We seem to be turning the corner from summer to fall. While it is still bloody hot here in Ontario, the days are definitely shortening. It’s dark by 8:30 now as we linger on the porch with a glass of wine or a cup of tea at the end of the evening.

I’ve turned over the kitchen from summer-themed china to the rich greens and golds of fall. I think I have more green china than any other colourway, as it is a lovely complement to so many other colours. When Tom Hayes at Country Dining Room (now sadly defunct) encouraged me to take these soup plates it wasn’t a very difficult decision. They are the only piece I have in this antique Minton pattern.

A cosy corner of the porch

Like a versatile dress, they can be scaled up or down in formality. Here I’ve combined them with peach accented Venetian goblets and tumblers in a “basket pattern” from Elise Abrams Antiques. The plates are Oxford Gold by Royal Doulton from Replacements – a very simple pattern, and perfect for an “underplate”. The linens are from Pottery Barn from a couple of years ago. The rattan placemats are a staple from Pier One.

Here Tigger awaits his portion of the pasta. After being served, his opinion seemed to be that it was good, but not as good as Tigger’s Pasta, his personal favourite.