Tablescape Thursday – Thanksgiving 2009

When my mother and I arrived at my sister’s house on Thanksgiving day, my sister had the table mostly set. Since she had had a very busy night on call at the hospital, we had planned to do it together. However, she had a surge of energy after arriving home and just kept on going.
Each year at Thanksgiving she uses the Royal Worcester "Evesham" dishes. This year she used a simple white damask tablecloth.
As she had last year, she also used her large ceramic cornucopias and bowls of ceramic fruit. Only, they were placed differently. There were two new candlelabras on either side of a taller one as the centerpiece. The cornucopias were placed at opposite corners, while the smaller fruit bowls were at the other two corners.
As I started to take a photo, I noticed that the flatware was missing:
We soon corrected that...

Amid the "Evesham" goblets and other items were several bottles of the family favorite Martinelli sparkling cider – regular apple flavor, grape and cranberry in another brand.



The table looked lush with color and warm beauty. Soon after this, the table was full with laden plates and eager eating and laughter from the six of us.

I am glad you visited today and hope you will come again soon! Please leave a comment.
Be sure to visit our hostess Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for more Tablescape Thursday posts.

Tablescape Thursday - Celebration Dinner With Family

Last Sabbath my niece, Ashley, was baptized. My aunt came in by bus from New York to join my sister, her husband, Ashley and her brother. My mother and I were there also. When we got home from church in Boston, the only thing on anyone’s mind was FOOD. Normally, the table would have been set from Friday, but since there had been a plumbing emergency, the table was not ready when we arrived at my sister’s home.

This tablesetting was a group effort. As the food was being heated after church, my sister, her son, and I set about getting the table ready. In between a few photos were taken of the newly baptized girl with her loving relatives. Knowing that any minute the eating would begin, I took a quick photo of one side of the table, as the table setting work continued:

Besides two tall candlebras at each end, the centerpiece included a tall burgundy and gilt urn with two burgundy candles in silk bags on either side. All is set on a beaded holiday table runner.
My sister enjoys adding and adding to the tablesetting. So she added two egg-shaped music boxes at the extreme ends of the candelabras. They are jeweled and enamelled and play "the Dance of the Flowers from The Nutcracker ballet.

The place setting is 222 Fifth “Belize” dinner plates on gilt chargers, golden flatware, and Italian goblets. (My 23-year old nephew put the forks on the right side of the plates, and laughed in surprise as I transferred them over to the left!) This had to be the most rushed table setting ever! We usually spend a long time adding and arranging things until it looks just right.
Photo of the cake made by a friend of the family for Ashley’s baptism.

Besides the cake there were two pies and Grape Nut ice cream for dessert.

Thank you for stopping by today. Come again soon!

Be sure to visit our hostess Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for more Tablescape Thursday posts.

Tablescape Thursday – Thanksgiving Table

The past several days have been very busy, so I haven’t been posting at all. I also did not have time to do a tablescape. So, for Tablescape Thursday this week I thought to share the table my sister and I put together for Thanksgiving Day dinner, 2008 at her home.

We started with a lovely cut work tablecloth:

The place setting consisted of Royal Worcester "Evesham" plates (which we both have), set on gilt chargers and topped with white napkins in fruit napkin rings:

The flatware is gold. We decided to place the napkins alongside instead of in the plate:

My sister is a very exhuberant in her home decor and likes big, dramatic design. The centerpiece included two large ceramic cornucopias filled with pomegranates and other fruit:

Also, ceramic fruit arrangements in a white bowl at opposite corners of the table:

The glasses are matching"Evehsam" goblets; additional ceramic fruit are placed about the table:

This view shows the. center of the table with has 2 tall and 2 shorter candlelabra, the two conrucopias, and a big bowl of ceramic fruit in the center.

At one end of the table was an Evesham bowl with white napkin all filled with croissants:

We sisters always have such fun setting the table for each Thanksgiving dinner, no matter which of our homes we are celebrating in that year. Here is the 2008 result:

In this view we had changed the goblets to golden shimmering ones:

This is how it looked with the Evesham glasses; also Evesham salt and peppers:

The food was served buffet style. Well, there was no room on the table for the delectable banquet we enjoyed that day!

Be sure to visit our hostess Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for more Tablescape Thursday posts.

Tablescape Thursday – Another Fall Table Setting

For this fall table the general effect is golden and amber, taking its cue from amber depression glass.

The tablecloth is a pale yellow. The amber Rosemary Dutch Rose luncheon plates, which were introduced in last week’s post, are set on golden chargers from Target. Next to the plates are matching Rosemary Dutch Rose 5" desert or berry bowls, made by Federal in 1935. A golden fruit is placed in each bowl to add to the golden-ness of the table.

The flatware is from my Mother and is gold with an embossed floral motif.

The crystal is Lenox "Autumn" goblets.

(In the breakfront we see the Lenox "Autumn" dishes, which my mother pointed out that I have not used in a long time. True, I don't want the job of taking it out, after having it to clear it all out for painting the dining room!)

The center of the table consists of a large 13-inch diameter amber platter holding a yellow glass bowl in which is a Fitx & Floyd covered pumpkin.

On either side two contemporary amber tumblers embossed with stars hold sprigs of delicate white flowers with muted green leaves.

The whispy flowers echo the light brown embroidery on the large napkins.

On either side of those are two ceramic fruit in muted tones of green, yellow and light orange.

Thank you for visiting Oak Rise Cottage today. I hope you will visit again soon. Please leave a comment. Be sure to visit our hostess Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for more lovely Tablescape Thursday posts.

I am also linking this post to Leigh's “Thrifty Thursday” at Tales From Bloggeritaville. See more participants at her blog.

My local consignment shop was the source for several of the items in today’s tablescape:
The six “Rosemary Dutch Rose” plates cost $14.98 – a great price for depression glass!
The large amber around four dollars; and three of the star tumblers at $3.00 each:

Even the floral sprays came from the shop!

From Target via Amazon.com came the six chargers at $15.99.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my golden fall tablescape!

Metamorphosis Monday and Blue Monday – Color On the Walls! Part II

Metamorphosis Monday, is hosted by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch. Be sure to go there for a listing of more transformations this week.

Blue Monday is sponsored by our gracious Sally at Smiling Sally. Her listing will take you to others who love the color blue.

As promised, this week I will continue to describe how newly painted walls have transformed my living spaces. Ihad gone along with the idea of off-white walls being versatile, and even making the place seem more spacious. But the addition of soft colors to my walls has really enhanced the appearance of my home. Family and friends expressed that the soft hues have pulled the décor together. Here's hoping that the true colors will show up in my photos.!

All woodwork was painted in Benjamin Moore Satin Finish trim OC13 "Soft Chamois."
The living room and front hall stairway were painted in Benjamin Moore 1494 "Vale Mist". That is three walls were. The wall that continues from the center hall to the west wall in the living room is in Benjamin Moore 1562 "Quiet Moments," as was the dining room.

Here is the couch and paintings above with the soft blue on the west wall.

This shows the junction of the blue and the green behind the living room desk on the north wall. (Sorry about the reflection):

The dark wood furniture such as the desk and curio cabinet on either side of the fireplace are set off with the soft green second color in the room.



The dark blue draperies with its green leaves, and the pictures on the green walls is pleasing.

The dark furniture is also enhanced by the green of the walls:

The sofa and love seat have tiny squares of green thread, which is picked up by the green wall behind the love seat.


The bedroom wall color is Benjamin Moore HC-5 Weston Flax, a soft yellow. I like how it sets off the accessories in the room:

Note how the Wedgwood blue draperies look against the pale color.

The draperies pick up the Wedgwood jasperware pieces on top of the book shelf. and the blue flowers in the print.

The dark furniture also looks well with the yellow walls:

In the bathroom the walls were painted in Benjamin Moore kitchen and bath paint in 922 Antique Lace. This continues the yellow hue of the bedroom, but is more of a cream color.

To continue the blue from the draperies from the bedroom I plan to use this Waverly toile fabric for the window and shower curtains:


The previous curtains were a white and peach stripe for the window and a solid peach for the shower stall. As the painting was going on, I found these neutral color curtains at the thrift shop for $1.50 and a similar color shower curtain for $1.25. They have been standing in quite well until I get the toile sewed.

In the meantime, the cream color works well the wall accessories, as they are now; there will be more changes:

The painting of the walls came about because I had ceiling damage in the kitchen, living room and my bedroom. Outside I had the roof completely replaced to avoid any more rain seeping in. Well, while it was quite a lot of work to clear the rooms for the ceiling and wall painting, the end result is very pleasing an I have been really enjoying having color on the walls!.

I am also linking to Cielo’s "Show Off Your Cottage Monday." Visit her to enjoy more lovely homes.

Thank you for your lovely comments on Part I of "Color On My Walls" and for visiting today. Do come back again soon!

Amber Depression Glass

Just recently, with fall on my mind, I have been gathering various amber glass dishwares. They are both new designs and depression glass. Here are two vintage patterns:

First, six Rosemary Dutch Rose 9 ½ in. diameter luncheon plates found at the local consignment shop.

They have embossed rose motifs around the rims and in the center.

This yellow/amber depression glass was made by Federal Glass Company from 1935-1937. The plates are quite sturdy and my mother and I have enjoyed eating off these lovely vintage dishes.

Also from the consignment shop is an 11-inch diameter plate in "Patrician Spoke" from Federal Glass Company. The pleasing light color is referred to as amber, yellow or golden.

Its gently scalloped edge is very attractive. This pattern was made from 1933-1937.

You can see where the name "Spoke" comes from – the spokes radiating from the center,

surrounded by a second row of spokes:

Aren’t depression glass dishes so pretty with their lacy patterns?

I wanted to use the Dutch Rose plates in a tablescape for today and started to gather the items needed. However, the past few days were focussed on getting things ready to take for consignment today. Here is a peek at the place setting as it is now:

There is a pale yellow tablecloth, golden flatware, gilt napkin rings, and an amber depression glass.

A modern amber glass might be substituted; however, since the table is on the formal side I think goblets will be better.

The setting is even more golden when the plate is set in gold chargers

Well it’s pretty late now, so I plan to have the tablesetting all done for next week’s Tablescape Thursday.

I am happy that you visited today, and hope you will come by again soon. Your comments rare most welcome.

See more Vintage Thingies Thursday posts listed by Suzanne at Coloradolady. Visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for more Tablescape Thursday posts.

Three or More Tuesday – I Love Berry Bowls!

Three or More Tuesday is sponsored by Tam at The Gypsy's Corner. Please visit her for more participating posts.

I remember using two small berry bowls my Mother had when I was growing up. They were white china with pink roses and were rimmed in gold. They were handy to use for a small snack of fruit, a scoop of ice cream, etc.
Berry bowls are also called dessert or fruit bowls. They usually measure from about 4 ½ to 5 ½ inches in diameter, and stand about 1 to 1 ½ inches high.

During the years that I’ve been accumulating various dish sets, I always try to get at least two to four or more berry bowls when they are available. They are not part of the usual 5-piece individual place setting. Here is a photo of the ones I have now:

My first set was for my formal dinner service in Spode "Consul Cobalt." I bought four berry bowls and always admire how exquisite they look:

The blue and white Staffordshire transferware, "Liberty Blue" has Betsy Ross as the subject of the berry bowls:

One of my parents wedding gifts included a set of these ruby red depression glass bowls and the matching larger serving bowl. They were the ice cream bowls we used during my childhood. I now have ten of them and use them to serve ice cream at family gatherings:

I also have a dozen Avon "Cape Cod" berry bowls, which are a Sandwich glass pattern. With the same ruby color, they coordinate very well with the depression glass ones.
These Johnson Bros. "Heritage White" have a lovely octagonal shape:

The vintage white pattern, “American Traditional” by Canonsburg was made in the town of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. I find my plates and bowls in this pattern to be very versatile as I combine it with other dishes.

"Dreselda" is a colorful vintage china pattern by Noritake, made in Japan:

These Korean-made berry bowls are in a Blue Onion style pattern. They have lovely scalloped rims:

These little bowls can be used to hold berries, fruit, sauces, condiments, nuts, candies, and other food choices. I really find them handy, their small size makes them very attractive examples of their respective dishware pattern.

Do you have a favorite type of dish that you collect and enjoy using?

This post is also for Second Time Around Tuesday.


The following berry bowls are thrift store finds:
Two Johnson Bros. “Heritage White” berry bowls and bread and butter plate.
Three Blue Onion bowls Made in Korea.
These were vintage Ebay finds:
Two Noritake “Dreselda”
Four Canonsburg “American Traditional”
These were from an antique store:
Ten ruby red depression glass.

Diane hosts "Second Time Around" at A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words. See more participants at her blog.

Thank you for visiting today, do come again soon.

Metamorphosis Monday and Blue Monday – Color On the Walls!

Metamorphosis Monday, is hosted by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch. Go there for a listing of more transformations.

Blue Monday is sponsored by our gracious Sally at Smiling Sally. Check her blog for a list of other participating posts.

All along, since moving in to my house in 1992, I have always had walls that are painted in off-white. My April 29, 2009 post, "Eclectic Wall Grouping" showed one wall in my center hallway. Here is a photo of how they looked on the off-white walls.

In July I had the dining room, hall, and adjoining wall in the living painted in Benjamin Moore "Quiet Moments," which is a very soft blue. With the new color paint on the wall the artwork now seems to pop:

The blue drapes in the dining room looks great with the new paint color.

The soft color also enhances the wall art and the dark mahogany furniture.

I am also linking to Cielo’s "Show Off Your Cottage Monday." Visit her to enjoy more lovely homes.

Next week I will continue to describe how new paint -- green in the living room and stairway, and soft yellows in the bedroom and bath – have transformed my living spaces.

Vintage Thingies Thursday – White Ribbed China Patterns

As someone who loves dishes and enjoys doing research on various patterns, I’ve noted that certain patterns become classics and have been copied or modified by many different china manufacturers and in many different countries. I’d like to discuss one such case, dishes with a ribbed pattern.

My vintage subject for today are items similar to the Wedgwood "Edme" pattern, Made in England.

I got started collecting these when I found several pieces at a thrift shop -- 3 Dinner Plates, 1 Cream Soup Bowl and underplate, and 4 Bread and Butter Plates. I wrote about finding the cream soups here. Below is a photo showing a place setting where I used these Edme items:


This Wedgwood pattern is Queensware and is truly an elegant embossed ribbed design
The creamy porcelain has a starburst ridge pattern on plates. Cups have vertical ridges and a pedestal foot. The saucers have a starburst ridge pattern.The Edme pattern was made from 1908 until about 1997. The dinner plate for my new breakfast setting shown in today’s Tablescape Thursday.

Searching online, I’ve spotted several similar patterns with the ribbed design. The first is Mikasa "Italian Countryside" Made in Japan.

Gibson China "Claremont" Made in China, which was recently available at Big Lots in a complete set fserving 4 at a very attractive price. This set of dinner plates, cups, bowls, salad plates, saucers, napkin rings, etc. has been shown in tablescapes all around blogland.
Here are photos from Ebay listings:

The Claremont pattern is all white with embossed scrolls and columns. It was produced from 2002-2006 and is now discontinued.

Another vintage pattern is Meakin "Leeds" Made in England

"Backstamp: Traditional Ironstone - Leeds Shape - (Picture of the CROWN) - Reproduced from the original Leeds Pottery of 1760 in Timeless Elegance for Dinnerware Connoissuers by English Craftsmen - Alfred Meakin Staffordshire England."

The J & G Meakin "Classic White pattern" has a ribbed rim that is distinctly scalloped

Another English maker, Johnson Brothers, produced an ironstone pattern called "Athena." It was made in England from 1955-1999.

The Danish firm Dansk, also produced a ribbed pattern made in Japan. I do not know the pattern name.

American china maker, Shenango has a ribbed pattern called "New Castle" Made in USA
SHO26
This Lenox ribbed pattern,"Temple Off-White" was Made in USA.
Another American manufacturer, Libbey, but Made in China, has a new ribbed pattern

Finally, we ends our review with a vintage ribbed pattern by McCoy:

Thanks for stopping by and viewing my VTT topic for this week. Leave a comment, please.
See more Vintage Thingies Thursday posts listed by Suzanne at Coloradolady.

Tablescape Thursday – New Breakfast Table Setting

I have been wanting to set a new tablescape for our breakfast table in the kitchen. However, my 91-year old mother gets so attached to whatever new tablescape I make in either the dining room or on the kitchen table. She insisted that the kitchen table was just fine. But it was ok to do the dining room since there was little to look at there. So, with her agreeable assistance, I laid out last week’s Tablescape Thursday setting.

For working on the the kitchen, I had to pick a time when she had gone to bed to remove and put away the old and set up the new. The new color scheme incorporates new placemats and coordinating napkins from TJ Maxx.
Their blue-green color coordinates with the wall color. (Sory about the reflecctions of the glass top onto the wall.)
I laid two placemats end-to-end across the blue-green striped table topper.

The place setting includes off-white Wedgwood "Edme" dinner plates, a napkin, Canonsburg "American Traditional" square salad plates, and Noritake "Misty Isle" cereal bowls, made in Ireland. The bowls pick up the soft color of the napkins.
The flatware is Towle Supreme Staineless "English Shell," a nice traditional pattern.
The formula of dinner plate, salad plate, and cereal bowl has worked well through out summer. Added for cool fall days are Canonsburg "American Traditional" cups and saucers, which we enjoy for hot herb teas. The matching covered sugar bowl holds Splenda and Sevita sweetners.

Tall tumblers hold filtered water, while the clear "Vendange" goblets from Cristal D'Arques serve for fruit juices.

The lid of the off-white soup tureen is tied with the cord that held the four placemats and four napkins together.

Just to add interest are a green antiqued metal candlestick 9also from TJ Maxx), a ceramic banana, and ceramic split pear salt and pepper.

When my mother got up during the night she was surprised and delighted to see the new setting.
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you will visit again soon. Please leave a comment. Be sure to visit our hostess Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for more Tablescape Thursday posts.