Cerise. That’s it! That incredibly rich, deep, clear yet delicate shade of pink tulip. They started out as three rather nondescript bunches plucked from a bucket in the grocery store, and, as tulips do, revealed themselves in all their glory in a couple of days. Tulips are one of the few flowers that continue to grow after being picked, which is why the arrangement which is so carefully trimmed and balanced at the outset becomes a leggy profusion as soon as your back is turned.
Well, clearly these tulips called for tableware that wouldn’t shrink from the task.
Both plates are vintage patterns by Spode. The salad plate is Romney, produced between 1952 and 1971. I love the way the pattern bursts across the entire plate.
The lacy cream pattern underneath is Jewel, and it had a longer production life – between 1926 and 1975. It’s much harder to lay one’s hands on, though. You can find lots of Romney on eBay, but not Jewel, unfortunately.
Wth the unruly nature of the tulips, an exuberant napkin seemed to be called for. I was hesitant about these French Stripe Napkins from Williams Sonoma at the outset, as they are not really white, and looked dull and unkempt at first. But it turned out the the off white was exactly right against the creamy base of the plates. (They stock these regularly, and go on incredible sale from time to time).
These little compotes are part of the Bristol collection by Fitz and Floyd. They go by the rather stiff name “condiment jars”, I quite like the flowing leaves and creamy texture of the pieces.
The goblet to the left is a vintage find from Laurel Leaf farms. They’re listed as Hoffman House Thumbprint glasses, and worked really well with the King’s Crown Cranberry Flashed glasses, (available on e-Bay, Laurel Leaf farms and Replacements).
Think pink! It’s a happy table, yes?
I’m sharing this post with Between Naps on the Porch.
Lovely table. Did you realize that we used the Romney plates when we were little? When I was cleaning up after Mum died I disposed of the last very chipped plate. This set was used at Scarborough Crescent for every day ware. From what I remember the gravy boat was the first casualty.
I really like the look of tulips when they start to relax. They look like they are playing in a wind we cannot feel.
No, I didn’t realize that! I love the pattern; I started with the salad plates and will likely add the dinner plates. Spode has several similar patterns and I went back and forth a few times before settling on Romney 🙂
I like the easy elegance of this. The tulips are relaxed and lovely, the embroidery on the table runner is classic, and the mixed glassware coordinates well. And both sets of dishes work well together.
Sandra @ Dinner at Eight
Hi Sandra – It was a fun table to do. As you say, the tulips were so relaxed, they really set the tone. It’s easy to work with such a vibrant starting point. Thanks so much for visiting!
I lost a dear dear friend 28 years ago. Her pattern was the Romney, and seeing it here brought back precious moments seated at her table. I too, have the Copeland Spode Jewel, and I just happened to use it in my tablescape for this week. Small World. Do you also find it a fun pattern to use for bridal showers and luncheons? It sings of lace and wedding dresses! I really like the tone that the striped napkins set for your design. Thanks for inviting us for a peek. Cherry Kay
I saw the Jewel in your table setting this week! It’s perfect with the Mottahedeh blue lace charger and those Crown Ducal salad plates. Isn’t eBay just a treasure trove for those types of things? Crown Ducal is an under-rated producer, I think. I have a set of “bar plates” in our house on the Cape that I’ll feature in a post sometime with English pub scenes and they have a similarly embossed rim. And I see you have the Jewel tureen – lucky duck! It looks gorgeous with those beautiful hydrangea you used. Thanks so much for stopping by, and for commenting. Always a pleasure.
Hello,
A beautiful table indeed! I have my grandmother’s collection of Romney as well. I am desperate to find the soup tureen to complete my collection. Unfortunately hers was destroyed years ago. Does anyone know of someone who might be willing to part with theirs?
Thank you!
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
Lucky you to have your grandmother’s set! It’s a beautiful pattern. I don’t know of anyone with a tureen at present. My suggestions on the tureen would be contacting Replacments and requesting they find one for you, and of course, keep an eye out on eBay or other online auctions. Good luck!