Used judiciously, hand-painted china can be a beautiful addition to a casual, elegant table. I’ve acquired a number of pieces over the years and love tucking them in with creamware or transfer ware to add a visual punch of colour and elegance.

The cider jug shown here is just such a piece. We tend to use it for water more than cider, but it has been pressed into service for its original purpose on occasion.

The embroidered bunny napkin is one of a large set featuring various woodland animals from Country Dining Room Antiques. The paisley runner, squirrel salt cellar and green glasses are from Pottery Barn.  The pierced creamware is from Hartley Greens. The footed bowl holding the small squash is Country Heritage from Villeroy & Boch, a pattern now discontinued.

This Pickard punch bowl, featuring lovely hand-painted currants is part of a set which includes ten cups. It, along with the amber glassware is from Wisteria Antiques. It is set off to advantage when used with the Fitzhugh Green transfer ware by Spode from Replacements Ltd. The wooden tray is from Elise Abrams Antiques.