Independent craft blog since 2007
Every few weeks we get asked about making vintage signs. They are used from weddings to parties or even just as simple wall art. This tutorial shows you how to make an “Aged” sign. The steps are easy to follow and can be adapted to suit your party or wedding theme.
If you have eight people coming for Christmas lunch and six matching plates, you do not automatically need a new dinner set.
You need two more useful plates and a way to make the table feel connected.
Mismatched crockery can look wonderfully welcoming. It can also bring a little family history to the table, especially when inherited pieces are involved.
The key is repeating a few details around the dishes so the differences look considered.
That is a much cheaper solution than buying tableware you may only use once a year.
Lay out the plates you own and check their condition.
Choose pieces suitable for serving the meal, with comfortable eating space and no damage that makes them unsuitable for use.
Then look for connections:
You do not have to use everything. Select the combination that works best.
Put one plate, one napkin, the cutlery and a glass together.
Try a second plate beside it rather than judging each dish separately.
Often, crockery that looks unrelated in the cupboard works surprisingly well once the same napkin treatment is repeated.
Take a quick photograph if you are struggling to decide. The overall balance can be easier to see on a screen.
Use the same fold at every seat.
Even slightly different napkins feel more connected when they have a consistent shape and position.
These festive napkin-folding ideas offer inspiration, but a simple rectangle is enough.
If the plates are busy, keep the napkin treatment plain. If the plates are mostly neutral, a ribbon bow can provide the Christmas colour.
Cut cards to the same dimensions and write each name in the same style.
You do not need perfect handwriting. Clear names and consistent placement do the work.
Kraft cards are useful with mixed vintage crockery. White cards can work well with colourful dishes.
Position the cards above the plates or in the same place beside each napkin.
If you have two floral plates and four plain ones, distribute the floral plates across the table.
If everyone has a different plate, connect the settings through the napkins and cards instead.
Avoid adding extra layers purely to hide a mismatch. Stacking several plates at every seat takes space and creates more washing.
Use the pieces required for the meal.
Your dishes already provide visual interest, so the centrepiece does not need to compete.
A bowl of ornaments inspired by our Christmas bauble centrepiece can repeat one colour from the crockery.
Alternatively, use a few small greenery jars or a bowl of whole fruit.
Keep the arrangement low and leave room for food.
If you enjoy a little Christmas crafting, our napkin-holder ideas include ways to create a repeated finishing touch.
Choose one design that suits your supplies. Plain paper bands are useful when time or materials are limited.
If napkins are genuinely the missing practical piece, compare plain cotton napkins on Amazon. Choose something you can use throughout the year and check washing instructions before buying.
Family or friends may be able to lend plates, glasses or serving dishes.
Photograph borrowed pieces and keep a note of whose they are. Return them promptly and handle special items according to the owner’s advice.
Your Christmas table does not need identical crockery to look lovely.
Repeated details can bring different plates together, and there is something rather satisfying about making a good table from a collection you already own.