The Limited-Run CorningWare Pattern With '70s Vibes That Thrifters Still Search For

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The '70s are back in all of their groovy glory, brining the era's earth tones, fun patterns, and coziness along for the ride. Since the decade's trademarks are trending in the design world, it only makes sense to tap into the retro revival in your own space. Plus, there's a discontinued CorningWare pattern that can assist — if you're lucky enough to spot it. The brand's Floral Bouquet motif is arguably one of its most jovial, yet it's also one of the more overlooked compared to the iconic Blue Cornflower and Spice o' Life. And, if you aren't utilizing virtual second-hand retailers, the pattern might not be easy to track down in stores.  

Floral Bouquet first arrived on the scene in 1969 and ceased production in 1974. The line went through three iterations, starting with white florals on a light-gold background, followed by white flowers accentuated with blue and green details on a dark-gold background, and lastly, yellow flowers with blue and green accents on a white background. Capturing the era's playfulness and rise of the Flower Power movement, the short-lived but impactful line might not be the most valuable vintage CorningWare pattern out there, but it does come with an expense. Pieces on retailers like eBay or Etsy typically average about $40, but that price can quickly make its way into the $70 to $100 range, depending on the size and condition of each piece. Some small sets can cost over $250. 

As is the case with all vintage CorningWare dishes, you have to check a few things for authenticity. First and foremost, if you're not handling an accessory made of the brand's ground-breaking Pyroceram glassware, which was created to withstand instant temperature changes, you are likely not dealing with an original piece from the '70s. Anything that says "Not for stovetop use" (or similar) is a no-go. Check the bottom of the piece in question, where you'll spot markings like "Corning Ware" (two words), some iteration of "Made in the USA" and a combination of letters and numbers, such as P-2 1/2-B, indicating the model and series; the letter "P" includes pieces made from the '50s into the early '70s, where Floral Bouquet lies.  

The pattern also comes in a variety of items, such as casserole dishes, saucers, percolators, baking loaves, and more. Keep in mind, the condition of the piece will determine its price, and lids will add value. Should you find a Floral Bouquet CorningWare piece, check to see if there's any distress, in which case it'd be best to use for decor rather than meal prep in the kitchen. Keep other '70s-inspired pieces, like rattan placemats and velvet textiles, nearby to exude the groovy '70s vibe.