Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Tablescape Thursday - Mother's China

It's time for Tablescape Thursday and playing with the dishes! This week I had several ideas working in my mind for what to post -- and that all changed when my sister came to visit with a surprise box filled with my mother's china. She said that it was so crazed and cracked and chipped it really probably wasn't usable -- but she thought perhaps I would enjoy playing with these old dishes....of course I was delighted.



Welcome to this very special table.



A place set for you.



A closer look at the design ....perhaps this is where my love for the pink and green combination originated. I don't really know anything about this particular pattern. The marking on the back is J&G Meakin -- I looked up the marking and it comes from c.1912. Some of the plates are stamped Westminister -- but when I looked up that pattern, this is not the same. All I know is that my grandmother purchased this set of china for my mother when she was a teenager from an old woman who was "breaking up housekeeping" to go live with her daughter.



A layering of china and lace napkins. (and accidently my foot as well)



Teacup and Target flatware. The lace topper came in a surprise package from a dear blogger, Karen Korb of "Karen's Korner". She's truly a "soul sister" as we have had so many mutual experiences in our lives. If you haven't met her yet...please stop by for a visit. She found this and some other treasures at her mother's home she was cleaning out and sent them to me. Karen, this is like having both our mothers at the table today.


I love this little Autumn Angel and he became part of my centerpiece along with leaves, acorns, pumpkins, berries and silk blooms.



These glass goblets were found on eBay.



Overview of the table.



Overview of the centerpiece.



I love these layers of lace.



I found this pretty monogrammed silverplated teapot at a local antique store.



The "other" side of the centerpiece. (just ignore the pink bag in the background *sigh*)



Autumn arrangement.




So how do I know this is an "Autumn Angel"?.....because of the swag of acorns in his arms!

I did have so much fun setting the table once again with the china that graced my mother's table for years. Thank you Becky, for this unexpected delight.

For more delightful tables filled with inspiration for each of us to set a beautiful table....be sure to visit Susan of "Between Naps on The Porch" ...she's a wonderful hostess week after glorious tablescaping week.

See ya!

40 comments:

  1. That is very pretty china Martha. I love your tea pot and your centerpiece. Very neat that the angel has the acorns.
    Sherry

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  2. Oh Martha!How sweet and loving of your sister.She reminds me of how my own sister gives me so much of my Mom's things that my sister knows I would enjoy more than her.Beautiful set of Dishes I know you will cherish.

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  3. What a charming table, so feminine!
    Love the story behind the china, Martha. Breaking up housekeeping, a term not used much anymore! :)

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  4. Very pretty Martha! Enjoy those special dishes, I'm sure we'll see them again:@)

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  5. How wonderful for you to get to play with those dishes. They are beautiful. I know i'd be using them. I love your lace pieces, the centerpiece and your whole table.

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  6. That lace was a must on this table! It's perfect. Your mother's dishes are something I would love, too. I have a real *thing* for pink and green dishes like you do.

    I think the silver and the angel on the table make it look romantic with the lace.

    I really liked the story of how your mom got the dishes, too. Wonder who owned them first??

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  7. Yes, indeed that is a very special tablescape!! How neat to have your mother's china, doesn't matter if it is crazed, it's still perfect for tablescaping! The china is very pretty, I really like pink and green too. So sweet to have your friend's mother's lace tablecloth used with your mother's china! Perfect!

    I just posted my tablescape too, come see!

    Katherine

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  8. Beautiful china...green is my favorite color.

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  9. I agree, pink and green are a wonderful combination and I love this china. How fun to "play with". Your centerpiece is stunning. I like how you put the cherub in with the harvest abundance. It turned out very pretty and has a fun twist with the cherub, reminding us that Heaven is from whence all blessings flow.

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  10. Such a beautiful table! The china is beautiful, and all the colors are so fresh. But it's the lace and linen that stopped me in my tracks! So, so pretty!

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  11. Martha! What pretty heirloom china! And I agree with you about pink and green being such a great pairing. Love this pattern. And I loved everything else, too: the autumn angel, the linens, the silver teapot, the flatware, and the pretty flowers... just a very lovely table!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  12. Your tablescape is so pretty and elegant, Martha! I love your mom's dishes so beautiful and I love the colors. Love the centerpiece!...Christine

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  13. How wonderful to have your mother's china! The pink and green is a wonderful combination. It looks so pretty on your table. I love the way you layered the linens.

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  14. This is lovely, Martha. It's so nice to hear these beautiful stories of family, love, friendship, and generosity ... overlapping and complementing one another like the beautiful linens and heirloom dishes on your table. Even the monogrammed silver pot is a reminder that you're now the guardian of the unknown, but still lingering, memories it contains.

    Thank you for stopping by today. Your comments are always so sensitive and thoughtful. Your kindness makes Blogland a better place.

    Warmest regards,
    Bill

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  15. How special to have your Mother's china. What a wonderful table full of memories! Love the Autumn Angel and even the pink shopping bag matched the china!!!

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  16. How special to have your Mother's china! What a wonderful table full of memories! Love the Autumn Angel and even the shopping bag matches the pink in the china!!!!

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  17. What a thrill to get your mother's dishes, especially unexpectedly! You have set a beautiful table with them -- when I enlarged the second photo and saw the beautiful lace napkin and plate up close, I was delighted! What a wonderful centerpiece, too!

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  18. Gorgeous china! The napkins are great too. very nice, a wonderful treasure.

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  19. I love the backstories on posts like yours! It just makes it so much more interesting that a pile of plates, don't you think? The china is really pretty -- lucky you!

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  20. Oh, my dear... this is my first time here and I am so glad I found your blog! It feels "homey". I also loved your smile... you seem to be a lovely woman.

    By the way, if you can, please go visit my new blog and tell me what you think. It will be great to have you there. :-)


    Luciane at HOMEBUNCH.COM

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  21. Martha, how wonderful that you got to set a table with your mother's china! I have my mother's china and have grown to love it...it makes you feel closer to them in some small way. The pink and green are very pretty! Joni

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  22. This is such a lovely table. Love the pretty dishes and the cloth you are using.
    Thanks so much for working hard to make a pretty table for us. :)
    xo bj

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  23. Ooooohh...I love your lace napkins! Wonderfully feminine and pretty!!!

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  24. Martha, this table is gorgeous. That overhead (hanging from the chandelier) shot just took my breath. The lace topper is gorgeous and what a nice gift from a blogging friend. What a wonderful surprise from your sister. The china is stunning and even more special because it was your mother's. Your stemware looks beautiful, and the autumn cherub is the perfect final touch for this table. laurie

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  25. How lovely...everything delicate and sweet, a perfect complement to the china which you are so lucky to have.

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  26. Hi Martha, your heirloom china is stunning. I think your centerpiece is my favorite I have seen all season long. Romantic and Autumnal all blended into one gorgeous visual delight!
    xx

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  27. Just beautiful! I can tell that this table was set with many loving memories. Lace just seems to capture that.

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  28. I remember the day that my sister brought me my grandmother's china...aren't sisters just the very best! Your tablescape is lovely...the pink tote in the background warms the cockles of my heart. I've given up on perfection at my parties....there's always something just kind of 'sitting there.' I've decided that it makes my guests a bit more relaxed. Thank you for sharing your treasures and your beautiful design. Cherry Kay

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  29. I love this table most of all. I so felt invited to have tea and scones with you and it was so pleasant. I hope you enjoy this table.

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  30. "Layered lace and your Mama's china" - sounds like the beginning of a country song, and how-I-love-me-a-country-song. I think Dolly Parton should sing this one, don't you? LOL

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  31. Hi Martha! Another beautiful table. Love your china and what a lovely tea pot you found! You must have given it a shining!! I love you lace.
    You must pop in to my post - I'm finally posting about the giveaway I won from you! I love my Southern books! :) Thank you for drawing my name.
    Be a sweetie and hope you've had a wonderful weekend,
    Shelia ;)

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  32. Little late making the rounds this week, but wanted to stop by and see your scape. This is so beautiful! The lace and pretty tableware are so wonderful. And the autumn angel so unique.

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  33. Just beautiful! All of it! You do a wonderful tablescape! I have noticed that they just get prettier and prettier!! :)

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  34. Ooooo, just look at all that luscious lace!! Very creative way to set the napkin on an angle, beneath the plate, Martha.
    What nice gifts from Becky and Karen! I just love handling all the pretty things that my ancestors used so much. These are priceless, in my mind.


    p.s. I think I have those same sandals!!! LOL

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  35. Martha, what a beautiful tablescape! I love that it was your mother's china. The colors in the china are beautiful and I love the lace and napkins. The crazing wouldn't bother me either. However, I am a little crazed anyway.
    I have been traveling for three weeks. Got a lot of catching up to do. I managed to get out a new post. Please stop by and visit.
    Happy Thanksgiving, Ginger

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  36. That autumn angel is so adorable! Lovely tablescape!

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  37. I adore little angels and cherubs, yours is precious! Your mother's china is so pretty and special! And I do love that lace topper. thanks for stopping by to see me, I love visiting with you as well!

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  38. Love this tablescape with your Mama's china and the centerpiece is fabulous! Hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  39. i love the statue in the centerpiece! i try to work them into almost every arrangement here at the shop and at home.
    your mother's china!
    paige

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