Nancy's Daily Dish

The Hunt ~ J F Herring ~ Spode Tablescape

2012-01-26T20:10:00.000-06:00

I'm baaaaaack! And I'm back with a rustic, hunt scene table setting.

The black transferware plates I've used in this setting are part of the Hunt series from Spode Copeland featuring the works of J F Herring, aka The Artist Coachmen, which the Copelands commissioned themselves.

Each plate has a different, titled scene depicting the various stages of the hunt beginning with 'The Meet' and ending with 'The Death'.

Originally I was going to pair the plates with a tartan of some sort, a riding hat and whip but then I changed my mind as I started putting it together. I thought brown and black, warm and rustic, romantic and rugged, Fall turning to Winter (pinecones and pheasant feathers meet pine needles and holly...I did this table at the end of November) mostly masculine but a touch of feminism (lace napkins do that trick). So, what you see is what I came up with.

Each plate rests on a placemat made of real pheasant feathers.

These vintage, solid black glasses, have the neatest horn shape. They remind me a little of stirrup cups that hunting men, gathered on horseback, would have a welcome drink from to start their day. The custom is essentially English and tied to the hunting of fox. Anyway, they are unique and beautiful and seemed to go with the theme. I'm into themes in case you haven't noticed. I also used them in a French-ey toile tablescape HERE

I was going to use some black flatware by Hampton but realized I had only four settings (I think this is when I decided to punt the tartan actually) and so went with my Spode Woodland.

I found the napkin rings on clearance at Wally World (Walmart) for like $1 for a set of four. Wish I'd bought every one they had but I settled for two sets. They look like tooled leather but they're plastic, or shall I say plastique? The feminine part to this table...lace trimmed napkins over basic black dinner napkins. Those lace napkins were my Moms. I remember her using them at dinner parties she hosted. You've seen 'em here before and you'll see 'em here again.

My favorite part of this table was the centerpiece. I have a small collection of Italian decanters encased in leather. I placed them on an antique wicker serving tray with tealight candles all around.

On either side of the tray I placed some mixed Winter greens and Fall foliage of pine needles, holly, evergreens, pinecones and pheasant feathers along with shed antlers. Extending the arrangement so that it ran the length of the table I added grapevine balls and amber colored pinecone candles to the mix.
Cool candles, aren't they?

I didn't get many good photos of this tablescape and having the top of my bird cage table sitting in here (see it over there on the right?) didn't help but...since I'm describing my centerpiece I wanted to also say that in order to balance out the height of the decanters at the center I placed brown taper candles at each end of the arrangement which also helped extend it as I wanted to.

I'm going to let you all look over a few more pics of the table and then for those of you who like the historical tidbits I like to share then read on because the story about J F Herring (the artist whose drawings are featured on these plates) is really amazing. Nearer the bottom of this post you'll be able to see some of the variations in this pattern as well. The black plates you see here are unusual and not the most commonly seen or found. I have six of them, each with a different scene, and they are available for purchase in my online shop.

J. F. HERRING

Herring's paint brush made him a coachman and he became a famous artist through being a coachman. His life and career were so interestingly determined by the brush and the whip.

As part of my transfer ware collection, business and love of history I often seek out periodicals and books that tell about the authors whose works find their way onto transfer printed wares. One such book is The Hunt, Portrayed by J. F. Herring Sen., a 28 page publication by W.T. Copeland & Sons. The book tells, in short, the story of J F Herring and offers images of examples of some of the variations and pieces from the Hunt series.

John Frederick Herring was born to an established commerce trader in London in 1795. Though his father intended for his son to follow in the commerce business, he soon realized that young John lacked the qualifications. It is said that from his toddler years on, John either held a brush or a whip in his hand.

Living in Surrey, coaches daily passed the door of John's home and of his fathers business. John was utterly fascinated by them. He would eagerly await their passing by. He spent much of his time at a neighboring blacksmith's forge or an inn where the coaches would stop just so that he could watch the horses. He never had a drawing lesson but nonetheless he began to produce the horses he so loved on paper.

Young Johns father thought his art to be a "love of idling" and because of those propensities he had not apprenticed his son to any trade. When John turned 18 he realized that should his Father die, he would be completely destitute with no means of earning a living. This realization gestured him to leave home and seek his fortune. With little money and no plan, John took an outside seat on The Royal Leeds Union coach to Doncaster, the sporting center of England. By chance, he arrived during the races and followed a crowd to a race course, where he saw an historic race when the Duke of Hamilton's horse was the winner. Excitedly, John rushed back to the humble room he had rented and painted a crude rendition of the race he'd just witnessed.

Days later, completely broke and with absolutely no prospects whatsoever he wandered the streets of Doncaster and passed a coach builder's shop. He saw a man painting a door to a coach, that of "Commander in Chief", the Duke of Wellington with his prize winning horse, but the horse he painted wasn't recognizable to John as a horse at all. Herring took a pencil and sketched the outlines of the horse and showed them to the painter assigned to the task of painting the coach doors. He was so impressed that he begged John to undertake the painting for him. While John was painting the door, the coach builder came in and he to was so impressed with John's work that he asked him to paint the doors of another coach. This coach belonged to a Mr. Wood, who in turn was also so impressed with the painting that he asked John to call on him at his office. But when John heard that there was an opening as a driver for Mr. Woods he immediately applied for that position knowing that, even though humble, it would provide a constant source of income. He remained a coachman for the next seven years.

During this time he married and he and his wife had a son. To supplement his income, John would paint signboards for inns and panels of coach doors. His work was so appreciated that there were very few inns or coaches along the road he drove daily that did not have signboards which he had painted. He became known as 'The Artist Coachman'.

One day John and a passenger, Mr. Stanhope, got into a conversation which led John to ask him to come and see his drawings. Stanhope was amazed by the "untutored accuracy of the innumerable sketches" and "the spirited appearance of the pictured animals, the radiant gloss of their coats, as well as the lifelike representation of certain gay jockeys in their bright satins". He remarked, "what a pity to waste your time driving a coach". Stanhope persuaded his brother to give a commission to paint a favorite chestnut horse to John. The painting was so well done that it was eagerly shown to the Stanhope's friends, who in turn ordered their own sketches of horses and hounds. Soon, the shared opinion of large land proprietors and country squires had emerged: John Herring was "wasting his time" as a coachman. So compelled and sure of their opinion were they that several of them, in their own names, agreed to guarantee constant employment and remuneration to John for a year if he would abandon the whip for the brush.

John was very tempted by their offer and after hesitating he ultimately denied the opportunity due to knowing the poverty he had faced not long before and now having the added responsibility of a wife and child. The means of a coachman were humble, but they were certain.

Four years later John's employer had retired from business, and John's reputation as an artist had grown and exceeded far beyond the Doncaster region. The offer from Stanhope's friends was standing and at this time John decided to take it. He spent the next three or four years going from one Yorkshire country house to another painting hunters and their favorite retrievers, horses and foxhounds.

It was then that John was introduced to Mr. William Taylor Copeland, Spode partner and eventually full owner, Lord Mayor of London and Member of Parliament for Stoke. Copeland offered Herring a house on his own estate at Leyton in Essex and gave him numerous commissions for many pictures, many still in the Copeland family possession.

Because there was no photography in those days, if an owner of a famous race horse wanted to memorialize the event or animal he would be obliged to have an artist render a painting or drawing. John Herring became the artist to whom all applied.

As a poor, destitute boy who wandered into the race course at Doncaster I imagine the he himself never dreamed that he would someday be called to paint the winners of that famous race for an amazing thirty three consecutive years and winners of the Derby for eighteen years, not to speak of the many, many others. His paintings became a pictorial history of the English Turf of 1821-1854 when it saw its heyday.

Herring's fame spread amongst the general public as well due to numerous engravings made from his pictures. George IV, William IV and Queen Victoria were some of his many commissioners. John was given the title Animal Painter to Her Royal Highness.

While at Leyton, John painted W.T. Copeland's horses, pictures of rural life, and an entire hunting scene series which are depicted on the pieces I've set my table with and shown below.

The Spode/Copeland Hunt scenes by Herring series is one of the most popular and still very highly sought patterns.
It can be found in sepia and color versions as well as with several border and shape variations. Below are some examples of these.

I have always liked this acorn and oak leaf border which is found on some other patterns by Spode, including the Ruins series.

Here, a beautiful floral border frames the hunt.

Some have a solid green or burgundy border

Black Polychrome (I have two bread plates left and they are for sale HERE along with the dinner plates used in my scape)

A little late I know, but HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!

Joining:
Between Naps On The Porch
The Tablescaper
French Country Cottage
No Minimalist Here

Christmas Hutch of Red Transferware and Book Winner

2011-12-14T16:46:00.003-06:00

My breakfast room hutch is decked out for Christmas!

I've incorporated lots of Christmas-ey cheer into my red transferware collection.

There are lots of snowflakes! Including the giant one hanging from the drawer handle.

Seven or eight of these white, bottle brush trees add vintage charm...but they're brand new.

I always incorporate birds into my decor, whether it's Christmas time or not!

There are a few little evergreen trees I decorated with frosted, miniature pinecones and berries and tucked into creamers or sugar bowls.

Some cardinals and faux snow tucked in amongst the evergreens adds a little extra winter cheer.

I like to tuck floral picks here and there as well to add a little color and greenery.

This is a new to my collection piece, a hand held candle holder. Right now, it's holding one of the bottle brush trees.

This antique, crocheted dresser scarf perfectly mimics the snowflake theme.

I couldn't capture a good photo of these Christmas lights but they're little glass balls with a shimmery, sugar like coating making them appear as glistening little snowballs. I have had these for years and liked them so much that I bought several extra sets as back ups!

The winner of the Children's transferware book by Judie Siddall, Dishy Animals, chosen randomly via Random.org is comment #6

Sheila of Note Songs

Congratulations Sheila! I'm so glad she won because she's got a baby grand daughter who's just learning to talk! You're going to love sharing this with her! Please email your address and I will get this shipped out right away!

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:6Powered by RANDOM.ORG

I've also got a giveaway for Shabby Apple that I just posted earlier today. Please enter HERE!

I'll be linking up to some of my favorite blog parties:

Saturday Showoff

Between Naps On The Porch
The Tablescaper
French Country Cottage
No Minimalist Here
Funky Junk Interiors
Blue Cricket Design
Dittle Dattle
Savvy Southern Style
Show and Tell Friday

My Uncommon Slice of Surburbia
How Sweet The Sound
2805
Sue Loves Cherries
Jennifer Rizzo
Common Ground
Stuff and Nonsense

Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway

2011-12-09T04:11:00.001-06:00

I was recently contacted again by an online dress boutique that I simply adore..Shabby Apple, to give away a dress to one of my readers.

If you've been around blogland much lately you may be familiar with this wonderful company and the beautiful, timeless line of women's dresses they carry.

Shabby Apple offers an array of lovely, time inspired, wholesome designed dresses for women and teens as well as little girl's dresses and maternity dresses. They also have a lovely collection of jewelry, shoes, and accessories.

Here are some of my favorite dresses from Shabby Apple...what's yours?

Grand National

Block Party

Freshwater Pearl

(I love white dresses and I love boots with dresses)

I'm giving this gorgeous
Nothin' Like a Dame dress to one of you.

One requirement to enter...you must like Shabby Apple on Facebook by clicking HERE and leave a comment here letting me know.

If you are a follower of my blog, you can leave a comment for a second chance.

and, for a third entry you can like my Facebook page

HERE
and leave another telling me so.

The giveaway ends next Wednesday, December 21.

One winner will be chosen at random using a numeral generator at Random.org

The winner will need to provide me with the following so that I can in turn provide this information to Shabby Apple:
NAME
EMAIL ADDRESS
DRESS
DESIRED SIZE
SHIPPING ADDRESS
PHONE NUMBER

Good luck!

I'll be back in a few hours to share the winner of the Dishy Animals Book Giveaway and my red transferware hutch, all decked out for Christmas.

Guest Post ~ and Transferware Book GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-12-07T12:13:00.000-06:00

(the letter A on a child's plate, from Judies book, Dishy Animals)

Today, I have a guest post from Judie Siddall. Judie is a long time collector and dealer of transferware and has written a charming little book about childrens transferware of the 19th century, Dishy Animals, which she specializes in. I have one of the books in my collection and Judie has generously offered to give a copy to one of my readers. It is so charming and if you have young children or grandchildren you will want this book...it's a fun way for little ones to learn their ABC's!

(front cover of Dishy Animals)

Here, Judy shares some of her collection with us and talks a little about herself and how she became a transferware enthusiast.

About Judie Siddall:

I was introduced to blue and white transferware pottery by my mother and grandmother. We ate off of my grandmother’s blue Willow plates, which were made in occupied Japan, for years. My sister still has them. I remember going to antique stores with my mother from the time I was five. My mother (now 91 and still a blue lover), liked all kinds of china, but especially flow blue and old blue transferware. I liked old blue too. I bought my first piece of blue when I was a teenager. An addiction was born! In 1990, I was told by my husband that I must either become a transferware dealer or stop collecting. What a no-brainer! This was when Merlin Antiques was born, named after my favorite black and white cat. I would have liked a blue and white cat. Merlin brought me treasures; nothing dead. Shoes, shirts, hats; anything left outside by my neighbors. Unfortunately, no jewelry.

(some of Judie's blue and white pieces)

I always enjoyed studying transferware and sharing that knowledge with others , so in 1998 I founded the Transferware Collectors Club (TCC), along with Norman Wolf and Dave Arman.

(click logo above to visit TCC or join...please tell Judie I sent you!)
I have served as the TCC vice president and president and am currently the membership secretary (please join!). I also am the editor of the animals category of the TCC pattern database (nearly 7900 patterns so far) and the co-editor of the children’s subjects category. I am a bit obsessed with entering patterns. I have entered nearly 1500 of them.

I created “Dishy Animals ABC” for my granddaughter, Maya, when she was 14 months old. I dedicated the book to her and my four grandsons. Maya loves the book, and carries it around the house and says “my book”; she is now 21 months old, but the boys just roll their eyes. Of course, Forrest is 17 and the triplets, Alex, Ben and Mo, are 10. Their fathers, my sons, also roll their eyes. Having a bit of girl in the family hopefully will ameliorate all of the eye rolling!

(Maya carrying her copy of Dishy Animals)

“Dishy Animals ABC” combines my love of children and china. I taught in the Palo Alto, California, Parent Education Program, PreSchool Family, for 25 years, and have operated Merlin Antiques, specializing in 19th century British transfer printed pottery, for 21 years. I particularly like pottery made for children.

Above, and below are some of Judie's favorites from her collection
including these rare yellow glazed children's mugs and pitchers.

Above, Judie's granddaughter Maya learns her ABC's...the transferware way!

Who has ever heard of a Cameleopard before? Not until I got my copy of Dishy Animals had I heard of one! This is one of Judie's favorite pieces she shares in her book for the letter X to stand for eXotic...and that it is!

If you'd like to enter for a chance to win a copy of 'Dishy Animals ABC' all you need do is leave a comment here and tell me why you'd like to win it!

One winner will be chosen via random.org in one week. I will announce the winner on December 15th. Please be sure you leave an email address so that I can contact you!

I'm joining Share The Love Wednesday Potpourri Friday Colorado Lady and Wow Us Wednesday

Lavender Transferware Snowflake Tablescape

2011-11-30T21:14:00.001-06:00

Stay, season of calm love and soulful snows!

~ from the poem To Winter by Claude McKay~

Do any of you remember my bird cage dining table I made from a broken bird cage? Well, this table has become one of my favorite pieces of furniture.

I envisioned something outside of the traditional red and green color scheme for this setting. I envisioned a tablescape of silver and white snowflakes and ice crystals with a little bit of soft, pale color added. I've always liked periwinkle and in fact had a previous homes bedroom wall painted a very light shade of this color. My inspiration were these gorgeous, ever so light periwinkle / lavender / purple transferware plates in the Asiatic Pheasants Pattern. I think this is a beautiful pattern depicting pheasants fluttering amongst a lush floral bouquet. They seemed to be a perfect match for the table. These transferware plates are not the typical English pieces I include in my tablescapes, rather they are Swedish and made by the firm Gustavsberg in the late 19th to early 20th century. When I came across these a couple of years ago I could not resist buying them solely for the rare, beautiful color they are.

Asiatic Pheasants is one of the most popular patterns ever produced. So many potters used this pattern that it is still not known just how many companies did indeed produce wares in this design.

Back to the table scape...I love, love, love to layer linens so layer one was a very light silver, almost white, organza table cloth. Rather than traditional place mats I chose white cotton/linen blend napkins with a silver ribbon sewn around the edges. These were placed at an angle allowing the corners to hang over the table. Next I added hand beaded silver chargers and then another clear beaded, metal charger over that. This gave some glimmer I really wanted at the table. I think that the beaded items, especially in silver, add light and airiness which gives a great visual impact.

Next, of course came the plates.

I chose to mix up the silverware. I brought my Towle Stockholm from home and paired it with these pretty, white and silver salad forks which add another touch of supple elegance.

Napkins are layered too...first is a white, jacquard poly blend under organza napkins that match the table topper. The napkin rings match my chargers.

The etched goblets were on clearance a while back at Hobby Lobby.

I love the second pic down with the candlelight shining through.

At each setting I incorporated some pieces of Spode Mayflower ,which is another beautiful pattern in the same lilac/periwinkle shade as the plates but with hand painted roses in the center. On each bread plate I placed these gorgeous, silver snowflake candles. These ball candles come in a variety of colors from Zest Candles. They're only a couple of dollars a piece.

Under each cup and saucer I placed a small wreath adorned with faux ice covered branches.

To the backs of each chair, I tied matching wreaths with organza garland and a sprig of lilac to tie in the color scheme.

My centerpiece is what originally was to be the top of the bird cage. I decided to use it atop the table. I wrapped three garlands around the cage top: white and lavender floral, ice covered branches and more organza garland. Underneath the cage topper I placed an additional beaded charger, plate and a large pillar candle. throughout the garlands and over the table I placed an assortment of inexpensive, plastic snowflakes covered in glitter or metallic paint.

The crowning touch to the cage was draping a beaded wine bottle cover over the top.

So many little ice crystals fell from the garland that I decided they'd be a welcome addition to the table and I scattered them all over allowing them to stay where they fell.

This antique tureen dish is another perfect match for this table setting.

~~~~~~~~~~

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.
~Laura Ingalls Wilder~

Between Naps On The Porch
Centsational Girl
Charm of Home
Masterpiece Monday
The Lettered Cottage

Bacon Wrapped Chicken in Sour Cream Mushroom Sauce

2011-11-28T14:39:00.001-06:00

My friend, Tonja, gave me this recipe some years back and it's been a family favorite ever since. I make this several times a year. If you're reading this Tonja, I don't know what this dish is called so if you do, let me know!

I think, for me, this comes in a tie for my favorite chicken dish along with Oven Fried Parmesan Chicken (click to get the recipe). I have to admit though, it isn't the most attractive dish in the world. In fact, when it comes out of the oven it looks kinda gross, but it doesn't taste that way!

Bacon Wrapped Chicken in Sour Cream Mushroom Sauce

8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 jars dried beef slices

16 slices bacon or 8 thick slices

2 cans cream of mushroom soup or 1 lg family size can

16 oz. sour cream

(sliced mushrooms, optional)

For 8 chicken breasts, Layer a pan with 2 jars dried beef slices

Wrap the chicken breasts with two slices of bacon or one slice of thick bacon and place on top of dried beef slices

Mix two cans (or one family size) can of cream of mushroom soup and 16 oz. sour cream

Spread the Sour Cream mixture over the top of the chicken breasts. Bake at 350 for about an hour

See what I mean about it not looking so good?
I promise, it tastes soooooo much better than it looks.

There will be lots of sauce and we ladle extra over the chicken and rice. We usually make rice pilaf or a mushroom rice. To make it look more appetizing, I dress it up with a sprig of fresh herbs and I like to cut the breast in half. I think that helps it look more like it tastes.

For those of you who come to my blog solely for transferware...I have a treat for you! Author, Transferware dealer and founder of the Transferware Collectors Club, Judie Sidall is guest posting tomorrow or Wednesday, and we have a giveaway to go along with it!

Joining:

Funky Junk Interiors
Savvy Souther Style
Stone Gable

Transferware Teacup Christmas Tree

2011-11-26T14:16:00.001-06:00

Who has their Christmas tree up and decorated?
Not me.
I am just getting my Christmas decor out but thought I'd repost my tree from last year that I decorated with red/pink transferware teacups. There are about 50 teacups on the tree. In addition to the teacups I used a variety of collected red ornaments, garlands and ribbons.

I have a recurring theme of birds throughout my house and they've made it to my Christmas decor too. Some birds are tucked inside the transferware cups.

Some birds are clipped onto the tree branches.

Grandma Judy sent Ashton home with a collection of bird ornaments she's saved for her, so those were added to the tree as well.

I love the color amber. I have several strings of amber colored lights. My favorites are old fashioned, real glass bulbs in a pine cone shape. Don't you just love the glow of twinkling Christmas lights?

As I did when I was a child, I still like laying on the floor and looking up at the Christmas tree.

I have some more teacups that I might try to add to the tree this year, or maybe I'll decorate a green tree with brown cups.

I can't wait to get the house decorated for Christmas!

I'm joining some of the following:
The Tablescaper
French Country Cottage
No Minimalist Here
Funky Junk Interiors
Blue Cricket Design
Between Naps on The Porch
Dittle Dattle
Amaze Me Monday
Savvy Southern Style
Show and Tell Friday
Very Merry Vintage Style

My Uncommon Slice of Surburbia
The Shabby chic Cottage
How Sweet The Sound
2805

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T11:42:00.001-06:00

“Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some”

~Charles Dickens~

Last Minute Table Details ~ Natural Elements As Place Cards

2011-11-22T20:41:00.001-06:00

Need ideas for last minute place card settings?

Natural elements at a table are beautiful and can make for elegant, if not refined, place cards, as evidenced below.

(photo, Martha Stewart)

(google images)

(photo, Better Homes and Gardens)

Photo, That Country Place

(photo, MarthaStewart.com)

I LOVE this idea...like a little pomander!

(photo, the design file)

(photo, byStephanieLynn)

(photo Family Circle)

The options are absolutely endless!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shabby Apple Dress Winner is
comment #3
Trena S.

The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings!

~Eric Hoffer~

May we all learn to count our many, many blessings!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Joining in at A Stroll Through Life, Between Naps on The Porch, Share The Love Wednesday and Wow Us Wednesday

Decorating with Vintage Clutches

2011-11-20T21:43:00.001-06:00

For as long as I can remember I've displayed these vintage, beaded clutches that belonged to my Grandmothers somewhere in our home, usually in the powder room.

I enjoy having things around that remind me of my Grandma's and I like to think about the different places and events they'd carry these little hand held purses to.

I am really sentimental when it comes to these things. Are you? Do any of you have a little collection of purses that you like to display? What, if anything, do you display in your home that belonged to your Mother or Grandmother?

The powder room in this house is small and has no cabinet or shelf space at all so I decided to hang them on the wall with a grouping of framed pictures.

Above the toilet, I have a pretty barley twist cabinet and I've got a little reproduction purse that hangs from the handle.

I plan to show you around this powder room later but didn't have time tonight, I'll show you al linside the little curio as well...one of my very, very favorite pieces of transferware is in there!

Joining:

WOW

Where we love is home - home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.

~ Oliver Wendell Holmes~

Shopping at Novica

2011-11-20T17:52:00.001-06:00

Have you all been buying Christmas gifts yet? I have! With six kids I make a running start beginning mid-summer.
Have you heard of Novica? Novica is associated with National Geographic and provides artist and artisans around the world a global platform to express their talents and spur creativity. The site is full of hard to find, unique items that only the Internet infrastructure can allow access to.

Recently my sister-n-law Monica and I took some of our kids out to Yolotti (self serve frozen yogurt), to which I am now an addict of the Red Velvet cake flavor, and Ashton and Trevor played this game, Oware, with their cousin Lucy. The three of them had such a fun time playing this so when I saw it on Novica I decided it needed to be part of their Christmas.

Oware is one of the oldest games in the world. It is a game of skill and strategy designed for two players, challenging mental agility and alertness. The objective can be briefly described as "counting and capturing beads" and there are no chance factors in it. The player's strategy entirely depends upon the ability for reasoning and counting.

I have wanted to start a collection of walking sticks for some time. I have one all by itself in an umbrella stand in my entry. Novica has a nice selection, including this Eagle carved one.

Accessories like these women scarves would be on my table to! You know I love using stuff like this on my tablescapes! I have both of these paisley scarves on my wish list.

I found that if you don't buy what you like when you see it, you might come back and it's gone! I had picked out this adorable leather bracelet as one of Kalyn's Christmas gifts and put it in my shopping cart. A week later I went to checkout it was no more! =( Kalyn would have loved this! Sorry KK! Sorry to me to...I would definitely have been borrowing this from her!

My second choice for Kalyn was this turquoise color leather bracelet. But guess what? It's sold out to! So if you see something you like, snag it while you can! Not to worry though, they've got over 2000 choices so I'm sure I'll find something KK will love.

If you saw my husbands wallet you would not believe what sad shape it's in. We bought his current wallet on our first trip to Idaho together 20+ years ago. Since then he has sewn, glued, taped and even stapled his wallet back together. He says it conforms to the shape of his buns (he has none!) and he doesn't want to 'train' a new one. I would like to buy this one for him though... if he'd just give it a chance...honey do you like this since I KNOW you're reading this post?

There's even a zippered pouch for those pennies I can't let you toss aside.

Novica offers a huge selection of items from decorative items for the home to tableware to jewelry. I've had my eye on some of the glassware for months! The selection of hand blown wine glasses and barware is gorgeous!

Can't you see these tortoise shell glasses at one of my tables?

(hint to Shawn)

Go check out Novica. 'Tis the gift giving season and there is something for everyone here.

Corn and Onion Casserole

2011-11-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

It seems you hate it or you love it; Traditional Thanksgiving dressing that is. Shawn doesn't do stuffing. I do. And we both do Corn and Onion casserole. My corn and onion casserole is the alternative for those of you who don't care for stuffing, and for those of you who do then make room on your plate for this because you're going to love it as much as we do and it may just make it to your list of 'must have' dishes for Thanksgiving.

My Mom and my brother David make the best stuffing, completely homemade from scratch...no Stove Top in my fam! I've never made stuffing myself, as I figure "why should I?" when they make it so well, but several years back I decided to try something different that would still compliment the traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

This recipe comes from The American Country Inn and Bed & Breakfast Cookbook Volume 1, one of my all time favorite cookbooks. I have both the 1st and 2nd volumes of this book and have turned to them for good recipes on a regular basis for about 15 years. There are hundreds of tried and true recipes in each book and I don't recall one that I didn't like. The recipes are mainly brunch and breakfast dishes but there is really something for everyone. My chicken pot pie recipe was adapted from one I found in this same book.

I found it on Amazon in case you all want to order one. The only downfall to this book is that the recipes are categorized by the Bed & Breakfast Inns that supplied them, rather than under categories like Soup, Sandwiches, etc. However there is an index and you can turn to that to look up recipes or look up recipes by main ingredients. The other downfall, for some, might be that there are no photographs of the food. That doesn't really bother me because I enjoy reading each of the recipes and based on the ingredients it calls for, I can usually tell if it's something our family would like. Anyway, here are links to both Cookbook volumes, I and II.

The first year I served this at Thanksgiving it became one of our 'Thanksgiving isn't the same without Corn and Onion Casserole" dishes. It's now on the menu every year.

BONUS: this is easy peasy to prepare.

Corn and Onion Casserole
(makes about 8-10 servings)

2-3 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, chopped (I use a yellow onion as I like the sweet taste of them with the corn)

1 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (dried is fine if you don't have fresh)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cups corn muffin mix (one box of Jiffy)
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1 15-16 oz can creamed corn
3-4 dashes hot sauce

1 cup (or more if you're a cheese-o-holic like me) shredded cheddar cheese

First you chop up a nice, large yellow onion (the bigger the better).

In a skillet combine this with about 3 tblsp butter and saute' until the onions are translucent and limp...I even caramelize mine a little allowing them to get golden brown which requires a little longer cooking time...but well worth it.

While your onion is cooking get out another bowl and combine the sour cream, parsley, salt and cheese (remember to reserve a cup of cheese for the top).

In another bowl combine the corn muffin mix, creamed corn and hot sauce.

Stir to blend thoroughly

Give your onion mixture a little stir.

Grease a 9 x 9 inch pan and pour your corn mixture into it, spreading evenly.

By now your onion is probably finished cooking so add that to the sour cream mixture. It's okay to add it while it's hot.

Stir the mixture until blended and drop it in spoonfuls over the cornbread mixture and then spread it out as evenly as you can. Top it with more cheddar cheese and bake at 400 for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese begins to brown.

You're good to go!

I made this last week with fresh green beans seasoned with bacon and Shawn made the main dish, Fried Chicken. I am a huge fan of any kind of potatoes, but honestly I can say that this is just as good served alongside Southern fried chicken as is a big fat spoon full of mashed potatoes.

Try it and tell me if you don't love it...or do! I hope you do!

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Thanksgiving Table Setting w/ Black Turkey Plates

2011-11-16T22:40:00.001-06:00

Black isn't a color you see mixed with traditonal Autumn colors very often but in the case of these turkey transferware plates by

W. R. Midwinter I think they beckon to be used with amber, brown, gold, and shades of orange or red. So that's just what I did.

I received so many compliments on the raffia I used in THIS tablescape, that I decided it would be nice to add some under these plates as well. I did use placemats, however I flipped them over because they are beaded which I felt did not work with the plates...however the felted backs are black and provided an anchor for the plates to really stand out against.

I created a simple centerpiece that runs the length of the table by winding a garland of Fall leaves around several pillar candles. I tucked a few berries in here and there and interspersed throughout with tealight candles in red glass holders. This was cheap...about $5 for the garland, and honestly you could gather real leaves and it would, in my opinion, be even prettier, and cheaper.

I couldn't talk any of my kids into sneaking into the neighbors yard to cut down some of their branches full of turned leaves or I'd have made the centerpiece from them. Better luck next time.

(Ok...I didn't really try to talk my kids into doing that...I admit the thought did cross my mind...).

I love these little pumpkin side plates. They work well with most of my Fall dishes. I used them last week in my purple and sage tablescape. These were found at Ross for $2.25 a piece.

These napkin rings are on clearance at Walmart right now for $2 per set of four. They're plastique, made to look like tooled leather.

I draped a 14' long needlepoint runner across the table so it hangs almost to the floor on either side. I love the rich color and texture this adds.

I love these rich colors!

What dishes do you use for Thanksgiving? Do you have a set just for that special dinner or a set just for Fall?

I have sold lots of sets of salad plates this year that my customers will use with their existing china. I have two customers who have sea green / Robins Egg blue plates and they each added brown transferware salad plates. The blue green with brown is a pretty combination.

A couple of posts back I shared the history of English turkey themed wares and showed you all this platter, which is the mate to my plates.

For those of you interested in the history of Midwinter:

W.R. Midwinter was founded by William Robinson (my maiden name!) Midwinter at Bournes Bank, Burslem in 1910. The business expanded so quickly that by 1914 they relocated to the larger Albion Works, also in Burslem.

( In the Staffordshire heyday there were over 2000 bottle kilns in use. Above, 3 of the remaining 47 bottle kilns in the Potteries District )

William Midwinter served in the Royal Navy during the First World War and left the care of the business to his wife. The company continued to grow throughout the 1920's and 30's and incorporated as W. R. Midwinter Ltd in 1932. At that time, the firm acquired neighboring Hadderidge Pottery and continued production throughout the Second World War, though at a much reduced rate. Following the end of the war, W. R. Midwinter's son, William Roy joined the business and assumed complete control in the late 1950's. Under the management of William Roy, Midwinter became one of the leading producers of domestic earthenware. Midwinter made other acquisitions in 1964; A. J. Wilkinson Ltd. and Newport Pottery Co. Ltd. Only a few short years later the Midwinter potteries were struggling financially and were taken over by J & G Meakin (relatives of Johnson Brothers), and by 1970 Meakin was taken over by Wedgwood.

Midwinter was much less known for the transfer printed wares that I am so fond of, but more for art deco shapes and styles. Some of their memorable patterns were produced by in-house designers Jessie Tate and Hugh Casson, who's French scene drawings on those wares are now so highly sought.

Roy Midwinter remained on staff through the Wedgwood days until 1981 and then became a designer associated with Federated Potteries Ltd. He died in 1990.

References:

Peat, A., Midwinter - a collector's guide. (Cameron & Hollis, 1992).

Jenkins, S. Midwinter Pottery- A revolution in British Tableware. (Richard Dennis, 1997)

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Best of all is it to preserve everything in a pure, still heart, and let there be for every pulse a thanksgiving, and for every breath a song.
Konrad von Gesner

Wanna New Dress? Shabby Apple Giveaway!

2011-11-15T19:53:00.001-06:00

I was recently contacted by an online dress boutique that I simply adore..Shabby Apple, to give away a dress to one of my readers.

If you've been around blogland much lately you may be familiar with this wonderful company and the beautiful, timeless line of women's dresses they carry.

Here are some of my favorite dresses from Shabby Apple...what's yours?

Penelope and Odysseus from the Golden Gate collection

(love the dress, love the flowers, love her hair, love the photo!)

Le Neche Negra

Black, military style dress (love the shoes too!)

Freshwater Pearl

(I love white dresses and I love boots with dresses)

I'm giving this gorgeous
Bali Ha'i' dress to one of you.

One requirement to enter...you must like Shabby Apple on Facebook by clicking HERE

and, for an additional entry you can like my Facebook page

HERE

The giveaway ends next Tuesday, November 22nd.

One winner will be chosen at random using a numeral generator at Random.org

The winner will need to provide me with the following so that I can in turn provide this information to Shabby Apple:
NAME
EMAIL ADDRESS
DRESS
DESIRED SIZE
SHIPPING ADDRESS
PHONE NUMBER

Good luck!

The History of Turkey Transferware and Thank You's

2011-11-14T14:24:00.001-06:00

Last month I was fortunate enough to be interviewed and featured in Romantic Homes magazines in regards to turkey transferware. In the interview I shared the following history of the turkey themed plates and platters that England produced.

(above, I have this 1930-40's Black Polychrome Platter by Midwinter in the Rural England pattern displayed on a wall table. This was one of the plattes featured in the magazine article. It is very unusual to find black turkey transferware!)

With their economy struggling shortly after the Revolutionary War, the British began targeting America as a market by offering dinnerware depicting historical landmarks, the expansion of the West and patriotic scenes. English potters began producing turkey themed wares for the American market circa 1870, shortly after Abraham Lincoln declared the fourth Thursday of November to be the nation's official Thanksgiving Day in 1863.

Until 1863, both the date and observation of Thanksgiving depended on national triumphs or local inclination.

(below is my red/pink transferware turkey platter. Circa 1930 Wood and Sons in the English Scenery pattern)

I displayed my platter on an entry table, one of my favorite pieces of furniture btw, and created a floral spray of dried hydrangeas, pinecones, pheasant feathers and berries around the base. To the side I placed a ceramic turkey plate.

This baby will easily accommodate a 24+ pound turkey.

This is one of my favorites, very traditional in brown and white, by Royal Cauldon. This one was made around 1910. I served turkey form it either last year or year before...can't remember for sure. This one was featured in the magazine article as well and is currently listed for sale in my shop at $425. Yes, these are pricey I know.

Here's the same Royal Cauldon platter but in blue polychrome. You can pick this up on Ebay right now for $800. So see, mine is a bargain!

Last year, I shared some of the turkey pieces at my shop in this post: Talking Turkey and Transferware

Famous potters such as Ridgway, Royal Doulton and Wedgwood produced beautiful Flow Blue Turkey Platters. These rarely start below $500 and usually go for $700-1200! Yikers. Beautiful though!

This Royal Doulton platter realized $700 at auction.

Wegwood, ditto

Same with this one by Ridgway

I know for a fact that Mrs. Maison Decor wants a purple turkey transferware platter, but this one is a goner (sold before I knew her!)

and I bet she would like this purple turkey plate to.

Green isn't a color you see very often either.

One of my favorite tablescapers, The Tablescaper, posted yesterday about turkey plates and platters and was so sweet to mention my Romantic Homes feature. Thank you for the shout out! Click the link above and you can see her post full of turkey transferware. She is sharing some beautiful pieces that she found at Brimfield. She sets some of the most gorgeous tables I've seen, including this one set for Thanksgiving with blue turkey transferware. See the entire table HERE Tell her I sent you over!

(photo source, The Tablescaper)

Another favorite blogger of mine, and a customer from my Ebay days, Delores at Vignette Design did a post on turkey plates as well. You don't want to miss that one either.

You can find turkey themed English transferware in a lot of colors, blue, green, red, purple, flow blue, brown and rarely black, like the platter in my first photo and this plate below, which is from the same pattern.

Tune in later this week to see my turkey tablescape with these black plates.

Congratulations to Savannah Granny! Amy announced today that she is the winner of the $60 credit to my shop. And, to Amy, thank you for the kindest words today in your post that touched my heart (and made me cry like a baby!).

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And speaking of Grandma Stubbs...

2011-11-13T19:49:00.001-06:00

...whom I spoke of in yesterdays post...her name was Alma.

Alma is also the name of a tiny little town in Colorado that we drove through twice a week on our trips to Breckenridge to ski. Every time we'd approach/pass through Alma (trust me, approaching and passing through are about one in the same as it's so small), I'd announce to Shawn and the kids, "Hey, my Grandma's name was Alma". My saying that was almost like a car game...just before we'd enter town everyone would start saying "we know, we know...your Grandma was named Alma".

Guess what else is named Alma? hee hee. Yes siree, it's the name of this 19th Century transferware pattern!

And speaking of transferware, there are only a few hours left to get over to Maison Decor and enter to win $60 towards any transferware in my shop!

p/s Yes, to everyone who has asked, I will post Grandma Stubbs's Lemon Cake recipe soon!

No One Who Cooks, Cooks Alone

2011-11-11T22:42:00.001-06:00

“No one who cooks, cooks alone. Even at her most solitary, a cook in the kitchen is surrounded by generations of cooks past, the advice and menus of cooks present, the wisdom of cookbook writers.” Laurie Colwin

Shawn and I saw this quote framed at one of the booths at a local Farmers Market here in Tulsa a few months ago. Immediately Shawn had me take a photo of it so we'd remember it. After reading it over again I realized how true it is that even at our most solitary time in the kitchen, the foods we prepare have most likely been prepared before us, perhaps by our own Mother or Grandmother, and then tweaked from generation to generation, cook to cook.

I thought of my own Grandma, Grandma Stubbs. Without doubt, we all have a Grandma that is or was the best at something. My Grandma Stubbs made the absolute best lemon cake. For years and years after her passing no one could find her recipe. Then, not long ago I came across a plastic sugar bucket full of Grandma's handwritten recipes, including the recipe for her

As if I'd just found out I'd won the lottery I called my Mom and sister to share the good news, and they took it as if I'd won it too. In a small sense, I had, we had.

Some days or weeks later I began to go through the recipes of Grandma's that I'd found, one at a time. As I held each of the tattered index cards and loose sheets of paper smeared and stained with ingredients past, all written by her hand, I very much longed to be with her. I did not have the good fortune of knowing any of my Grandparents beyond my childhood. I imagined what a time we'd have together in the kitchen. Now a grown woman, I would share with Grandma my inherited love of baking and cooking. A gentle feeling came over me as if she were there, watching me contemplate each of her recipes as I held them in my hands. At that very moment, Laurie Colwin's words again came to mind: “No one who cooks, cooks alone. Even at her most solitary, a cook in the kitchen is surrounded by generations of cooks past, the advice and menus of cooks present, the wisdom of cookbook writers.”

For the past couple of months I've had three of Grandma Stubbs's handwritten recipes attached to a Victorian styled photo holder in my kitchen as a reminder of her, to me. I chose these three to display primarily because they are representative of the season now upon us. In the back is a classic recipe for Pecan Pie , at the center is her Pumpkin Pie recipe and at the front, a Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie recipe, which I'm sharing tonight, along with my own tweaked version for Egg Nog Ice Cream Pie, my own Ginger Graham pie crust recipe and my Butter Brandy Caramel Sauce.

Surrounded by her recipes I realize, I am not alone. I am cooking with Grandma after all.

Grandma Stubbs's Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie

(makes two 9-10 inch pies)

1/2 Gallon Homemade or Store Bought Vanilla Ice Cream (when using store bought, use a quality ice cream...I like Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla best).

1 15 oz can Pumpkin

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup brown sugar

I usually have a little left and we eat it right then and there...soft serve style!

Nancy's Egg Nog Ice Cream

1/2 Gallon Homemade or Store Bought Vanilla Ice Cream (when using store bought, use a quality ice cream...I like Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla best).

1 cup Egg Nog

1 tsp nutmeg

Use ice cream that is slightly softened as it will be easier to blend. You can put it in the microwave for 20-40 seconds to soften if necessary. Add all ingredients and blend until thoroughly mixed. Divide ice cream and fill your cooled crusts. Place in freezer for a few hours to overnight. When you serve this you might set the pan in another pan of warm water or heat in the microwave about 15-20 seconds to slightly soften and make it easier to cut.
Drizzle with Butter Brandy (or Rum) Caramel Sauce and toasted pecans.

I made this a few days ago and layered 1/2 Egg Nog ice cream on top and 1/2 Pumpkin ice cream on the bottom.

I ~~drizzled~~ drenched my slice in my homemade Butter Brandy Caramel Sauce and topped it with toasted pecans.

Both the Pumpkin and Egg Nog ice creams are great served just as ice cream. Here, I sprinkled a bit of the extra pie crust crumbs I baked off over the top.

Nancy's Ginger Graham Pie Crust

(makes two 9-10 inch crusts)

15 Biscoff cookies

15 Annas Ginger cookies

1 1/2 Cups Graham cracker crumbs

3/4 cup melted butter

1/3 Cup Brown Sugar

Process cookies in food processor to make fine crumbs. Combine crumbs with brown sugar and gradually add melted butter. Stir with a fork to blend. Pat into a 9-10 inch pie pan and bake at 400 for 10-12 minutes. Cool completely before filling.

The crust mixture will look like this before baking:

And after baking:

In case you're not familiar with Biscoff or Anna's cookies, here are pictures of the packaging to help you identify them in the store. This made a really delicious crust that got rave reviews from my family. You can always substitute graham crumbs in place of these and have a traditional Graham cracker crust...like Grandma Stubbs did.

Brandy Butter Caramel Sauce

(enough for two pies and takes only a few minutes to make)

(optional...nicely compliments the Egg Nog and Pumpkin flavors and is impressive looking to drizzle atop each piece for serving company...personally I like to drink it or at the least smother my piece of pie in it)

1 cup cream

1 1/2 cup brown sugar

4 tsp brandy (or rum)

1/2 cup butter

1 tsp vanilla

Heat cream in saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly so it does not scorch. Add sugar; stir to dissolve. Add remaining ingredients and cook for 5 minutes continually stirring. Serve warm over ice cream pie. Leftovers can be kept covered in the fridge and reheated in the microwave.

Thank you to all the Grandma's of the world, past and present.

“Come join Love the Pie with TidyMom sponsored by Cherokee USA, Le Creuset, Wilton, Bags by Bloom and Harvard Common Press”

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Amber and Aubergine Thanksgiving Table w/ Historical Transferware

2011-11-10T13:26:00.005-06:00

Do you remember last July when I posted a table set with a series of plates by Crown Ducal that depicted 'The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere'? I used them in a red, white and blue color scheme. I mentioned then that I'd share more of that pattern at another time, in another setting. Well, here is a Fall table setting in that same pattern, but a different color, unique to the one I posted in July. I've much to share about it.

Okay, get yourself a nice beverage and then settle in because this might be a lengthy post.

Ready?

Before we get down to a bunch of close up shots and such of my table I'm going to share a little information on the company that produced this series of special, historical plates.

Crown Ducal

Based at the Gordon Pottery Works at Tunstall, Stoke on Trent, Crown Ducal was a trading arm of the A.G. Richardson & Co. Ltd. Crown Ducal was formed in 1915 and is well known for the celebrated Art Deco ceramicist, artist Charlotte Rhead, who worked and designed for the company until 1942. Production continued through 1974 when Wedgwood bought the property and relocated the business to Yorkshire. In 1987 Wedgwood merged with Irish based Waterford Crystal to create Waterford Wedgwood. By 2001 the company incorporated Coalport, Mason's and Johnson Brothers into their brand. Struggling financially

in 2009, Waterford Wedgwood was purchased by another firm, KPS Capital Partners, and became part of a group of companies known as WWRD (Wedgwood Waterford Royal Doulton). Sadly, the majority of Staffordshire potters have basically all been merged into a huge conglomerate and are no longer family owned and operated as so many were from as early as the 1700's. Sadder, much sadder, is that most all production jobs have been moved offshore to places like Indonesia, China, and Malaysia. And equally sad is that the wares are not the same, though transferware is produced in these countries. Techniques and materials differ from that of English wares, and transfers are often litho printed, not hand applied, making them much less realistic, and frankly, much less attractive and desirable. I can usually spot a piece of new transferware from a photograph alone. Okay, now I'm probably ranting (I plan to do more ranting on this subject later!), so let's continue on and talk about this pattern.

Above is a photo of the unusually large backstamp found on Colonial Times.

The pattern I'm sharing today was produced in the early 1930's under the Crown Ducal name and is called Colonial Times. It is an absolutely PERFECT set of dinnerware for Thanksgiving. The series consists of 12+ dinner plates, each having a unique depiction of Historical places or occurrences in America's history.

When The President First Gave Thanks

Penn's Treaty With The Indians 1661

The First Thanksgiving In America

The Spirit of '76

The Mayflower In Plymouth Harbor

Going To Church

Monticello

Independence Hall (sorry for the grainy pic)

Mount Vernon

Landing of The Pilgrims

Speak For Yourself John (sorry...grainy again)

Marriage of Pocahontas

I know of at least one other dinner plate, which depicts the scene, 'Signing The Contract In The Mayflower' but I do not have a photo of it and wasn't able to source one.

Colonial Times pieces each have four cartouches equally spaced around the plates border consisting of four scenes.

Return Of The Mayflower

American Indian

Mayflower in Plymouth Harbour

& Pocahontas Saving Life of John Smith

Subsequently, Crown Ducal also produced a series, in 1932, of Commemorative Wares celebrating the bicentenary of George Washington. These plates blend well with the Colonial Times series and are sometimes gathered by collectors as one collection. This series has four cartouche's with floral prints, rather than the scenic ones found on Colonial Times. I've used two of these plates in this setting as I've only got four of the Colonial Times dinner plates in purple.

Washington kneeling in prayer at Valley Forge

Washington's Birthplace at Wakefield, Virginia

In addition to the plates there is a wide range of side plates, serving pieces and hollow wares. I have to show you the teapot and sugar bowl.

Shown below in purple, red, and teal. The pattern was also produced in blue, green and brown (less common).

Is that pilgrim head finial not the cutest?

Teal Sugar and Creamer

There are also several serving platters, including ginormous turkey platters, super duper perfect for Thanksgiving in just two weeks, like these two in my shop (subliminal message....you need to buy one!).

Colonial Times really is a wonderful collectors pattern!

I hope I've not bored you to tears because now I'm going to get on with the tablescape.

Amber, Aubergine and Sage

I LOVE this color combination!

The table was laid with a jacquard drapery panel. You know, I rarely use a tablecloth on a table but instead use blankets, draperies, throws, fabric, pillowcases and more...I've even been known to use a dress. Click HERE to see that post.

I like to leave some of the wood exposed on my table so the drape is great for that as it allows a few inches to show on either side. I like the look it gives, the mix of textures. Down the center of the table I placed four aubergine beaded placemats equally spaced apart (for a bit of sparkle) and then laid three grapevine wreaths over the spaces. The grapevine offers a rustic, natural look. In the wreaths on each end I placed a bowl upside down and then put a smaller, crystal beaded wreath on top and finished with purple ceramic pumpkins. A pair of left and right facing birds are nestled into the outer sides of each of the outer wreaths.

I built the height of the center wreath a little more than the two on the outside and layered the same way but added silk mums and pheasant feathers.

I chose not to use any placemats, so plates were set directly onto the table/drape. Oblong pumpkin plates are placed at an angle slightly above and to the side of each dinner plate.

I think these glasses on the right have become my favorite. I can't seem to quit using them this Fall!

I used embroidered white napkins to keep that simple and to add light to the table since I used so much color. The silverplate is called Tudor plate and belonged to my Grandma Stubbs, whose Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie I'm going to share tomorrow or Saturday.

Some sage green taper candles placed at either side of the center wreath add just the right touch of ambience.

(oops, I see I left my I-phone and the lighter on the table...no ambience in that!)

If you made it to the end of this post...thank you!

Don't forget that I've teamed up with Maison Decor for a $60 giveaway to my shop, English Transferware. Head on over to enter.

~HAPPY DINING~

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How Amy and I Decorate with Purple Transferware + A GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-11-07T23:03:00.000-06:00

I love purple. I always have but this year I've been pulling it into more of my tables and Fall decor than I usually do. Purple is a mysterious color, representative of royalty it is associated with nobility and spirituality. It is the marriage of red and blue.

Purple looks great with both jewel tones or soft pastels. I usually mix my purple transferware with amber, sienna and deep greens with lots of brown, but my friend Amy, at Maison Decor, does just the opposite, mixing her purple with softer colors like pink or aqua with lots of white. We both collect Rural Scenes though my collection is mostly the brown polychrome version. Here, Amy's pulling out her purple collection of Rural Scenes and glorious vintage silver in preparation for her Thanksgiving dinner.

I'm sure many of you already know Amy or are familiar with her blog but if not, you'll want to go over and introduce yourself.

I've teamed up with Amy for another transferware giveaway, a $60 credit to my online shop, English Transferware. Currently, I have over 900 pieces listed so there is something for everyone and in every color!

(photo, courtesy Stone Gable...Yvonne made this collage using photos from my shop!...thank you Yvonne!)

Amy likes purple transferware and has put together a lovely collection over the past year or so. I'm proud to say she bought some of her pieces from me! ;-) Below are pictures of the kitchen that she's renovated over the past year or so. She took it from dark to light with lots of white and you know it, purple transferware. Go check out the before pics...what an amazing transformation!

Amy pulled cabinetry from above her vent and recreated this into a small hutch to showcase some of her purple transferware.

~Swoon~

I love this vignette she's created with a sugar pot turned lamp. And what about that silver tray!?!?

Amy designs and makes custom draperies and she made these pillows for her dining room not long ago. I fell in love with this fabric when she showed it on her blog..isn't the combination of aqua and purple heavenly? It's so Amy!

Of course I LOVE her collection of purple transferware platters and plates flanking the mirror above. Isn't this room beautiful? I love her romantic, traditional style.

I'm a Bohemian of sorts when it comes to my style...I love Old World European whether it be French, Italian or English, English Country, Farmhouse, Victorian and French. I like all things with traditional roots but could never choose or stick to only one style. Like I've said before about men and dishes...I can be faithful to one man, but I'd never make it being faithful to just one set of dishes! I recently took a design test and it seemed to pin me right on the head, stating "You would never use a matched set of furniture". That is absolutely me. I don't, I haven't, I wouldn't, I won't. No, I am a mix it up girl at heart, but I stick to timeless, traditional style when it comes to interior design.

Above I shared some photos taken from Amy's blog, with her permission, of how she's combined her love of purple with softer colors.

Below are some examples of how I've used purple with the darker colors that I am most drawn to.

In my former master bedroom I grouped my collection of purple transferware platters over my bed into a large arch, framing the bed and nightstands. (yes, there's a blob of paint above the bed that I was considering when this pic was taken)

The seating area below is at the foot of the bed...

...directly facing this arrangement of furniture and purple transferware shown below.

I centered the wall with a painted armoire in rich sienna and rusty tones flanked by two dark green apothecary chests topped with miniature, hand painted, armoires pulling the colors of the pieces all together. Either side is arranged with an arched grouping of purple plates.

This creates one large wallscape!

This area of the bedroom displays a wallgrouping of plates around a vintage jade topped box over pretty floral paintings.

In the Master Bath I used a combination of green and purple transferware over a 10' long mirror.

I use some of my purple transferware to store things like make-up and jewelry.

and one of my very favorite pieces, this huge soup tureen, holds washcloths. There's a neat story that goes with this tureen...you can read it HERE.

My past few tablescapes have been with some kind of purple transferware or a blend of purple and another rich color.

Here's a peek at a Fall / Thanksgiving table with historical purple transferware I'll be posting this week or next.

Wouldn't you love to add to or start a collection of transferware, or pick up a gift for someone special this season? Head on over to the gorgeous Maison Decor and tell Amy I sent you, and while there enter to win $60 to my shop! Her giveaway ends on the 14th. There's also a special discount code at Amy's for 15% off all purchases at my shop for a limited time.

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Between Naps on the Porch

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Tuesday's Treasures

A Stroll Thru Life

Toot Your Horn Tuesdays Vintage Thingie Thursday

Dittle Dattle

Share The Love Wednesday

Autumnal Thoughts

2011-11-06T22:13:00.000-06:00

That quintessential, cool nip is today in the Autumn air of afternoon.

The sun is out, casting a warmth that penetrates my body even through the brisk winds.

The weather is, by every definition, beautiful.

A crisp breeze is in the air and leaves have begun their journey into various shades of amber and crimson in preparation for their release.

It is Fall.

It is this season that I most enjoy the outdoors, taking in the gift of Gods creation, the most beautiful of all art forms.

We may perceive them as simple things, but they are not. They are not.

Myself, I don't dislike times of solitude.

I cherish time spent with myself.

I like being outside listening to the sounds of Autumn;

the sudden upheaval of leaves accompanied by a subtle breeze,

trees whose limbs dance to the music of the wind,

and the commonly seen squirrel scampering amongst the trees then burrowing into the earth adding to his food cache.

Today I enjoyed my time alone with my thoughts.

Joining:

French Country Cottage

Between Naps on the Porch

2805

Somewhat Simple

The Tablescaper

The house in the roses
Mod Vintage Life
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Masterpiece Monday
Outdoor Wednesday

Showcase Sunday