The much-awaited peonies are blooming, and it’s time to celebrate.
The soft pink shades go with almost anything; this year, I’ve settled on a sage green palette with peachy-coloured true Depression glass, produced from 1928 to 1940 and aptly named June Pink by Fostoria.
Spode has introduced a riff on four William Morris patterns, described on their website:
Morris & Co.’s heritage patterns in a soft pastel palette, this stunning set of plates will add a subtle, cottage-core touch to your kitchen. This mix-and-match collection has been created to celebrate the 160th anniversary of Morris & Co., rejoicing in the uniquely beautiful, iconic designs – including Strawberry Thief, Honeysuckle, Golden Lily and Blackthorn.
Probably the most recognizable is the Strawberry Thief pattern.
I don’t know the original colourway for Strawberry Thief, but modern versions include this navy one.
Strawberry Thief by William Morris
And this pattern is more of a denim blue.
The Honeysuckle plate sports a delightful dusty pink flower.
Golden Lily is a complex design—it’s hard to spot the lilies among all the foliage.
Whereas Blackthorn has a good deal more white space.
Here’s the whole lot. Which do you like best?
I’m thrilled with the peonies and think I like Strawberry Thief the best.
Though it’s a dense pattern, the birds offer a focal point and a rest for the eye.
And Blackthorn comes a close second for the same reason.
Glorious June.
The sun is shining, the days are balmy, and summer officially starts in a couple of weeks.
Lest I forget, the cream dinner plates are similar vintage to the glasses, though they were produced for much longer (1929-1970); they’re Jewel, also by Spode. The larger, green plates are modern: Cambria in Celedon, by Pottery Barn (discontinued).
Oh – one last thing. A feast for the stomach, as well as the eye: Ginger Rhubarb Coffee Cake. Might as well put those plates to good use!
Streusel-topped buttery cake studded with morsels of tender, sour-sweet rhubarb.
Have a great weekend, all.
I like the denim blue strawberry thief! But, all are very pretty. My peonies just started popping however with the rain and wind predicted for the next couple of days, they won’t look so pretty as they droop to the ground!! Cold here and looking forward to seeing you in Portugal.
The denim blue is the prettiest, I agree. It’s also really versatile. Spode knows what it’s doing with those old patterns!
I hope your peonies hold up, but impending rain is a great excuse to chop them and bring them inside to enjoy.
See you in a few days!
Strawberry Thief is my favorite! Love those birds! I’m trying to figure out how to Pin that cake recipe for future use. Your idea of making 2 cakes out of the recipe is so inspired! I don’t see a Pinterest button. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Juanita,
If you hover over the pictures, the Pinterest button comes up in the top left-hand corner. There is also a “share” button near the bottom left of the recipe that will allow you to pin it. As an aside, have you ever used the Paprika App? You can download recipes from various sites and have them all in one place.
Glad you liked the recipe!
Best,
Helen
Dear Helen, Aaah…The Strawberry Thief…My favourite Morris pattern, which comes in navy, denim blue, cream, pink, and red, according to my memory of seeing it in Liberty of London in the 60s. I’ve encountered it occasionally at HG in various guises of tea towels and china tidbits. The peonies are reaching marshmallow stage, so soon out come my June Pink glasses and flowery serviettes. We nipped in to Lisbon in April, with tourists coming thick and fast…be sure to get out to Sintra and Cascais to beat the heat if you can–you’ll be a stone’s throw from our house. Not too many pasteis de Belem, now, or you won’t have room for the fabulous tuna from Acores!
Line after third pic–riff?
Your memory is prodigious, Beatrice, which is one of the reasons I’m so glad you are here! I remember my mother taking me to see the Liberty prints when we in London together and atill love seeing the store with its Tudor half timber building. It’s all very chi-chi these days with next to no stock in that terribly exclusive way.
Marshmallow is the perfect way to describe fully blown peonies! Love it.
Thanks for the riff vs rift. Between auto-corrupt and the politically-correct-socially-inclusive-nagging I get from Grammarly it’s a wonder anything comes out. No, I don’t want to change “workman” to “worker” to be “more inclusive” when I am discussing the 16th century.
Have a wonderful day in your garden. I’m sure it’s divine.
Those plates are all lovely, as are your peonies. I think the honeysuckle one is my favorite but it’s a hard choice.
Thanks, Joy! They did a wonderful job in this collection, no? They’re all lovely.