and this is a beautiful example of why.
Vintage Miniature Glass Hand Blown Murano Style Fish Ocean Sealife Set of 4, $36 - shoe me a chicer or more fun table mates for a summer lunch.
Vintage Murano Goldfish Glass Vase, $316 - elevated aquarium-core and I need it?
Vintage Murano Glass Cordial Set of 6, $65 - the most beautiful candy-colored vessels for a perfectly cold evening drink.
Set Of 4 Vintage Murano Drinking Glass Tumblers, $149 - someone please snag these, they are perfect.
Vintage Murano Hand-Blown Glass Fruits and Vegetables, $70 - glass figurines produce a disproportionate amount of joy, and nestled in a wooden bowl would make a perfect seasonal centerpiece.
The easiest upgrade you can make to any outdoor table, and somehow the most overlooked. Vintage linen - monogrammed, embroidered, slightly imperfect - brings an ease and intimacy to outdoor dining that anything new simply cannot. Etsy, flea markets, and estate sales are flush with it - a few of my favorites:
Set of 4 1960s Fallani & Cohn Belgian Linen Dinner Napkins, $30 - A splashy, retro foursome from the 1960s.
Vintage Irish Pure Linen Damask Tablecloth, Greek Key & Polka Dot, $145 - the Greek key and polka dot combination is unexpected in the best possible way.
Set of 6 French Vintage Linen-Cotton Napkins, $75 - the bold stripe adds a lot of punch. Simple, graphic, very French.
Vintage White Linen Tablecloth Hand Embroidered with Appliqué Flowers, $125 - effortless elegance doesn't get more literal than hand-embroidered appliqué on white linen.
Set of 4 Vintage French Damask White Linen Napkins with Blue Striped Border, $68 - classic and chic.
Vintage Set of 4 Off-White with Blue Edging Table Napkins and Table Runner, $30 - the blue piping, no notes.
6 Vintage Madeira Hand Embroidered Linen Cocktail Napkins, $60 - these would elevate even the most unfussy cocktail hour.
Vintage 1930s Pina Cloth Tablecloth and Set of 6 Napkins with Embroidered Pagoda Motif, $80 - the embroidery on this set is special.
Set of 4 Vintage Yellow Linen Placemats and Matching Napkins, $23 - sunshine translated to the table.
Stone requires no explanation and no styling. It arrives, it anchors, it adds to its surroundings. Vintage pieces in particular carry a weight - literal and otherwise - that makes an outdoor space feel instantly considered. A few favorites below.
Pair of Vintage 1990s Tavola Grey & White Marble Candlesticks, $122 - funky marble candlesticks that work as hard indoors as out.
Vintage Marble Chapati Riser, $125 - technically a chapati riser but in practice, but chicest serving platform your table has ever seen.
Neo Marble Footed Serving Bowl, $128 - okay, this is the single non-vintage item on the list!!! But she's perfect and she earned her place here.
Vintage English Garden Pot with Small Bunny, $18 - the bunny detail.
Set of 3 Vintage Marble Pear Paperweights / Door Stoppers, $250 - marble pears! Sculptural, unexpected, and very cool in an outdoor space.
Small Antique White Alabaster Medici-Shaped Vase, $35 - an alabaster beauty.
Long Oval Italian Marble Table Top / Plant Stand, $65 - use it as a table top, a plant stand, a serving surface, etc.
Antique Garden Lion Sculpture, $450 - do you want your patio to feel like it means business?
Vintage Concrete Stone Garden Shell, $195 - Garden, terrace, entryway - she works everywhere.
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