As I'm thinking about a little decorating for Valentine's Day, I remembered a post about a beautiful set of dishes that now belong to my Sweet Daughter. So here is a little repeat of that one for you.
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Most of my “old” blog friends have heard the story of how I turned down this beautiful set of red transferware dishes that had belonged to my husband’s grandmother. Not once or twice, but a few more than that. It was quite a while ago. No one in their family wanted them so we were given a chance to have them. Sometime later the set was offered to Sweet Daughter, years before she had her own home, and she happily accepted them. A few years after that, I was sorry I had turned them down. They are so pretty, so vintage, and so charming.
Johnson Bros. England, English Chippendale
I kept them for safekeeping for a several years and used them just like I owned them. By now I had come to appreciate them much better. So I thought maybe Sweet Daughter would forget about them or decide she didn't want some "old lady" dishes from so long ago. But when she bought her first home, she was quick to take some of the dishes to their new home. I still got to keep some. When she recently had a party, she needed a lot of dishes and the red transferware was called into duty.
It was rather interesting how many of the ladies oohed and aahed over those dishes. A few of them had been collecting the same dishes as well. But what they all loved best was the fact that the dishes had traveled through time and family. They had belonged to Sweet Daughter’s great grandmother and that was special to others. It’s a treasure whether you knew the relative or not to have a continuation of your family in your home.
Usually I bring out these lovely old dishes because the red is so perfect on Valentine's Day. This year I'll miss them except for the very few pieces I still have. Lesson learned.
~ See Y’all Soon ~
Donna
Ummm..does your Sweet Daughter KNOW that you have secreted some pieces away and still have them?;>) I know what you mean, though. I have often passed on something only to regret it later...especially something from the family. How lovely that your daughter has it. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteoh they are just so deliciously gorgeous! glad you have a few treasures in safe keeping!!! thanks for sharing them with us...simply outstanding! hugs...
ReplyDeleteDonna,
ReplyDeleteLovely dishes...and what a nice gift to the next generation! My dear daughter~in~law enjoys her grandmother's china! now that grandmother has passed away they bring an even greater rememberance to my daughter~in~law. So glad to see the younger generation interested in the ways of setting a pretty table!!! Thanks for sharing this story with those of us who are newer to your blog!
Fondly,
Pat
Yes, Sweet Daughter knows I still have a few dishes. She somehow has so many dishes, that she has run out of room to store them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts and stories, too. Things handed down generations are indeed so special.
Happy Weekend!
Hi Donna,
ReplyDeleteI also have the same set of English Chippendale. They were a shower present from 3 cousins of my prospective husband. At the time I was only 21 and not crazy about them but in the years that have gone by I have grown to love and use them. Adding many additional pieces. Not the same story but with a similar vein. thank you for sharing.