In searching for inspiration for a table, the sources vary. Sometimes it’s a plate that nudges towards a particular colour, often it’s a flower that suggests a mood.. In this case, it was toss-up between the flowers and the Royal Worcester Astley plates, purchased long ago, but had not yet  had an outing.

This is the Astley bone china version; there are scalloped and oven-to-table renditions, as well. It is one of those patterns that manages to feel both cheerful and refined at the same time.

The scattering of pink and blue flowers at the centre is delicate without disappearing, and the narrow border keeps the plate feeling light rather than formal. It’s a pattern that seems happiest when surrounded by fresh flowers and soft colours — exactly the mood I was hoping to capture.

Pink, Blue, and a Hint of Spring

A generous arrangement of snapdragons and tulips fills a silver container in the centre of the table, leaning slightly toward the pink side of the palette but softened by creamy whites and pale greens. Snapdragons are wonderfully architectural — they add height and movement — while peony tulips bring that unmistakable early-spring softness.

The goal here wasn’t precision. I wanted the arrangement to feel lush and slightly relaxed, as though the flowers had simply gathered there naturally.

Blue Glass That Softens the Table

To keep the pinks from becoming overly sweet, I added Navarre Blue by Fostoria. I always thought it was Depression glass, but it turns out that it was  produced from 1973 to 1982. Fostoria started making the clear version in 1936—true Depression glass. They started producing the coloured Navarre pieces in the 1970s partly to revive sales of the classic clear pattern, which had already been around nearly 40 years. The blue bowled glasses are the final chapter of the hand-blown pattern before the factory closed. The pattern was purchased by Lenox, who continued making Navarre into the 1980s–early 1990s.

It has such beautiful detailing — delicate etching combined with the softest wash of aqua blue. It catches the light without dominating the table, and it pairs beautifully with both the flowers and the china.

There’s something about pale blue glass that instantly makes a table feel a little lighter.

Linen and Pewter

The pink linen napkins echo the flowers and add warmth against the polished wood of the table.

Each napkin is gathered with a set of four garden-themed pewter napkin rings, which have been in my collection for years.

I wish I could tell you exactly where they came from, but all I recall is that they came in a little burlap bag, in which I still store them.

I bought them around the time Wedgwood’s Sarah’s Garden followed me home.

Little details like these often become favourites simply because they’ve been used so often, like the pewter-coloured jam jar in the shape of a pear I received for Christmas one year, and the silver open salts.

A Table That Feels Like Spring

What I like most about this table is the balance. The Royal Worcester Astley plates bring delicacy and pattern. The Fostoria Navarre glass adds cool colour and light.

The pink linens and flowers soften everything and give the table warmth. Nothing is overly formal — a table that’s ready for a relaxed meal and good conversation. Which, after all, is exactly what a table should do.

Sources:

• Dinnerware: Salad plates: Royal Worcester Astley plates (discontinue); Dinner Plates: Country Heritage by Villeroy & Boch (discontinued)
• Glassware: Navarre Blue by Fostoria (discontinued)
• Napkins: Pink linen from Williams Sonoma (discontinued) 
• Napkin rings: Garden-themed pewter (vintage, source unknown)
• Centre piece: Snapdragons and tulips in a silver container (from a florist long ago)
• Flatware: Antique Bakelite-handled knives with classic silver from Country Dining Room Antiques (defunct)