A Trip to Two Estate Sales

Estate sales come in all shapes and sizes, and today, I had the pleasure of visiting two very different ones. Welcome, and thank you for stopping by the blog today! I’m so excited to take you along on this adventure as we explore these two unique sales together.

Another note: tomorrow I’m joining a group of creative Bloggers in a tablescape hop featuring Autumn table settings. I hope you’ll join me for this exciting hop. I guarantee you’ll pick up some great ideas for your own Fall table settings.

The picture above was taken at the first sale this morning. It was held in a charming townhouse—not too big, but brimming with personality. The house was cozy and inviting, and even though it was a bit crowded, it added to the feeling of warmth and discovery. Everything was spotless, and I was impressed by how clearly each item was labeled with its price and details. The china, crystal, and silver were polished to perfection and beautifully displayed, almost as if they were whispering stories of the past to anyone who stopped to admire them.

Even the rugs on the floor were thoughtfully labeled with their sizes and prices. As someone who thrives on order, I found this level of organization incredibly appealing. It made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable, allowing me to take in each piece without any confusion or clutter. Since it was the first day of the sale, it felt more like a reconnaissance mission—a chance to scout out anything special that might still be there when half-price day rolls around.

The decor had a distinct French influence, which added an extra layer of charm to the whole setting. The elegant touches and classic style made it feel as though we had stepped into a little slice of Paris, right in the heart of the townhouse.

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They had some truly beautiful china on display, but I have to admit, some of the prices were a bit higher than I would have liked. There was a lovely set of Spode that caught my eye—it was in excellent condition, as was the “Sweet Briar” china. Both sets had such timeless elegance. They also had a variety of smaller pieces, along with some stunning larger French china pieces that added to the allure of the sale.

The crystal was nice, but nothing particularly special stood out. While I thoroughly enjoyed browsing and taking in the beauty of it all, I ultimately decided not to make any purchases at this time. Sometimes, the joy is in the looking and imagining how these treasures might fit into our lives, even if they don’t come home with us.

At the second sale, it was a completely different scene. Unlike the first, only a few things were labeled, and for most items, you had to make your way to the check-out desk to inquire about prices. Everything was quite dirty and greasy, to the point where I was hesitant to touch much of it. However, amidst the grime, there were definitely some gems to be found. It was clear the family was eager to clear everything out, and the people running the sale were already open to bargaining, which added a bit of excitement to the hunt.

You had to bring your own boxes and paper to wrap anything you bought, which added to the sense of being on a true treasure hunt. The owner of the home had a strong appreciation for Chinese and Japanese decor, which was evident throughout the sale. While I don’t know much about Japanese furniture, there did seem to be some nice pieces available. They also had some Evesham china and a set of Wedgewood pieces, all in good condition. Despite the rougher setting, it was interesting to see what was hidden beneath the surface.

Let me share with you some of the treasures I managed to bring home. In one of the cabinets and tucked away in the kitchen cupboards were some unmarked glasses that didn’t look like much at first glance. They were really filthy and covered in grease—definitely not something you’d want to touch right away. But underneath all that grime, I could tell they were in excellent condition. After a closer look, I realized these weren’t just any glasses—they were Waterford “Lismore” glasses.

We carefully loaded them into a box and brought them to the front, where we were pleasantly surprised to learn that we could have them for just $1 per glass. It felt like finding a hidden treasure! We ended up with six highball glasses, four water goblets, a white wine glass, and seven cordial glasses. As luck would have it, I already had seven white wine glasses at home, so this find was truly perfect. We left them by the checkout with sold signs while we continued to explore the rest of the house, feeling quite pleased with our discovery.

I also came across a lovely Crown Ducal teapot from England, though it was in desperate need of some TLC. It was covered in grease and cat hair, and it hadn’t been washed in quite some time. To top it off, there were still the last vestiges of tea lingering inside the pot. Despite its sorry state, I could see the potential underneath, so I gave it a quick rinse at the sale and brought it home for just $3.

After a thorough cleaning, I’m thrilled to share that it looks absolutely beautiful now! No chips, no crazing—it’s in lovely condition and has regained its original charm. It’s amazing what a little elbow grease can do, and now it has a special place in my collection, looking as pretty as ever.

While we’re on the topic of teapots, I have to tell you about another wonderful find. I came across a Wedgewood set in the “Columbia” pattern, which included a teapot, coffee pot, cream and sugar, and a matching cake plate. Like the Crown Ducal pot, these pieces were also covered in grease and dirt, although not nearly as bad.

After some careful cleaning, they turned out beautifully! The intricate details of the “Columbia” pattern are now shining through, and the set looks absolutely stunning. It’s always so satisfying to see these pieces brought back to life, and I’m thrilled with how they turned out. This set is definitely a treasure I’m excited to have found and restored.

There were also nine teacups and saucers that are in perfect condition and look so lovely now they are clean.

These pictures capture more of the wonderful Wedgewood “Columbia” set I discovered. In addition to the teapot, coffee pot, cream and sugar, and cake plate, the set included eight 5-piece place settings, the coffee and tea service, a pickle dish, and various other serving pieces. Naturally, before making a decision, we did a little research and were pleasantly surprised to see the prices this pattern typically commands. It’s such a beautiful and timeless design.

The pictures show the pieces after a thorough cleaning. It took some time—I had to keep emptying the sink and refilling it with fresh water to get everything sparkling clean—but it was so worth the effort. The pattern really shines now, and every piece looks gorgeous.

And the best part? I was able to get an incredibly low price for the entire set, so of course, it came home with me. I couldn’t be happier with this find, and I can’t wait to use these pieces for a special or every day occasion!

Included as part of the Wedgewood set is a delightful set of eight luncheon plates in the Wedgewood “Sheerness” pattern. I couldn’t be more excited! These plates are such a treasure, with their lovely blue accents and five charming figures nestled in blue ovals around the rim, each one connected by delicate floral designs. The center features a gorgeous floral bouquet that really brings the whole design together, and the borders around the rims are simply spectacular. I can’t wait to set a table with these for a cozy, inviting luncheon or perhaps a charming supper—these plates are sure to make any gathering feel extra special!

Sometimes, the best bargains are found in the most unlikely places. And often, those treasures just need a little elbow grease to reveal their true beauty. If you’re willing to look beyond the grime, you might just uncover something truly special.

Thank you so much for joining me on this adventure today! I’m excited to share these wonderful finds in table settings throughout the Autumn season, so stay tuned for more. Until then, happy treasure hunting!