Mikasa and Corgis

From 1996 - 2001, Mikasa manufactured cappuccino mugs and dessert plates with Santa and a red and white corgi at his feet.  About 8 years ago (after I got my first corgi) I started searching for these cute dishes and the only place I found them was on Ebay and Replacements.  Replacements is always too expensive for me but I've been able to get six sets from Ebay.  I go to lots of yard and estate sales, however, I've never found this pattern. I'd sure be excited to find a few!

I love using these during the holidays!

Teacups Anonymous

Today I visited my wonderful friend at the assisted living center.  She is 87 years old, very beautiful, and her mind is sharper than mine. Sometimes I take Hanna with me but it was too hot today. 

After our visit, I stopped at the cutest church-sponsored thrift store called "Annie's Attic".  I looked around and was almost out the door when I spotted this beautiful teacup.  It was one of the Flower of the Month series made in England by Royal Albert  in 1970.  I couldn't resist, after all my birthday is in July.  The tiny blue flowers are forget-me-nots with yellow centers.  I am trying very hard to overcome my teacup obsession and have even thought of looking for a local chapter of Teacups Anonymous!

Wind in the Willows Picnic, Royal Albert Collection

A few Saturdays back, I found this cup and saucer at the flea market for just a few dollars.  I bought it to sell in my Etsy shop but don't think I can part with it.  The colors are so pretty, all pastels.  The little critters getting ready for the picnic are so cute, especially the frog all dressed up.

The date on the set is 1987.

Thrift Shop Find

Last week a friend and I spent the day shopping at  local thrift shops.  I found these beautiful dishes that were made by Homer Laughlin China Company around 1957.  This company orginated in Ohio but moved to Newell, WV and is still in operation today.  Homer Laughlin also made the bright colored Fiestaware.  The stamp on the back reads Century Service Corporation.  This was a department store that used Home Laughlin dinnerware as their store brand dishes.

My dining room is dark teal under the chair rail and off-white above.  These dishes are so beautiful with my colors.  They were such a bargain, I could not resist.

Little Ladies

I found these beautiful plates at a thrift shop recently for $3 each. They were made by the Hamilton Collection in 1989.  The colors are beautiful and the little girls remind me of my granddaughters.  I have them hanging in my dining room.

Christmas Dishes

click to enlarge

I found  this china at Marshalls in South Carolina this summer and fell in love with it.  The colors are so warm and rich.   I think I got the napkin rings at a yard sale.  They are  tarnished brass  and pick up the golds and browns in the dishes. 

I'm having friends over for dinner Friday night and I'm excited about using my new dishes!  Of course, that depends on how many inches of snow we have.

Harker Pottery

Yesterday I passed through a tiny little town in VA called Bowling Green.  There were several very nice antique shops on Main Street  and beautiful large Victorian homes.  In the Stone Creek Antique Shop, I came across this platter and bowl.  I thought they'd be pretty with my black toile dishes and I love silhouettes.  Even though  they show lots of wear, they are very beautiful!

After doing some research last night, I found that they were made by Harker Pottery.  Mr. Benjamin Harker emigrated from England and settled in Ohio.  For 131 years he produced fine dinnerware.  In the 40's and 50's you could get Harkerware as premiums at stores and theaters.  His pottery business was sold in 1969 and closed in 1972.



My First Tablescape

Well, here it is!  I'm having my best  friend  from high school (yes, that's been a long time ago) over for lunch today and thought my table was worth sharing.  I have used two different patterns of black toile.  I have four different patterns that I use when I have four guests.  I love that mix and match look.    The flowers are wild from a nearby field and the silver plated teapot I bought at a flea market for a couple of dollars.  It sure was fun putting this together, now if only I could decide what I'm going to serve.