Shell Edged Creamware with Berry Plates

by Helen Kain | Aug 26, 2016 | Antiques, Blue, Cobalt, Pink and Red, Summer Tablescapes, White

I have discovered, or at least become much more aware, of the shell-edged plates made by Wedgwood.    The delicate moulding on the edge of plate resembles a shell, for which the plates are named. I have a number of these hand-painted fruit plates; they...

Ashworth Ironstone with Amber and Turquoise

by Helen Kain | Aug 24, 2016 | Amber, Antiques, Blue, Cobalt, Family & Friends, Summer Tablescapes

I always think of this set as my “York Ironstone” because we picked it up in York, England on one of our jaunts. It’s a beautiful, sturdy set and I especially enjoy using the generously sized soup bowls for pasta, as we did here with our meal of...

Green & Navy Ironstone

by Helen Kain | Aug 12, 2016 | Antiques, Blue, Cobalt, Green, Simply Done, Summer Tablescapes, White

Adam and I made a number of grain salads during his stay, and the Barley Salad with Green Apples, Grapes and Cheddar called to mind the vivid green in this antique Ironstone pattern. I love the combination of apple green with deep navy – so unusual. I...

XVII Century

by Helen Kain | Feb 28, 2016 | Blue, Cobalt, Winter Tablescapes

We love to walk and spend a lot of time doing it, especially when travelling. Whilst in New York recently, we had spent a couple of hours in Central Park and were strolling down Madison Avenue on the way back to our hotel when we spotted La Terrine, a shop with an...

Quatrefoil Demitasse Cups

by Helen Kain | Jun 7, 2015 | Ballgown, Cobalt, Green

Besides being the name of one of our favourite restaurants in Dundas, Ontario, Quatrefoil is a pattern by Black Night. My husband, Glenn,  likes to have an espresso after dinner, and these harlequin, jewel-toned demitasse cups in that pattern are a favourite....

Ashworth Ironstone from York

by Helen Kain | May 10, 2015 | Antiques, Blue, Cobalt, Terracotta, White

Who buys an entire set of antique ironstone whilst on holiday in England?  And then has to arrange to transport it back to North America? Which they do, by purchasing another suitcase and bringing it back on the plane with them. Crazy people, that’s...