See how a simple set of thrifted blue charger plates brought unexpected charm to our Vermont summer fire pit. Proof that beautiful finds can show up anywhere.
Sometimes it’s the simplest thrifted finds that bring the most joy.
I found these four stunning blue charger plates at an antique shop in Vermont, and they couldn’t have matched our blue summer fire pit more perfectly.
Though they were once part of a wedding collection, they now add a casual, collected feel to our outdoor space—reminding me that even the smallest vintage-inspired touches can make everyday moments more beautiful.
It was an early 4th of July morning when I was back in Vermont, up at 5 a.m. to refresh my vintage booth at the local country store before the holiday weekend rush. I had been home for just a couple of days—just enough time to spruce things up and reconnect with a few of my favorite local antique spots.
How to Start Collecting Vintage Home Decor
Are you new to vintage collecting? This beginner’s guide will walk you through what to look for, where to shop, and how to style your favorite finds with an eclectic and personal touch.
It was during that quiet morning, while restyling the shop, that I spotted these gorgeous blue charger plates—stacked neatly, heavy in weight, and full of potential. They weren’t vintage, but their deep blue hue instantly reminded me of our blue fire pit back home, and I knew I had to bring them with me.
“It was love at first blue…”
Discovering 1995 Lotus Blue China: A Thrifted Dish Find to Love
The dishes were a stack of 1995 Lotus Blue China dishes. Bold, glossy, and heavier than I expected, they came in blue, pink, green, and yellow. I later learned they had been used in a wedding. I couldn’t stop thinking about that brilliant blue hue—the exact shade of our blue fire pit conversation set at home.
I scooped up the four blue plates, which’ve been a favorite ever since. I’ve styled them casually for evenings around the fire pit, and they look just as charming today in our breakfast nook for weekend brunches. There’s something timeless about them, even if they aren’t technically vintage—they carry a story and were a treasure to find on such a simple Vermont morning.
I’ve looked high and low online to track down more of these Lotus Blue China plates without any luck. So if you know anything about this collection—or you’ve seen these dishes before—I’d love to hear from you. Leave me a comment below and share what you know!
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A Simple 4th of July Weekend in Vermont with Simple Thrifted Charm
Did you enjoy a peaceful 4th of July this year? We escaped the coastal Maine crowds and spent a few quiet days in Vermont, soaking up the cool evenings, mountain views, and simple joys—like my newly thrifted blue charger plates stacked around the fire pit.
Before we left, we enjoyed an impromptu backyard lobster dinner (so New England, right?). I didn’t get a chance to blog about it, but I captured a video you can enjoy here. You can also browse a few of my favorite lobster-themed tablescapes for summer inspiration.
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Find more lobster tablescape inspiration in this Coastal Maine Summer Tablescape with Lobsters, Hydrangeas & Patriotic Charm and Maine Lobster Dinner Ideas with Coastal Decor & Vintage Summer Style posts.
Though I didn’t do much decorating this 4th of July, our thoughtful neighbor stopped by with sweet flowers arranged in mason jars, fresh lavender from the garden, and a bundle of homemade cookies tied up with a bow.
Fun fact:
Lavender can help you sleep, reduce anxiety, and even lower your heart rate. I styled it all on those thrifted blue dishes, and the purple tones paired so beautifully with that deep blue glaze.
Cool summer nights by the fire pit with Ella, our Bernese Mountain Dog, by my side (and not scared of the fireworks—double bonus!) made this Vermont 4th of July weekend feel peaceful and just right.
Sometimes the simplest styling moments—like blue dishes, wildflowers, and porch conversations—bring the most joy.
And the lavender even matched the thrifted blue dishes.
Sometimes it’s the little things—a pop of blue from a thrifted plate, a few wildflowers from a kind neighbor, or lavender-scented cookies on a cool Vermont night—that make a season feel special. This simple 4th of July weekend reminded me that beauty in home decor doesn’t always come from big makeovers, but from the small, thoughtful moments we layer into our everyday spaces.
Love relaxed summer styling with a vintage twist?
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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 love your blue dishes and the area you can sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Thank you so much Marlene💙💙💙
Hi! I have seen your blue plates before. They are by Lotus International Inc. of course I can’t rememer if I saw them in a store or recently when I have been out at Estate Sales, Red, White and Blue Thrift or Goodwill. If you are interested in having more – I would be happy to keep my eye out and pick them up for you. My friend Nick and I go to Estate Sales at least once a week and I try to hit the thrift stores weekly too. We have a booth in The Find Marketplace in Pilesgrove, NJ. We have been antiuqing for over 30 years (Nick has been going longer than me). Check http://www.shopgoodwill.com – they might have them on their just to get information about them. Shipping has become too expensive to get things for a “frugal” price (that our word for cheap!) Anyway, happy to help just let me know. Have a great weekend! Denise
Denise thank you for your beautiful note and generosity. I’m happy with my 4, I’m just curious to learn more about them as I couldn’t find anything online. Which never happens😂😂
Your booth looks so pretty Ann! I would definitely be shopping it if I lived close to you! That was an early day. I hope you had a great 4th! I love blue dishes on the 4th of July and any other time for that matter. My favorite!