Fall Dining Tablescape {with china}
When I was growing up, every big celebratory dinner at our house meant one thing: opening up the buffet doors and pulling out the china. Mom had accumulated more than one set, and in fact, had a separate set set aside for each of us daughters.
Honestly, I’m not sure if I’m a “china” kind’a girl. I think Ironstone or Fiesta ware might be more up my alley.
But, sentimental? Yep, that’s me.
***
The other day, we were getting our house ready for a special celebration party. 38 guests were expected ~ ranging in age from baby to 96.
Since the weather has been incredibly beautiful and warm, we decided to set up two 4 tables. One would, obviously, be in the Dining Room and the others out on our big back deck (that looks out on to the ocean).
I thought it would be fun to have 2 separate themes…the “China Room” and “Dining by the Sea”.
Bringing out the china brought back all kinds of memories…
I remember standing in the kitchen when Mom gave me “my set” years ago.
She said, “Why in the world should we wait until I die before I give you girls your china? You might as well use them now!”
She chose to give me this particular set because it had a teapot. {You can see it there on top of the buffet.} I love china tea pots.
The other thing that’s special about this china is that my dad picked it out. I know. Strange, isn’t it? He actually picked it up in Japan for my mom (they weren’t even married yet) when he was in the Navy.
As I picked flowers and lit candles, I thought of the precious memories of celebrations past…
…and how grateful I am for the gift of friends that I can celebrate with now.
{The china pattern is Noritake’s. It reads ‘Nippon Toki Kaisha’ on the bottom. I interspersed it with white china – Sea Gull’s ‘Jian Shiang’ that was a wedding gift.}
Linking up: Home Stories A-Z, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
It was all SO BEAUTIFUL last night, Rita! Thank you for hosting! What a fun evening, and the photos are great! 🙂 Did you take any photos of the outside seating area too? I loved the way everything was decorated in both areas!
Thanks, Shawn. It was so much fun!! (And even more fun to have you all over!:)) Yes, I took pictures of the outside area, too. It’s tomorrow’s post.
So special Rita to have wonderful memories attached to special treasures! That’s what makes things true “vintage”
Tracey
Isn’t it nice to get a chance to use our china? I don’t feel like I use mine enough. Coincidentally, my china is also from Japan. My grandparents bought it when my grandfather was stationed there.
Your dad bought a beautiful pattern and you set a lovely table. Visiting from Kristin’s, Olive