Blue Monday – Diana Princess of Wales 1961-1987

Blue Monday is sponsored by our gracious Sally at Smiling Sally.

Reading Gloria’s post today at Happy to Be and Katherine’s post at Yellow Rose Arbor, I was reminded that today is the twelfth anniversary of the death of Diana Princess of Wales on August 31, 1997. Katherine shared a lovely doll and many quotations of Diana’s words regarding the need to give of oneself to those in need. Gloria’s post shared her extensive collection of plates, cups, dolls, books and other items celebrating the Princess’ life.

This reminded me that I also have a large collection, though most of it is in boxes. For several years the collection was on display in my guest room, which is now used by my nearly 91-year-old mother.
The books, however, are on display in and around a small stand for the tv in my bedroom.

The books include biographies, photo books, mostly on Diana, but also on the royal family.

On of my favorite books is A Dress for Diana, which tells the story of how her famous wedding dress was designed and made.

Here is a photo of one of the plate series, this example showing her in her wedding dress:

Many books have been written about her fashion sense. One example is Diana: Queen of Style.

Inside another book, Diana: HRH The Princess of Wales we see her dressed in a blue outfit, including her hat.

Here are three books written by people near her: A Royal Duty, by Paul Burrell, The Housekeeper’s Diary by Wendy Berry and The Bodyguard’s Story by Trevor Reese-Jones. It was fascinating to read the different perspectives on Diana's personality and character.

The Diana I Knew is by Mary Robertson, an American whose son had the young Diana as his nanny.

Diana: Collecting on a Princess by Charles Nobles is a guide for would-be collectors and shows items in the author’s own collection. It also suggests prices.

This post is also for Today’s Thrifty Treasures hosted by Rhoda at Southern Hospitality.


All seven books listed below were from the local thrift shops. Most cost about 10 cents each since I usually bought a bag of books for one dollar.
Diana: The Last Year by Donald Spotto
Requiem: Diana Princess of Wales 1967-1987 edited by Brian McArthur

Diana: HRH The Princess of Wales [Photographs] by Tim Graham, Introduced By Clive James.
In Public – In Private: The Prince and Princess of Wales by Alastair Burnet. Photographed by Tim Graham.
The Princess & the Duchess: Inside the Lives of the World’s Two Most Dazzling Royal Women by Josephine Fairley.
The Royal Year 1989 Photographed by Tim Graham
My Story: Sarah, TheDuchess of York, with Jeff Coplon

Enjoy more Blue Monday posts at Sally’s blog, Smiling Sally.
Also, please visit Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for more thrifty treasures.

Additional Thrifty Finds

Blue Monday is sponsored by our gracious Sally at Smiling Sally.
This post is also for Today’s Thrifty Treasures hosted by Rhoda at Southern Hospitality.

On a recent visit to my consignment shop I found a blue and white ceramic table lamp costing $2.38. I have placed it on the breakfast table, and turn it on when I want softer light in the kitchen than the bright ceiling lights. It is hooked up to an extension cord with an on-and-off switch on the floor, operated by one’s foot.

For now, a white shade has been borrowed from another lamp not in use, until I can buy a smaller, more suitable one.

This oval pressed glass platter was $4.75.
I like the pattern around the border,
and the starburst in the center. (The camera angle makes it look distorted.)

Another pineapple item for my collection is this crystal dish which cost $1.13. It can be used as a candy or nut dish.

This eight-piece set of ceramic shakers with tiny pink flowers and gilt tops cost $2.76. There are four individual salt and pepper sets.
These are vintage and are in their original box.
Last is a pretty blue tablecloth for a round table cost $1. I found this at one of the thrift shops in town.

It has pretty yellow tulips and green leaves.

It was nice to have you visit today. Do come again as soon as you can, and do leave a comment. I love to read your comments.
Enjoy more Blue Monday posts at Sally’s blog, Smiling Sally. Also, please visit Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for more thrifty treasures.

Blue Monday and Today’s Thrifty Treasures – Vienna Woods Vase

Blue Monday is sponsored by our gracious Sally at Smiling Sally.

This post is also for Today’s Thrifty Treasures hosted by Rhoda at Southern Hospitality.



While in the community thrift shop last week I spotted a lovely blue and white vase in the display case with a $4.00 sign on it. As soon as the attendant handed it to me I flipped it over and was glad to read the maker’s mark "Vienna Woods/ Fine China/ US" It was in perfect condition, so I snapped it up.

Quite ornate in form, it is in the style of a spill vase or cornucopia

It will come in handy for blooms from the store or garden.
Since this is one of those blue onion patterns, it goes well with my "Blue Danube" candlesticks which I bought for $8.00 a few years back.
See my post on the Blue Onion pattern here:

Before entering the thrift store last Tuesday I had stopped to look at the boxes of goblets, glasses, mugs, etc., discarded by the store and set outside for the taking. I had said I collected blue and white, so another person pulled out a teacup and handed it to me. I was delighted to read Wedgwood ‘Countryside’" on the bottom. Even though there was no saucer, I think I can match it up with something suitable and it can join the others in my blue and white teacup collection.

It was nice to have you visit today. Do come again as soon as you can and do leave a comment. I love to read your comments.

Enjoy more Blue Monday posts at Sally’s blog, Smiling Sally.

Also, please visit Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for more thrifty treasures.

Thrifty Thursday and Tablescape Thursday – Vintage & Thrifted Luncheon Setting

In this post I will be participating in both Thrifty Thursday and Tablescape Thursday.
Thrifty Thursday
Some recent bargain finds which I am incorporating in my thrifty tablescape are:
2 charger plates at 5 cents each = 10 cents for both.

4 contemporary bowls from Noritake Misty Isle Collection "Ireland" pattern at 25 cents each, = $1.00 total.

A 45 x 50 inch pale pink cotton tablecloth for 25 cents

[Bought at the same time was another deeper pink cotton tablecloth, size 50" wide x 69" long, 50 cents.]

Last year I bought this small cream ceramic cornucopia design vase in a thrift shop for just 50 cents. It has a decorative oval with pink flowers on each side.


Visit Leigh at Tales From Bloggeritaville for more Thrifty Thursday posts.

Tablescape Thursday
A simple luncheon for two uses the two chargers and two bowls. The bowls are set on clear textured glass plates in "Fleur" pattern by Arcoroc from France. They allow the floral pattern to show through. The green on the bowls picks up the green of the chargers.

The dessert plates are by Noritake, made in Japan.


Pale pink hem-stitched cotton luncheon napkins are simply folded over. Last fall I bought them in a set of 12 with a large matching pale pink tablecloth for $35 total at a consignment shop.

Pink Depression era pilsner glasses in a set of four were a birthday gift from my sister and brother-in-law.

The centerpiece incorporates two pink depression glass candle holders, and between them is the small ceramic cornucopia vase holding white flowers.

A pear-shaped salt and pepper set in light green adds more color.

The flatware is Mikasa "Estasi". They are stainless steel with a gilt stripe.

A light meal of soup and sandwiches will allow for leisurely conversation in a pleasant setting.
Be sure to visit our hostess Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for more Tablescape Thursday posts.

Edited to add:

I just learned about Thrift Store Thursday with hostess Holly at Homebody, so I’m linking up for that as well.