I’m into a deep blue and white theme this January, and Provence by Williams Sonoma is a stalwart ally. Cheerful and colourful, it’s one of their more enduring patterns.

The shallow bowls are perfect for braised dishes and soups as well as pasta. I have only the tureen, pasta bowls, a water jug and a large platter, but they are all pressed into service on a regular basis. I never tire of the hand-painted mythical creatures and castles.

For our meal of Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Butter, I combined them with straw placemats from Pier One, olive wood salt shaker & pepper grinder and some yellow & white checked napkins I picked up years ago at The Bay. The wine and water glasses are a sturdy wheel-cut pattern from Elise Abrams Antiques.