Dear Diary,
Elizabeth in New York suggested we write about plates today which I thought was a nice idea but I also wondered what on earth I could write about. I admit to being a plate lover and a very long time collector of second hand ones from charity shops, car boot sales, jumble sales (remember those?), antique shops, markets etc. Whenever I spot a beautiful bargain I’ll grab it. I dislike matching sets of china and prefer a real mix of crockery designs. I also dislike matching tiles and the ones in my kitchen are a mixture of ‘odd’ ones I have collected along the way.
It is perhaps a more fortunate destiny to have a taste for collecting shells than to be born a millionaireRobert Louis Stevenson 1850-1894 | |
We are quite accident-prone in this house and breakages happen often, especially with anything made of glass but it always breaks my heart if a much-loved piece of china is smashed.
I do keep plain white sets for everyday use though; these are the really cheap and basic sets and I have to admit that food always looks best on a plain white background.
I like just looking at my pretty plates, some are kept in drawers in my kitchen dresser. Some are on my other old Welsh dresser in the parlour.
Most are very old. I like to serve pieces of cake on a pretty tea plate, anything afternoon teaish really. For now I have just dug out a few old photos of plates in my cottage but I have some really nice ones that I have yet to photograph - I was too busy today as this morning was spent catching up on my perpetual weeding and this afternoon I had to go out on numerous errands and to Hay for a dental check-up which meant a two hour round trip in the car. I promise to post some new'old plate' pics as soon as I can.
Like a lot of folk I really love blue and white crockery and I do have some of those. I love jugs too and have some hanging up in the snug. I love to buy new mugs too and have seen a gorgeous one for sale. I stumbled across it only yesterday on Dovegreyreader's blog
I am very tempted! Particularly as Little Women is a favourite childhood book of mine.
I have many collecting passions; some are rather strange, (apart from books of course). I can’t resist basketware, doormats (yes I did say doormats, that is the strange one), tea towels, patchwork and rag rugs. I also collect bookmarks. There are others but I had better stop now as I am straying away from the subject of plates. I can feel more subjects for blogs coming on Elizabeth! Thank you for this one.
I quite like the concept of being set a subject, it makes a change from a meme.
Keep them coming!
Bye for now,
Cait.
15 comments:
Cait
Indian tree
my parents' 'best' china!
I think I need the books mug
what a lovely post indeed.
I'm growing fond of the idea of mismatched china. I feel a new collection coming on myself.
Lovely plates.
And that mug with the Louisa May quote is so cute...
Aunt Amelia
Dear Cait,
I have the Johnson Brothers Indian Tree for my everyday china and love it. My first set of china was Adams Empress- lovely deep plates- plain white with ridged edges. When I changed to the Indian Tree- my daughter asked for the Adams set and I was happy to pass them along to her.
I love china and have far too much. To me, it's like art.
Cait,
Having read this, and seen your pictures, I know that we have yet another something in common.
I am so sad that many potteries are going out of business.
Also like the look of a mix of patterns on the table and on the shelf.
xo
I'm with you on loving mismatched crockery. And...I might buy that mug if you don't. :)
Nice selection, my parents have the Indian tree design too! I love second hand finds...
I love your plates. I, too, collect plate, and jam pots, I can't resist them.
I love the mug too.
Oh I do love that first place so much. Is it old? I collect plates, too...but unfortunately was too covered up this week to get a post ready about them. Maybe later. I love nothing much better than setting a table for a dinner party...decided what plates look right for what person...so much fun.
I had to smile when I read that you collect doormats. I do that as well. A fresh doormat on the front porch just tickles me to death!! I ususally get mine from Anthropologie as they seem to have the most colourful and quirky ones! And then, books. Well they are not a collection really. They are an absolute requirement for living.
Have a wonderful weekend, Cait!
Edward and I send greetings.
All of your plates are lovely. I'd have a hard time picking a favorite.
"Little Women" is one of my favorites, too. I first read it at about age 8 and have probably read it ten or twelve times since. It never gets old.
I love the idea of mix and match plates etc. but whenever I try it it looks terrible. Perhaps I should just be bold!
I DEFINITELY need that book mug! It it such a pleasure seeing everyone's plates . . .
I love the silken feel of my "best" ones (Royal Crown Derby Kedleston).
I'm enjoying these 'plates' posts as china is one of my addictions. That mug is made for you - buy it!
I'm a collector too Cait, and have enjoyed your post. I have a passion for old China, silver spoons, fabric and of course my books. The Plate post is such a good idea, and I am enjoying them so much. Must do one when I get time.Its lovely to mix vintage china especially for a tea party, and different plates for cakes on a cake stands. I have my Summer afternoon tea party coming up soon.
How interesting to have to write to a subject...as you say, better than memes.
You do have some very pretty plates, I love the one with the delicate yellow and blue flowers on.
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