It was late at night when I found my inspiration. Do you see it sitting on the bookshelf “guarding” my wedding and etiquette books … and old issues of Victoria magazine?
I think of this figurine as “Mom’s doves” because when I was a young girl, my sister and brother and I bought one exactly like this for her for Mother’s Day. Years later, Mother found the same figurine — and bought three of them. She gave one to each of us children when we married. Sort of a “piece of home” that we took into our future ….
Saturday is Mom’s birthday, and I’m using “her” dove figurine as the centerpiece of a special tablescape I’m doing just for her. (Come closer … I’ll let you peek.)
I chose Noritake’s “Bluedawn” china (not to be confused with Noritake “Blue Dawn”) because it makes me think of my Mom’s beautiful blue eyes — which my sweet sister got, by the way — and placed it on vintage ribbed glass chargers …
I added these crystal sherbets because Fostoria “American” is the one collection Mother began when she and Daddy married.
The “American” crystal salt and pepper shakers without their lids made the perfect little vases for roses — another favorite of my Mom. I would have stopped with pink and white roses for anyone else, but Mom’s a Texas Girl, and yellow roses are a “must.”
Vintage devore’ napkins with crystal napkin rings. Do you see the gorgeous etched/burn-out floral design on the napkin? They’re a creamier white than the damask tablecloth, but notice now the china pattern uses both white and cream.
Oneida “Raphael” salad forks and spoons …
… are paired with antique Victorian Mother of Pearl dinner forks and knives by Landers, Frary & Clark. The band on the handle is sterling.
Finally, a mixed set of vintage salt cellars …
… and gold-rim goblets … and a sprinkling of pink rose petals across the table.
The centerpiece is two sizes of oval “Bluedawn” serving bowls stacked with crystal column-style candlesticks between them and topped off with the doves under a small chose atop a salad plate. (The bowls were just too beautiful not to use them somewhere on the table, and I wanted the height, so why not?)
Party time. Let’s light the candles …
Love you bunches … Susan
Also join me on Monday for Blue Monday at Smiling Sally.
Your table is breathtaking! Happy Birthday wishes to your dear Mom 🙂
Blessings!
Gail
The tablescape is so wonderful-I’m sure everyone will enjoy it-especially the doves and their special family meaning!
What beautiful china your mother had!
Thanks for sharing. Happy Blue Monday, Susan.
Lovely collection and organized
Visit J&J Trick or Treat for Blue Monday
love these blue dish wares.
elegant choice
here is mine:
http://thursdaypoetsrallypoetry.wordpress.com/2010/11/01/zestful-treats-to-chew/
Oh wow what beautiful dishes. I love the light blue against the gold trim. Beautiful tablescape!
these are lovely and elegant!
Happy Pink Saturday, Susan.
This is such a sweet and lovely post. Your table is exquisite, and your sweet memories are a treasure.
I am so glad you shared with us.
My mother wanted each of my two daughters to have a set of china from her. Blue Dawn is one of the inherited patterns, and I love seeing it here and knowing it also belonged to your mom.
Stunning tablescape! I didn’t see these because I was on a cruise almost all Jan. 2011…because, otherwise, I would’ve never missed this beautiful china, stems, flatware and the center piece idea is fenomenal! I need to copy this arrangement, I love different things like this! I’m so glad I came, I just love your tablescape!
Lots of hugs. FABBY
Beautiful 🙂 I have 5 salt cellars like the close up of the first one pictured only it doesn’t have a wand or spoon (what is in it as the server?) Would you know the value of that or the year / set it is from? Sorry that is 3 questions 🙂 Your blog is a nice find I’ll be returning.
Oh, I would love to have a dove figurine like yours for my son’s wedding. I don’t get out to shop much so maybe I can hunt online. Your tablescape is beautiful. I love the doves under the dome.