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.