Finding Your Style on eBay
Wait to shop until you've decided on a design scheme and location—those polka-dot napkins may be charming, but not if you ultimately go with a French country theme. The goods on eBay lend themselves to a casual country-chic style, the easiest way to showcase an eclectic assortment of vintage pieces and restaurantware.
Invest in extra glassware in case of breakage and guests who'll use more than one glass. We bought wine, water, and Champagne glasses for 60, as well as extra tumblers and martini glasses for cocktails. Buy shot glasses by the case—they’re great for soups, M&Ms, and sorbet.
Look for assorted cake plates in varying heights if you're planning a buffet—they look better than an even row. Mix and match with tureens, baskets, and pitchers, which can hold flowers or breadsticks.
Shop for items that will dress up your reception site and live a second life in your new home (our deacon's bench is a good example).
Give tables a customized yet unstuffy look by buying yards of two or three unmatched fabrics that work together, then have cloths and napkins made to measure.
Use your imagination to put items to unexpected uses: We substituted glass milk bottles for flower vases, bought golf umbrellas for sun shade.
Top Tips for Shopping on eBay
Plan Ahead. You'll own every coffee cup, so an eBay reception is best suited to couples who entertain a lot—or who'll sell it all later.
Count the stars. On eBay, they indicate the most reliable sellers and minimize your risk of late deliveries.
Set up a PayPal account. It makes processing payments easy; transactions are based on your e-mail address, so merchants have no access to credit cards.
Opt to "Buy Now." It's faster than entering into the (often long) bidding process.
Be specific. When we typed in "chandelier," 9,993 items popped up; "candle chandelier" resulted in 187.
Search in bulk. If you're looking for glassware for a crowd, start by typing in "restaurant supply ware"—that's where the bargains are.
Ask questions. Your seller wants you to supply good online feedback, and will happily furnish details.
Come back often. If you don't find what you want one week, look again the next.
Be patient. Expect at least two weeks between transaction and delivery.
Save on shipping. Look for items that are geographically desirable—you can even do your own pick-up.
