Valentine's Day Soiree

Hi everyone,

I thought it was about time I did a tablescape design so this is my Valentine's Day soiree.  I gathered up my vintage Homer Laughlin 'Queen Esther' china for the occasion.  These pieces are from the Lady Liberty Line (circa 1950).

I have to say this is one of my favorite patterns by Homer Laughlin.

A pretty cream color with the Liberty crest and a beautiful pink rose in the center.

Lots of gold accents ...

The sparkling stemware is Mikasa, pattern is French Countryside.  A graceful inverted bell shape with an hourglass stem.

Mixing old with new ...

Napkin rings created with antique pink mercury hearts and crinkled seam binding.

Heirloom rose candles fill the room with warmth and fragrance.

A bird's eye view ...

Oh, I almost forgot to show you my ruffled tablecloth.  It brings a little romance to the table. 

Wishing you a Valentine's Day filled with lots of love and sweetness!

Today I am joining ...

Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage

Open House Party Thursday @ No Minimalist Here

Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home

Vintage Flatware Designs

After posting my vintage inspired tablescape (you can view it here) I mentioned how I like to mix and match silver flatware, but neglected to mention what patterns I had used. After receiving a couple of emails I thought I would show you the complete set :-)

Let me start by saying this was a planned set that I've been working on.  These are all patterns that I fell in love with and thought the Victorian design elements complimented each other.  I have put together a complete service for 6 with all the individual pieces being from the same pattern.  Each piece was chosen because of its ornate timeless pattern and allows me to set a casual table, but still with elegance.  I plan to seek out serving pieces from each design to finish it off.  Not sure how long that will take!

(Pieces and patterns from left to right)

 

Salad Fork - 1951 Magnolia a/k/a Inspiration

Dinner Fork - 1907 Kenwood

Dinner Knife - 1965 Wakefield

Teaspoon - 1958 Chalice

Oval Soup Spoon - 1905 Norfolk

 

Do you mix it up?  Don't be afraid to experiment as this collecting technique has a wonderful aesthetic appeal on the table.  If you are torn between different styles mixing and matching allows you to have the best of both worlds.  There are no rules; however, you may prefer to collect pieces from a specific era.  So what do you think?  Do you like the complete set?

Please join me for tea as we 'celebrate' a little pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.  Would you like to nibble on a sweet sugar cookie in the shape of a teapot?

  Were not counting calories today!

 

 

Recently, I picked up this set of silver sugar tongs by Elkington.  I enjoy using them during tea time as its an accoutrement we tend not to use everyday.  It is a beautiful piece of English elegance that helps savor each sugar cube!

Would you like one lump or two with your tea?   

 

Today I am joining ...

 

Tea Time Tuesday @ Rose Chintz Cottage

Tea Cup Tuesday @ Artful Affirmations

Tuesday Cuppa Tea @ Antiques and Teacups

Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner

Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a daily cup from Mrs. Olson

Time Travel Thursday @ The Brambleberry Cottage

Open House Friday @ Bernideen's Tea Time

Show & Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground

Show Off Friday @ What About

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Autumn Vintage Vine

As I was setting the table for dinner tonight I thought I would snap a few photos to share.  This is just a simple impromptu fall setting pulling together a few autumn colors.  I substituted a pair of 14" round Tava chargers for a tablecloth.  They are crafted of beautiful rattan.  I've had these for a couple of years now, but don't seem to use them enough.

Longaberger Vintage Vine pottery, inspired by the Ironstone pottery that was made and imported from England in the mid-1800's brings a timeless elegance to the table.  The lovely shade of cream beautifully contrasts with the soft brown color that is hand-rubbed over the embossed vine and leaf design.

Graceful scallops, scrolls and flutes accentuate each piece.  I will be using this dinnerware set until the winter months.

Harvest pumpkin napkins are my favorite!

This glass hurricane has been around for ages.  Today it is filled with faux leaves and acorns.  It is a nice versatile piece I can decorate for the seasons.  Enjoying dinner by candlelight is so romantic.

The petite pear casserole is by Le Creuset.  It is adorable and looks just like a fresh-picked pear.  This stoneware is great for dips and side dishes.  Wouldn't it be dreamy filled with a delicious pear cobbler?

A bird's eye view ...

Oh, I must be going now as I heard the oven beep.  I wish you a wonderful evening.  After dinner I plan to curl up by the fireplace with my kitty Cheops.

'The secret to joyful living is celebrating something every day

no matter how insignificant it may be'

Today I am joining ...

'Pumpkin' Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound

The Tablescaper Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper

Nifty Thrifty Sunday @ Nifty Thrifty Things

Masterpiece Monday @ Boggieboard Cottage

Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters

Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner

Resources:

Charger Plates:  Pottery Barn 'Tava'

Dinnerware:  Longaberger Vintage Vine

Flatware:  Lenox 'Venetian Lace' pattern

Pear Casserole:  Le Creuset

Napkins:  Pottery Barn

Pretty Things ...

I can't believe it is the middle of September already!  Where has the time gone?  Today I have a few vintage treasures to share with you.
 

In my travels I recently acquired this gorgeous M.Z. Austria rose plate.  I knew when I made the purchase there would be a story behind this lovely piece of porcelain.  It was once owned by a woman named Clara who actually lived in Austria.  Her daughter sold it at an estate sale.  I predict it is from the early 1900's which makes it over 100 years old.  Clara really took great care of this piece as it is in pristine condition.
 

Her name still written in masking tape resides on the back.  See I wasn't kidding when I said Clara owned it  :-)
 

I also found these two striking cake forks by Kenilworth.  The scrollwork just beneath the tines is beautiful and I adore the handle pattern.  I would place these silver plate items around 1914.
 

 

 

 I really lucked out as I prefer to only purchase items in sets unless a piece truly speaks to me like this monogrammed teaspoon.
 

 

For a mere $2.00 I couldn't pass up this wonderful find.  This heirloom has become my favorite at tea time with its Victorian rose handle and H monogram.  The pattern is Signature by International Silver #1950.

Our beautiful rose is 'Mary' by David Austin.  Thank you for stopping to visit me as I always enjoy your company.

Today I am joining ...

This or That Thursday @ Deb Duty
Time Travel Thursday @ The Brambleberry Cottage
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff & Nonsense
Inspiration Friday @ The Picket Fence
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Simple & Sweet Fridays @ Rooted in Thyme
Shabbilicious Friday @ Shabby Art Boutique
Show & Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Show Off Friday @ What About

Vintage Inspired Table

Today I'm sharing a quick tablescape I put together the other night.  It was too warm to use the oven so a crisp green salad topped with grilled chicken strips was on the menu.

I used my Martha Stewart / Wedgwood rose plates with some vintage flatware.

I love mixing old and new ...

Arcoroc Rosaline pink stemware creates a little sparkle.  A gorgeous shade of pink with raised swirled ridges.  These glasses, made in France, mix nicely with other pieces.

The pretty centerpiece is vintage depression glass from the 1930's.  This bowl was made by Fostoria Glass Co. in the 'Fairfax' pattern.

All I added was a floating candle with some pink rose petals from the garden.

This beautiful vintage napkin with cutwork and monogrammed with the letter "H" was a treasured find.  I purchased the set of five for $1.80! 

A vintage inspired tablecloth is one of my favorites with its pink flowers and soft green leaves.

A bird's eye view ...

Thank you for stopping by tonight.  My door is always open for you!  I am pleased to be joining the following blog parties and hope you will visit our wonderful hostesses.

Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters

Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Open House Party Thursday @ No Minimalist Here

Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home

Open House Friday @ Bernideen's Tea Time

Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound

Resources:

Dinnerware:  Martha Stewart / Wedgwood Rose Plates
Stemware:  Arcoroc Rosaline Pink Depression Glass
Flatware:  Vintage finds
Centerpiece:  Fostoria Glass Co. 'Fairfax' pattern
Napkin Rings:  Lenox 'Chirp' from Macys