I often get into a funk when I read those AI-generated faux news stories that talk about how antiques are now valueless in the eyes of the younger generation. China, silver, crystal, and especially brown furniture (hardwood case furniture) are the worst, and no one wants them. I still think this is some sort of mythical plot by minimalist shelter magazines to convince Americans that plastic forks on tan carpeting with white walls is the way to live. Recently our family went on vacation to Savannah, Ga. We have visited Savannah extensively over the years (this would be my 16th trip), and part of why we go is the fun of walking the streets around the historic squares in the city. This time, we stayed in a rental house within the historic area, which was a real treat for our family. As we walked the streets at dusk, my favorite time since families leave their curtains open but turn on their interior lights, I was pleased to see homes filled with brown furniture, shiny silver, big paintings, and the like. How could you not be impressed by a pier glass that went from floor to ceiling in a 16-foot room? God bless the southerners for keeping alive American dcor for us all. We ate at the Pink House, a favorite of ours, and there they light the candles around the Federal bulls-eye mirrors to create brilliant interiors. It was glorious to see. I have to say that antiquing in the south remains the same challenge now that it was for me 40 years ago. As much as I saw so many beautiful homes, there were just as many filled with decorator ick. Yall know what I mean. Big fake Chinese vases beneath limited-edition giclee prints of a garden in France along with faux Victorian sofas and some monstrous gilded whatchamacallit made of pinecones and Christmas balls. Going to antique shops, the decorator ick is often more of what one sees followed by lots of English furniture. Old-timers like yours truly are aware that the English furniture market has always been a bit, well, shall we say not right. Much of what is sold as English Georgian furniture and arts was probably made in the realm of King George. But recall that the last King George died in 1952. American snobs really have to hunt for treasures, but they can be found albeit usually in auctions. All that being said, it was wonderful to see that Americana is still alive and breathing in homes! Some years ago, my wife worked in the retail area of Colonial Williamsburg. She tells the story of how many young matrons contacted her regarding a desire to purchase either a piece of silver from the Williamsburg silversmiths trade shop or to find out how they purchase the Williamsburg pattern silver from Kirk. I hope that trend is still continuing today. On my way home from the trip, I happened upon a home decorating video talking about decorating in a maximalist way. Anxious to see the hope for the future, I watched. The video was very good and did talk about how one can be a collector who has many collections. Yay! That makes sense. The flip side however was the long discourse about buying purportedly rare limited edition prints of modern works of art. While I enjoy contemporary art, folks who chase that unicorn are advised to read the book The Great Dali Art Fraud and Other Deceptions. So, I keep the faith and the fire burning bright for the future of china, silver, crystal, and brown furniture. At least in the South, it remains a mainstay of home dcor. Born to collect should be the motto of Peter Seiberts family. Raised in Central Pennsylvania, Seibert has been collecting and writing about antiques for more than three decades. By day, he is a museum director and has worked in Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Virginia and New Mexico. In addition, he advises and consults with auction houses throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly about American furniture and decorative arts. Seiberts writings include books on photography, American fraternal societies and paintings. He and his family are restoring a 1905 arts and crafts house filled with years worth of antique treasures found in shops, co-ops and at auctions.