Wednesday, April 14, 2010

"I Love Lucy's" Franciscan Ivy...

I am a huge fan of "I Love Lucy," and I love her Franciscan Ivy (American)! I promised to share some of my new collection of the Ivy pattern so I'm starting with breakfast for two on the porch! I'll be participating in "Tablescape Thursday" at "Between Naps on the Porch" so be sure to go be there to see all the fabulous tables!

Now, come on out on the porch for breakfast...


As you can see we are still pretty far behind in the "greening up of the mountains" as they call it here. But, the weather has been so nice that we can enjoy our breakfast out here anyway.


Franciscan dinnerware was started in 1934 at the Gladding McBean plant in Glendale, Calif. My mom also has an extensive collection of the Franciscan "Apple" and the "Desert Rose" which is the most popular American dinnerware ever. She has since gifted my neice with her collection of "Desert Rose." What a way to start out as a Southern young lady! 
 You can read more about Franciscan and Gladding McBean HERE. 




I started with the same rattan chargers I have used several weeks now and the Mikasa "Italian Countryside." I bought luncheon plates in this pattern because I knew I wanted them mostly for breakfast and lunch. I added berry bowls in the "Ivy" pattern and reused the Fostoria "Argus" green for juice. 




I also reused the bamboo napkin rings from Bed, Bath and Beyond and added napkins from my collection. I really wanted to keep the organic feel of the ivy. I also used the Oneida "Meadowbrook" silverplated flatware. Notice I used the "grille" knives and forks. We have both kinds of forks and knives with this pattern, but I like the smaller "grille" version for breakfast. This pattern was discontinued in 1936. My grandmother had the pie server, and my mother added place settings for 16 plus many serving pieces. I think she must have about 100 pieces of it. It's so nice to live next door:-)


I thought the vine pattern on this flatware would work well with the ivy...




Remember Lucy and Ricky using these for coffee? I need to borrow my mom's percolator:-)


I love the creamer and sugar bowl. Some of the sugar bowls have a green trim on the lid, but I prefer this one.


It is so nice to enjoy the morning paper, a cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast outside on the porch after spending what seems like an eternity looking at snow!




Now that we have had a chat, I'll go get the coffee and serve our breakfast and enjoy this beautiful day! 


Thanks so much for stopping by to see the Franciscan "Ivy." The most important thing to remember is that you can use basic everyday settings and add to them a luncheon or salad plate in a different pattern for a quick change. 


I'll be doing a larger family table soon with the Ivy, but I think I might just feature our new find, Noritake "Condoro" which I'm sure you'll love if you like vintage china as much as I do:-)

Please come again because you are always welcome!!

Anita 

40 comments:

  1. Karen@Table, Hearth and HomeApril 14, 2010 at 10:26 AM

    Just gorgeous Anita!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a score Anita on the ivy set!~ I love your setting outdoors! Everything, I see is starting to green up too for you!~

    ReplyDelete
  3. The ivy set is perfect. So springy, so inviting, I grew up eating off Dessert Rose myself! Thanks for the info on those patterns.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Blondie's JournalApril 14, 2010 at 12:28 PM

    What a lovely job you did, Anita. I would love to come and dine al fresco with you. The dishes are beautiful and I love how you continued the ivy theme with the silver and the woven place mats. It all looks perfect for outdoors!

    Hope you continue to have such beautiful weather!

    xoxo
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  5. Carol at SerendipityApril 14, 2010 at 12:33 PM

    Love the ivy dishes. I love the vintage "stuff" and silver plate is becoming a favorite! Thank you so much for sharing.

    Carol

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh this is so lovely! I love your ivy dishes and thanks for telling us the history about it too! After having summerlike weather it is now CHILLY again but everything is starting to BLOOM which makes my heart happy! The azaleas are starting and the dogwoods too. HAPPY SPRING, Anita!!! XO, Pinky

    ReplyDelete
  7. Red Couch RecipesApril 14, 2010 at 2:26 PM

    I love your cozy little spot on the porch to dine. I just love the warmth of this, and all your tablescapes! The green Fostoria is so beautiful with your Ivy and I really need to check out Lucy to see their dishware...I haven't noticed it before even though all my family is a fan of the show. Joni

    ReplyDelete
  8. One of my first "grown up " purchases for my apt- post college- was ivy china- although not franciscan-still have it and use it. Enjoyed seeing your outdoor presentation and the "greening" up in your area. Hope you wore your robe and pjs for breakfast-so much more relaxing- the percolator would be a nice touch.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anita, what a great table setting on the porch. I have seen that dinnerware at a local flea market. I love the ivy leaves against the white. I will be right over for that coffee and breakfast!

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a perfect porch for outdoor dining! I love the table and the tablescape. What fun! Lori

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wonderful breakfast setting for the porch. Beautiful porch too! I like the flatware you chose and the real ivy too. It's all just perfectly beautiful! Great photos too!

    ReplyDelete
  12. once in a blue moon...April 14, 2010 at 6:34 PM

    wonderful way to start your day!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love that pattern! What a wonderful table and on the porch! Really pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Beautiful! Stop by to enter my napkin Ring giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Mid-Atlantic MarthaApril 14, 2010 at 7:22 PM

    So pretty -- I have a thing for Ivy so this is right up my alley! Love how pretty this is on your porch -- what a great setting.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Love the Ivy.. such a peaceful setting!
    ~Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  17. The Inspired NestApril 14, 2010 at 7:37 PM

    I have never seen the Fransican Ivy pattern! I know have a new pattern on my wishlist! You tablescape is just perfect! Lacy

    ReplyDelete
  18. I have always loved this pattern. I think it came from watching I Love Lucy too! Not everyone knows those are the dishes she used.

    My Aunt has a set and I love when I go to her house and she uses them.

    I have the set of Apple Fransican. It belonged to another one of my Aunts and when she died I got it. It's a treasure of mine.

    Though I've only used it one time. I have it packed up to hand down to my great niece. I really should get it unpacked and do a tablescape with it.

    Hugs,
    Joanne

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love, love it! Your tablesetting is beautiful on the porch.

    I love to watch I love Lucy!

    Wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Creations By CindyApril 15, 2010 at 5:34 AM

    Oh I love the ivy leaf dinnerware. So pretty. Be blessed. Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  21. Simply 'DEVINE', love the ivy dinnerware and decor!

    ReplyDelete
  22. HELLO ANITA, JUST STUNNING, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SETTING!!! SOOOO INVITING TOO!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. SO elegant, yet down-to-earth! I love the rustic placemats with this pattern. I never knew it was Lucy's pattern! A gorgeous outdoor table!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh, Anita, I have been waiting for your "Ivy" tablescape and you didn't disappoint me!! If I lived closer I'd bring over my huge collection of Ivy serving pieces and place settings and we'd play all day and take lots of pictures!! This is a beautiful tablescape and Lucy would love it as much as I do, because my beloved Ivy is my very favorite! I began collecting it when I was 12 and that was 40 years ago! Thanks for sharing this beautiful table with us.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Ivy is a very expressive plant. I love Ivy in nature and as a decorative element, too. Shape and color makes it determining and reassuring at the same. I love the combination with bamboo and green glasses and the flatware goes very well with the tableware. Absolutely perfect.
    Greetings, Johanna

    ReplyDelete
  26. Beautiful! I love green - my new favorite color. Blessings,Ava

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh so inviting. I'd love to have morning coffee on your porch!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I ♥♥♥ your breakfast table, what time did you say you serve? All that green and white makes my heart beat a little faster.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Don't remember Lucie and Ricky but do remember my Auntie Jeannie who had that pattern. Franciscan is such a blast from the past. Love this post. -- Jane F.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love that old Ivy pattern. I think it may have been around when I married in the sixies. Is the background white or cream? I'd love to know at your convenience at connieb912@yahoolcom.
    Thanks,
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  31. myletterstoemilyApril 15, 2010 at 6:44 PM

    i love luci and her ivy china!

    you created a lovely tablescape!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Lia at Petite Little BeeApril 15, 2010 at 6:54 PM

    Absolutely beautiful!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Ridgely (Grandma J @ Dear Angelene)April 16, 2010 at 5:08 AM

    I wish I could stop by for coffee this morning! What a lovely spot you've created. My grandmother had a set of these ivy dishes, and I hadn't known it was Franciscan dinnerware! Brought back wonderful memories. Lovely tablescape.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Love this and especially love that setting. Love the soft greys of the trees.

    nannykim at Spindle cottage

    ReplyDelete
  35. oh i just love your dishes and the perfect outdoor setting it is so pretty .You are so lucky to live near your mom i wish i lived near Debbie wellnow i have to catch up on your posts thanks for the lovely tour of your outdoor setting:)

    ReplyDelete
  36. ~Carrie from Cottage Cozy~April 16, 2010 at 9:37 PM

    I love those dishes too. Your porch looks just dreamy and your property with all of those trees just so inviting!

    What a welcoming breakfast table!

    ReplyDelete
  37. This is beautiful, Anita! What a lovely spot for breakfast! I love your Ivy pattern and I have a collection of the Desert Rose. I love this stuff! You've added just the right pieces that look lovely together.
    Hope you'll come to my party on May 7th! It has to do with bathrooms, mirrors and cameras! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Laura Ingalls GunnApril 17, 2010 at 8:38 AM

    What a pretty picture of a green spring.

    Thank you so very much for your recent kind thoughts and comments.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Love the pictures! I adore the ivy plates. I received Noritake's Ivy Lane when I got married and sadly, all the plates are breaking. I love the ivy. It just makes me happy just as your pictures and tablescape did! Enjoy the weather!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hey

    I have a perfect 6 piece ivy dinner set. It has six cups, saucers, gravy boat, cake tray, tea pot, dinner plates, side plates, bowls, water cups and serving dishes. It is totally faultless. I am looking to sell it but have no idea how to get it valued...do you have any idea how much yours is worth.

    if you could contact me i would be so grateful, my email is hotpatootietv@gmail.com, my name is Dawn

    Thanks so much x

    ReplyDelete