A southern garden at golden hour. A woman wearing a white linen dress and a straw hat pours a glass of sweet tea.

Classic Summer Whites: Timeless Linen Dresses and Southern Style Staples

This article is part of my Old Fashioned Summer Saturdays series, a weekly look at timeless summer traditions, seasonal recipes, and vintage-inspired living. This week, we’re covering the important topic of what to wear in the South during the hot, sticky months of our beloved Summer.

I think people who move to the South often assume that us native folks hate the summer as much as they do. Do we complain about the heat? Of course. Will you overhear us say, “It’s not the heat; it’s the humidity.” You certainly will. But what newcomers may not realize is that our love of summer in the South runs as deep as a magnolia tree’s roots. It is truly our time to shine.

A southern garden at golden hour. A woman stands behind a limelight hydrangea, wearing a white linen dress and straw hat.
Classic summer whites, the dresses we reach for when the humidity rises

Where most transplants go astray is that they often assume what is good for the summer in Nantucket is good for the heat in Georgia. That is simply not the case. We love a linen. A seersucker. A caftan. Lululemon isn’t making anything that Southern girls want touching their skin in mid-July, because darlin’, we will be getting “sticky” in this heat.

A southern garden at golden hour. A woman wearing a white linen dress and a straw hat pours a glass of sweet tea.
White linen, sweet tea, and the quiet hum of summer

Many have strayed from the Labor Day through Memorial Day rule for wearing white clothing. But here in the South, we WILL be wearing white during the summer to reflect the heat. Lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton aren’t just breathable; they’re part of our heritage. Just ask any Southern grandmother why her Sunday dress was always starched and white. These materials move with the heat, not against it.

flat lay of an outfit featuring a white linen dress, sandals, straw hat, and pearl necklaces. The scene is framed by a few flowers against a checkered background.
Perfect for garden parties, porch evenings, and everything in between. Tap the links below for my shoppable picks.

Here are a few of my Style Staples for a Southern Summer

A southern vegetable garden at golden hour. I woman wearing a white linen dress and straw hat enters the garden through a gate.
Nothing beats the feel of a linen dress in a Georgia breeze.

So yes, we may gripe about the heat, but make no mistake, we were made for this season. From porch swings to garden parties, there’s a quiet elegance to the way Southerners dress for summer, and classic whites are right at the heart of it. Whether it’s a crisp linen dress, a cotton blouse that’s seen a dozen Julys, or a pair of pearl drop earrings that feel just right in the glow of twilight, our style says: we belong to this place and this moment. If you’re new to dressing for Southern summers, start simple. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite timeless summer staples HERE, pieces that look just as lovely on a back porch as they do at a bridal shower.

Explore More from Old-Fashioned Summer Saturdays

This article is part of my Old-Fashioned Summer Saturdays series, where I share timeless inspiration for warm-weather living. Be sure to check out these reader favorites:

– Timeless Red, White, and Blue Decor Ideas for the Porch
– Heirloom Tomato Dreams
– Simple Garden Joys
– Refrigerator Pickles—A Southern Summer Staple
– Creating a Cozy Summer Reading Spot
– Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake Cake
– Blue and White China for Summer Entertaining

You can subscribe here to receive new articles, seasonal inspiration, and vintage-style favorites delivered right to your inbox.

Abby Smolarsky9 Comments
Old-fashioned refrigerator pickles made with fresh cucumbers and onions

How to Make Old-Fashioned Refrigerator Pickles in Weck Jars: A Southern Summer Staple

This recipe is part of my Old Fashioned Summer Saturdays series, a weekly look at timeless summer traditions, seasonal recipes, and vintage-inspired living. This week, we’re in the garden, putting those homegrown cucumbers to good use with a classic refrigerator pickles recipe…no canning required!

If you’ve ever grown cucumbers in your garden, you know how quickly they multiply. This easy refrigerator pickle recipe is my favorite way to preserve them without needed a canner, water bath, or any special tools. It’s fast, crisp, and full of flavor. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, you’ll love this vintage-inspired method.

Why I love this method:

  • No canning, no fuss. Plus it’s a great way to use homegrown produce.
  • This is a modern take on a timeless tradition.
  • There are no daunting tasks.
  • This recipe is easily adaptable and hard to mess up!

Supplies You’ll Need (affiliate links)

Recipe (keep reading for more details)

Old-fashioned refrigerator pickles made with fresh cucumbers and onions
Abby Smolarsky | Belle Antiquarian

Old-Fashioned Refrigerator Pickles

A no-canning refrigerator pickle recipe using fresh cucumbers and classic Southern flavors. Crisp, sweet-tangy, and easy to make; no special equipment required.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 14 minutes
Additional Time 2 days
Total Time 2 days 14 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp celery seeds
  • ½ tsp black pepercorns
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ clove of garlic per jar, peeled

Equipment

  • Clean mason jars or Weck jars
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, black peppercorns, and red pepper flakes until the sugar and salt dissolve.
  2. Add the sliced cucumbers and onion to the brine, stirring to coat evenly.
  3. Place ½ garlic clove into each clean jar.
  4. Transfer the cucumber mixture into the jars, pressing gently to remove air bubbles and ensure the vegetables are fully submerged.
  5. Seal the jars tightly to refrigerate for at least 24 hours; for best flavor, allow 48 hours before serving.
  6. Shake the jars gently every few hours during the first day to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Notes

This is a small batch recipe and will typically fill 2-3 jars. If you have additional cucumbers or jars, simply prepare more brine to fully cover the vegetables. 

How to Customize Your Pickles

There is no end to the flavor combinations that you can create. Today I used radishes and cool-jalapenos (Yep, they’re a thing) to some of the jars for a few different flavor combinations. If you have a lot of extra okra, then you could pickle okra instead of cucumbers. Don’t have a Vidalia onion on hand? Use a red onion, or even swap out the white vinegar for apple cider vinegar. This recipe is very flexible!

Storage Tips

Wait about 48 hours for these pickles to achieve their peak flavor, but don’t wait too long to enjoy eating them. Since they don’t have preservatives or an airtight seal, they need to be enjoyed within a month. Keep them stored in the refrigerator, and always use a clean utensil when serving them to avoid contamination.

Whether you’re overrun with cucumbers or just looking for a way to savor summer, these easy pickles are a delicious and practical solution. If you give this recipe a try, tag me on Instagram or pin this post to save it for later! (Looking for the exact tools and products that I used? Find them HERE.)

Explore More from Old-Fashioned Summer Saturdays

This article is part of my Old-Fashioned Summer Saturdays series, where I share timeless inspiration for warm-weather living. Be sure to check out these reader favorites:

– Timeless Red, White, and Blue Decor Ideas for the Porch
– Heirloom Tomato Dreams
– Classic Summer Whites: Timeless Linen Dresses and Southern Style Staples
– Simple Garden Joys
– Creating a Cozy Summer Reading Spot
– Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake Cake
– Blue and White China for Summer Entertaining

You can subscribe here to receive new articles, seasonal inspiration, and vintage-style favorites delivered right to your inbox.

Abby Smolarsky9 Comments
A colonial revival home decorated for the summer with red, white, and blue buntings hanging over the windows

Timeless Red, White, and Blue Decor Ideas for Summer Porch Styling

Welcome to the first post in my Old-Fashioned Summer Saturdays series, where each week I’ll share simple, nostalgic, and meaningful ways to celebrate the season at home. From time-honored recipes to classic garden scenes, this series is all about the slower pace of summer and the beauty of tradition.

There’s something so heartening about red, white, and blue bunting waving gently in the breeze. For me, decorating for summer is more than just patriotic; it’s personal. This year, as we honor Flag Day and the birthday of the United States Army, I’m reminded of my husband’s service and the pride that lives in the rhythm of our everyday life.

Here are a few timeless ways I decorate our home’s exterior for summer. Classic touches that honor tradition and transition seamlessly from Memorial Day through Independence Day.

A woman walking up the steps towards the doorway to a colonial revival home that is decorated for summer

1. Classic American Bunting

Hang red, white, and blue bunting across porch railings, below windows, or above entryways. Choose cotton or canvas styles with a vintage feel for a more authentic look.

2. Small Garden Flags or Stake Flags

Line your front walkway or flower beds with small American flags. It adds a layered look and creates a warm, welcoming lath.

3. A Seasonal, Patriotic Wreath

Create or purchase a wreath that includes hints of Americana. Think navy ribbon, white hydrangeas, or tiny vintage flags. Wreaths can be understated and transition easily into mid-summer.

A woman hanging a patriotic wreath on a black front door of a colonial revival home.

4. Grouped Vintage-Inspired Decor

Display red, white, and blue vintage containers, like enamelware, watering cans, or milk jugs, on porch steps or tables. Fill them with fresh flowers or ferns for a charming touch.

5. Timeless Lighting

String cafe lights or place solar powered lanterns near your seating area. Add a soft glow for evening porch sitting during warm weather nights.

Decorating for Flag Day and Beyond

If you’re looking to create a home that feels patriotic without being overly done, focus on balance. Mixing textiles with plants and keeping a restrained color palette lets your decor feel thoughtful, not theatrical.

Want to bring this look to your home?

Check out my curated list of red, white, and blue home accents that work all season long.

This is just the beginning of what I hope will be a summer full of simple pleasures and old-fashioned charm. I’ll be sharing a new post every Saturday, from garden stories to vintage recipes and everything in between. Until then, I hope this inspires you to dress your home in a way that feels meaningful and full of heart.

Stay tuned, and happy summer.

A colonial revival home decorated for summer with red, white, and blue buntings, American flags, and flowers

Explore More from Old-Fashioned Summer Saturdays

This article is part of my Old-Fashioned Summer Saturdays series, where I share timeless inspiration for warm-weather living. Be sure to check out these reader favorites:

– Simple Garden Joys
– Heirloom Tomato Dreams
– Classic Summer Whites: Timeless Linen Dresses and Southern Style Staples
– Refrigerator Pickles—A Southern Summer Staple
– Creating a Cozy Summer Reading Spot
– Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake Cake
– Blue and White China for Summer Entertaining

You can subscribe here to receive new articles, seasonal inspiration, and vintage-style favorites delivered right to your inbox.

Abby Smolarsky13 Comments

Southern Garden Sangria: A Vintage-Inspired Summer Sip

There’s something about a Southern summer that invites slow afternoon, porch swings, and a glass of something cold in hand. This Southern Garden Sangria is my take on a warm weather classic, inspired by vintage garden parties, worn recipe cards, and the kind of fruit-filled drinks our grandmothers might have made from what they had growing in the yard.

Why This Sangria Feels Special

This isn’t the overly sweet sangria you may have had at a chain restaurant. This version is subtle, fragrant, and anchored by summer’s best fruits.

The addition of peach schnapps adds a soft floral note that pairs beautifully with ripe peaches, blueberries, and a handful of mint that I grow out on my sleeping porch.

And while you can absolutely serve it in a mason jar, I love to pour it into these vintage inspired glasses. It turns even a weeknight sip into something memorable.

Fresh summer fruit perfect for a southern garden sangria

Southern Garden Sangria

  • Servings: 6-8
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

This sangria uses seasonal fruits and herbs, nodding to vintage garden gatherings and Southern flavors.

Credit: BelleAntiquarian.com

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle dry white wine (I am using a dry Riesling.)
  • 1/2 cup peach schnapps
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (for extra Southern charm)
  • 1 ripe peach, sliced
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
  • A handful of fresh mint
  • Sparkling water or club soda, to top

Directions

  1. In a large pitcher, combine wine, liqueur, and bourbon
  2. Add sliced fruits and mint. Stir gently.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
  4. Just before serving, top with sparkling water for a bit of fizz.
  5. Serve over ice in your prettiest glasses. Garnish with more fresh mint or edible blooms if you’d like.

Entertaining Tip: Serve It in Something Beautiful

I always say, “The glass matters.” Pull out the vintage stemware, even if it’s just for yourself. Here are a few favorites you can find online:

vintage glass pitcher with a beautiful southern garden sangria

(affiliate links – thank you for supporting Belle Antiquarian!)

Make It Your Own

This sangria is forgiving. Use what’s in season or growing near you. Swap the peaches for plums, or the blueberries for strawberries. Add a splash of rose instead of white wine. The beauty is in the mix.

Save and Share

If you make this sangria, I’d love to see! Tag me on Instagram @BelleAntiquarian so I can raise a glass with you from afar.

Looking for more vintage-inspired recipes or hosting ideas? Subscribe using the box below for new articles straight to your inbox. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)

Abby SmolarskyLeave a comment
a summer table scene with lemons in an antique bowl, cutting board, yellow and white checked tablecloth, and lemon napkins

How I decorate for Summer Without Spending a Dime

Summer decorating doesn’t have to cost a thing. In fact, some of my favorite seasonal touches come from using what I already have. Here’s how I refresh my home each summer without spending a single dime.

1. Seashells and Natural Finds

A collection of shells from past beach trips is all it takes to bring that breezy coastal feeling indoors. I display mine in antique bowls, baskets, and even old jars.

an antique blue willow bowl filled with collected seashells, the lid to an antique cracker jack tin, a small american flag

2. Shop Your House by Color

Red, white, and blue is a classic combo that’s easy to work with if you start gathering. I pulled books, quilts, vases, and other small accents in these shades and grouped them together for an instant Americana feel.

3. Use Family Photos as Decor

I pulled out a few favorite summer photos of my kids from when they were little, especially ones where they’re wearing patriotic outfits or playing outside. Tucking these into frames I already own brings personality and memories into the room.

4. Reuse What You Already Own

I’ve saved flags, fans, and table linens over the years, and I bring them out every summer. They might not be perfect, but that patina is part of the charm. Don’t be afraid to use what you love!

5. Clip from the Yard

You don’t need a florist to make a summer statement. I clip fresh greenery or blooms from the yard and pop them into vintage jars or pitchers. It instantly freshens up any room…for free!

6. Use Fresh Seasonal Fruit as Functional Decor

Summer fruit isn’t just for eating; it can double as a beautiful, budget-friendly centerpiece. I like to display peaches, lemons, or limes in a vintage bowl or colander on the kitchen counter or dining table. It’s a simple way to add color, texture, and that fresh summer feeling, while using what you’re already buying. Bonus: it’s practical and gets eaten before it spoils.

7. Rearrange for a Fresh Look

One of the easiest no-cost ways to freshen up is to simply moves things around. Switch throw pillows from one room to another, restyle your shelves, or flip patterned pillows to the plain side for a lighter, airier look.

Decorating for summer doesn’t require a shopping trip, just a little creativity! Whether it’s pulling out old family photos, styling shells from a beach trip, or clipping hydrangeas from the yard, the most meaningful decor often comes from the things we already own.

Which idea will you try first? Leave a comment and let me know how you’re decorating for summer on a budget!

Abby Smolarsky2 Comments

How to Create a One-of-a-Kind Father’s Day Gift from the Antique Store

If you’re looking for a thoughtful Father’s Day gift that’s as unique as Dad, head to your favorite antique store. With a little creativity and a touch of nostalgia, you can create a meaningful gift that feels personal, useful, and memorable.

Step 1: Start with a Container

Look for a piece that can hold the other items—a vessel that becomes part of the gift itself. Think beyond traditional gift baskets. Great choices include:

  • A vintage wooden toolbox
  • A retro tin
  • An enamel dishpan
  • A metal tray
  • A wooden crate or drawer

Step 2: Find a Feature Antique

This is the item that gives the gift its character. Try to find something with history or a bit of charm that fits Dad’s interests. A few ideas:

  • A cocktail shaker for the home bartender
  • An old fishing lure or gear for the outdoorsman
  • A vintage pen for the journaler or writer
  • Records from his favorite artist
  • A metal sign for his garage or workshop

Step 3: Add Something New

Tie it all together with a small, new item that complements your finds. This bridges the gap between vintage charm and modern practicality. Try:

  • A bottle of bourbon
  • A new set of grill spices
  • A local coffee blend
  • A gift card to a tool or record store
  • A fresh notebook
Cigar Box + Vintage Shaker + Bartenders Book + Whiskey

Gift Combinations to Inspire You:

  • Bar-Inspired: Metal tray + antique shaker + favorite bourbon
  • Fishing Fan: Tackle box + vintage lures + local bait shop gift card
  • Grill Set: Old ammo box + cast iron branding iron + spice rubs
  • Coffee Crate: Vintage tin + enamel mug + fresh ground beans
  • Writer’s Box: Wooden cigar box + vintage pen + new leather journal

The beauty of this idea? It supports small businesses, gives new life to old treasures, and creates a gift that can’t be duplicated.

So this year, shop with heart. Celebrate Dad with a gift that’s built on history, thoughtfulness, and a little antique magic.

Abby Smolarsky3 Comments

Essential Elements for a Beautiful Entryway

It’s the beginning of a new month, which means it’s time to release another designed space. This month’s design plan features an entryway 3 ways: casual, formal, and transitional.

This article contains affiliate links and ads. You can find the products I recommend by clicking on the links throughout and at the bottom of this page. These are designs that you can pick and choose which elements to bring into your own spaces. They’ll be saved here on my website, or you can save them on Pinterest. You can come back and add pieces to your spaces as time and budgets allow.

This month I am sharing what I consider to be the perfect recipe for a successful entryway design. The best entryways have the following essential elements in common:

  • a functional piece of furniture
  • a lamp
  • artwork
  • a mirror
  • storage/catchall
  • something alive/fresh
  • a rug
  • a clock
  • and a place to set a wet umbrella.

Not only do these items create a beautiful space, but they are functional as well. For example, the mirror allows residents and guests to check their appearance before coming and going, as well as reflecting light into the space. A lamp allows residents to find their way inside on a dark night, as well as helping guests find the door on their way out.

Below you can see a colorful and vibrant entryway design. Since the entryway is the first impression of your home, it’s an opportunity to create a space that reflects your personal style. This design leans more towards casual and bohemian. It is full of visual interest and layers of texture. Combining two separate pieces, like the green and white plate and the pink framed artwork, you can create a one-of-kind, original piece of art in your home that no one else will have. Try using Command brand hooks to mount the plate on top of the pink art before hanging it on the wall.

Click the photo to shop for these exact items.

Traditional decor thrives on symmetry. The design below uses symmetry to create balance by flanking the mirror with matching lamps and plates from the same series. While the first design is considered modern and casual, I would consider the design below to be formal.

Click the photo to shop for these exact items.

Entry Table

Below you will find the final entryway design for this month. Notice how similar metal tones and a soft ivory color are carried throughout. Natural materials like wicker, marble, and wood counterbalance the glamorous gold and brass to create a sophisticated but approachable space. This design is a midway point between casual and formal.

Click the photo to shop for these exact items.

In many cases, the front door to the home opens directly into the living space without a designated foyer or entryway. In these situations it’s possible to create an entryway by grouping specific items on a wall next to the front door. Are you missing any of these essential items in your entryway? Do you have any items in your entryway that you would add to this list? Let me know in the comments below.

Never miss a design release in the future by subscribing using the box at the bottom of this article.

You can find many of these items in my LTK Storefront HERE.

Abby SmolarskyLeave a comment

Transforming Our Breakfast Room: A Makeover Journey

Today I am sharing some before and after pictures of the breakfast room in our 1939 home. This is the casual dining space in our home that we use for our everyday meals, playing board games, and doing puzzles.

Our breakfast room is off of the kitchen, and has also has a door to the center hallway on the main floor. One of the things we love about living in a house that is not open concept, is that we can dedicate rooms to the functions we need and completely close the room by shutting the doors to it.

Before, the previous homeowners used this space as a family room.
After, we restored the space to its original purpose, a breakfast room.

The previous owners were using this room as a family room. They were using a sectional sofa that took up the entire room. The walls were painted a sherbet orange color with a lighter orange color on the ceiling. The only light in the room was a pendant fixture that was so dark we couldn’t tell if it was on unless we opened the yellow glass shade.

Before, a large sectional filled the entire room.
After, the space is restored to its original purpose, a breakfast room.

We transformed this space by painting the walls Benjamin Moore “Pale Oak” and the ceiling “White Dove.” Our general contractor gave us a handmade stained glass shade that his father had made. The shade is far from perfect and a little uneven on the edges, but we loved it for this space. I found a pendant online that could accommodate the shade.

The orange paint colors on the walls and ceiling were not appropriate for the room. The windows have south and west sun exposure, which means direct light comes into the room for most of the day. As a result everything in the room took on an orange glow. Combined with a light fixture that wasn’t functional, this was a space that no one in our family wanted to be in.

After I corrected the color on the walls and installed a functioning light fixture, the breakfast room was completely transformed. The total cost was around $250 for the paint and a pendant fixture. The breakfast room isn’t completely done. We’re on the hunt for a very specific table and chairs. I’m also deciding what to put on one of the walls. But I wanted to share how simply changing the paint and lighting can completely change a room.

I’d love to see how you transform your own spaces with paint. Be sure to tag me on Instagram or comment below to share your photos!

Abby SmolarskyLeave a comment

Valentine’s Day: Top Hygge Gifts for Her and Him

In the dark, cold winter when Valentine’s Day arrives, it’s the perfect time to embrace the hygge experience. What is hygge? Merriam-Webster defines hygge (pronounced hoo-guh) as a cozy quality that makes a person feel content and comfortable. I don’t think there’s a better way to describe how I want the person I love to feel on Valentine’s Day than content and comfortable.

What types of hygge gifts can I give to my Valentine to make them feel content and comfortable? I’ve rounded up a few ideas to get you started. This article contains commissionable links and ads. You can find the exact hygge gifts I recommend by clicking on the links below.

Hygge gifts for Her

Ladies, take the guess work out of what your Valentine should give you for Valentine’s Day. Here are a few ideas to keep you warm and pamper you. Send him this link to give him a direction of where to start.

Hygge gifts for Him

Finding the perfect Valentine’s gift for a man is easier said than done. The stereotypical Valentine’s gifts of flowers and chocolates aren’t what men typically want to receive on Valentine’s Day. Here are a few cozy and comfortable hygge gift ideas for your man this Valentine’s Day.

When couples focus on how they want their partner to feel on Valentine’s Day, the gifts become more sincere and appreciated. Choosing hygge-type Valentine’s gifts to make your partner feel content and comfortable, warm and relaxed, or just plain cozy will express to your partner that you truly care for and love them.

Need to save these ideas for later? You can save this post to Pinterest or bookmark this page. Be sure to follow me on Instagram or LTK for more ideas in the coming days. Do you have another hygge Valentine’s gift idea – share it in the comments below!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Abby SmolarskyLeave a comment

Vintage Book Shopping: Themes, Genres, and Gifts

This article contains commissionable links and ads.

The first antique I ever bought was a book. As a young teenager my family stopped into an old bookshop that used to be in historic Stone Mountain Village in Georgia. The shelves were absolutely crammed with books, and although I was an avid book lover from a very young age, I was a little overwhelmed with where to start browsing. I noticed there was a shelf marked “antique,” and for some reason, that’s where I started. I decided to look for the oldest book that I could afford. I walked out of the bookshop that day with my very first antique, a book called, “Reveries of a Bachelor.”

People often overlook buying vintage and antique books on their thrifting and antiquing adventures. Today I am sharing six things to consider when shopping for antique books: theme, genre, use, author, personalized gifts, and color/pattern.

Theme

Books can be a wonderful conversation starter, and grouped together they can become decorative accessories of interest. For example, one of our guest bedrooms has evolved into a red, white, and blue theme. On a nightstand in that room I stacked a group of books that evoke the feeling of “American government.” I currently have books in this stack with subjects like government, democracy, and America. If I want to grow this themed collection, while I am antiquing, I will look for both fiction and non-fiction books that fit with this theme. An example would be a book about American presidents, or maybe a murder mystery book with Washington, D.C. in the title.

Other themes that would be easy to search for are things like art, wild west (cowboys, western expansion), the region you live in (Southern U.S., the beach), cooking/food, gardening, or travel. Just remember not to limit yourself to either fiction or non-fiction; they can be mixed! (Check out these old gardening books HERE!)

Genre

I have wonderful memories of consuming books as a child. The characters from these books are often remembered fondly. I’ve put together a group of sentimental titles that would fit into a genre that an adolescent girl would enjoy. Books like The Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables, and Pollyanna all make sense when grouped together in a display, because they’re all from the same genre. I’ve grouped my set on a shelf in our bedroom.

Other genres that would be fun to collect are early textbooks, British classics, poetry, music books, and hymnals. (Check out these antique poetry books HERE!)

Use

One of the best reasons to collect old books is because you’re actually going to use them. Years ago churches started throwing away all of the hymnals that used to be in stored the back of the pews. They moved to showing lyrics on screens instead of reading them from hymnals. However, many people prefer to use a hymnal to sing or play hymns on a piano. When I see a stack of old books for sale, I go through them to see if there are any old gardening books. I like to use them as references for plant problems or inspiration for things that I’d like to add to my garden.

Other books to look for if you want to actually use them are books on woodworking, cookbooks, or other types of how-to books. (Check out these old song hymnals HERE!)

Author

When people collect old books, they often choose them because of the author. One of the authors whose books I collect are those written by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. My family name is Lytton, and some relatives speculate that we are distantly related to the Lord Lytton. Another, more modern, author whose books I specifically search for is Martha Stewart. I find Martha Stewart’s books to be helpful resources for many topics that I’m interested in. Martha published her first book 43 years ago in 1982, so many of her books definitely fall into the vintage category.

Other authors that interest people are Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Dickens, and Laura Ingalls Wilder, just to name a few. (Check out these vintage Martha Stewart books HERE!)

Personalized Gift

Another reason to consider buying vintage and antique books is for personalized gifts. Around the holidays I like to give a little something extra to people like our hair dressers and our dentist. If I was giving them a gift card or a tin of cookies, it would be fun to package their main gift with an antique dentistry book or a book on old hair styles. If you have someone in your life that is interested in wild life or travel, finding an antique book to give them on their topic of interest shows that you took a little extra effort in the thought that went into it. Be sure to look for these types of gifts all year long and set them aside for when you need them. (Check out these vintage hairstyles books HERE!)

Color and Pattern

Finally, another thing to consider when shopping for vintage and antique books is the cover. People have started using old books as decorative objects in their home. They can make an impact as decor when grouped by color. One side of my husband’s ancestry is largely found in Scotland. I have recently started collecting Scottish themed books for our bookshelf that have beautiful tartan patterned covers. These tartan decorated books are also beautiful in Christmas displays.

The next time you are thrifting and antiquing, don’t forget to look for books. Decide on a theme, a color, or even someone to buy a gift for. Recycling old objects in these ways puts them to use and keeps them out of a landfill. Happy Hunting! (Check out these vintage books with tartan covers HERE!)

Abby Smolarsky2 Comments