There is something so elegant about chinoiserie whether on a fabric, or in this case, a set of plates by Pottery Barn.
The soft shade of rose in the pagoda and on the flowers with the counterpoints of vivid teal on the edging and in the foliage is both soothing and striking.
I had originally planned on styling the table with apple green accessories, but when I looked at it in more detail, the teal seemed so much more appropriate. Out came woven placemats from HomeGoods and turquoise Venetian glasses and tumblers.
Glenn had found a few bunches of soft pink parrot tulips at the local grocery store and brought them home. I adore the ruffled petals with the accents of green on the curvy ribs of the flower.
It was a warm(ish) spring day, so I set up shop outside.
Soft pink gingham napkins from Pottery Barn earlier this spring were a great match for the tulips.
Danieli flatware from World Market seemed just the right “rustic elegant” note…
… and pewter napkin rings from Pottery Barn years ago continued the theme.
Oh, those tulips! Happy sigh…
The pearlized aqua tones in the interior of the vintage open salts picked up the softer shades of teal in the plates.
I just realized I didn’t get a good shot of the dinner plate I used under the Chinoiserie salad plate, so I’ll get one from another table setting.
It’s unofficial called Shell Edged Cream on Cream by Wedgwood, and was produced between 1930 and 1989 – a very long run for a china pattern. I got mine on eBay, so don’t really know which vintage it is. I love the ripply shell edge and the elegant raised paste floral border.
Oh Happy Spring Day. Just because.
One more peek at the plate. 🙂 And off to walk the dogs on a glorious warm morning.
I’m sharing this post with Between Naps on the Porch.
Helen, that Wedgwood pattern looks very familiar. I too love raised paste for its textural value. The tulips remind me to look forward to ordering many parrots this late-summer. Our gardening neighbour approached me this weedy morning asking if I would go in with her on a big box…oh, yes please! The fancy perfumed narcissus all finishes in the super-warm April weather (even in this Alpine valley), except for The Bride, which I placed in a cool spot next to the outdoor table. Every time we sit down, the smell of loaded old lilac bushes (well, trees really) and The Bride remind us it is spring!
Oh, it sounds heavenly! Fragrant narcissus and lilac. How utterly divine! I hope you’re soaking up every single moment.
I’ve given up trying to plant tulips, and enjoy the ones others have raised 🙂 The deer mow them down to the ground every time. In the Cape you can’t beat the daffodils; something about the sandy soil makes them very happy. And in Canada, well, enough said. Tulip season mostly centres in Ottawa in very formal beds, in which fresh bulbs are planted every fall.
Thanks for visiting, Beatrice! Have a lovely day.
Oops…I meant big and you meant peek…lol.
Yes! I’ve fixed both of our bloopers. 🙂
Now I feel like it’s really spring. The soft tones of pink and aqua on your table are so serene. We used to have these tulips but the rabbits have widdled the amount of plants down to one which we have protected with an ugly wire cage. Is it worth it? They are now working on our hostas. More wire cages. Ugh! The cream on cream plates are another “too pretty to use”. Better get this all in before the next rain. C U soon.
The rabbits are out in force, aren’t they? I guess they’ve gotta eat too, though!
And it does feel like spring has finally arrived!
So glad you liked the table, Maura. I’m just tickled pink to be setting up outside again!
I love the Wedgwood plates. I have bread plates and cups and saucers in this pattern. I just love them and this goes well with your salad plates! So pretty!!
It’s such a pretty pattern by Wedgwood, isn’t it, Tess? Really timeless. I hope you use yours often and enjoy it!