I’m enjoying a bit of a purple-phase. Vintage purple transfer ware is relatively rare, and Romantic England by J & G Meakin won my heart (and not just because of the name).

In planning this tablescape, I let the purple transferware speak for itself, keeping the rest of the pieces clear or neutral. Hydrangeas are still blooming in the garden, albeit reluctantly, and they echoed the rich purple of the plates.

The dinner plates depict Haddon Hall, one of the seats of the Duke of Rutland. It’s located in Bakewell, Derbyshire, very near Chatsworth, about which I wrote in an earlier blog.  My mother’s family is from Derbyshire, with its soaring dales and miles of drystone walls. The square dessert plates feature Penshurst Place in Kent. Originally one of King Henry VIII’s many homes, it has been in the Sidney family since the mid-16th century. Kent is one of the home counties and is known for its remarkably beautiful gardens. Sissinghurst, where we were lucky enough to rent a cottage for a week, being one of them. I’ve now added Haddon Hall and Penshurst Place to the list to visit when we are next in England. Update: We visited Haddon Hall in 2018—blog on Entertablement Abroad, our sister site.

The individual soup tureens are by Arte Italica (sadly discontinued). You can still pick them up sometimes at Replacements. The linens are Pottery Barn from some years ago. I love the green and purple combination. The whitewashed rattan placemats are from Pier One.

The water and wine goblets are clear Graham by Juliska.

The open salts are from a kitchen supply store. I acquired them aeons ago, attracted to the scalloped edges as well as the colour.

Here are some shots later in the day, with the candles lit.

Onto the eats.  Without further ado, the menu:

Wild Mushroom Soup with Sherry and Thyme

Herbed Pork Tenderloin with Prosciutto

Apple Chutney

Roasted Asparagus with Shallots, Sugar Snap Peas and Edamame

Roasted Tri-Coloured Small Potatoes

Pear and Cranberry Tart with a Walnut Shortbread Crust

I had anticipated leftovers, but there is nary a crumb. This makes me very happy as it’s a sign of satisfied guests.

This week I’m trying something new. I’m linking up with a blog from Between Naps on the Porch. I’ve been enjoying their blogs, and I think you might, too.