Wednesday, April 21, 2010

The Accidental Lilac Table...

Hi everyone! I know I promised more Noritake, but when I saw how wonderful the lilacs were in my mother's yard, I had to use lilacs! I'll be participating in "Tablescape Thursday" over at "Between Naps on the Porch" so be sure to stop by there.


Now--I have nothing that remotely goes with lilacs. And I do mean nothing, except maybe in the master bedroom. As far as china, there was nothing. So I planned on using my "go-to" Mikasa "Italian Countryside. Then I started looking through some vintage linens, and came across the perfect topper...


(Remind me to show you all the vintage linens in here:-)

So I took it outside on the porch and got to work. It just wasn't coming together for me when it dawned on me that my grandmother had some beautiful old dishes with lilacs. Again, lovely to have mom living next door because I ran over and found these gorgeous dishes in my great grandmother's china cabinet.




There are several different colors and flowers on these. My great grandparents owned a store, and these dishes came with the sacks of flour. There are no markings on the back and no one has been able to identify them. They have been  called "Cone Premium dishes" but I cannot verify that. In any case, they are gorgeous and I love them:-)


Notice the edge on this plate is a little different than the other. 


I reused the Oneida "Meadowbrook" flatware and tarnished silverplate napkin rings with vintage napkins.




Too bad it's not a breakfast table, but I used the adorable egg cup for flowers...


This etched stemware came with a matching decanter in the late 1970s, but I don't remember the pattern or maker.


I arranged Dogwood blooms with Baby's Breath, "Snowballs" and Lilacs in an Italian vase. I proudly picked out that vase at a dime store for my mother one Christmas in the early 70s. I didn't realize until I looked at the bottom that it was made in Italy.




We're finally getting a little more green...


Just enough sun to warm us as we enjoy this early spring evening surrounded by the scent of lilacs...


I hope you enjoyed my vintage lilac table! Had I really planned out this table, I would have gotten some sheer lilac fabric to drape over the white, then done the same on the chairs with something tied around each chair back. But, there were three lovely little angels running around as I was working on this, and they were more important:-)


Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to visit Susan and please come back again! I always love your visits:-)
Anita

47 comments:

  1. The TablescaperApril 21, 2010 at 9:42 AM

    Just beautiful. Those are amazing plates. Funny where these things come from. And the egg cups are the best!

    If you haven't already, be sure to enter for my birdie giveaway.

    - The Tablescaper

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  2. Pam @ Design FanaticApril 21, 2010 at 10:24 AM

    Oh my gosh!! Everything on your table is so beautiful!!! I love the lilac plates & the flower arrangement. Gorgeous!

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  3. Creations By CindyApril 21, 2010 at 10:27 AM

    So pretty! I love those plates......Be blessed. Cindy

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  4. Anita, isn't it funny that you thought you didn't have anything to work with the lilacs and then it came together bit by bit. I do believe this is my favorite setting of yours so far. Those dishes are divine.

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  5. How lucky you are to be able to "shop" your mother's house, too! Your table is gorgeous -- the vintage linens are perfect, and that lilac china really sets off the incredible flowers. What a sweet egg cup! LOVE the combination of lilacs and dogwood! Thank you for your kind comments on my tablescape!

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  6. I am so glad the lilacs called to you because this table is beyond lovely! Those plates of your grandmother's are so very pretty! Love Love them. Great look and gorgeous flowers. Ah Spring!

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  7. myletterstoemilyApril 21, 2010 at 11:34 AM

    ok, what will you take for those lilac plates?
    a black range rover?

    that is just the sweetest tablescape so far!

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  8. HELLO ANITA,
    YOUR TABLE IS AWESOME!!! I SOOO LOVE YOUR GRANDMA DISHES, THERE JUST STUNNING!!! I THINK EVERYTHING TURNED OUT BEAUTIFUL, EVEN WITH YOUR VERY IMPORTANT ANGELS RUNNING AROUND....HEEHEE

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  9. Yvonne @ StoneGableApril 21, 2010 at 3:04 PM

    Oh so beautiful Anita! Your arrangement is fabulous.I love the tall and natural look of these lilacs and dogwood... a winning combination.
    And your dishes- I am wild about them. Can you imagine getting something that lovely out of a bag of flour? I almost used my Italian Countryside too! I love the egg cup that holds a sweet little bunch of lilacs. Your setting is also something very special. Wow! I would live out there.
    Your table is perfection! All of it... and creative minds must think alike!
    Blessings,
    Yvonne

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  10. That is absolutely divine. I bet it smells heavenly! Those plates are to die for and your arrangement is so beautiful! I love the lilacs in the egg cups and especially tucked into the napkin holders. You are so clever!

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  11. Oh this is just lovely ~
    Aren't vintage finds so wonderful... and even better when it's from family. So very pretty Anita!
    Enjoy the week!
    ~Maria

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  12. What a great table and don't you love family pieces. Love the lilac plates and how fortunate you are to have the lilac dishes! This has been a lilac year on the prairie as well -- the lilacs have been stupendous this year!
    Alas, I have the last bouquet on the breakfast table -- they are finally fading! Sigh!

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  13. I love purple and this setting is beautiful! The dish's and linens are fantastic but your flower arrangement has me green w/envy. It's all sooo pretty!

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  14. All The Pretty DishesApril 21, 2010 at 6:41 PM

    I think this is absolutely gorgeous. Lilacs were my mother's favorite flower and they always make me think of her. I adore the lilac dishes and I think you put together a most beautiful tablescape. I can almost smell the lilacs, everything looks so fresh and pretty.

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  15. Red Couch RecipesApril 21, 2010 at 6:46 PM

    Anita, those lilac dishes are so wonderful! I just love this little table. Lilacs are my favorites! I grew up with a hedge of them and on warm evenings the smell of them was so intoxicating! Joni

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  16. Anita, your lilac table is so pretty with the vintage tablecloth...those lilac dishes came free in sacks of flour?, WOW...I'd have bought enough flour for an army just to get those beautiful dishes! Thank you for sharing.

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  17. Mid-Atlantic MarthaApril 21, 2010 at 7:29 PM

    Oh this is beautiful! I would have a hard time giving those beautiful plates back!

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  18. shannon i olsonApril 21, 2010 at 7:53 PM

    I am sooo jealous of those dishes!! wow.

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  19. Katie@LeBeauPaonVictorienApril 21, 2010 at 8:06 PM

    I love those dishes!! This table is so fresh and inviting and gorgeous! The vintage tablecloth is perfect and I love that Italian vase; great find!

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  20. This is lovely. The lilac dishes are stunning and the flowers are wonderful. it is all so beautiful. Like the vintage tablecloth too.

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  21. Atelier de CharoApril 21, 2010 at 9:28 PM

    Your plates are gorgeous, so pretty pattern.

    Hugs
    Charo

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  22. What a gorgeous table! Love those lilac plates and the flowers! Makes me want to buy some lilac bushes.

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  23. I can't believe how wonderfully your grandmother's plates go with the lilacs - both are beautiful!

    DD

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  24. Kim @ Starshine ChicApril 21, 2010 at 10:59 PM

    I just love, love, love your vintage lilac tablescape. It's fabulicious!!! I love lilacs. I just wish they would grow in my yard. And I'm so happy that you shared your Grandmother's china with the lilacs. Beautiful!!!

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  25. my, my, my- lookie at those gorgeous dishes- wish they still placed premiums in sacks of flour!!! Absolutely beautiful- what treasures she must have in that china cabinet AND those vintage linens- so glad that these heirlooms have stayed in your family and that you appreciate them so much

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  26. once in a blue moon...April 22, 2010 at 6:25 AM

    gorgeous setting and table, love your dishes too!

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  27. Fabulous table! I love your flower arrangement, your little table on the deck, your vintage tablecloth and the gorgeous lilac plates! This is so pretty!
    Beth

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  28. oh what a pretty table i can smell the sent all the way to my house .The dishes and silverware are just lovely never have i seen china like that .How wonderful you have so many treasures to play with thank you for shareing :)

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  29. Rita Kent at TesoroFino.ComApril 22, 2010 at 10:00 AM

    Ok Anita ~ I'm heading over for a seat. I'll be sure to run over to your mom's to see if there's anything from grandma that she doesn't want. I WOULD DIE for those lilac plates. And where do you live to have the lilacs in bloom already? I'm heading over to my next door neighbor's to see if that lilac bush is in bloom! Don't you just love the strong, pungent smell??

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  30. There could hardly be anything better than it already is. It's perfect. I love the tablecloth and the dishes and the lilacs. And all around matches perfectly. And I love the background, too. What a nice place.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  31. I love the traditional tableware with the vintage tablecloth! And even more...I can just smell the lilacs!

    --Alison
    http://www.bitofbutter.com

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  32. Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy CottageApril 22, 2010 at 11:34 AM

    Now that's one happy accident! You pulled everything together beautifully! I really enjoyed your scape.

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  33. vignette designApril 22, 2010 at 6:20 PM

    Oh my! I love, love, love your lilac tablescape! You did a fantastic job and it is beautifully photographed too!

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  34. The Quintessential MagpieApril 22, 2010 at 7:40 PM

    Oh, Anita... how pretty! I love lilacs. Yvonne had some pretty ones, too, and I just love your gorgeous dishes and the cloth with them! You did a super job as usual, and the setting is perfect, too.

    Just checking in from my exile. The men are still working, and while I took a break today, I hit the ground running tomorrow. It is taking longer than I thought. I hope to be back to blogging regularly soon.

    Sending you warm hugs...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  35. What a lovely setting...lilacs are a favorite of mine! Beautiful outdoor pics.

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  36. I can almost smell the lilacs! I love the vintage plates.
    Blessings,
    Ava

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  37. Anita that is so beautiful!~ Truly a stunning arrangement and then the dishes just tie it all together!~ Have a great weekend!

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  38. Hi Anita, Adsolutely gorgeous, lilacs are beautiful flower, you put together a mst lovely table!
    Thank for sharing
    XOX
    Isora

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  39. Anita, this table setting is gorgeous and the lilac plates are just perfect. I have a lilac bush in the side yard and it is just beautiful this year and smells hmmmm wonderful! Have a good week-end ~~~Norma

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  40. What a backdrop for your beautiful table! Your flower arrangement with dogwood, baby's breath and lilacs is stunning. I love how you used the vintage cloth as a topper and tied in your grandmother's plates. Fresh lilacs smell heavenly and are so pretty tucked in the napkin rings. I would love to be sitting at your table.

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  41. Stunning! Just love the colors..and the lilacs..so sweet.
    I think I have the same stemware, or similar..Mine has the 3 size glasses, and I bought it around 1976 or so..:)

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  42. ThisBelleRocks!April 25, 2010 at 2:43 PM

    LOVE the tablescape. AND your Hazel Atlas Crinoline dishes :)

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  43. What a breathtakingly beautiful setting, Anita! Your heirloom treasures are stunning & I can see that, even as child, you had good taste (♥ the Italian vase!)
    Gorgeous flowers to accompany these pretty dishes. You did a fabulous job!

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  44. Anita...somehow I missed this table and am so glad I saw it today! I LOVE lilacs!! Your table is simply gorgeous! I love the table linens and those little lilac egg cups and those plates are truly lovely...what a treat this tabke is :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  45. Just found your blog link at BNOTP. Enjoyed your Christmas tablescape then saw this on your sidebar. Both are stunning. What I love most is the way you have taken sentimenal and every day items to make a beautiful and exquisite tablescape. There is so much meaning to and enjoyment one can derive when using things that touch the heart. Lilacs are my favorite and you are so fortunate to have access to such beautiful and complimentary dishes.

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  46. Anita....I am still happily traveling through your blog.....love this post. As you can probably tell by my photo, I love lilacs! :-)
    xo,

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  47. I just love this gorgeous table you put together!
    As a child, we had 3 Lilac trees in our backyard, & I loved their smell. Lilacs have always been my favorite of mine.
    Now they are even more special to me, I married & have the last name of Lilak!:) I love it! I have several mismatch plates, cups & saucers but have been looking for an older almost complete dinnerware set. Hopefully I will find a collection as beautiful as your grandmothers one day.
    Enjoy them, they are truly special. I have nothing special this this from my mother or grandmother, but my very special Mother In Law has passed down some beautiful displace plates, cups, misc prices that I will cherish for my life time, @ plan on handing them down to my children.
    Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures!!
    Thank you,
    Cristina

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