Hunting antique shops and flea markets for gifts insures you will be giving the new couple something unique that no one else will have thought of and a special item they will cherish for years to come.

Look for silver plate pieces that can be used for entertaining. A sauce ladle, sugar spoon, cake server, or bottle opener are all great gifts that have beauty and functional purpose. These items were each purchased for under $20.00 a piece. If you are a super sleuth, you may well find pieces with the recipient’s monogram.

Whether you‘re collecting for your own place settings or for a wedding gift, a lovely set of colorful stemware can be a great choice. You might even find sets of complimentary pieces that can be merged together. Check consignment shops or Good Will for these types of finds. I've been very fortunate to unearth special hand-blown pieces and Venetian glass for $5.00 or less.

Made famous by the floral industry and a colonial revival decorating scheme from the late 60's and early 70's, milk glass vessels in all shapes and sizes can be found at yard sales, flea markets, and the Good Will store. Some pieces go for as little as a quarter. Consider these finds as centerpiece vases, candy holders, even gifts (a cake stand or compote always make a beautiful and practical gift). I've been collecting milk glass for more than ten years and have found great examples of urns, plant pots, and cake pedestals.

Antique Christmas ornaments make a thoughtful and memorable wedding gift that can be enjoyed well beyond the holiday season. I like to fill an old fish bowl or glass vase with a mix of ornaments to decorate a book shelf or coffee table. This turquoise painted version with feathered tole painting fits our color pallet perfectly. Happy hunting to you! Just finding the pieces is at least half the fun!