January feels like a reset around here — a chance to let colour do the work without fuss. The Christmas decorations come down, the light begins to change (for the better) and I start craving tables that feel calm yet cheerful. That usually means blue and white or dark-background florals at this time of year. They feel grounded, practical, and a little bracing after December.
The plaid tablecloth from April Cornell is all greens and blues. It was an easy starting point, and a perfect background for a series of cat plates I began collecting a few years ago (and posted about earlier, here). I discovered them on Pinterest, where a Rose Lee had posted the series.
Well, that set me off on a chase, both physically and online. The plates were displayed in the kitchens at Kingston Lacy, a National Trust house in Dorset, UK. Glenn and I visited the (rather weird) house—more on that in a future post over on Entertablement Abroad—and saw the plates in person.
It seems the plates were so popular that the National Trust commissioned a series of six reproductions. I managed to collect all of those, plus —here is the real score — three Minton originals. Can you tell which are which?
The real McCoy are at the ends and the smaller, scalloped dessert-sized plate in the middle. Manufactured in the late 1880s, they’re beautifully drawn, with crisp detail and real personality, likely using traditional copperplate transfer printing, and hand-finished.
Minton Cat plates in Close Detail:
Each cat is caught mid-moment, alert and mischievous.
I’m still hunting for additional examples and keep a standing search on eBay; every so often I go on a more targeted expedition and see what turns up. It’s an indescribably delicious thrill when one appears.
The National Trust plates are smaller, whiter, and much softer in execution. The images are slightly blurred by comparison, almost as though they’ve been gently washed over. It’s interesting to see them side by side — same general idea, very different results.
National Trust cat plates in close detail:
:
The modern blue-and-white cat plates are dishwasher safe, which immediately earns them a permanent place in the seaonal pantry rotation.
They’re perfect for January meals: everyday lunches, casual dinners, and especially fun for the grandkids when they come to dine.
There’s something about a table with animals on it that invites people to relax — children especially.
With the plaid background, the blues are deep rather than bright; the greens lean botanical instead of decorative. The Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage plates worked well as chargers.
The flowers — white lisianthus and green hydrangea — keep things fresh without tipping into anything too spring-like.
It’s a table that feels appropriate for January: composed, a little brisk, and ready for whatever comes next.
The setting is also a tribute to our grey tabby, Moxie. Sadly, we had to put her to sleep last week. While we had managed to wrestle her hyperactive thyroid under control, kidney failure finally caught up with her. She lived a full and adventurous life and truly used up all nine of them. Setting a table filled with blue cats felt like a quiet, celebration of her — domestic, curious, and much loved. Every morning, while I worked on my computer, she used to hop up on my lap and receive an “upright cuddle” before tucking under my left elbow in the “editor position”. Her absence leaves a very big hole, out of all proportion to her diminutive stature. Godspeed, Moxie. We love and miss you.
And lastly, an update on the Queen Anne Dollhouse. We did manage to get it 95% there for Christmas Eve. Glenn and I hauled it out into the play area in the basement and let the girls have at it!
I arranged some bits and pieces of furniture I had collected along the way, and set out packages of tiny accoutrements for the the not-so-little ones to arrange with glee. The sewing room (centre top) was an especially big hit with Maddie, who has been taking sewing and crochet lessons, and is an eager knitter.
After Christmas, we carefully tucked away all the furniture and lugged the dollhouse back into the workshop to receive all the finishing touches. This is no small undertaking for two “pensioners”, as the Brits so delightfully call us oldies. But it is oh, so worth it. We are having a ball with this project.
I will give you a full update and close-ups of the finished product very soon.
Happy New Year, all.
I’m so sorry you lost your editor, Helen! They do leave a big hole when they go. But the cat table is the perfect tribute, and beautiful! I can’t wait to hear about your trip to Kingston Lacy. I LOVE the dollhouse – what a fun thing for you and your grandchildren! Looking forward to seeing the finished version. I had one for a long long time and had the best time decorating it. I had to give it up when we moved years ago, so I’m thrilled to be able to share yours. Hope you had a lovely holiday. Here’s to the New Year!
Thank you for your kind words about Moxie. Dundee, surprisingly, also seems bereft. He keeps looking for her.
And I am sorry you had to give your dollhouse up, Barb! Of course you are welcome to share ours! . I just finished putting on the lattice trim on the area at the base of the porch and adding the “stone foundation” to the rest. Himself has to finish doing the lamp wiring; I am anticipating some choice language – it’s very finicky! And then we are completely finished. Whew!
Happy New Year!
Thanks for cheering me up today with two of my favorite things- cats and miniatures. I have looked at those plates for years. I have lots of miniatures but never bought the dollhous. Sometimes I use them on tabletop trees at Christmas..
Happy New Year
I have discovered that the world of miniatures is quite extensive! Did you know about the Kensington Show, which is held in London a few times a year? It was news to me. I am now scheming to time a visit, accordingly.
What sort of miniatures do you collect, Myrna?
Helen, I am so sorry to hear about Moxie – they always leave such a huge hole when they are gone. We lost our sweet Foxie to kidney disease as well, about 18 months ago, and I still miss her, even though three rescues have since made their home with us. The table is a wonderful tribute to her; the sweet blue kitty dishes are adorable and they look fabulous on the BP chargers and AC tablecloth. Who would not love to dine at this lovely table?? The dollhouse is wonderful and I imagine that the grandgirls had a fabulous time with it. It’s definitely something that appeals to young and old alike. Thanks for sharing and wishing you a very happy New Year!
Kidney disease is a real problem, isn’t it? The only good thing is it doesn’t seem to be very painful, but they just don’t feel well at all. And once it takes hold, there is no happy outcome. Three rescues! How marvellous. At one point we had six cats (Lauren kept bringing home “last” kittens from the riding stables). We are down to Dundee now, and he is quite a presence.
So glad you liked the table and the dollhouse. I did the last of the trim yesterday – the latticework under the porch and the “stone” foundation. It is all set to move back into the playroom in the basement. Then the girls will come over and put the furniture in place. Can’t wait.
All the best for a wonderful 2026!
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your sweet, beautiful Moxie. It’s amazing how many of their daily routines include us, and how much we miss being included in their daily lives.
The Queen Anne doll house is exquisite. Your granddaughters are very lucky to have such a talented grandmother and grandfather. I had a small doll house when I was young. My dad built it and my mom made draperies, bedspreads, etc., to put in it. I treasured it because it was handmade and the memory of it has always stayed with me.
Thank you so much, Rachelle for your condolences about Moxie. It is astonishing how aligned our and our cats’ routines become, isn’t it? All their little tricks and habits we grow to love and expect.
As to the dollhouse, I don’t know so much about talent as perseverance! LOL. When I do the full write-up, I’ll give you more detail, but that kit was purchased when daughter Lauren was seven or eight — so back in the 90s – when instructions (such as they were) came on paper. We have been doing a lot of winging it, trial and (lots) of error.
How lovely that your parents together created a dollhouse for you. They are the best. My grandfather built one for me, too. I still have it; Glenn refurbished it with shingles and wiring. I wallpapered and painted it. It was the impetus for the Queen Anne that we (finally) finished.
All the best to you for a wonderful 2026.
Having known Moxie for some time I believe Moxie was a wonderful judge of Characters. Hence the loving relationship with you. Also in an effort to keep you and Glenn safe Moxie proved enhanced security from other creatures some small and some larger!
Moxie will be missed.
She was one of your fans, too, Bill!
Our Cape neighbours will miss her rodent control skills, that’s for sure. No one ever had a mouse problem with Moxie on patrol.
See you soon,
HK