Spode Mayflower

Today I would like to share with you one of my "new" china patterns - Spode Mayflower.

This pattern was introduced by Copeland Spode in 1929 and discontinued sometime in the early 1960's. It was re-introduced in 2004-2005. All the items I have are the older, Copeland Spode version.

My mother and father registered for this pattern as their "Everyday China" in 1957. When they were first married, they lived with my paternal grandmother who had her own china. When they built their own house in the 1960's, I was going through a PURPLE phase. I think lots of young girls go through a purple phase! When we unpacked this china, I fell in love!!! I couldn't wait to use it! Sadly, my mother said it had been discontinued and we were just going to put it in a corner cabinet for display. I was heartbroken. Every year on my birthday, my mother asked what I would like as a special meal. My answer was always the same: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and served on the purple plates!

I just inherited these purple plates and I will have to serve spaghetti on them soon! For now,  I am washing and cataloging them. I also set up a few vignettes on my Parlor Piecrust Tea Table.

As you can see, I inherited Dinner Plates, a Luncheon Plate and, Bread and Butter Plates. I really want some salad plates now!

Clockwise, from upper left, Dinner, Luncheon and Bread and Butter Plates

I love how the central design is just a bit different for each plate.

 Dinner

Luncheon

Here is a Tea Time Vignette

I have lots of tea cups and saucers - 22 cups and 21 saucers! I can have quite a tea party!

I love the coffee pot in this pattern!

I also inherited small rim soups and the gravy boat.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing one of my "newest" patterns! I treasure it since it was my parents' and my special birthday pattern!

Sharing with Between Naps on the Porch

Christmas all through the House

SO glad to have my dining room back! Loving the new kitchen and butler's pantry as well!

Here's my dining room ready for Christmas Eve Dinner!

 As you can see, we have a small live tree in this room which has white and colored lights and has a Nutcracker Ballet theme.

 The mantle is also decorated with Nutcrackers from the ballet.

At each place there is a nutcracker place card holder, as well as a paper nutcracker tucked into each napkin. I am using my Spode Christmas Tree Grove china which I think fits my Victorian house and dining room perfectly.

Nutcracker salt and pepper shakers stand guard on the table as well!

On the small buffet, my punch bowl and cups are ready for some creamy eggnog.

On the hanging shelf, I have various Christmas pitchers and teapots.

In the Parlor, we have a larger real tree with colored lights and our memory ornaments.

The perfect place to read a good book or look at the Santas on the mantle.

In our sunroom, we have our Bethlehem Village.

The Wise Men coming through the desert, complete with sand dunes.

The Roman Soldiers taking the census at the city gates.

A stable behind the Inn.

A Moravian Star over the manger.

Have a Very Merry Christmas!!!

I will be joining Cuisine Kathleen for Let's Dish, Rustic and Refined and Between Naps on the Porch. 

Spode Blue Italian

When I started blogging in 2009, I didn't have any blue and white china. I drooled over my blogging friends blue and white dishes for a year until I couldn't stand it! For my birthday in 2010, I started collecting Spode Blue Italian.

The Italian Pattern was introduced by Spode in 1816 and was an immediate success. It has remained popular for almost 200 years! The scene in the middle is a bit of a mystery, but it definitely has classical origins. The border has a Chinese influence.

I found a wonderful offer for 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates and 4 mugs when I started this pattern. 

Then I started getting bowls next.

I want to get the tea cups and saucers next - and of course the tea pot!

I love the historical look and the easy care/microwave-safe properties!

I've combined this with my Spode Tower Pink for a Patriotic Look HERE.

And it got the ROYAL (wedding) treatment HERE.

And it even looks good in autumn HERE!

I will be joining Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch. 

Tablescape Thursday - One If By Land!

It's Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH!



I really do know that Paul Revere's ride didn't happen in July or in 1776 for that matter, but I thought this lantern would make a nice centerpiece for my 4th of July Tablescape. So I am calling this Tablescape "One If By Land."



I found this little lantern last year at the Target One Spot. I thought it looked like DH's re-enacting lanterns, but he said it was too small, flimsy, etc. So I saved it for just such a tablescaping occasion!



DH loved the idea for this table and even added the little Revolutionary War Soldier ornament that he was given at some point! I think he added the perfect touch!

Here is the table without the dishes. I got these placemats and napkins from our local DAR chapter after letting them use our home for their meeting and letting DH give their program.









This is my dining room mantle with the nutcrackers.

Next is my parlor.




And some patriotic decorations on the parlor pump organ.







Now head over the Susan's for more great tablescapes!

Happy Fourth of July! :D Jewel