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Thursday, May 20, 2010

Queen's Ware Afternoon

Mary E. made herself famous by reminding us that it's good to be queen. Nice thought, but I'm not holding my breath waiting for someone to plant a crown on my head! But a good way to play the part is with Wedgwood's Queensware china.


Seems like I've slobbered over every magazine ad with this gorgeous pattern on it's page for decades, but I only recently ever saw it in person last winter.


Did I NEED another set of dishes? CLARO QUE SI! Mais, oui! BUT OF COURSE! I have NEEDED this china since maybe 1977! So I snapped up a gorgeous incomplete set that completed me. And I just brought it out for it's first spring airing.


I love small parties. The occasion doesn't have to be grand to get out the grand stuff. A centerpiece may be the only thing you have to go out of your way to add to make an ordinary event a special occasion. And as per Carolyne Roehm's recent suggestion, a flamboyant fern or houseplant can stand in for that. Especially if it's a garden party.


I've never had much time for extras like favors and place cards, though I've found them charming at other people's events. Simple spreads reduce stress and increase spontaneity.


You don't have to dust for a patio soiree.


Simple garden decor sets a nice AND easy stage.


White pom pom mums have replaced roses as my must have flowers.They are long lasting and dramatic and low cost.


A table set like this for two could be your answer to Evelyn Couch's saran wrap outfit! You'd want candles of course.


This china pattern is table decoration enough.


Yummy enough to eat!


In fact, these plates stacked on a cake stand even look like an iced confection fit for Marie Antoinette.


With dinner ware like this you could serve pizza and no one would care.


But probably the best thing about taking care with a table is its very mindfulness. Taking time to see everything close up. In slow motion. Especially with loved ones you see often. You are sending the message that "YOU MATTER."


These bistro glasses are a favorite at the CLUB (the family reference to our house). I'm always casting about for fill in replacements because when you use things a lot casualties occur.


This cloth with its white embroidery is one of my favorites. So subtle.













Perhaps on occasion we can enjoy rising to the celebration of each day's gifts with a little extra gesture.



". . .The Badger summoned them to the table, where he had been busy laying a repast. They had felt pretty hungry before, but when they actually saw at last the supper that was spread for them, really it seemed only a question of what they should attack first where all was so attractive. . . .
Conversation was impossible for along time; and when it was slowly resumed, it was that regrettable sort of conversation that results from talking with your mouth full. The Badger did not mind that sort of thing at all, nor did he take any notice of elbows on the table, or everybody speaking at once. As he did not go into Society himself he had got an idea that these things belonged to the things that didn't really matter."

Kenneth Graham, Mr. Badger chapter, The Wind in the Willows

Ciao! Thanks for stopping by!

Jacqueline

Today I'm joining Tablescape Thursday at
Between Naps on the Porch
My Romantic Home
Show and Tell Friday
Please check out both fun blogs!

22 comments:

  1. Your post really spoke to me. I especially liked, "But probably the best thing about taking care with a table is its very mindfulness. Taking time to see everything close up. In slow motion. Especially with loved ones you see often. You are sending the message that "YOU MATTER." I am sorry to say that I have not been previously acquainted with Queen's Ware china. It is absolutely gorgeous. I can see why you have been yearning for it.

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  2. Love these dishes--I see why you wanted them. Nice tablecloth as well. Love the Wind and the Willows...you couldn't go wrong quoting from that book!

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  3. Beautiful, beautiful!!! That china is just gorgeous! Your photos are so lovely, it makes me want to go out and buy more china myself. Can one ever have too much? No, I don't think so. And I know what you mean about casualties, I'm down to 4 drinking glasses, I really need to go out and buy some more before we have to use plastic cups!
    Lovely post!
    Have a great day.
    Sincerely,
    Melinda

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  4. I love your flowers, china, tablecloth, heck I love it all!

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  5. Beautiful table...the china is lovely, but the tablecloth is what really caught my eye, so elegant.

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  6. I agree with Garden Antiques-I love it all!!!

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  7. So gorgeous plates, all looks so special.

    Hugs
    Charo

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  8. I love the dishes, too. I hope I don't spend the next 40 years looking for them!! And I love the glasses...so you remember where you got those??! And finally, the tablecloth is to die for...SO pretty!! Great tablescape post!

    xoxo
    Jane

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  9. How utterly lovely.

    Thank you for your kind comments. May you always be charmingly blessed.

    I hope you'll stop by my blog. I am hosting a giveaway for a darling French tote.

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  10. Oh, so pretty and elegant! I love it all :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  11. Beautiful! I love all the white, and the china is to-die-for!

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  12. Love the quote from Wind in the Willows, and I'm now in love with Queen's ware. What a beautiful pattern. Your little dinner party on the patio is perfect!

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  13. There is something so beautiful and peaceful when a table is set in all white. The patterns and depth speak loud enough on their own.

    Very pretty.

    Hugs,
    Joanne

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  14. I have never seen that pattern before but I can see why you love it so much. It is simply beautiful. Your blog is delightful too! What a joy to visit!

    Best wishes until next time,
    Natasha.

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  15. Oh, what a beautiful post! The dishes are so beautiful and your outside space is lovely!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  16. What a lovely post. Lovely table setting! Your photos are beautiful and serene. I am a new follower!

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  17. Oh Dear Jacqueline,
    Your tablescape and writings are just so dreamy and wonderful. You have no idea how they lift me, especially when the high here today is 54 with pouring rain and even tremendous hail yesterday. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Would love to be sitting with you on that patio and enjoying the beauty and your company!
    Love, Kay

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  18. I can see why you coveted this lovely set....it's sooo sweet. And, your table setting is just beautiful.

    Warm blessings,
    Spencer

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  19. I love those plates....your post is so beautiful with all the white.

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  20. Beautiful photography -- love your peaceful all white setting. so soothing.

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  21. I'm loving the tablescape and china! Your patio is gorgeous! Your subtle reference to "Fried Green Tomatoes" is fantastic! I can watch that movie over and over. "The secret's in the sauce!!!"

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  22. Wow, that's a pretty pattern, thanks for sharing!

    Tootles,

    Sandy @ My Shabby Streamside Studio
    http://myshabbystreamsidestudio.blogspot.com/

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