I found a rare blue and white Johnson Brothers tea and toast set while thrifting—and couldn’t wait to style it in a cozy, vintage-inspired table setting. See how I paired these unique plates with thrifted glassware, silver, and other blue and white treasures for a charming seasonal tablescape.
If you love vintage tableware as much as I do, you’ll understand the thrill of finding a rare set of blue and white Johnson Brothers tea and toast plates while out thrifting.
These unique pieces were the perfect starting point for a cozy, vintage-inspired table setting filled with character, history, and seasonal charm.
Today, I’m sharing how I styled this unexpected treasure with thrifted glassware, silver, and soft layered textures to create a one-of-a-kind blue and white table you can recreate any time of year.
Styling a Vintage Johnson Brothers Tea and Toast Set from Vintage Market Days Vermont
When I spotted this rare blue and white Johnson Brothers tea and toast set at Vintage Market Days Vermont, I knew it was a special find. These charming vintage dishes are rectangular in shape, with a spot to rest your teacup right on the plate—perfect for serving tea and toast in a more relaxed, mobile way. While I didn’t find the matching teacups, that just gives me the opportunity to mix and match my favorite vintage teacups for a more collected look.
Traditionally used for casual entertaining or breakfast in bed, these tea and toast plates are just as lovely styled on a cozy blue and white table setting for any season. And the best part—I bought all six for just $10.
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How I Styled This Blue and White Vintage Table with Thrifted and Market Day Finds
Every fall, I attend Vintage Market Days Vermont with my friend Bernadette from B Home with Bernadette as part of our Thrifting with the Gals tradition. It’s one of our favorite seasonal trips, and we always come home with treasures and fresh inspiration to share.
Today, I’m excited to show you how I styled some of my favorite Vintage Market Days finds on a cozy blue and white tablescape—all inspired by the rare Johnson Brothers tea and toast plates I discovered at the show.
Using a Cozy Blanket as a Tablecloth for a Blue and White Vintage Table
Vintage Market Days Vermont is one of my favorite vintage markets in New England, held every spring and fall in Rutland. This year, the kind-hearted gals behind the event gifted me a goody bag filled with treasures from local vendors—including this soft brown and gray blanket scarf. Instead of wearing it, I decided to style it as a tablecloth for this blue and white vintage tablescape, and I loved how the cozy tones played off the Johnson Brothers tea and toast plates.
Pro Tip
Don’t be afraid to experiment—blankets, scarves, or even vintage quilts can make the perfect unexpected layer for your table.
Order of the Eastern Star Silverware Styling
One of my favorite finds at Vintage Market Days Vermont was a set of silver flatware stamped with “OES,” which stands for Order of the Eastern Star. Each piece has a beautiful, rustic patina that pairs perfectly with the soft tones of the blue and white Johnson Brothers tea and toast plates.
I’ve styled this flatware in several table settings over the years, and if you’re curious to learn more about its unique history, you may visit its official website here at General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, it’s fascinating!
Find more silverware inspiration in these posts:
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From porch breakfasts to holiday gatherings, this vintage tablescape guide includes styling inspiration for every season—indoor and outdoor—using thrifted and antique finds.
Vintage Blue and White Pitcher with a Ribbon Accent
At Vintage Market Days Vermont, I found this unusually shaped blue and white vintage pitcher at the Tin Hearts booth—and it was love at first sight. The oblong, oval form gives it a distinctive silhouette, while the classic blue and white pattern makes it perfect for tabletop styling, holding flowers, or serving drinks. Inspired by my friend Bernadette—who tied a green velvet ribbon around her brown and white transferware pitcher from the same market—I added a soft blue velvet ribbon to mine for a delicate finishing touch.
Though it’s unmarked, this vintage blue and white pitcher makes a beautiful, conversation-worthy accent on the table.
Recommended REading
You may also find inspiration in this Knife Rest French Table Silver and Crystal Ideas post.
Extra Large Blue and White Spongeware Bowl Styling
This extra large vintage spongeware bowl—measuring a generous 16 inches across—was a lucky estate sale find I picked up for just $30. These charming blue and white bowls can often go for hundreds, making this one of my favorite thrifted treasures of the season. Right now, I’m using it as a fall table centerpiece filled with fresh apples, but I can already picture it styled with evergreens and pinecones for the holidays.
Spongeware pieces like this are perfect for mixing into your vintage blue and white table setting, whether you use them for serving, display, or simple seasonal charm.
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Find more inspiration and fall table decorating tips in this How to Create a Stunning Fall Tablescape You’ll Love post.
Vintage Market Days Colored Glassware Styling with Blue Goblets
One of my favorite finds from Vintage Market Days Vermont was this set of stunning vintage blue glass goblets from a vendor I love, The Thrifted Type. They’re heavy, vibrant, and incredibly versatile—perfect for cozy fall and winter tablescapes, or even summer evenings around the fire pit. When I returned to her booth at the fall market, the owner even remembered how much I adored these goblets!
Today, I’m pairing them with my Johnson Brothers tea and toast plates to bring a bold yet classic touch to this blue and white table setting.
Pro Tip
Don’t be afraid to play with colored glassware when styling your table. Whether it’s amber, green, blue, or pink, these vintage pieces add instant personality and charm to any tablescape.
Brass Candlesticks and Cozy Candlelight
Brass candlesticks are one of my favorite thrifted table decor staples—I use them every day and always pick up more when I find them. They’re easy to thrift, incredibly affordable, and add timeless warmth to any vintage-inspired table setting. For this tea and toast gathering, I styled a few of my favorite candlesticks beneath these glass cloches.
While I didn’t add candles for this particular look, the brass glow under glass gives off that same cozy feel—perfect for a soft autumn table or a winter brunch. You can also see how I styled these cloaks for spring using green glass flutes in my St. Patrick’s Day Tablescape: Tips & Ideas post.
Pro Tip
Do you use cloches in your home decor? They’re a great way to display everything from thrifted candlesticks to seasonal collectibles or even small vintage vases—try switching them up for each season!
Blue and White Linen Napkins for Everyday Vintage Charm
There’s something timeless about decorating a table with vintage linens—especially when you can thrift them at a great price. I found these blue and white linen napkins this past winter at a local antique shop, and they’ve quickly become a favorite for casual breakfast tables and more thoughtful setups like this tea and toast tablescape. If you love collecting old-fashioned linens, I’ve shared tips on how to safely bring aged textiles back to life in this linked post.
- You may enjoy this Valentine’s Aesthetic: Thrifting and Vintage Finds post from when I found these linens.
- And this Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design incorporating these same table linens.
Pro Tip
If you can thrift vintage linens inexpensively, they’re a wonderful way to add formality and character to an everyday table without spending much. Keep an eye out for unique patterns, embroidery, and delicate edging—they style beautifully across every season.
Thrifted Glass Fruit Bowls
I picked up a set of eight thrifted glass fruit bowls at a yard sale a few years ago, and they’ve been surprisingly versatile in my seasonal table settings. While these small vintage bowls were especially popular in the 1970s, they’re perfect for fall and Thanksgiving tablescapes, as well as for serving appetizers, nuts, candies, or mini desserts. You’ll often find similar styles at estate sales and yard sales—and they’re an affordable way to add nostalgic charm to any table.
Pro Tip
Don’t overlook vintage glass fruit bowls at the thrift store—they may feel outdated, but they’re perfect for layering texture and history into your vintage-inspired table decor.
Final Thoughts on Creating a Thrifted Blue and White Vintage Table Setting
Creating a thrifted blue and white vintage table setting like this one is all about embracing charm, creativity, and a touch of the unexpected. At the heart of the table are the rare Johnson Brothers tea and toast plates, styled for a casual breakfast, brunch, or appetizer gathering. I layered in mixed blue and white patterns using an oversized spongeware bowl, vintage glass fruit bowls, blue goblets, and antique linens—all thrifted or found at Vintage Market Days Vermont.
Cloches, brass candlesticks, and mismatched teacups add even more vintage personality, while a cozy brown and gray blanket serves as the tablecloth, grounded by striped chairs that bring the whole look together. It’s playful, nostalgic, and full of color—proof that mixing thrifted finds can create a table that’s both affordable and unforgettable.
Vintage Home Decorating Guides and Styling Inspiration
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I hope this blue and white vintage table setting inspires you to mix and match your own thrifted treasures. Whether it’s a rare plate find, a cozy blanket turned tablecloth, or glassware from your favorite market, the joy is in the layering. I’d love to hear what you’ve discovered lately—leave a comment below and share your favorite vintage table styling pieces!
Frequently Asked Questions About Johnson Brothers Tea and Toast Plates and Vintage Table Styling
A tea and toast plate is a unique vintage dish that combines a space for a teacup with a section for toast or a small snack. These plates were popular for light breakfasts, brunches, or tea gatherings, offering convenience and charm all in one.
Johnson Brothers is known for their collectible blue and white transferware, and their tea and toast sets are especially rare and beloved by vintage tableware collectors. The distinctive design and timeless patterns make them perfect for both display and functional styling.
Start with a mix of blue and white thrifted pieces like plates, pitchers, and glassware. Layer in antique linens, brass candlesticks, and cozy textures—like using a blanket as a tablecloth—to create a table that feels collected, warm, and full of vintage charm.
You can often find tea and toast plates at vintage markets, estate sales, thrift stores, or online on sites like Etsy and eBay. Look for pieces with classic blue and white patterns or markings from well-known makers like Johnson Brothers.
Absolutely! Mixing patterns is part of the magic of vintage table styling. Combine spongeware, transferware, and colored glassware for an eclectic yet cohesive look—just stick to a consistent color palette like blue and white for harmony.
Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or join our Reader’s Showcase Series — where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds. Email me at [email protected] to be part of it!
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I have never heard the set of a small plate with an indentation for a tea cup set called a Tea and Toast Set. I have always heard it called just a Snack Set or a Luncheon Set. Do you think that the name of the set is regional? I live in New Jersey. Thanks.
Hi Claudia, I suspect the name is from it’s origin in England. Johnson Brothers was originally based in England and it sounds English to me. I can’t be certain though.
WOW!! I have never seen a tea and toast set in blue transferware…I did not even know that they existed….A great find even if the tea cup was not with it….Thanks fir sharing!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
I’m so glad you enjoyed them Debbie!
What a fun post, Ann! I love the idea of a velvet ribbon tied around a pitcher! During the holidays, I find myself tying velvet bows on everything, haha!
I have never heard these style of dishes called tea and toast. I think my mom called hers clear ones just tea plates. They were for ladies morning ot afternoon tea times to have the small choices of food and a cup of tes, coffee or punch. It was easy to hold in your lap during these gatherings. I have often wished thatI had them thoiugh I’m not sure thart Mom had hers.
Yes, I hadn’t seen them before either, but I love them. So unique and good for an afternoon snack too! Thanks Linda!
Wow! What a beautiful table setting. You picked up some gems. I could see the plates used for afternoon tea break. I’m copying the ribbon idea as well. I sure wish you were my sister! What fun we would have.
Lol you’re so cute Kathy. Thrifting sisters for sure, haha. I love the idea of an afternoon tea break. Perfect! Glad you enjoyed today’s post.