american flags...

Collectors hold a very special place in their hearts — and homes — for antique American flags.

Small parade flags, or hand-wavers, have been a part of American life since the 1840s.

Examples from the 19th century start at $200. The 48-star variety, made between 1912 and 1959, can be found for about $5 to $25 each.

This cheerful cluster dates from the 1940s. Be on the lookout for other flags including:

The 13-STAR flags that have been made throughout our nation's history. This mid-19th-century piece is extremely rare; medallion patterns that feature one or no stars in the center are more common.

The CIVIL WAR flags are a popular category with collectors. Most from this period were made for military use. A red-and-white fringe distinguishes this c. 1865 36-star artillery battery flag.

lets dish...

Souvenir plates date back to the 1870s... But, when travel became more accessible, they became increasingly popular with jet-setting travelers.

Keep an eye out! There are tons of unsigned, flea-market-type plates out there, but keep your eyes open for some big-name manufacturers, including Vernon Kilns, Homer Laughlin, Salem China Company, and even Wedgwood.

Love the look? Then steel this idea!!

Spruce up any wall with a mix of old and new plates in different sizes and colors. There are many types of hangers to choose from. Look for ones that are sturdy but discreet, letting the plate itself do the showing off. For delicate antiques, use a V-shaped hanger instead of a spring-operating one, which can put too much pressure on the rim.

Tip: try mapping out your arrangement with craft paper templates , a sure way to help keep holes in the walls to a minimum.

destination... frederick maryland

Looking to get out of the city this weekend? Take a short drive to Frederick, Maryland and check out Great Stuff By Paul...

Need inexpensive school chairs from the 1950s to go around your new dining-room table? Want a stack of vintage suitcases for your guest room? How about a dozen sap buckets for centerpieces at your next party?

Great Stuff By Paul Antiques in Frederick, Md., has them all--and more. Owners Paul and Joan Berkowitz scour North America, Europe, England, and Asia in search of reasonably priced treasures.

Can't make it to Maryland? No problem. They ship worldwide; greatstuffbypaul.com.

collect this... vintage matchbooks

Have a collection of matchbooks that are collecting dust in random junk drawers? This colorful creation can be striking piece of art when framed.

I know what your thinking... all the restaurants are non-smoking and matchbooks are harder to come by. You can buy old matchbooks in bulk online to start your collection. To create your own display arrange them by color, size, or design. They're also fun to display in glass containers.

collect this... stoneware

Arrange stoneware of similar shapes and colors together for a cohesive look. This collection of old crockery includes ceramic beer and ginger bottles in an earthy mustard color.

Antique crocks and stoneware can be found in your local area, and an antiques dealer collection.