Get tea in your favorite cup and come on back and click here for musica! Today, we have lots of delicious photos, plenty of color, things for tea, dishes and cake! But first . . . hello kitty. ♥
I promised Em, one of our girlfriends, who’s doing some redecorating, that I would show another photo of my chair . . . she’s looking for this fabric, or something like it, and I don’t remember where I got this. If any of you decorators out there know what pattern this is, please leave a comment here for Em!
I’ve had several requests, so I thought I’d show you some of my dishes today! We have to start with my kitchen cupboard because it’s like a toy for grownups! My dad drove out from Arizona with his tool box and his dog, to help us move into our house. The first thing I asked him to do was to take off the cupboard doors so I could see my dishes. This is how it’s arranged today, but it’s gone through many changes: I find yellow glasses, out goes the clear ones; I find pink dishes, out go the purple ones. Pretty much everything came from yard sales and antique stores. You notice there’s a bowl full of kitty toys there. They’re everywhere. ♥
That’s a Johnson Brothers “Rose Chintz” teapot, a Martha’s Vineyard decorative plate, some of my Beatrix Potter people, an antique no-name brown transferware cup (with a singing bird on it!), my purple Windsor Ware china, some of my preferred fake fruit, topped off with my pink “Two Fond Hearts” plate!
These Minton cups belong to one of the girlfriends now . . . when my cupboards were full, I donated these to the Vintage section in our web store–I know they went to a good home! I hope she’s having a Valentine’s tea party to show them off! ♥
More cups, most of them have no manufacturer or pattern names on the bottom; great shelf for display, useful too, doesn’t take up too much space.
Salt and pepper shakers, perfect for every occasion! 🙂
Very old Minton creamers and teapot (no pattern name is on the bottom of this set of dishes!).
I love to mix old and new for informal tea parties. Emma mixes so well with antique dishes!
This little gem was all alone on an antique-store shelf when I found it; no name on bottom, no saucer, but look at it! Abigail Adams probably drank out of it! It should not be living alone!
You can mix your eras too . . . This yellow earthenware Oven Ware bowl perks up the Johnson Brothers Rose Chintz.
Love to mix and match dishes, some are one of a kind, but fit right in. This sauce bowl is English, Myott Son & Co “Swing Time” — and it’s the only piece of it I have.
Copeland Spode and Emma Bridgewater — those English people really know what they’re doing!
A little mish-mash of small cups, flower salt and peppers, and one of my pride and joys, a tiny Japanese tea-for-one set.
This china has nothing on the bottom! I think it should be famous! So pretty on a summer table outside under the arbor! ♥ Makes you want to have a dinner party!
Adorable green bird salt and peppers AND, guess what? They’re going to be my next give-away! Surprise! It’ll be in the next post! (Are you dyin’? 🙂) The bottoms twist off!
Gold-trimmed acorn plates make cake and ice cream positively elegant!
Some of you probably recognize this cup; it’s part of a tea set I designed for Lenox. They’re not being made anymore, which seems to be the same thing you can say about EVERYTHING these days! One of the fall-outs from the economy, at least as far as I’m concerned, are all the fun products that were requested and designed, but never got made. Especially dishes! ♥
I designed tons of things for the wonderful 250+ year-old China maker, Wedgwood that, unfortunately, have never seen the light of day, until today!! Back around 2002, Wedgwood asked for a complete collection of everything! Sugars, creamers, cake plates, butter dishes, dinner plates, mugs, tea pots, vases, jars, dresser trays, ice cream bowls, baby dishes, hanging plaques, glasses and accessories too, and pitchers . . . I love dishes so much, this was a dream job!!!
I drew and painted lots of ideas; here’s an earthenware milk pitcher and a hand-painted glass lemonade pitcher with a bird on the lid!
It’s so fun I can show them to you now — thank you again internet! The economy started changing around the time I was painting these and, unfortunately, Wedgwood never made them (heart breaker — but I worked with really nice people at Wedgwood–it wasn’t their fault, just a sign of the times!). I designed clear-glass formal candlesticks, and these green casual candlesticks. Everything was measured, many things had back, side and top views; this candlestick came with my removable crystal bird bobêche. I wanted everything to feel a little bit vintage and have wonderful details.
I designed lots of glasses, all kinds: etched, hand-painted with little flowers, cut and colored; and I named them; this champagne glass was “Sabrina.” You have to use your imagination to hear the clear bell ring they make when you click them together — to see the sparkle they would have made when held up to the light! My ice tea glass was thin, tall, etched, and green; I called it “Katherine” — there was also “Ingrid,” and “Audrey.” I named them after old movies and movie stars.
This is a whistling tea cup. When it’s filled with liquid, you can blow the bird whistle; it gurgles and sounds like chirping.
Of course, I had to have a red-lidded jar! I had a whole line of these jars in all sizes, for cookies and sugar — the tall one for pasta had a red-striped lid.
I used lots of words; for example, I designed a set of eight cups, each one was a different shape and size, and each had different quote on them; I called them “conversation cups” because I thought they would get people talking around the table.
I guess I should stop! I could do this all day, but you get the idea! It was a very fun job, and now that I can finally show them to you, it was all worth it! We can pretend! But onward and upward, it’s another day! And my kitchen still smells like cake-baking!
Didn’t I say something about cake? Yes, I did! But I think I’ll give you the recipe for this absolutely delicious Milk Cake in the next post! (See that cake-edge? I could go around the pan and cut off the edge and eat it first, it’s so good! And the middle melts in your mouth!). Plus, on the next post, we’ll take comments for the drawing for those green bird salt and pepper shakers; the perfect way to start thinking “spring” — and why not? And remember, we’re all going to New York the end of the month, so stick with me! ♥ (P.S. If you liked the music today, it’s from the Movie Midnight in Paris, which, if you haven’t seen it, I think you would love!) Byeeeee! ♥
We shall not give up hope – if we all wish hard enough, just maybe it will happen. I would love to see, touch, feel all the items you mentioned. I especially like the idea of the conversation cups and the green jars would certainly have been sitting on my shelves. We don’t have to look far for beauty when we visit your blog. Thank you Susan for sharing your home and love. Judy C
Oh wow! I can’t tell you how much I love a tour of a good old fashioned china cabinet! Or a “kitchen dresser” as they call them in the UK.
You truly have some envy inducing pottery! I especially love your Emma Bridgewater and your Rose Chintz teapot. My grandma used the Rose Chintz pattern when I was growing up and I can’t see it without being flooded with nostalgia.
Have you discovered GreenGate pottery out of Denmark? When I was in Germany recently I fell madly in love with this homewares brand. Sadly it is not sold in the US – I know because I e-mailed them directly! I was lucky enough though to find a lovely woman who operates a shop in Denmark to ship me over some! Plus of course I brought some lovelies home with me from Germany 🙂 You can see their catalogs here http://www.greengate.dk/ I warn you though – if you look you will be sorely tempted!!!!!
I just looked at both their winter and their summer catalog. Oh my, oh my!!! Just beautiful!!!
So glad you like it Lori! I wanted to buy everything I saw when I was in Germany – but I had no idea how to get it all home!! Fortunately my aunt lives in Germany so I’ll have her bring me some more next time she comes. And of course there are many web shops in Europe that sell GreenGate that will likely ship to you – just as the Danish shop shipped some to me. Do a google search and you will find a lot. Do a google image search for GreenGate and you will be drooling! lol
Oh and the shop I ordered from in Denmark was emilyrose.dk – but I had to email the owner directly in order to place an order – she calculated the shipping for me and was very helpful and friendly and spoke very good English. I was especially excited because there was something I was kicking myself for not buying at the shop in Germany and I was able to order it from her shop.
LOVE everything in the GreenGate catalogs!!!! I’m emailing my friend in England!!!
I just looked at the catalogs…beautiful but no SB!
Simply gorgeous! I think I’m halfway glad that they don’t ship directly to the US; I could get into some serious trouble.
uhoh…i looked and i’m drooling already. ooooohhhhhhh i could get into serious trouble here. what tempting goodies!!!!
Love your blog today and all the girlfriends comments. I too love dishes. For Christmas my daughter got me a set of four vintage snack dishes that has a place to set the teacup. They have a neat print on them. Thinking maybe my husband and I should use them for dinner tonite. His fingers probably wouldn’t fit in the teacup holes but he would be in game. Any girlfriends have any of these in your collection? This blog got me really inspired I feel like going to the antique shop, but the weather is cold and had a couple inches, so will for sure go out tomorrow. Have a great day girlfriends! Inspired in South Dakota.
I saw some of those cup and plate sets at the thrift store the other day…they were white and really pretty! I was tempted but we have so much china already…
Lovely dishes! I too love interesting bowls and cups and plates. I really like those little bird salt shakers! I can see them on my Easter table. Or anyone’s spring table. Whomever (whoever?) wins them, should post a photo of them with the spring table, imo.
Thank you!
My downfall is dishes. I love them – have them stacked everywhere. LOVE IT! When my sister and I were housemates, we used different saucers all along the top of the wall to decorate, and then took an entire wall to hang plates and platters. Had a great time looking up the markings and learning about the makers.
Taking the tour of yours was quite a treat! 🙂
Susan Susan Susan
Gosh where do I start how lovely is your collection! I love old and new china too. I have an array of tea cups all of them pink only pink from 1800s up to now. I also noted your bowls very homey. I looked at you picture from the kitchen and in the back ground notice the handle on a white panel door is that the pantry? or the door to the basement? I just love love the door knob! Susan your home speaks for you truly it does. I always enjoy how lovely your home is! and I love your take on the milk cake yummy, you know I think I just may made it this weekend? Also Jack is very cute on the pretty floral wing-back chair. Love ya Susan… Its so great to be a girl!!!
Yes it is!!!
PS Susan do you think you can give the Mike cake recipe now! instead of the next post I think this would be great for my Tea party this week end!
LOLING Milk -Cake
Hi Susan,
OMGosh…I want to come and see & smell the delights of your home. Wow – I loved your dishes but more importantly you drawings. You should still persue your dream of having a dish/glass line. I would buy it in a second. The cup with the “Stay” saying on it and the candle stick holder with the birds…are so me! I loved the salt and pepper shakers as well. Wow…I’m still so excited about this blog…I am surrounded by men (at work and home) or should I say boys all the time and it’s refreshing to read about girly stuff – which I need and love.
Thank you for posting stuff girls LOVE…It’s a great timeout in my day!
Chris
Susan – the pink Minton creamers and teapot are in the Cockatrice pattern… lots on Ebay. Also for you girlfriends who are interested, there is also a rosebund salt and pepper set – just like Susans! – on there as well
The chair is pretty and the cat is awesome cute! I love all your dishes, I had open shelving once, but things got dusty, guess I didn’t use mine as much as you do! 😀
What a beautiful post! What is it about dishes and cups that we love so much?! I adore little pairs of birds and those green ones are precious. I will watch for your giveaway. I would love to welcome them into my TX home! BTW, thank you for posting the pic of your heart rocks some weeks back. So neat. I have a gorgeous pink heart rock from the shore of Racine, WI by the lighthouse. Loved looking at your collection.
Loved today’s post! It sounds like most of the girlfriends are dish-lovers, tea-lovers, and all things beautiful-lovers. I am happy to be right in the middle of that group. Most of my collection has been found on treasure hunts at garage sales and antique stores. I host several tea parties each year and delight in browsing through my hutch or tea closet, relishing each choice. It is also a delight to open the cabinet doors and have all the wonderful memories pour out. Each dish or teapot has a smile and a story waiting. 🙂 I think you have the right idea about just removing the doors and letting the beauty and joy radiate! I wish we all could exchange photos and stories! I, too, would be in line to purchase some of your beautiful creations and I hope that opportunity comes about in the future. Thank you for another ray of sunshine today, Susan. MN is frigid right now — .your blog brought an extra touch of warmth to the day.
enjoyed your comment, and it’s frigid here too…time for a cuppa tea! hmmmm which cup or mug to use???
Susan – just provide all these responses to some LUCKY china and crystal company along with your designs and they would be fools not to develop your designs into beautiful creations – don’t they know how many of us love you and your creative works??!! Yes, the economy is still struggling but somethimes we women find a way when we want something bad enough! lol! I will for now just dream of owning something such as you have shown us! Keep trying!!!!! Stay cozy and warm!
I second, third and one thousandth that….get that dish/glass line going. In this topsy-turvy times we need something lovely and calming to hold and look it. We WOULD find a way to buy YOUR sweet things:)
How do you all pronounce “bobeche?” We always had them on our candlesticks, but as I’ve grown older I have come to find that my Midwestern mother mispronounced nearly everything to do with “culture.” 🙂 So before I use this word, someone please rescue me from my hick roots and tell me how it is pronounced. 🙂
Thanks,
Sarah
Bow (as in hair), besh.
Thank you so much! My mom always said it was BO-buh-shay. I was pretty sure that wasn’t right. 🙂 I could write a small book on all of her mispronunciations. They sure were funny, though. 🙂
:-)!
and that was what caught my eye!! Bird bobeches! WOW! I collect birds and anything for tea, and I also collect bobeches. I’ve always called them bo-ba SHAYS. it’s a fun word and such a pretty thing that reminds me of Pollyanna and her prisms.
wow! yet another reason to like you! I am a huge fan of Emma Bridgewater too and have a rather large collection of it AND I also have a large set of the Rose Chintz – I love it! thanks for sharing your cupboards – its always a treat to look in someone else’s – especially when they are so tidy!
I’m afraid that if I buy any more Bridgewater plates or bowls that my cupboard will collapse!! But I love it so much!!
By the time I opened today’s message, everything wonderful has been said, and I second it all. I’ve been following you for many years, even visiting Martha’s Vineyard and becoming a “stalker” when the local bookstore downtown told me you lived “right up the road”. My husband and I walked until I said, “That’s hers!” We only looked…I swear. But you’ve stayed in my head and heart. Dishes, I have many….green depression glass, I love it. I just love each and every page you send. Thank you so much.
xoxo Janet!
I HAVE IN COUNTED CROSSSTICH THE LINES ON YOUR PINK PLATE THE YOKE IS ESAY SAYING DONE AND GIVEN TO ME BY MY FRIEND ON MY 25TH WEDDIN ANNIVERSAY 25 YEARS AGO
THINK WE LIKE THE SAME THINGS
Susan…What time is tea? I’m on my way over! Of course I’ll have to take a plane, then a train and then a bus and then rent a car to get there but somehow I’ll come. Oh I forgot…and the ferry. (smile) Your cake and your darling dishes are so inviting!
Yes, the lucky lady who bought your sweet cups. I do hope she is enjoying them!
Nann
Acorn plates! Be still my heart!
That was a fun little tour.
omg. (Which I HATE and have NEVER said), …how much do you have to dust?
Sometimes the Oh My Goodness just has to be said! 😉 No dusting. I use them, they go in the dishwasher, and a couple times a year I start cleaning the shelves one by one.
Susan,
I love that you showed some of your dishes. I love the Johnson Brothers “Rose Chintz” pattern. In fact I loved it so much that I immediatley did an on-line search and found two sets with 4 dinner plates each on Ebay and I put a bid on them immediatley. If I’m lucky enough to win them, I will bid on some bowls and other things. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed. My husband and I go to a great flea market that has huge shows three times a year. We are scheduled to go next month so maybe I’ll be lucky enough to find some there. I will enjoy it all the more knowing you have it to. I’ve been wanting something pretty in a new pattern so it will give me something to search for. You know the hunt is half the fun. Thanks for sharing the beauty of some of your collections.
Sue in Florida
Thank you for sharing. I wish the Sabrina was made. A loss for those who would love them.
Oh, that bird cup would’ve been so fun!
I don’t understand people packing away (or just displaying) and not using their precious china. I know we want to hold onto things that are heirlooms and afraid they’ll get broken but they were meant to be ENJOYED! Take pictures of your treasures and scrapbook them. Then treat every day like it’s special and use those things that make you happy! (says I who does not have any special china LOL)
I recognize the pattern on the blue cup on the stove! I just pulled out that very one today – cherry blossom scrapbook paper for my next page.
The little birdies are cute. I could just picture them on my table in the center of a wreath made with paper flowers.
As I’m a dish-a-holic! I loved this post! Dishes are like crack to me! LOL!!! If I had the space I wouldn’t have a problem collecting all kinds – I’m into hobnail at the moment, do you remember hobnail?
I also enjoyed the cakes, and if you ever tire of that acorn plate, I know the perfect home, Cathy @ acornhollow.blogspot.com, she loves all things acorns! And she’s had a rough time, her hubby is recovering from leukemia . . . just something to think about. You’d love her, she finds the greatest things a the dump! And she makes beautiful hook rugs!
Mary
Hi Susan – Thank you for sharing your cabinets – loved all your designs for dishware but especially the teacup with the bird. All your teacups reminded me of going to my grandma’s house when I was a little girl. We’d have tea and I’d get to pick out a teacup from her china cabinet. She always added lots of milk and sugar to my tea and we’d sit in her kitchen and have a little ‘tea party’. She had little tiny dishes to put the teabag on too after it soaked long enough. My grandma always drank tea from a teacup – never a ‘coffee’ cup! Coffee cups were for coffee! Unfortunately, I don’t have any ‘tea’ cups, so I drink my Constant Comment (yum!) from a favorite coffee cup! XO
Oh Susan! We have the two hearts plate!!! We found
It while strolling through an antique shop. I love it!
We got married late in life (42 for me!) but boy , it feels
Like we’ve known each other forever!
Thanks again for tugging my heart strings. It’s playing
Wonderfully joyful tunes!
However do you part with your treasures??? Do tell
The secret. I would find that do hard to do! That said
… The green birds would surely sing their hearts out
In my home.
Thanks for lightening my load and clearing my mind
Clutter. Now get packing for your NYC trip. I’m still
Walking beside you as you bicycle!!! Georgie
It’s going to sound corny, but I do have so much, and those birds are so adorable, I would love to know that someone was thrilled by them, that would make my day! The happy of someone is a 10, compared to the 2 of the sadness of not having them anymore! Does that make sense?
Got it! Great explannation! I remember when my Granddaddy gave me a tiny little Kasium paperweight. It was very precious to him (and way to expensive to be giving to a little five year old!) But I loved it so and even then At that young age I knew how special it was to him that he gave that to me. I saw it in the sparkle in his eyes. Now, he did purchase other paperweights but there was just something about that gift to a young girl that made a lasting impression. I think now with you sharing about your perspective I will look for new opportunities to “spread the wealth ” of sharing special treasures. XO Thank You Susan
Thank you back Georgie!
Hi Susan,
I hope some enterprising glass manufacturer sees this post and all the comments and decides to make your dishes and glassware and jars!! I sure would buy it! I collect all kinds of dishes and teacups, antique or not. I think it makes a person’s home so cozy! I’ll be looking for that cake recipe to make, it looks wonderful! Thanks for brightening a very cold day!
Wouldn’t it be even more fun if one of the US glass makers would take this on??
Oh! I agree with you! How wonderful those dishes would
Be! I love the whistling bird cup! Maybe she could start with
That one and sell it in her store as an exclusive!!! That
Would get their attention 🙂
And… Yes, that upcoming cake recipe had me dreaming
Sweet dreams!
I am so sad that the whistling tea cup was never made–genius and adorable–as is everything else!!!
Karen in Breezy Point
Love all your fabulous dishes, Susan. Thank you for sharing them. Reading your blog was a beautiful respite from an otherwise cold and snowy day here on Vancouver Island. I’m especially partial to the sweet little blue floral cup on top of your stove. I’ve been collecting Chintzware from various English potters such as Royal Winton, Grimwade, Tunstall. It’s become a bit to rich for me now, but every once in a while, I find a piece at a thrift shop or garage sale. Sure wish Wedgewood had gone ahead with your design collection, it would have been wonderful.
I too love dishes with little flowers on them. I like anything with flowers on them! And the little bird salt and pepper shakers are precious!
BTW, I didn’t have time to make your wonderful pecans at Christmas, but did make them yesterday and they are Wonderful!!!!
Some friends are coming for coffee Saturday and I’m making more for them, as these are almost gone!
I have one cupboard in my kitchen with antique t-cups. It makes me smile and I try to use one daily. My sister and I have a rule that when we go antiquing, we each take turns picking an aisle so if she see’s something in her aisle and wants it to bad for me and vice versa. Keep up the great blog, Man your kitty has grown.
Love love love the no name china with the robin’s egg blue (yes?) band and little flowers! That shade of blue is my new favorite color! Hope your day was beautiful…
Kristina
Oh this was wonderful today! I started to read with a cuppa around 10 am but ended up having to work and didn’t get to it until 5:50pm. Kinda cold tea.. Tomorrow in Mom’s b’day; she’ll be 89 and is in wonderful health! People visiting her this week told me, kinda aside, that “she’s doing so well!!” I just never thought otherwise. I’m going to bake her a cake, a real one, not an angel food cake although those are wonderful. I know she would like a piece of good cake for her special day. I’ll check back and see if your recipe is up before starting to bake it in the morning. Thanks for sharing your paper dreams/drawings. I would have bought them all. Really liked “Sabrina” glasses. So pretty! Another cold snow day w/ 22 for the high temp. Brrr
I really like the saying on the “two fond hearts” plate. It seems like a Scandinavian saying to me. I wish I would have known about the Lennox tea cups, because that is one of my favorite sayings from one of my favorite authors AND I like pansies. Pansies mean friendship. I have an old, old book called The Meaning of Flowers. I guess we all have our mothers’ dishes disease. LOL
Margot
Were the squared jars with the red lids ever made? When I worked in a laboratory I would always say that I was going to invent square jars as they don’t roll if the are knocked over. That is a good thing when one is working with chemicals OR even to prevent large kitchen spills.
Margot
Nope sorry, they were never made!
I have a copy of “The Meaning of Flowers,” too! I love it and enjoy learning about the meanings of some of the flowers in my garden! It’s fascinating and adds much interest to the hobby of gardening!
How wonderful to have all those possessions and all the wonderful memories of designing for other companies. They are all beautiful and make me want to go out and shop garage sales although here in Illinois it is far too cold to garage sale but there are always the resale shops. I know a wonderful GoodWill that I will have to visit soon and maybe I can find one of your treasures there. Thanks for designing many wonderful things.
Ooooooh and Aaaaaaah! I’ve been waiting for this post since you mentioned it during the moon post. And it does not disappoint. You have such beautiful things, and have them displayed so beautifully. I wish Wedgwood had carried through on making at least some of the items. I’d have to buy some. We can always economize somewhere else. Love to you and all the girlfriends!
Hi, Susan!
I love the whistling teacup! I love it because my maiden name is “Warble” so it would be fun to have a teacup that “Warbled,” (sort of, anyway) and I love, love, love E.B. White! My mother’s china had acorns on it. My husband and I bought our family home and inherited most of the items in it. I gave Mom’s china cabinet with the china to my sister. I had forgotten about those dishes. Thank you for a precious memory.
Love,
Terry
I can FEEL the whistling tea cup in my hands! If the opportunity ever comes up again, that one just needs to get made. I’m a California Franciscian girl, and collect Desert Rose, Ivy, October, etc. with lots of old beauties mixed in. Some times it’s fun to pack them away for awhile. Bringing them out again is like going to a really good garage sale in my own garage!
I’ve got my tea brewing, but couldn’t wait to come back and start reading. Oh my gosh, yes I’m dying!!! I am so hoping those two precious green salt and pepper shaker birds come to land in my house!!! I have been collecting little birds for a long time and especially pairs of Goebel birds. Thank you for today’s wonderful blog! I’m going to look at all the pictures and read everything at least three more times, while enjoying my cup of tea of course! xo -Marie
Susan, your dish designs are absolutely wonderful. How disappointing that they are not available. I LOVE the jars the best but the plates with the words on them are also fantastic. Thank you for sharing the pictures; here’s to dreaming…
seeing your kitchen cupboard makes me smile!!!
Wow, this is my all time favorite post, (the Beatrix Potter room post is coming in second favorite)! I also collect Johnson Brothers Windsor ware patterns and Emma Bridgewater pottery. Have you seen the Windsor ware pattern “Winter Holiday” ? It is so pretty, but impossible to find. I love your kitchen and all your charming displays. Wish your dish designs would be produced, they are beautiful.
Also hope someone sees this and takes note. We want tea cups and teapots!!
What IS it about dishes that draws us to them? Such a shame that your beautiful designs can’t be found…….they are beautiful!
Dining on something beautiful that makes our heart sing also makes food taste better…even low calorie fare! Lovely tableware can turn a humble meal into something special and be a simple delight to the day. I use my “good” dishes every day, in hopes that every day will be a good day! Before I was married or even dating, I saw some beautiful Villeroy and Boch dishes on the back of a wedding magazine and fell in love. I went to the store and bought them for myself. Since then, several other styles and designs have followed me home too. Susan, your personal dishes are a treat to see and your “designs in waiting” are w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l! Yes, please…I’ll take two of each! Hoping one of these fine days they will come into existence so all us girlfriends can benefit from their beauty. Once again, thank you for sharing! You have inspired me to set a pretty table tonight!
Magical!
I love dishes, dishes, teacups and more dishes! Dishes in cupboards, on tables and stacked together! I have been collecting teacups and pretty dishes since I was a teenager. Yup- a grunge- loving, Birkenstock-wearing, Seattlite teen who adored pretty china and teacups. Can you guess which craze eventually faded?
Now I can only collect things that really call my name- otherwise there just isn’t any more room! And my latest obsession? Pretty white creamers and pitchers- they go with everything. I love all your pretties! They make the heart go ‘thump thump’! Thanks for sharing them with us girlfriends!
The green candlestick is fabulous; love, love, LOVE it!
OMG! I am crazy for the bird bobeches. PLEASE find a way to have them manufactured since Wedgewood is out of their mind for not following through….
And yet another weakness we have in common…dishes! I have 5 pastel colors of Fiestaware (all discontinued now), two sets of “good china”…one from my grandmother English Crown Ducal “Bristol” of which I’ve added many similar patterns to (I LOVE mixing like color patterns!) along with some pink depression glass displayed in the corner cabinet that I painted all whimsical…and my “Blue Onion” from the Czech Republic that I collected when we lived in Slovakia for 3 years proudly displayed on the Hutch Cabinet that my grandfather made years ago (with a few random blue pieces from Slovakia and Hungary). Oh how I’d love to have that whistling bird tea cup you designed…can’t you find some china company that would make that?! I also collect birds AND salt and pepper shakers!!!! We are twins separated at birth!!
Oh, of all the delectable delights you showed us, my heart breaks most at the likelihood that the whistling/gurgling birdie cup will never become a reality. Tragic! Be SURE to let us know if/when your dishware designs ever “see the light of day.” I will be first in line to buy. Thanks for letting us see some of your collection; it did indeed bring smiles.
Hi Susan,
Love all the dishes and glassware. So pretty. And I just watched “Midnight in Paris” last week and loved it. Now I want to go there on vacation.
Hugs,
Evelyn
Oh! Magical! I wish that all of your creations were made! I especially loved those Christmas cookie plates from a December post. Wish I could find those some where on-line. Is that needlepoint pillow an Elizabeth Bradley creation? I think it might be. Thanks again for another fun post! ~ Colleen
The Whistling Teacup…..oh so precious. I desire it.
Well Wedgwood sure lost money by not putting out the line. I hope they reconsider, and soon. I want that glass lemonade pitcher! And the plates, and the whistling teacup, and the jars, and the candle holders, and the bobeche (something I didn’t even know existed until today!)…
Janine
That was so fun to see all of your pretty dishes in the open cupboard. Also fun to see what might have been if it weren’t for the economy :(. I hope that someday you will be able to bring your whistling tea cup to life. It is adorable as a drawing, but would be beyond wonderful to really be able to drink tea from it. I know I would find it a very cheery way to enjoy my tea.
On the dishes, etc. that never got beyond the drawing board, sigh. I would love to have them all. As for milk cake, my friend, Maggie Dooley, told me about the recipe when we were in junior high and she surprised me with a homemade one for my fifteenth birthday, a treasured memory. And as far as the movie, Midnight in Paris, five stars, so good!
Susan, such lovely china, I want to touch and stroke them!! ha ha I too love china although my collection isn’t as grand as yours. I’m the lucky custodian of my late grandmother’s 1920’s peices, they are not too elaborate BUT the teapot/coffee pot is missing, everything else is there so you have now inspired me to get on and find one somewhere in the world – there must be one surely??? I do know the factory where they were produced so I think an email to them first is the shot! Thank you for another amazing read!
Oh where to start… What a fabulous post! I have seen Midnight In Paris, and I too love that movie! Oh the beauty of all those dishes and glassware! So beautiful!And those bird salt and pepper shakers!!! One lucky girlfriend will be filled with joy!!! It is sad that your beautiful line was never made….. 🙁 We would have all loved them!! Maybe someday…..
I so loved the china cabinet tour.
I also collect china (esp. tea-related paraphernalia) and crystal (esp. Depression glass). . . among lots of other stuff. In addition to ebay, Etsy and Ruby Lane great resources for vintage items of all kinds.
They weren’t the same pattern as your chair, but my mother used to have her bedroom decorated in several rose chintz fabrics. I think the bedspread was an old Waverly pattern. My dad always said he felt like Liberace when he slept there! He was a good sport, but I think he was relieved when mom redecorated.
Oh, and wanted to add that Replacements is another good source of china–either to fill in gaps in an existing service or just to pick up random pieces that catch your eye.
Be still my heart…when I saw the title of this post I wouldn’t open it until later when I had time to be entralled. I am another disaholic girlfriend. When I had my kitchen remodeled I had glass doors put in one section to show off dishes. Susan, I love all your gorgeous pieces of dishware. I’m curious about the jam jar(?)? with fruit on it and a lid with a fruit handle. I have a lot of fruit patterns. I dont think I’ve seen any dish I couldn’t imagine a place for. Had to restrain myself from buying more lately. But what fun to peruse your shelves! Love it xo SusanL
I am so glad you are going to give the recipe for the milk cake. I have had such a hankering for cake this past week! I will make it immediately and eat it almost so. What is it about January that gets the sweet & fat tooth going? Well, I will indulge – the cake on a pretty plate. Thank you for the photos of the cake and the lovely dishes! So warming.
Jean G
Wow! Another absolutely wonderful post! I too am a lover of dishware and I feel like I’m not such an oddball now that I see there are lots of others like me out there. 🙂 11 years ago when I discovered ebay, I was overjoyed to be able to add some more pieces to join the 2 Aynsley Forget-Me-Not teacups and saucers that I had. They were the ONLY pieces of china I had and I was determined to change that! I discovered more and more beautiful patterns and now my china cabinet is bursting with teacup love! ♥ I just realized today that a cute bowl that my mom gave me years ago is actually an Emma Bridgewater! I feel so blessed. I love your designs for the dishware, so beautiful! It must have been sooooo much fun to dream up each design and paint them. Maybe someday, (hope hope) they’ll get made. Thank you for sharing your dishes with us…what a wonderful treat to see! ♥
Thanks for sharing. I need to go organize my cupboard.
That is so disappointing your china designs never made it to the shelves! I would have LOVED them!! Thank you for sharing, your paintings are always so inspiring.
I loved reading all of the comments and now I have nothing new to add! This blog was especially fun and I didnt want it to end! 🙂 I also love seeing Jack and could think of nothing cuter than dishes with his face and paws all over them! lol. We are having a short snowstorm over here in WA state and it is lovely! I love it because it will all melt off in about two days, but for a few magical days it is just gorgeous. I love nothing better than opening the curtains and having the fire going and sitting and watching the snow fall. So cosy! I always feel sad when the snowplows come by to dig us out! lol. Have a wonderful week! 🙂
I will take six of the Sabrina champagne glasses! Absolutely beautiful. Cheers!
P.S. What is the pattern name of the Minton set that one of the lucky girlfriends bought? I’m in love…I must find it! 🙂
Oh dear, I was afraid someone would ask! I don’t have them anymore, and don’t remember the pattern! Sorry!
Queen Anne!!
Thank you!
Oh how pretty! I love, love beautiful dishes, cups, etc. Your collection is gorgeous Susan – thanks for sharing! I get emotional when I see beautiful china and cups. They’re so fragile and delicate! I have a collection of Flower of the Month cups and saucers (Royal Albert english bone china). They are to die for and the best part is my Dad bought them for my Mom as a wedding present in 1952. I get teary-eyed every time I look at them.
P.S. Jack is soooo darn cute – I just love the look in his eyes 🙂
how I needed your letter today….it brightened a sad day…one girlfriend quite ill and another who is rejoicing with Jesus.
Glad you came here, a little sunshine is always good on a dark day. xoxo
Oh Susan you have made my day! Your dishes are all so lovely and the loveliest are the ones in which you designed. Someone out there needs to jump at this opportunity. I can tell that many would be sold just on your website alone. I read your post and I yearn for a friend like you. I also read many of the posted responses and I think.. wow ..there has to be someone near me who could become a soul friend and have much in common with me. I wish you would consider some type of cyber way in which we might get to know some of these “girlfriends’ who are local to us. This would be so awesome.
Janie, I was thinking the exact same thing about finding out where the girlfriends live and connecting with someone near our area. Maybe, the girlfriends need to start putting their city/state in their comments? That info. could be put behind our name on the leave a reply. Maybe Susan can tell us if this would be ok to do.
Well, I wasn’t all that interests in cups and dishes….until this blog post! Such pretty pieces! I used to have a food blog and did buy some unique plates to display food on and take photos of, but that’s about it. I do looooooove my wedding China – it’s blue, yellow,mgreen and white. Villeroy & Bach, I believe. I will never grow tired of it. China is so timeless.
Loooooooooooooove the birdie s&p shakers. RIGHT up my alley. Cannot get enough of sweet birdies!!!!
These dishes NEED to be made! Love them, especially the whistling cup. How cool is that? Thank you for another special glimpse into your life. You are amazing, woman!
I suppose you have your NYC hotel all lined up, but I have always thought it would be amazing to stay at The Inn at Irving Place:
http://www.innatirving.com/
Isn’t that funny!! I just, JUST finished watching “Midnight in Paris”. An absolutely CHARMING movie! I’d never seen a Woody Allen film. Only an hour and a half! What a pleasant way to spend some time.
I especially love your Johnson Brothers Rose Chintz!
I lost interest in Woody Allen with all his cavorting around, but had to see Midnight in Paris. One other I love is Annie Hall.
I just fell in love…..once again….with dishes….! I loved it all…every piece of what you have designed…but there are two pieces that melted my heart….the “Sabrina” champagne glass, and the lemonade pitcher because it is glass, it just gave me this
‘feeling’, and it has a green lid….and green is my favorite color! I used to collect dishes till my hubby said, “no more! We sill have to move out of our house and into a shed that I will have to build on our property!” So I didn’t think about dishes (too much!) or put myself in laces that sold dishes, whether antiques or garage sales. But love has come knocking on my door once again….I better go have a chat with the love of my life….before he says that he has taken a back seat to….dishes!
Cynthia
Gosh we must all have the same weakness for pretty dishes. I love dishes with roses and happy scenes such as transferware. Your designed dishes are beautiful and I covet them especially the bird singing teacup (I have a friend who would love that, she will be 78 in June and loves birds and tea!). Your designs are so lovely, they speak to all of us and make us think of happy days with birds, roses in the garden and summer breezes. Is it no wonder we all love them and your blog??
Susan, I enjoyed your tour through your china cabinet. I think the pieces you designed for Wedgewood would have been lovely on any table! A special thanks for sharing…and for finishing with that sweet little poem at the end. One of my favorites from a favorite child hood book of poetry. You truly do think about what we “girlfriends would like” each time you gift us with a new story. Thank you!
I saw this movie “Midnight in Paris” with my mother and my teenage daughter. We absolutely loved it. We saw this when it came out in Frankfort, Michigan, where there is a real old-fashioned movie theater. If I recall correctly, the movie ends with it raining at the last scene, and as we were all walking out of the theater in the evening, it was raining just as in the movie; it made us feel like we were living in a part of the movie that just ended! We couldn’t help but laugh and laugh as we walked out! Fun memories.
Love the salt & pepper shaker birds! I think they would look lovely displayed in my little corner of the world 🙂
Your cake & ice cream looked yummy, and yummier yet on the pretty plate. Love all your display of dishes~God bless you and your family, pam
Really enjoyed seeing all of the dishes. I have many single pieces and cups without saucers, too. They make lovely display pieces…and add a nice variety to sip tea from, too! After I put away my Christmas decorations this year, I decided to display some of my Victorian items so that I can enjoy them every day. I had them stored in drawers upstairs. I’ve added some of my favorite tea cups to some of of my side tables. Also decided to display some of my vintage jewelry and favorite old books and photos. Of course, the best addition to any decor is a cute little kitty! Thank you for sharing all of your designs. Beautiful!
I just love dishes and yours are so pretty. I think the ones you have designed are lovely. I hope someday you can actually get them made. You just never know and I think you’d find they’d be in demand! I’m coveting that green candlestick holder and birdie bobeche! I love how you have incorporated so many birds into your designs. I love birds too! My granddaughter’s middle name is Bird – I think I already told you that 🙂 Your chair fabric looks kinda like Waverly. I’m partial to your fabrics and decorating sense also!!!! Isn’t it wild how much we ALL have in common? I love it!
Forgot to say how cute Jack looks on your chair. Black and White and Pink. He looks stylin’ with the pillow. Adorable photo shoot!
Another wonderful blog, Susan…I am sooooo glad I have a large white bowl with pansies on the outside and a green edge at the top with the quote “In cooking, as in all the arts, simplicity is the sign of perfection.”~Curnonsky…and on the bottom…tada…Susan Branch~2002~Michel & Company…I think I purchased it when we lived in Savannah GA…thank you again for sharing your dishes and your life with us…
LOVED the peek inside your china cabinet and cupboards! I lived at home for a few years after graduating college and got lots of “houseware presents” for Christmases and birthdays – linens, small appliances, dishes, flatware, pots and pans, etc etc – and occasionally would spend HOURS up in our attic, looking through “my boxes” at all those things as they accumulated – I couldn’t wait to play house for real! And the most fun was to look at my china – I have Royal Worcester’s “Evesham Vale” pattern and it is so old-fashioned and beautiful!
PS – How do you keep coming up with all these wonderful ideas?? I love to write but if I had to come up with something interesting every day [or so] I think I’d run out of ideas after about 2 weeks! :>)
Wow, what a collection. Looking at your dishes was so much fun! Love, love all the different patterns. Made me want to run out to an antique store and savor all the possible treasures!
That was fun seeing all your china,but I have to say I’m a bit sad the glasses and china you designed never came to be.I want them all!!! I have cups,bowls,a creamer and sugar and a pitcher of yours…love them.Maybe someday they can be made? Now,that we’re talking about things being made(and I am going to say this very quietly) how bout a magazine.Not monthly,doesn’t have to be monthly,just every once in a while.I know magazines are hard to sell to publishers in this economy,not to mention a LOT of work..but,I can’t think of ANYONE who could do it better…just sayin.Love Willard,can you imagine a magazine? Don’t hate me…xoxo Ruthie
LOL!
Thank you Susan for a most beautiful post today. You have become my favorite blog to follow because you make me smile and you remind me to be grateful for the simple things in life. I too, like many of the readers here, have an obsession for china. I have all kinds of beautiful vintage pieces I have collected for 20 years. I especially collect lily of the valley tea cups as it is my birth flower. I have about 20 unique lily of the valley teacups. I have dreamed for so many years about opening a tea shop in New England (I live in MA too). I must say I gasped when I saw the bird S&P, I would love to be the lucky winner. I think I will ponder these little birdies (did i mention green is my fav color?) flying from MV to me in Townsend as I drift off to sleep tonight. Sweet dreams Susan.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing yogur cupboards and drawing of what should have been.
Ohhh, the whistling teacup……..reminds me of those plastic birds that you fill with water and blow into to get warbly, tweety sounds….so much fun! Surely, Susan, your sweet teacup and other delightful designs will find their way into production some day (soon please…..I’m getting old). Thank you for having us over to “dish” a while.
Your milk cake photo reminded me of my mother’s “plain cake”. She always baked it in a 9×12 pan. We would all call dibs for the corner pieces…..heavenly crusty and yummy! The youngest, JimmyJohn, never got a corner so decided the best part was the very center which he would cut out leaving a peculiar looking cake in the pan. Love all the memories your posts spring forth.
It is said that people don’t really remember what you do or what you say, but how you make them feel and you, Sweet Susan, make me feel lovely and happy and warm! Thanks! As always, DonnaRay
I have a gurgling fish water pitcher ( I carried them in my shop) but to have a “whistling” teacup would be divine! I would fill it with chocolate milk and be happy as a little bluebird. You simply must spend more time trying to get some of your wonderful ideas manufactured–perhaps a trip to the Far East is in your future? And Marissa——merci for the wonderful link to Greengate!! Heavens to Betsy!! I could buy everything in both catalogs. I am a Tilda lover and noticed some of her designs–thanks! Here’s hoping I win!!!
We have one of those fish “glug jugs”, too! I think they are English. We LOVE filling it with water and putting it on the table when we have guests over for dinner for the first time, then just put ice in the glasses and ask them to please pour water. I hate to admit it but my husband and I are like two kids about it–waiting to see the expression on their faces when the gurgle/glug sounds starts! 🙂 We’ve had so much fun over the years with this! (simple joys for simple people???) 🙂
Hi. My name is Lisa, and I am a dish-a-holic. (I hear the chorus of all the other dish-a-holics saying, “hi Lisa.”) I haven’t bought a dish in 35 days. And then I came to your lovely blog, Susan, and saw this delicious, beautiful post! What is a girl to do, I am still so weak. Can’t wait now until morning, so I can run to my favorite antique and discount stores, and find some beautiful new china to grace my farmhouse table. Maybe my strength will return after a good nights rest. Sigh. And Susan, I’m also a cake-a-holic. 😀 ………Love this post, love you Susan, and love those adorable little green birds! So excited just getting a chance to own them!!
You haven’t bought a dish in 35 years? That’s a lifetime and a half of penance. You may now buy all you want for the rest of your life!
Oh no Susan!…..35 days. lol…. but it is a harmless addiction, so I can still buy all I want for the rest of my life, right? I’ll tell my husband you said so. LOL
Ohhh, days! Much better! LOL But let’s just keep it that way :-)!
I can’t seem to comment anymore…I await moderation indefinitely, and then I disappear! I miiiiiissssss yyyyoooouuuu!
This is all such a treat……LOVE China…collected some myself too…its just all so gorgeous the way you decorate with it!
And LOVE LOVE the china and glass ware you designed for Wedgewood….such a terrible shame it is not produced sooooooo much eye for detial..I think it would had been a WINNER!
For me it would…. I would have bought it..LOVE it..did I tell you that?
Thanks for today’s treat..each of your mails are such a treat they always me me smile…….THANK YOU!
Hugs Holly.
Oh me oh my such loveliness everywhere. P.S. loving those birdie salt and pepper shakers 🙂
I loved this post! I love your dishes. I love the little tea cup with the sweet little bird chirps. I will never get that cup out of my mind! I have some wonderful pink antique dishes that my mother bought at an estate sale. Now I have to go tell my husband that I want him to take off the cabinet doors so everyone can see them! LOL. He’s going to think I’m nuts! I love your blog and I love you, SB.
Hugs, Merry Gay
My wonderful husband gave me a set of Rose Chintz dishes for Christmas!! I just couldn’t believe it when I saw that you have the same ones!! We truly are kindred spirits around here…aren’t we!!? I love all your pictures! Thank you for sharing a bit of yourself with us! xoxo donna marie
“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
p.s. That little Whistling Tea Cup!! omygoodness! I want one please!!
What a good husband!!!
Oh Susan, all those dishes you have, so very beautiful. I collect salt and pepper shakers myself and have garnered a few through the years. I also collect cream and sugar dishes. I had a lovely bluebird set of cream and sugars, that my husband knockedthe creamer off the shelf and it broke into a bazillion pieces. Talk about broken hearted, but I could not be angry with him. Accidents happen. I do so love all those dishes you designed for Wedgewood. How very beautiful they would have been and I feel they would have all been best sellers! Darn this economy! You are so very blessed to be able to live your dream, nevertheless. xxoo
PS Thank you so much for all the loveliness you share with us each time you write. It puts a huge smile on my face and brightens my day!
I love this post. I have a similar affliction for old dishes. LOVE THEM! The darling little cup you adopted, I like to call orphans. When I started my teacup collection, i couldn’t afford all sets so I would buy orphan cup and saucers and match them to my whimsy. I love them; the colours, shapes and delicacy draw me in. I’m partial to florals and Royal Albert 🙂 its nice to know I have kindred spirits who adore Granny Chic as I do. Have a wonderful day!!!!
P.S. I just ordered the SB address book for myself for Valentines day 🙂
Loved taking a further peek into the gorgeousness of your dishes. I like the open cupboard style so you can always see and decide which lovely to use each day. Your blog has renewed my interest in hunting for unique pieces….those two birdies would fit the bill 🙂 That Jack is so darned cute perched on the pretty chair ♥ him.
Thanks for the pics of all your dishes Susan (my heart is dishes), I have a bowl like yours in the middle of your top shelf in your cabinet (cream with the pink/blue stripes). My Mother had 2 sizes….large and extra large, I took the large one and gave my niece the extra large one because she cooks way more than I do now. It was neat to see something that we share and it is such ashame your designs didn’t get produced they were very charming.
I am overjoyed when i see pics of your home. Love the cupboard. Reminds me of my grandmother’s house. So charming. As for the giveaway….I had 2 finches and one died during the holidays and another died last week. True story. These little s&p shakers would find a special place on my baker’s rack to remind me of my green singing finches who brought me so much joy. I have also decided to have a tea with my friends. You have given me inspiration.
Dish envy! That’s what I have after reading the blog. All those beautiful dishes. I’ve just started to collect transferware and I love every one of your pieces. What a delightful way to start my day. (And a picture of Jack too!!)
beautiful. thanks for sharing! 🙂
Good Morning Susan,
I have to say this was my all time favorite blog!! I too have lots of fun dishes I have picked up along the way. Lots of Johnson Brothers, Villeroy and Boch…but I have to tell you,I fell in love with the EMMA teapot and just had to research her website only to find out that I have quite a few of her pieces and didn’t even know what they were! Kitty mugs and a few plates…I will now continue to add to my little stash.Thanks you so much for the inspiration!
The chintz fabric is so beautiful. I have seen this in Laura Ashely fabrics. A higher end fabric is Lee Jofa’s Floral Bouquet chintz. And I also love Pierre Frey. He does lovely chintz designs. I have also seen knock-offs at Calico Corners.
I love how you have your china and pieces displayed. I am looking for new ideas for when I move. I have a salt and papper collection—aren’t they fun! And a salt cellar collection as well. Love those.
This is great. Thanks for the inspiration. And I loved the movie Midnight in Paris. Truly my favorite city.