Our Favorite Places To Find Treasures

Have you ever gone to an antique store or flea market so much that you know every item they have had and exactly where it is and how much it costs? I have several stores like that. I go and look and enjoy each moment, even though I have seen it all before. But sometimes....the owner has just returned from an estate sell....and there is something new.....something I must have! Sometimes, I know the owners well enough, that they put something back for me...knowing I will want it. Sometimes they will stop me in the store, telling me to drop by....they have something I might want to look at.

For spring break, we were able to go out of town and stop by some of my favorite "treasure places". In the back, among the linens, I found this stack of beautiful unused napkins! 10 in all, perfect in every stitch, without a flaw on either one.
As you can see the cutwork is wonderfully worked. It is probably Madeira embroidery,......they are famous for this kind of perfect stitching. I am usually drawn to greens and pinks, but this silver-grey color, and the leaf, is something I have been searching for to match with my china.

Sorry the photo is blurry. I also collect pieces of silverware. The real silverware. Decorative pieces as this one above is hard to find. I found several pieces of this design a few years ago. I love leaves....I just had to have them. As you can see....the napkins match just right.

A few years ago, I was helping a friend clean out her antique barn for an upcoming sell, and found this beautiful china set from Noritake. The name is Pasadena. It has a silver rim, a very pale single rose, with silver and green leaves and stems. The napkins will go perfect with this dinnerware. I only use this china on holidays or special occasions and the napkins will be used only during that time. So......how about you? Where are your favorite treasures found? Is there a particular set of dinnerware and napkins you use? I would love to hear!