Thanks to my mom and my grandma, I had a lot of early exposure to gift shops. All of those childhood influences resulted in what is probably an abnormal affection for any sort of paper or party goods: ribbon, gift wrap, greeting cards, office supplies and decorative plates and napkins. I happened across a treasure trove of party goods at the same sale that yielded the paper lanterns and cocktail napkins. They allow me to believe I'm actually going to do some entertaining this summer. By happy coincidence, I found a little wooden tote at another sale to keep them in.
Here's the tote before a couple of coats of white paint. White paint pretty much takes care of anything.
By strange coincidence, I have a piece of fabric that is about a perfect match for these Hallmark napkins and cups. That mustard and red combination was popular for about two weeks in the 1970s, so it's pretty fortunate I have several examples of it in action.
Clearly, these were too cute to use, because there's a full set.
I would have a tailgate party just to use these cups. This is probably a good moment to explain that I don't buy paper partyware unless it's sealed up in its original packaging. I have some standards.
Finally, not one but two packages of Hallmark strawberry napkins. To go with the strawberry tablecloth, the strawberry shaker and, I'm hoping, local strawberries this weekend.
Kiss,kiss to the Jolly Time cutie pie Santa! Really pretty pictures in this post.
Posted by: stephanie | June 18, 2009 at 03:08 PM
Awesome! I had some of that stuff back in the states..it was so easy to come by at sales. I too love all things paper and party related!
Posted by: Hope Griffin | June 18, 2009 at 05:21 PM
Great little tray! And I love the strawberry napkins.
Posted by: Wendy | June 18, 2009 at 05:39 PM
I saw that same Santa cocktail napkin set this last weekend at a yard sale, but didn't buy it because I thought, what would I do with it? Ha!It was in perfect, unused condition too! Oh well!
Posted by: Susan@thecozychickadee | June 18, 2009 at 08:05 PM
I am utterly smitten by your finds! I especially love the paper cups with the coffee cups on them. I love your golf bracelet from your last post, as well!
Posted by: Allie in MI | June 18, 2009 at 09:06 PM
Ok now that I've caught my breath!! Your napkins are to DIE for!!
Hugs, Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | June 18, 2009 at 09:34 PM
My goodness, I love all those collectins of party goods. Looks like it will be a fun time in the backyard this summer. Break out the crank ice cream freezer and the rock salt! xo, suzy
Posted by: georgiapeachez | June 18, 2009 at 09:38 PM
I am so behind in blogworld - you had four new posts to me! Would you believe I also have a large stash of vintage napkins and cups, plates etc. (ditto on original cellophane wrap). I however, do not have the same patterns (for once we differ). Also love your pattern post - they sure don't make them like that anymore.
Posted by: laurie - magpie ethel | June 18, 2009 at 10:44 PM
Well...you certainly have a knack for coordinating your fabulous finds, and I never realized until now how much I love vintage paper goods. Of course, your fabulous photography doesn't hurt either.
Posted by: Martha | June 19, 2009 at 01:27 AM
If I ever bought all these pretty paper goods they would sit in a drawer and I would occasionally take them out to ooh & aah. I am in awe of the creative vignettes you come up with. So pretty!! The white paint sure did make a world of difference on the tray. Love the Santa set. Great post.
Posted by: Kim | June 19, 2009 at 08:47 AM
I love every single bit of this post!!
Posted by: HeidiAnn | June 19, 2009 at 04:18 PM
Now you have an excellent excuse to entertain! I love those strawberry napkins... great finds!
Posted by: Rebecca | June 19, 2009 at 08:22 PM
sweet goodies
i lurve the first pic. such pretties and such a great snap!
Posted by: susan | June 20, 2009 at 11:10 PM
i LOVE the napkins in that first photo! and that little carrier is adorable! you find some great sutff!
Posted by: susan | June 21, 2009 at 10:22 AM