Antiquaires: Paris Flea Markets
Flea markets are a weekend ritual for many people. One of the biggest regrets that Stefan and I have about our trip to Paris is that we did not make it to the legendary les puces. When we do finally make the trip, we will have a wonderful guide in Antiquaires: Paris Flea Markets by Laure Verchere. You would expect to find antiques like Louis XVI chairs but the Paris flea markets also offer mid-century pieces and modern art. You just have to find the right antiquaire as illustrated in the beautiful photos from Laziz Hamani. The book also highlights the famous faces who frequented the stalls for inspiration including Madeleine Castaing, Coco Chanel, and Rudolf Nureyev. I think I'm going to have to head downtown and I can see what I can find at the garage flea market. Happy hunting to those of you doing the same!
Photos by Laziz Hamani
Not only does he find things that others over look but he thinks outside the box so a ceiling light fixture could become a cake plate if placed on top of a vase! He is a creative genius! 
Some of Eddie's purchases included a fabulous bar cart and Christmas ornaments because he's already thinking about his holiday decorations! Somehow this doesn't surprise me!
Another good rule of thumb is to think about a price that you are willing to spend on an item before you inquire as to how much they are asking. When I saw this fabulous box of gold Greek key bordered china from Heinrich & Co. of Bavaria Germany in a box on the floor, I was a little nervous as to what the dealer was going to say so when he replied $40 it was a no brainer! (I think I might have gotten an Eddie special though since he's a regular!) There were 10 dinner plates, 11 bread/dessert plates, 8 tea cups, 4 saucers, two different sized bowls and a creamer. More than you could ever get new for $40! The only problem is that I'm obviously missing some pieces and I can't figure out what pattern it is yet on Replacements Limited. If anyone knows or can figure it out, I would be eternally grateful! 
The china is so beautiful that I can't stop looking at it! I might have to start drinking tea just so I can use them everyday! There is nothing that sounds as lovely as the tinkling of a tea cup and saucer! I recently bought some gold rimmed champagne and wine glasses at Housing Works that could lean a little too Donald Trump with the gold rimmed china but I think they might actually look nice together. (I also styled this photo as an homage to Eddie and his professional looking photos on his blog!)