Thursday, September 2, 2010

The Table I Grew Up With-Tablescape Thursday


     Well, it may not be the actual table I grew up with...but when I think of holidays and special occasions growing up, these are the dishes I think of. I decided this week to share a tablescape that I pulled together very quickly, the night before I left my dad's home in Florida in July. My mother may have had a large collection of Carlton by Castleton China that I showed you here, but I honestly don't think she ever used it when my sister and I were at the table. Christmas, birthdays and special occasions at our house meant that mom pulled out the ruby stemware, her sterling flatware and the floral china.


     The china is by Johnson Bros. and is called Day In June. Mom's sterling flatware is Gorham Chantilly, which is still made today. It went home to live with my sister. I used a simple, clear salad plate so the china pattern would show through.


     These plates brought back so many memories for my sister and I as we set this table. I still think they are beautiful.


     I don't know what pattern this ruby stemware is. We all noticed that it isn't as "red" as it once was. I don't know if years of use or time have faded the color. It also makes me wonder just how safe it is to use if the red color somehow is wearing off. As children, we knew that if mom was getting out this glassware, we were going to have a wonderful meal. She also has tumblers and sherbets in this pattern.


     The tablecloth is not old, but I thought it was gorgeous. I can't say that I really liked it with this table setting once I had it done. I think the busy pattern of the cloth really needs a plain china pattern. The tablecloth, china and stemware we left with dad. He still plans to do some entertaining and he has special memories of these pieces too.


I added tall crystal candlesticks with
silver bases and a few votive candles.


I am linking today with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch.
Please stop in and see all the beautiful table settings.

33 comments:

xinex said...

Your table is so pretty, Sue, especially with the candlelights. Your mom must have had an excellent taste cause all these are so pretty. I love everything but I am in love with the ruby stemware....Christine

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Good Morning Sue Sweetie...
What a beautiful share today. I just love this table setting, and those dishes are TDF. Absolutely gorgeous. Love the tablecloth, and the tall candlesticks so elegant sweetie.

A gorgeous share this fine Thursday morning, and thank you for sharing it with me.

Isn't it funny how things always taste so much better when they are served elegantly like this? I have always noticed that. The recipes are the same, but when we bring out the good stuff, everything tastes SO much better.

Have a gorgeous day sweetie. Country hugs, Sherry

The Charm of Home said...

Sue,
I think you hit all the right notes. It is very beautiful and elegant. Love the tablecloth with the dishes.
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue, we have lots in common today. I also have Johnson Bros dishes which I picked up at an estate sale and am using them with the same glassware which is King's Crown thumbprint. Yours may have lost some of their color if they have been in the dishwasher.
Your table in wonderfully inviting.

Kathleen said...

It is beautiful, Sue. I know it was bittersweet for you setting this table. Cherish those memories! The dishes are lovely and the tablecloth is wonderful!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh what precious memories. Such beautiful china, sterling and linens. Your accessories are lovely. Hugs, Marty

Tricia said...

What a lovely china pattern! It looks wonderful with your mother's ruby glassware, and I know they bring back happy memories. My mother-in-law had Gorham Chantilly, and my two children recently split her large collection. I like that pattern a lot!

La said...

The rose stemware is so pretty. Have a wonderful day! La

Blondie's Journal said...

Everything is just beautiful, Sue. Your mother had lovely taste!!

xoxo
Janie

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Sue, I think it looks very pretty tablecloth and all. I saw a set of dishes very similar to those at the salvation army store last week. The whole set was not very much, but I have no place to store them until my husband puts some shelves in a closet for me. Soon I hope. Love those glasses. I am on my way out of town so my blogging may be sporadic. Have a super weekend.

sweet violets said...

So soft and pretty, love the setting and love the faded glasses...they speak of something well loved and used.....hugs...cleo

Jessa said...

That table cloth IS gorgeous. And the pattern on the plates is very pretty. Wonderful memories!

Debbie said...

I think it looks lovely on that tablecloth! I used to be a little afraid of pattern on any kind of pattern, but I have come to love it. Your mother's dishes and silver and stemware are all beautiful. It must have made you feel VERY special to sit down at that table growing up. Loved it!

Red Couch Recipes said...

What a beautiful, classic table. I love the stemware. My Aunt used to have some stemware like it. My sisters and I just adored it...we didnt inherit it (sigh)! All three of us now have the same red stemware...what an impression it made on us as it sat in her bowed hutch! How fun to recreate a memory. Joni

bunny, The Paris House said...

Lovely memories and a beautiful table!
You come from a family of lovely taste :)
xxx

Mabel said...

A beautiful tablescape! There is something timeless about a traditional table! I love your tables with candles and such elegant tableware from your family. I also have Gorham Chantilly and I think it adds a lot of glamour to a table.

Thanks for sharing!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Very pretty! i really like the stemware.

Lynn said...

Precious memories, beautiful table!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

That is gorgeous Sue!
Oh, I love those plates! And the tablecloth is so pretty and does look vintage!
Love it!
Cindy

Marigene said...

Beautiful, beautiful table, Sue...those plates are just gorgeous. Have a great weekend!

dee dee said...

Sue,
I love all the different elements you pulled together to make this beautiful tablescape!
The stemware is so pretty and I just love the way this brings back so many special memories!
Dee Dee
Like the new fall look!

Lyneen said...

WOW another stunning setting!!! I look at all the amazing settings you put together each week and wonder where do you keep all your beautiful dishes and other table decor. I am in AWE each week.

Entertaining Women said...

Your ruby flash glassware is probably "Kings Crown." Yes, the ruby flashing can wear off over the years. I never put mine in the dishwasher. The china is gorgeous. Thank you for stopping by my post and sharing your charming design. I don't really worry about taking my things for the tabletop events; I do usually commit to spend the day in close proximity to my table. That way people ask me the maker of any given piece rather than picking it up and turning it over. Cherry Kay

JUST ME said...

First - I'd love to eat dinner at one of your beautiful tables someday. :)

Second - Oh how I love your new fall layout. I attempt to OD on candy corn every year...

Natasha said...

What a beautiful table Sue. Everything looks so pretty by candle light doesn't it, especially that gorgeous china!

I love your header photo too-Happy Fall!

Best wishes,
Natasha.

Monica H said...

That is gorgeous china Sue. A special tablescape indeed.

Tammy@InStitches said...

How beautiful and special ! I bet everything does taste better from those dishes. Hope you have a great weekend.....

Bill said...

Very beautiful, Sue! Thank you for sharing these special family heirlooms with us, along with your treasured memories of your mother. It's nice that your dad kept some pieces and plans to entertain from time to time.

I'm playing catch up as usual. I also checked out your Foodie post, and the Mexican casserole sounds wonderful. I'll have to remember to try the recipe.

Warmest regards,
Bill

Drawn to The Sea said...

Your dear mom must have been beside you, watching you lovingly set that beautiful table. I like when the ruby fades... the gold in it glows so pretty in the candlelight.

Peaceful Sunday,
Julia~

Gypsy Heart said...

Absolutely beautiful! Such a blessed sharing of precious memories...I'm so glad you shared. I think it's great that your Dad plans to entertain and be with people ~ that is great for him.

xoxo
Pat

Sue said...

Sue, I really like the Johnson Bros. china pattern, and quite honestly, I love the faded look over the bright red in your glasses! It has more charm, too. How special to have this china. :-)
~Sue

Holly Lefevre said...

This post touched my heart. While the table and china is gorgeous, the stories and memories surrounding it are sweet and loving.

Rettabug said...

What a ♥ warming story of memories & good times, Sue! I'm glad you have had the chance to revisit them with your sister.

I don't know what to tell you about the red color fading & thus, safety of usage. Must research that more.