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!
After a weekend of retail, Monday feels kinda rosy to me.
I still have a huge list of things to get through before it all starts over again.
But Monday means just a little kick back time to replenish the creative juices.
A bit of time to pick up a book and a pile of magazines. This corner, well this whole room, is always piled with both. Ask anybody. It's just shameless.
I've got my stand-by's that are never very far away. . .
I stay in my jammies long after what is considered reasonable. 
And just have a look at this new luscious Restoration Hardware catalog! A girl's got to find time to keep up on these things!
I always have a big ol' hassock to put my feet up on. I've earned it! I mean ya'll have heard about retail these days haven't ya?! And I always have to have a big magnifier to see the print that somehow gets tinier and tinier. I want one next to every pile of magazines I have in the house and believe me that's a lot! And I'm well on the way!
You really can't imagine just how long I can pore over things sitting right here. I think there are actual statistics on how many beautiful pictures you have to look at in a day before you're revved up enough to go re-arrange something aren't there?
Ciao for now! Thanks for stopping by!
