Years ago, digging around for Easter inspiration, I came across a picture of an elegant rabbit and his wheelbarrow in a magazine—Victoria, I think—but frustratingly, the manufacturer was not attributed.

I searched online using every description imaginable. Nada. I tucked it away in the back of my mind and went on with life. But elegant Mr Rabbit was out there waiting for me, and his identity appeared from a completely different direction. The clue was this lone small tureen I had found heaven knows where and used to set a fall table. You can see I described it as a “basket tureen.”

lid detail from “basket” tureen

It joined us on the Pier 1 Pumpkin table I set in the fall of 2017, though I’d owned it for years before.

The prize for pulling this all together goes to Replacements, Ltd. One day, when searching for small tureens, my “basket tureen” popped up under the pattern “Old World Rabbits” by Fitz and Floyd as “Oval Box and Lid.”

I casually clicked on “View All Pieces In This Pattern”. There he was, my long-sought elegant rabbit, complete with a wheelbarrow. Whooda thunk? Replacements had no stock, so I requested that they track one down for me and also put in a search on eBay. Sure enough, Mr Old World Rabbit soon popped up, and I snagged a few more “oval boxes with lid” while I was at it.

Together, they make a lovely spring table. I have four small tureens in the Cape and the original one back in Ancaster. One day, I’ll have to combine them into one place so they can visit.

These pictures were taken last year; we are nowhere near that advanced with the weather this year. It’s been bloody cold, with lots of rain and lashing winds. Plus, Easter is early this year, so there is little hope of outdoor tables at present. So, let’s enjoy last year’s snaps, complete with lilacs!

Elegant Mr Rabbit has friends; behold the salt and pepper.

I pulled in another salt and pepper set, some asparagus by Kaldun and Bogle, last seen with  Williams Sonoma Asparagus plates. 

The dinner plates are Freya by Caskata.

The salad plate is Aerin green scallop edge (discontinued, sometimes available on eBay or at Replacements).

The rather vibrantly coloured green glasses are the iced tea in Cleo Green by Cambridge. eBay is the best source for those, but patience is a virtue when hunting down Depression glass.

Looking at these pictures is making me very itchy for spring. I’m eagerly anticipating daffodils, let alone lilacs!!

Oh – I almost forgot. The little pagoda lanterns are from Enchanted Home.

Happy Easter, Mr Old World Rabbit.

And thank you, “Oval Box with Lid” for bringing us together.

I hope everyone has a very happy Easter with family and friends and an explosion of chocolate.