What is a Classically Charming Curio?

Exploring the nature of classically charming curios and just what gives them that unique je ne sais quoi!

Classically charming curios: Pair of Staffordshire spaniels and sheep with Rose Medallion ormolu bowl in back

You may have noticed I recently changed Pender & Peony’s motto to…

in pursuit of classically charming curios

I was looking for a phrase that better reflected the day to day hustle and bustle of the shop and blog, and in all honesty hunting curios for your home and mine is what I do 80% of the time! I also wanted a phrase that clarifies the type of decor, vintage and antique, you can find here on P&P where grandmillennial style reigns because it’s a fresh approach to the traditional and classic.

But what exactly is a classically charming curio?

First off, a curio is a rare, unusual or intriguing object…

Secondly, I think most of us know it when we see it!

It’s that item with a certain je ne sais quoi…a certain mystique that makes it appealing and timeless. It must be hunted for, and it must feel special. And that leads us to the first qualification…

A classically charming curio is one that…

No. 1 Speaks to You

It has to grab your attention and keep it. For a myriad of reasons there is something eye catching about it that pulls at sentiment, memory, or fascination or some combination of all three.

No. 2 Has Character

This qualification is closely tied to No. 1 because the curio has a story to tell, and that’s probably what captured your attention in the first place.

No. 3 Has Longevity

The classically charming curio (or CCC) is time tested and maybe even time worn. But it holds up, it’s reliable, and has lasting appeal.

No. 4 Is Quality

For it to have longevity it is also well made. There is a level of craftsmanship that elevates its design and ensures it is made of quality materials.

No. 5 Feels Timeless

A classically charming curio transcends trends. This doesn’t mean it can’t have a moment and be hugely popular, but the combination of these other qualities means it withstands trends and remains relevant.

No. 6 Conveys Elegance

The CCC is always tasteful with a certain degree of sophistication. It can still be whimsical and fun, but it is never gaudy or vulgar.

No. 7 Feels Fresh

This qualification is closely tied to the element of timelessness, but this is a nuanced distinction worth inclusion. A curio that feels fresh is vital and lively with a brightness that charms.

No. 8 Is Beautiful

Finally, a CCC is visually pleasing. It is simply beautiful in form, color, pattern, and look.


Well lovelies…I’m interested to hear if you agree with my definition or not. What would you add to my list of qualifications?

I included the above picture because it includes curios I will always consider classically charming: Staffordshire flatbacks and Rose Medallion! What makes your list of CCCs?

You can shop available CCCs here!

4 Comments

  1. Christina on October 12, 2021 at 3:11 am

    I really like your post, this is such an amazing curio you shared to us, just perfect. Thanks dear.

    • Katherine on October 29, 2021 at 6:51 am

      Glad you liked it!

  2. S. Marie on March 18, 2023 at 8:36 am

    For me the CCC is something that just takes you back in time. To a certain moment or a certain place or a certain person or pet(My CKCs over the years!) Not always but often…… It also reminds me of “something” even IF I am unaware of just what the “something” is. Then, possibly years later, I see IT in an old family photograph, or I open a long-forgotten box of stored family “treasures” and IT is either right there in plain sight in the photograph or something that goes with the IT I purchased (a LID to that little Limoge trinket box I picked up to hold pins and Bobbie pins on the bath counter) in the long-forgotten box! We all need some of the things from the lovely furniture stores and certain big box store items for our homes, but these “curios” are what makes your soul sing when you enter your home or a certain room in your home. Something that when you see your little red-haired grand girl stare at it you KNOW it WILL be HERS one day! 🙂

    • Katherine on April 19, 2023 at 9:45 am

      Love this! Absolutely…your soul has to sing when you see it!

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