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Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Bird of Paradise



I've seen the mold of this bisque porcelain Parian jug reproduced in a cruder and heavier form, but never rendered as beautifully as this one. But then, as you know, I have a thing for white.



The jug is showcased with a few pieces of early English transferware that I found together in a Santa Barbara thrift store--one of my favorite destinations-- and one I rarely visit.


But the whole scene is really set for the sake of my Johnson Bros. Bird of Paradise transferware dinner plates!



I have placed my Wallace family silverware on the table, but had to remove the closeup view because of the tarnish! I'll have to speak to the maid! Ha!


I am crazy over monogram silver, and am lucky enough to have the provenance of a few scattered pieces. This spoon has my husband's Grandmother's name from 1912 as you see.


And another with initials that Mr. Hubs still shares.



I love how it's the brown transferware that works so well with white decorating schemes because it's a neutral.



This decorative china needs to be seen close up to be appreciated, and that's another benefit of intimate little soirees!



These serving pieces are over a hundred years old.



I think I spotted them on a table in the movie Howard's End by Merchant Ivory. You must see that excellent film if only for the table settings!



But of course the Bird of Paradise needs so much more scrutiny!



Setting a table with this pattern is like an afternoon spent in the art gallery!












Voila!



Add a few simple napkins. Much more and you have one too many frous! I think there is nothing more luxurious than a plain large thick and soft white cotton or linen napkin for elegance. I'm so annoyed with those anti-absorbent things restaurants give you that slip off your lap all during dinner!



But lace at the hem is always a wonderful choice for a table covering--either peeking under layers or laid over.





Thanks so much for coming by to have a look!
Ciao! for now! And happy tablescaping!

Jacqueline

Linked with Between Naps on the Porch
A Few of My Favorite Things
House in the Roses


32 comments:

  1. Jacqueline.. whaer are you getting all this energy, I am jealous! You have outdone yourself with this table... stunning! Love the jug with the greyhound handle (my boys are italian greyhounds). The bird of paradise plates are fantastic I am loving the blue flying bird (swallow?) in blue and brown tone, a work of art indeed! Fabulous linens and silver too!
    You are rolling out some fantastic posts lately!
    I think your postscript photo is very clever and a nice trademark!
    Bella

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  2. Beautiful table setting. I love the old world look of the Bird of Paradise plates. They look like the paintings of flowers in urns in the old masters paintings.

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  3. What a lovely post! I have never seen this china pattern but will be keeping an eye out for it now..fabulous!

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  4. Just gorgeous! I think the tinge of brown and the beautiful bird of paradise pattern are picking up that brick background and pulling in a PERFECT setting... The rustic flair of brick with the pure white is wonderful paired together...
    Donna

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  5. Jacqueline, what a gorgeous post, I love your awesome table setting! I have to say, your tablecloth is truly a piece of artwork! I love your plates and oh my goodness, your silver with the engraving on them, to die for!

    I am so happy I dropped in to see all of this beauty, such a treat!

    Nancy

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  6. Your setting is absolutely beautiful! I love the artwork on the plates..so much detail.
    Debbie@houseatthelake

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  7. I am catching up! Love, Love, Love this tablescape. I have just one piece of the Bird of Paradise...but it is one of my favorite. The jug was very interesting. I found one..just like it, except in colors in our attic(in the parsonage)...broken. Many years ago, ladies in our church, did ceramics and evidently gifted this to some pastor who put it into the attic...and it somehow was broken. I REALLY hated that....
    I like the white one even more though!

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  8. Stunning table, love the pitcher.

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  9. Beautiful post-I love how you put everything together. It was great to meet you a few weeks ago at your shop. I know that I'll be back. You're inspiring!

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  10. I had to hope over and see what all the fuss was about. This really is beautiful. I love the pitcher, what a unique piece that is. The transferware plates are gorgeous too. I received Kirk Steiff Old Maryland Engraved for my wedding, but didn't initial it. Maybe I made a big mistake! I love your heirloom pieces, how wonderful they are. A very lovely table indeed.

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  11. Love your vintage table, and the monograms on the sterling is one of my favorite things! Don't you just love it? And I love your pretty linens and china, too. Thank you for sharing.

    Happy Tablescape Thursday...

    Sheila :-)

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  12. Your tablescape is just lovely. I love the Bird of Paradise plate and the jug is exquisite. Your tablecloth is very pretty..Christine

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  13. G'morn, Jacqueline ~ Oh, I love this jug ... & your table setting is so elegrant & inviting. Beautiful!

    Have a beautiful summer day ~
    TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

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  14. Gorgeous!!! I am so in love with your ironstone jug....I've been looking for one for ages! And yours is fabulous!!!!!
    The bird of paradise plates are wonderful! So detailed and rendered so prettily!

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  15. Just lovely! Your transferware really stands out on the beautiful tablecloth, and the other elements you've chosen really let the china shine. Love all the detail shots!

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  16. Jacqueline, you are absolutely right, this pitcher is an artwork for itself. And so are the plates. I love this transferware for its soft colors and dainty paintings. You made a very romantic vignette with this. Thank you so much for sharing your pretty table.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  17. Thank you so much for giving us a close up view of the bird of paradise plates. They are amazing. I think I would feel badly putting food on it. The silver is so gorgeous. I know I always comment on your table linens but they are just so beautiful. I completely agree about the napkins at restaurants.

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  18. All is so beautiful!
    Hugs
    Charo

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  19. Just gorgeous!! Love the tablecloth. I also love the Johnson Brothers' Bird of Paradise plate. Your silver too. It all looks so classic and romantic. It could be in an English garden. I will have to rent Howard's End to check out the dishes. I discovered a pattern that looks identical to the teapot in the new Alice and Wonderland and I think it is also Johnson Brothers! Thanks for stopping by.
    Sherry

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  20. I enjoyed your tablescape. The Bird of Paradise is a charming pattern, and used it to wonderful effect. Thank you for sharing your design. Cherry Kay

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  21. Jacqueline, this is beautiful. You have such a wonderful eye for putting together lovely vignettes. laurie

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  22. what a beautiful Greyhound handle. I'm partial to the hounds myself.
    Love the collection.
    Margo

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  23. The tablecloth is just beautiful. The china is so pretty, but the white pitchers -- oh my. I have three whippets so I am really drawn to it.. Just beautiful. Thanks for sharing it.

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  24. What a soft and serene setting, I love the white lacy tablecloth and lush napkins. Your dishes are indeed the star of the show, they are truly gorgeous. I've never seen them before, I'm so happy to have read your post! Your other pieces are pretty too, what a great table. Thanks again for sharing and the inspiration!
    Sharlotte

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  25. What a beautiful table -- love the pitcher, the tablecloth and the transferware -- lovely~

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  26. Just beautiful! There is something so wonderful about brown transferware...I could so easily start collecting it. :) The jug is just beautiful...such a treasure! Love the lacey tablecloth...exquisite table to celebrate our 100th!
    Susan

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  27. Hello Jacqueline...

    Ohhh my...what a lovely table! Each piece is simply exquisite! I just adore Johnson Bros. "Bird of Paradise" pattern...you are right, it's like a piece of art!!! I also really enjoyed looking at the brown transferware...sooo beautiful! But I must say, as soon as I seen that fabulous pitcher...well, just let me say...it's breathtaking! Fabulous table, my friend! It was such a joy...utterly delightful!!!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

    PS...I was through Albequerque in April, sure wished that I had known you at that time...I would have loved to stop by your shop! I can only imagine all the pretties!!!

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  28. I have never seen that pattern before-it is so pretty! Actually everything on your table looks stunning-I love it all!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

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  29. Just beautiful!!! I love white too, it is so calming.
    Sweet Blessings,
    Virginia

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  30. That is so very pretty Jacqueline!!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

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  31. I enjoyed this very much coming from and English Canadian background. Thoroughly enjoyable!

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