There is something very regal and dignified about Pekin, a vintage Royal Doulton pattern.
Produced between 1916 and 1941, its muted shades of brown and grey are enlivened with apple green and rose accents, set within an octagonally shaped plate.
A large Bird of Paradise perches atop a rather stunted tree, gazing off into the distance, as one does before coffee.
The quiet elegance of the pattern invites a closer look at the floral detail. I’m always intrigued how much went into the design of these old patterns. Look at the tiny little dots that enhance the background of the yellow band and the small precise loops that edge the top and bottom of it.
I used Spode’s Jewel pattern for the dinnerplate underneath the Pekin luncheon plate. They’re of similar vintage, and the creamy base of the plates coordinates well.
Smoke brown Bohemian Crystal etched glasses from Laurel Leaf Farms echoed the muted shades in the tablesetting. Laurel Leaf is a fun source for one-off vintage items. I’ve obtained some very unusual glassware from them over the years.
Modern Opaline open salts picked up the green in the plates and the Granny Smith apple centrepiece.
The linens are a combination of HomeGoods (the tablecloth) and Williams Sonoma (the jacquard napkins). I liked the complementary nature of the subtle check in the tablcoth and the intricate design of the jacquard. Williams Sonoma brings out new versions of these linens most years. They wear like iron and are very nice quality.
My trusty Acacia wood chargers had another outing, as did the Twig flatware from World Market.
I hope everyone managed to stay safe and dry during through the storms along the East Coast. These fall hurricanes are no joke. It’s heartrending to see the damage water can do; the wind is one thing, but the relentless rain is even worse.
Please have a marvellous weekend and enjoy the first day of fall on Saturday!
I’m sharing this post with Between Naps on the Porch.
Oh my goodness!! What a lovely table. I just found your site and am truly intrigued by the little touches you have in your china cabinet. They are tasteful, thoughtful and well cherished. To even notice the little dots in the pattern, is impressive. You clearly have an eye for detail and it shows in the way you present your table. Thank you for sharing. Good job!
Welcome, Cynthia! Great to have another enthusiast join the zany group of tablescapers. Thank you for your very kind comments and I hope you have fun wandering around the site.
My fingers could not type fast enough to sign up for your site. How have I lived this long and not known about you? BNOTP brought me. Nothing is more autumnal than a beautiful crockery (?) bowl filled with apples. I covet the chargers. Lost mine to a daughter who does not think I’d miss or need so much anymore. Ha… is she sorely mistaken. After a lifetime collecting tableware I notice if a piece has been moved, let alone missing. Looking forward to catching up on your posts.
Welcome, Kem! I’m so glad you found the site. The bowl is wooden, from Pier 1 a few years ago. Yes, I know the wandering tableware syndrome, though in our house it was pots and pans that disappeared as each of my four adult children set up housekeeping. Eventually, I ended up buying myself a entire new set as so many had gone walkabout, as they say Down Under. Kids, gotta love em!