Anything reminiscent of the late '50s-early '60s, along with all things midcentury modern, are at the top of the list for shoppers who are looking to stock their first apartments or homes, says Griffith. When it comes to dinnerware and glassware, pieces from Dorothy Thorpe (whose Roly Poly glasses with a silver rim are again popular, thanks to Don Draper), Russel Wright, Winfield, Red Wing, Style House, Thomas Rosenthal, Melmac and Fiestaware are in demand (for instance, a set of eight Dorothy Thorpe glasses goes for around $26). Even if you're trying to sell generic china or glassware, if it has that midcentury look (think Scandinavian simplicity), you'll find a buyer. It doesn't even have to be a full set: Lisa Conklin, public relations manager at
Replacements, Ltd., says people are not hung up on making sure all their glasses or plates coordinate; she's been seeing more customers than ever updating their tables by combining old and new patterns.
