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Or, Cogito, ergo, sum as my Latin-learning homeschooling friends would say.

But I have a hard enough time with French so I’ll leave the Latin to a few favorite catchphrases:

        In vino veritas - that’s Ceasar speak for don’t ask me how I feel about your        
       eyebrow shape after two glasses of wine.

       Solvitur ambulando - that’s my sanity and solutions found on my morning walks

And my personally coined spin of Veni, vidi, vici:

      Veni, vidi, cupri… which is what we've done on our ‘Paris with Angela’ Paris flea market tours. “We came, we saw, we coppered.”

I digress.

That’s not why you’re here (nor I, for that matter).

           Explore full French-inspired living with Parisienne Farmgirl year-round.
                   For my expanded checklist for a French-inspired morning of 
                          reflection- join my reader-supported newsletter.

I want a French-inspired morning

If this is the year I turn fifty, then I’m happy to admit that these days, though I do bound of out of bed every morning, I’m not sweating during my workout seven minutes later.

No, in fact, recently, I’ve found pleasure in a slower start to the morning. The morning will end in a rocking workout, no worries there, but do I need to roll out and be lifting within the first six minutes of coherence?

Mais, non.

I am a type-A driven person. I get that. I love that. But I also love the laid-back café society mindset of the French. In my effort to embrace the French culture I adore, I’ve discovered a voice inside that reminds me to ‘calm the heck down.’ Lately, I honor that advice every morning. For me, this means a bullet-proof coffee, and quiet. I get my own, uninterrupted thoughts for about 45 minutes. I may sit in silence or pray… I may even scroll Instagram or read the news, because, you know what? I’m a grown-a$$ woman and if I want to laugh at a few reels or get caught up on a few current events before my family and obligations take over my day – that’s OK. I’m SUPER tired of culture telling me that I’m ‘less than’ if I want to scroll a little bit or read a headline.

Est modus in rebus.

Or even better…

In medio stat virtus.

After prayer, the majority of my quiet morning time is spent in silence. It’s just me, letting my normally disciplined mind WANDER freely. There is no goal. There is no to-do list. I just pense and then je suis.

Perhaps your mornings need a little French touch; a little more grace before you hit the ground running? Perhaps you need a little more thinking and a little more being to start your day before the demands of being a grown-up hit hard.

I can’t think of a pop culture word that annoys me more than ‘mindfulness’ but perhaps our mornings could use some French-inspired mindfulness; a favorite cup of coffee, a quiet observation of nature, a prayer, and a few funny reels before the bills, commute and monotony?

I want French-morning routine details!

Mais pourquoi pas? Just a thought.

The post Je pense, donc je suis… appeared first on Parisienne Farmgirl.

With my heart pounding, I created a “dot blogspot dot com” page called “Parisienne Farmgirl”.

I felt this name summed me up pretty dang good. -From farming stock and proud to have soil permanently embedded under my (sometimes well-manicured) fingernails AND full-on in love with Paris.

With the “ienne” feminine spelling, of course.

Blogging back then was super fun (aside from the horrid, caddy women who forgot to graduate from high school) our blogs played music, had running inside jokes, blog hops, and more. We had sidebar lists of our favorite blogs and I met some amazing people. We were a little tribe back then… it’s where so many of us started; from Sharon Santoni to Cat in France. Yes, those were the good old days of “Bonjour Madame” and Côte de Texas. Before we really knew about algorithms and the creation of the manipulative silly blue check mark…

-So much fun-

That little blog saw me through six babies, three houses, multiple gardening seasons, rage, joy, and countless, countless expressions of creativity.

Parisienne Farmgirl was there for me to type up my yearnings to live here in Door County and my lamentations as I thought I would truly never, ever make it back to France.

That was quite a few vintages ago…

This year Parisienne Farmgirl turns twenty. The Lord has blessed us with a core of people who find inspiration through this idea of celebrating the elegance of French culture (Parisienne) and the grit and joys of hard work (Farmgirl)l. Don’t let the numbers fool you, the audience isn’t really that big thanks to algorithms, trolls, and bots, but deep down in those Instagram and YouTube numbers is a core of people; many of who have been with me since day one (Which was, strangely enough, having nothing to do with French culture or even my garden for that matter, was a recounting of a standoff I had in a Walmart parking lot with a witch – No joke).

We speak the same language (not the witch and I; my day-oners), and we have commonalities in what we find tasteful and beautiful. They’ve mourned with me and I’ve mourned with them. I’ve celebrated with them and they’ve celebrated with me. And every time self-doubt would creep in and mock me, enticing me to believe in the frivolity of loving to make things beautiful, I’d open the mail to find a letter of encouragement sharing the impact of Parisienne Farmgirl on someone’s life:

A life now inspired.

A garden now dug.

A wardrobe now curated.

A new red lip now tried.

It never failed that “fan mail” would arrive on the worst of days, affirming me and often letting me know that me and mine were lifted up in prayer.

Parisienne Farmgirl.

The same. Changed.

With twenty years passed, I can’t be who I was. There’s no longer a baby on the hip, though in simply typing those words I can feel that joyous lump on my hipbone and sense those dangling chunky limbs. Right bicep bulging with constant flex…Rental farms are gone. Groceries are a little easier to buy (Praise the Lord)… so many of the ideas and dreams hatched in my heart over the years are now a reality. There are no more “is this pregnancy over” lamentations. These days I grieve for children moved on and those preparing to do so. Paris is no longer a memory from a 25-year-old who saved extra grocery money in a tattered envelope – it’s something that I’m constantly ‘recovering’ from and preparing for.

Professionally, I’m no longer trying a new idea every two years (which, I can’t help by the way. I am an ideas person). Yes, professionally, the spaghetti launcher has been retired. Not only is Parisienne Farmgirl older, I am too. And wiser.

From trying to deliver pies 20 years ago, to homemade soap, through two magazines (that were WAY too much work for one woman)… I’ve learned a TON after years of trial and error and there is finally an equation that works for me and for you.

For support, The Old World Design Society is where you hang out for home decor advice, growth, and inspiration. Then, on Substack, you can opt-in to detailed weekly advice on incorporating all those things we love as Americans about French culture into your life.

For a ‘fix’ – Everyday Château is where you shop for decor and French antiques when you need a new treasure..

And since all roads lead to Paris –

For an experience – The Paris with Angela tours are there for when you’re ready to immerse yourself in the French culture firsthand.

Professionally, everything I put my hand to these days is to support those three arenas.

Personally, I’m standing facing 2025 with so much gratitude and an overflowing heart. I can’t stop squeezing these children and they grow mid-embrace! We’re here, we’re settled. The love and support of a good, good man is on my side and he has mine on his side as well. We’ve matured enough to know my goals are not his goals and visa versa and we meet somewhere in the beautiful middle. The excesses of youth are no longer my friend. Edges have rounded out a bit. Wisdom, having heard her beautiful voice calling from the streets, feels like a subterranean river; slowly coursing beneath decisions, reactions, goals, and ambitions. I’m content with a spade, spatula, or paintbrush. A laundry load at the homeschool table. A Facetime with my Gram or a cup of coffee in the darkness before the day begins.

I’ll be fifty this year. To say I am overcontemplative would be an understatement and with my never-stopping mind, I know I have a year of contemplation ahead of me. Those thoughts will transform into paintings, garden beds, special moments with children, a quiet conversation with my husband while we milk the cow and so much more.

Those thoughts will bear fruit, some of which will become a part of Parisienne Farmgirl.

Twenty years for her. Fifty for me.

It’s all very exciting. But I don’t come to this New Year’s Eve with excitement. I come with quiet contentment. Proud of years of hard work and gratitude for those who have found enjoyment in it. – That’s you.

Happy New Year…

Bonne année

The post A Few Vintages Ago appeared first on Parisienne Farmgirl.

Drumroll….

The winner, with incredible accuracy, is, SOPHIE MEAD!

Sophie found all 29 of the “hidden” items and her time stamps were all ON POINT or within seconds of my master list. So well done, Sophie! I’ll be emailing you a gift card for the shop! And speaking of the shop – I’ve made an executive decision. Did you notice? It was subtle, but over the coming weeks will become very real with a new dot com, packing materials, an Instagram page, and more. Thing is, I had originally called the shop, “Parisienne Farmhouse Shoppe”. Rather passively I might add. Then I started referring to it a few months ago as Parisienne Farmhouse – still, not totally in love.

And then, while working on the shop’s 2025 business plan, I had a EUREKA moment!

-EVERYDAY CHÂTEAU-

When I finally finish my book on our home remodel it will be called “Everyday Château” and it’s with those words that we’ve branded our remodeling videos on YouTube. They’re two words that I love so very much together and I think they stand on their own, even away from Parisienne Farmgirl, which is what I want for the shop as we begin to import more and more French antique treasures in the future.

So Sophie, Congrats! I’ll be in touch with your $50 gift card to Everyday Château and well done on having such a keen eye!

Tomorrow is baby girl’s birthday and then the holiday so I’ll see you all again very soon after we close out the year with these precious days of cozy family time.

The post Christmas French Farmhouse Scavenger Hunt Winner! appeared first on Parisienne Farmgirl.

It’s such a special time of year as we celebrate our anniversary of living in this home each December. Filming these Christmas tours allows me to sit back and see all our progress and it fills my heart with such gratitude and love for this home. I’m so blessed to be able to raise my family here.

Full of all the drippy fabulous French goodness you’d expect – this tour delivers and is a peaceful way to source some inspiration for the holidays. And… we had so much fun with last year’s scavenger hunt, I’ve decided to do it again.

FULL SCAVENGER HUNT RULES: Ready to hunt for treasures? Well, first, you should come to Paris with me in 2025 for some SERIOUS treasures you can take home yourself! https://www.parisiennefarmgirl.com/pa…. Second, you can try to find all the treasures and win a $50 gift card to Parisienne Farmhouse Shoppe! Find each item, NOTE THE TIME STAMP, and EMAIL it to angela@parisiennefarmgirl.com. Comments with the answers will be deleted and disqualified. The first person to get them all correct wins $50 to my shop with the winner announced in a blog post on Monday the 23rd of December, I will also email the winner. Only EMAILED responses will qualify to win.

Email angela@parisiennefarmgirl.com HINT: Items are listed in the order they are viewed. Your hunt list is here:

1. A new statue for my collection

2. A close-up of not Monet’s haystacks but close enough for me

3. Diana’s engagement photo

4. Cana Island (just down the road)

5. Fav café on the Isle de St. Louis

6. A squirrel on the wall (this one’s a tough one)

7. Clock #1

8. More not Monet’s haystacks but close enough for me

9. Flight to Egypt

10. Rhett and Scarlet

11. Claire with no Jamie, not on a ship, but ship lap

12. Sepia seaside by me

13. Not Santa’s though it seems, but vintage from Paris and mine

14. Small French award

15. Had I a GIbson GIrl hair style and a sailing boat I would need this

16. My Christmas Eve baby’s ensemble

17. Put out a shingle, for an old French newspaper

18. Closeup two Joans

19. My Charlotte Musson collection

20.Close up: Les escalier de la butte

21. A sneaky child on a swing

22. Grandpa’s varsity letter

23. Me inviting you to Paris

24. Yes that’s really her and I

25. Bas-relief – les trois grâces

26. Venus de Lego

27. Pygmalion

28. Rose window silent night

29. Recommended next (fill in the blank)______________

The post French Farmhouse Christmas Tour 2024 appeared first on Parisienne Farmgirl.

Here’s a sample of my Everyday Château newsletter. It’s full of classic, elegant living with enough GRIT to keep it real. This is how I share life, humor and upcoming events with my subscribers. I’d love to send them to you, right to your inbox, once or twice a week. CLICK HERE to be a part of my “inner circle”. Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness… FINALLY. Since April, we’ve had such beautiful weather here in Door County—sunshine, warmth, and those beautiful blue skies that you can only find next to the Great Lakes. Pristine weather has its drawbacks, though—we’ve had such a drought that I fear for many of my perennials, no cozy August thunderstorms, and no October misty mornings until this pre-dawn moment. Houston, we’ve got mist.​ The likes of to inspire Keats himself. (click ‘Keats’ above to see) ​ As much as I live perspiring in my garden and on the beach ALL summer long, it looks as though it’s finally time for cozy morning fires, comfort food cravings, trench coats, and riding boots. I’m NOT a pumpkin spice type. It’s been SEVENTY degrees all week here and a girl just wants to wear her chic trench coat to the Pig! Vive la fall fashions! Speaking of fall fashions. I’m that Momma who often dresses up with her kids for trick-or-treating. Let’s not forget my hair-brained idea to turn a million hydrangea into a Marie Antoinette dress and wig.FULL VIDEO DETAILS HERE I’m not really into skeletons and whatnot, and all that garbage sugar. OIE. The kiddos aren’t allowed to keep anything with food coloring. Garbage chocolate? I suppose, sigh, but I draw the line and food coloring. I digress.  Sorry. Slowing stepping away from kid’s health soap box….Fully restored and looking magnificent. Yes, that’s the t-shirt image you’ve often seen me wear.  Always available in the Parisienne Farmhouse shop. ​I do like to play dress up, though. I never shed that aspect of my childhood, and I’m still feeling all the Paris vibes… I’ve only been home a few weeks, after all. I suppose Liberty Leading the People would be bad form with kids-n-all, so I’m going as Joan of Arc. If I can’t do Delecroix, then a 17-year-old shepherdess turned bad a$$, why not? Looks like 40% chance of rain. Here’s hoping my hair will stay straight.Ran into the Louvre a few weeks ago to say, Bonjour, to all my ladies… Liberty, Joan, Three Graces, Nike, Venus… What does my weather forecast matter to you? Well, it means we get to spend a little more time together. Let’s start tomorrow evening, in fact!​Join me?​ Click here! ​I’ll be LIVE on YouTube at 7 pm Central – Join me for a classic FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE! We’ll chat and I’ll let you know how it went creating fake fringe for my Jeanne d’Arc ensemble! See you then!

​

The post Riddle: What do Keats, Delacroix, a Shepherdess and Marie Antoinette have in common? appeared first on Parisienne Farmgirl.

FIVE projects.

TWO videos.

TONS of insp.

l promise:

In the first installment of this series, we delve into the creation of our breathtaking potager-style French gardens. From the labor to the layout, it’s a feast for the senses and a celebration of the beauty and abundance of French garden culture not to mention how precious it is to see my little chickens helping make all these happen. They were so tiny! There are plenty of ideas for you as we’re all going into gardening season.

I then invite you into the heart of our home, the kitchen, as we crank up the blues and tear out the 1980s eco windows to create the timeless elegance of our deep-set stone window sills. Discover the artistry and ingenuity behind this traditional English and French architectural feature as we share the process of sourcing, shaping, and installing the natural stone elements that added so much character and charm to our home.

It takes a lot of new life to make something look old and I’m all about embracing the timeless allure of French farmhouse living. Whether you’re dreaming of your own garden oasis or yearning to infuse your home with some old-world rustic elegance – this week is right up our alley.

I’ve been striving for AUTHENTIC during the last 6 years and these projects I’ve been sharing with you, I really feel have played a pivotal role in making our home feel like we’ve been transported across the pond.

I didn’t want it to feel like the French section at HomeGoods, ya know?

In the first part of this 2nd installment, I invite you into the cozy embrace of our third-story loft transformed into charming attic bedrooms for our little ones. From crafting new walls and maximizing space to infusing each corner with love and imagination, this video is a celebration of childhood wonder and the joy of pushing creativity for our family to grow and thrive.

Next, we journey to the heart of our home as we share the mesmerizing process of crafting a stone fireplace for our range. This was the project that I got called “crazy” for whenever I tried to explain it. I was inspired by the rustic charm of French country kitchens, this project is a labor of love and a testament to grit and following through with an idea!

And lastly, we venture into the entryway of our farmhouse to unveil the creation of a British-style bootroom. This project is a tribute to the beauty of functionality, quirkiness, and the joy of embracing life’s little luxuries like hand-me-down wainscotting and Grampa’s shirts.

Whether you’re dreaming of transforming your own attic into a cozy retreat, giving your stove a place of drama in your kitchen, or creating a welcoming entryway that speaks to the soul, these videos are sure to inspire and delight and hopefully get your own creative juices flowing!

I’m just getting home from France so we’ll be back at it, but I appreciate you being here for a look at what I feel are some of our greatest accomplishments.

The post Our Five Most Dramatic Projects | The Makings of a French Farmhouse appeared first on Parisienne Farmgirl.

Well, it happened.

I worked myself to exhaustion and tears on Easter night. — but let me back up a bit…

I’m super particular about how I leave things for my family when I go out of town, which I do about every 12 weeks in some way shape, or form. I like things clean and tidy. I know it’s hard with Momma gone so I like to leave things orderly!

Despite my best efforts, this time, this trip to France, I’m leaving behind a disaster and I hate that. Probably more than they do though. Kids are pretty simple, they want love, food, and a lack of tension.

Sadly, I haven’t been able to fulfill that whole ‘lack of tension’ bit. The long story short is that we’ve been out of power for days and that inconvenience brings its own list of stressors. Right before the power outage, I worked myself to the bone trying to get the darn floor done for them (and myself). I wanted so badly to leave them with a finished product. But, the fact is, I leave TODAY and so I’m raising the white flag (let’s pretend it’s a lovely white, silk Hèrmes scarf.)

Reality check: The floor is NOT getting done before I leave. The floor is NOT getting done before my sister’s visit days after I get back. And ten years from now that won’t matter.

What will matter is how my kids remember my countenance, my fortitude, and whether or not I asked for forgiveness when I blew my top.

This flooring project was stressful enough (fun, but stressful) and then to add to that a four-day power outage… well, let’s just say, I’ll be sharing the hilarity of that chapter when I get home. And I’ll give you a hint: it has lots to do with trying to keep a pet turtle alive in front of the fireplace without cracking the aquarium glass from the heat.

For now – let’s discover the mold behind the copper sink and the next phase of From Chaos to Cuisine and let’s be sure we keep perspective when life gives us curveballs and ask forgiveness when we lose that perspective.

Join me as we explore the next phase of our “From Chaos to Cuisine” series, where we’re finishing the transformation a 1980’s kitchen into the French unfitted kitchen of our dreams – From discovering mold behind the copper sink to navigating the intricacies of kitchen remodeling with kids in tow, we’re embracing imperfection and finding joy in the journey.

We’re going to finish this kitchen one moment one hug and one kiss at a time.

I’m glad you’re here for it.

The post The One Where I Work Myself to Exhaustion appeared first on Parisienne Farmgirl.

Today I’m sharing some glimpses of “Remodeling with Kids.” This video continues our kitchen remodeling “From Chaos to Cuisine” series, where we journey together through the ups and downs of transforming our kitchen into the unfitted kitchen of our dreams; full of warmth, beauty, and functionality. In this installment, we’re hitting Home Depot and scootering around the store with baby girl’s crutches in the shopping cart, discovering naughty words penciled onto the interior doors of our truck, and taking a break from it all to hit my favorite resale shop!

The kids have been so helpful and precious during all this chaos to cuisine – even now with the power out, tensions are running a little hot, but their doing their best to help us get through this. More of this story to come!

The post Remodeling with Kids appeared first on Parisienne Farmgirl.

“I need new dishes like I need a hole in the head.”

Well, I’m here to tell you the struggle is real. God grant me the serenity to accept things that I can not change. I love dishes. And beauty being in the eye of the teacup holder, when a set strikes my fancy, I have to have it.

One of the first things I do after falling in love with the front pattern is flip the plate over to discover the maker’s mark on the back. That little stamp makes me just as happy as the gold leaf or hand-painted flowers. So much can be learned by that little symbol of pride. That stamp that says, “We made this.” In my recent Youtube video I promised you I would nerd out and share the history behind the dishes featured on my Easter table so here goes. But first –

What is a Maker’s Mark?

Ah, mes chères amis, let’s talk about these darling maker’s marks on our beloved china pieces! Picture yourself sipping a café au lait from a delicate teacup adorned with the most charming little symbol or signature on the bottom.

These maker’s marks, they’re like little love notes from the artisans who crafted these treasures. You’ll find them nestled on the underside of your favorite plates, cups, and saucers, each one telling a unique story of craftsmanship and tradition. Some faded, some clear, but always with a story to tell.

Imagine uncovering a piece of Limoges porcelain with its elegant maker’s mark or spotting the iconic Wedgwood stamp on a beloved teapot. These marks, they’re like secret codes that connect us to the artisans and manufacturers who pour their hearts into creating these timeless pieces.

When I first began to dress the table I chose a small plate to sit atop the larger ones. Imagine my delight at the thrift shop when I flipped that one over and saw the words “Tiffany & Co”. I looked around, guarding my newfound treasure. Move over Holly Golightly, these ones are mine!

Ah me, There once was a world where Minton and Tiffany & Co. joined forces to create some seriously fabulous dishes! Picture this: It’s the mid-1800s, and across the pond, Minton, the English pottery maestros, are wowing everyone with their bone china brilliance. Meanwhile, in the bustling streets of New York City, Tiffany & Co. is making waves in the luxury goods scene with their sparkly jewels and elegant silverware. You’re getting Far and Away vibes, aren’t you? Now, what happens when you combine the English craftsmanship of Minton with the American elegance of Tiffany & Co.? Magique, that’s what! These two powerhouses teamed up to bring the finest tableware to the elite on both sides of the Atlantic. Think custom-designed dinner sets fit for kings and queens, with intricate patterns and hand-painted details that make every meal feel like a royal banquet.

From fancy plates to delicate vases, Minton supplied Tiffany & Co. with all sorts of ceramic wonders, adding a touch of class to dinner tables everywhere. Their collaboration wasn’t just about making pretty things – it was about creating a legacy of luxury that still shines bright today.

Before I laid those little plates down, I started with the most beautiful creamy white plate with delicate gold detail. I recently found a set of 12 of these – OH TO HAVE THE ENTIRE SET. Nonetheless, 12 pristine dishes that are over 100 years old are quite a treasure. Shall we flip them over to see the back?

The stamp on the back tells me they were made by Royal Dalton between 1901-1922.

Yummy.

In 1901, the company introduced a new Doulton mark with the lion, crown, and ‘intersecting D motif that you see here. The new mark and use of the name ‘Royal Doulton’ as opposed to ‘Doulton’ celebrate the grant of the Royal Warrant to Doulton by King Edward VII in 1901. This mark was used in various forms into the 1990s, but the style of this mark tells me this pattern dates from 1901 to 1922 and was made exclusively for Marshall Field’s.
I’m always nostalgic for the world of Marshall Field’s. I once scored a giiiiiiiiiiant hooked rug with the original Marshall Fields label still sewn on, and my vintage plaid flannel bathrobe has the same tag. I remember going to the flagship as a child and teenager. That classy green bag was always a sign of quality for me. I even registered at Marshall Fields as a young bride, (when all my friends were registering at Khols). Lucky for this dish addict this iconic Chicago department store, collaborated with Royal Doulton in creating exquisite dishes and tableware.

A bit more about Marshall Field’s, I thought you’d never ask – it’s not just a store, it’s a legend! Founded in 1852 by Potter Palmer, Marshall Field’s quickly became a retail powerhouse, known for its luxury goods, impeccable service, and iconic flagship store on State Street (where my memories are held) at Watertower in Chicago. It was a shopping destination where elegance and sophistication reigned supreme, drawing in crowds of locals and visitors alike. Oh! Remember those Cinderella windows every year at Christmas time??? That was pure magic! (Also, the location of that hilarious scene with the underwear from Christmas vacation:)

Now, let’s talk about Royal Doulton. This British ceramics company has been crafting fine china and porcelain since the early 19th century, earning a reputation for its timeless designs and impeccable quality. From elegant tea sets to elaborate dinnerware, Royal Doulton’s creations adorned tables in homes and palaces around the world.

So now, just like the collaboration between Tiffany and Minton, we’re blessed with the prestige of Marshall Field’s with the craftsmanship of Royal Doulton! Marshall Field’s partnered with Royal Doulton to offer its discerning customers the finest in tableware and dining accessories. Whether you were hosting a lavish dinner party or simply enjoying a cup of tea at home, Marshall Field’s had you covered with Royal Doulton’s exquisite creations.

From classic patterns to modern designs, the collaboration between Marshall Field’s and Royal Doulton brought a touch of elegance and sophistication to dining tables across Chicago and beyond. It was a partnership rooted in tradition and luxury, reflecting the timeless charm of Marshall Field’s and the impeccable craftsmanship of Royal Doulton.

Though Marshall Field’s may be a nostalgic memory for many (I was loyal and would never shop at Macy’s or whatever other stores took its place), its legacy lives on through the cherished moments shared around tables set with Royal Doulton dishes like mine will be this Easter. Another reason it’s so great to know how to identify a maker’s mark.

Finally, I swapped out two of my plates for these incredible hand-painted plates with their exquisite lattice detail. And they featured another fascinating maker’s mark full of history. The tiny giveaway on the bottom of plates marked “Germany” is that that one word means your plate dates from PRE Berlin wall or post. This is the same for old maps and globes. Clues like Germany or countries that have changed, such as Czechoslovakia (which was dissolved in 1992.)

Not only does this plate say “Germany” but it also has the unique “US ZONE” mark.

After World War II, Germany found itself split into different zones of occupation, kind of like a giant puzzle divided among the Allies. One of these zones was controlled by the United States, hence the “US Zone” label you might find on certain items, like this beautiful Bavarian china plate.

Now, picture this: it’s the late 1940s to early 1950s, and Germany is picking up the pieces after the war. In this time of rebuilding and reconstruction, folks are still making beautiful things, including these gorgeous Bavarian china plates. The “US Zone” marking on the bottom tells us that these plates were crafted in the area under the watchful eye of the United States military administration. These plates aren’t just pretty pieces for my collection – they’re little time capsules from a significant period in history. They capture the spirit of resilience and creativity as Germany bounced back from the ravages of war. Plus, they’ve got that unique style influenced by the times with their latticework and detailed hand-painting, making them extra special for collectors and history buffs alike.

So, next time you spot that “US Zone” stamp on a Bavarian china plate, remember the story behind it. It’s not just about the beautiful design – it’s a reminder of the strength and ingenuity of the human spirit during challenging times. Bonus tip: this is very similar to the concept behind the words “Occupied Japan” on the bottom of certain Japanese pieces.

Speaking of Czechoslavakia – those divine little teacups or hot chocolate cups? Oh my goodness, they are so precious. I had to put one in the center of each plate to finish off the table. These delightful cups, each one bearing the mark of “Puls” alongside the enchanting word “Czechoslovakia.” They’re like little pieces of art. Crafted with care and attention to detail, Puls tea cups boast intricate designs and hand-painted motifs that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a bygone era of elegance and refinement.

Dating back to the early to mid-20th century, these cups embody the essence of their time, blending classic European styles with the flair of Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences. So, whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your vintage tea set journey, flip those cups over and look for the stamp -Puls Czechoslovakia tea cups are sure to steal your heart.

And last, but not least – one of my most questioned-about items – the colorful stemware. If there’s anything I want more of – it’s these. I’m crazy for them and I constantly keep my eyes peeled for them. I’m not alone – when I take my guests to the Paris flea markets I always ask – is there anything in particular I can help you find today? I’d like to think all my obsessions with history and antiques can work in their favor (not to mention I’m rather proud of my ability to strike a good bargain au français:) On my last trip one of my guests said, YES! You can help me find little colorful cordial glasses like yours.

We found her a beautiful set – hers are French. The ones you see in my cabinet are German. I’ve found them unused with the stickers still on them which makes me so sad that someone found them TOO special to use. We use ours!

In 19th century Bavaria, Germany, was a region renowned for its craftsmanship and love of fine beverages. Enter NACHTMANN, a name synonymous with exquisite glassware that’s been elevating drinking experiences for generations. What’s more elevated than colorful cut glass on a stem??? NACHTMANN’s journey begins with a passion for precision and beauty. Founded in 1834 by Michael NACHTMANN, this family-owned brand quickly became a beacon of excellence in the world of glassmaking. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality, NACHTMANN set out to create glassware that not only looked stunning but also enhanced the aromas and flavors of your favorite wines.

Sounds good to me!

Fast forward to today, and antique NACHTMANN wine glasses are cherished by connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Online they can be priced as high as $1500 for a set so keeping an eye out at antique stores and thrift shops is a must! Once I scored a box of 12 for FORTY DOLLARS!!! Each glass is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, carefully crafted to showcase the unique characteristics of different varietals. But NACHTMANN isn’t just about style – today, it’s also about sustainability. As stewards of the environment, the brand is committed to producing glassware that’s not only beautiful but also eco-friendly. From sourcing materials responsibly to implementing energy-efficient production methods, NACHTMANN strives to minimize its environmental footprint while maximizing your enjoyment. I love that they are still in production – but I’ll stick with the vintage.

HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR DISHES

Here’s my pro-tip for you. I use this ALL the time when shopping. I use it when pricing items for my store too, trying to always land in the right spot with websites like 1st Dibs and Chairish having prices out of control, this little tool helps me find something more appropriate.

Google Lens.

I’m shocked how few people know about this handy tool. You can use it on your phone with the Google App (not Chrome, but the basic Google app) or online with lens.google.com. You can scan the item or the maker’s mark and find pricing, articles, and more. Have you found a treasure? Let the all-powerful Google Lens help you with that. Here’s a screenshot of what happened when I showed Google Lens those lattice work plates:

Just like NACHTMANN and their new eco-ways – When we save these beautiful dishes from the landfill, we’re playing our own role in that. We’re saying ‘no’ mass-produced garbage made with no artistry, no fascinating story. We’re saying YES to craftsmanship, beauty, and elevating the every-day. I’m never going to encourage you to feel bad about collecting beautiful things. We’re addicted to dishes because who looks at beauty and says, “No thanks, I’ve got enough beauty in my life.” So get out there, find some treasures – flip them over, and add history buff to your list of talents! Now you know how to identify a maker’s mark!

I appreciate you being here. If you’re not a part of my Design Society but this article was right up your alley – what are you waiting for? Join us for a free month and see what you think.

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