Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Friendly Village

Hello everyone! We are snug and cozy inside with Johnson Brothers "Friendly Village" while the weather outside is still frightful!


We will dine by the light of an antique oil lamp, but first, let's look at the table in the beautiful winter sunlight.


This is Johnson Brothers "Friendly Village" introduced in 1952. Although it is still being made today, these are the oldest. I borrowed them from my mother who has an extensive collection of old and new and tons of serving pieces. These are in mint condition and had never been used, until the first breakfast I served:-) Oops. 


I always use the little salt and pepper shakers because it makes it so much easier. I do not like "passing" things at the table especially with children, so I either serve, or set up the food on the breakfast bar so everyone can serve themselves. That way you can always keep your centerpiece on the table too. 


I chose to mix in some of the "spring" plates because I just love the colors...


Because I wanted to keep it cool, I used my April Cornell "Poet Jacquard" napkin in forest green and vintage green Fostoria "Argus" glassware. The napkin rings are from Walmart.


I again used the silver chargers to go along with the oil lamp...


The runner is the same one I used through Christmas.






The flatware is vintage "Lasting Rose" by Oneida. I wanted something flowery to go with the china.


I really wanted to use this lamp, and thought it was perfect with the old-fashioned scenes on the plates. It is over 100 years old and belonged to my great grandfather. It's not your typical oil lamp, but is an aladdin style which means the wick is round. It provides a lot more light.



There is nothing like the "blue hour" in winter with snow on the ground...







You will notice I used a lot of my usual things but with some borrowed china and different accessories, it totally changes the mood.  Next week I'll be combining the oil lamp with snowmen and hand-crocheted pieces. I figured I might as well embrace the now:-) There are no weeds to pull and no bugs. That will come soon enough! 

I'll be joining Susan at "Between Naps on the Porch" for "Tablescape Thursday" so be sure to stop by there.

Thank so much for stopping by and remember to take the time to sit down at the table with your family. These are the times you and your children will treasure:-)

Anita



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37 comments:

  1. DeannaJanuary 19, 2011 at 11:16 AM

    Really pretty dishes used in your tablescape!
    Nice to get to see.

    God bless,
    d from homehaven

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  2. E. CharlotteJanuary 19, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    That is a beautiful table scape! I love those dishes! And the oil lamp adds so much charm! I would feel very warm and welcome at a table like that. :)

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  3. linda tJanuary 19, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    Oh Anita, another thing we have in common... I too have those very salt 'n pepper shakers at each place setting!! Too funny!
    What a lovely place setting. And that lamp makes such a statement, and has it's very own story too. Love how you use and cherish such beloved family history.

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  4. Linda @ A La CarteJanuary 19, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    Very pretty and I love the oil lamp. We have several Aladdin lamps and the can put out some light for sure. Those plates are very interesting, I like how all the scenes are different.

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  5. MarigeneJanuary 19, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    Beautiful table, Anita...such a pretty pattern...so appropriate as I look out at the snow falling. I love the shot you got with the sun shining onto the table...

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  6. DebbieJanuary 19, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    Oh my goodness, this is one of my favorite ones you have done. I'm all about the color green this year as it's my theme color. I'm so glad that you chose the green stemware and highlighted the greens in the china. It's just beautiful. Did you say where you got that stemware? I'll have to scroll back one more time.

    And that oil lamp is the perfect centerpiece. I can just picture this in its setting from pictures I've seen of your home.

    Really love it, Anita.

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  7. Pamela GordonJanuary 19, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    Anita, your Friendly Village table setting is beautiful. I love your Aladdin lamp too. I never think to use an oil lamp unless the power goes out. ;-) I only have 2 dinner plates from F V and never use them. I have thought of hanging them on the wall as they are too pretty to be hidden away. Pamela

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  8. The Quintessential MagpieJanuary 19, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    Anita, that is the perfect spot for dining! And I love the fact that you used oil lamps with the Friendly Village plates. Somehow, that seems so fitting, and I felt like we were backc in time. Enjoyed this tablescape very much.

    Happy Tablescape Thursday!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  9. LynnJanuary 19, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    So warm and inviting! Lovin' all the pics, natural light and lamp light! Friendly Village is my favorite J-Bro china-enjoy:@)

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  10. DebbiedoosJanuary 19, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    Gorgeous as always Anita. I think the oil lamp is a really neat touch.

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  11. TriciaJanuary 19, 2011 at 2:12 PM

    Anita, I'm pleased to see how you've used Friendly Village, as my new daughter-in-law inherited her grandmother's large collection, and I like to send her links to show how others have used it to set pretty tables. I don't know if she has any of the Spring plates -- they are lovely! The green really sets off this pattern beautifully!

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  12. Sandi (Meme)January 19, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    Very pretty setting. Were those lamps called "railroad lamps"? I think we have one that my father in law, who worked for the railroad always called them that. Enjoyed playing dishes with you! Sandi

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  13. My Cozy CasitaJanuary 19, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    Hi Anita, your Village tablescape setting is so..... beautiful, that oil lamp is a beautiful centerpiece too .We have two lamp that we use in Florida when we had Hurricanes . I love those dishes!
    Anita thanks for asking about me in Miami it was very nice time with my family that I was messing so much specially my parent they are 86 and 85 years old, I have good news for you. I’m move back home in May with Monica, Jesus is going to stay for 1 more Year in California.
    We are going to be between Miami and California Is at least I’m going be back in my own home that I’m missing so much it’s not the same here, we don’t have any one in here so I’ve been feeling so depressed here, you need your family and friends too.
    XOX

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  14. Bonnie@Creative DecoratingJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    Oh so pretty! Love the warmth of it on such cold winter days! I can just smell the comfort food being served!

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  15. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    I adore the lamp.....what a great heirloom piece and of course the table is beautiful also.

    Blessings!

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  16. Mid-Atlantic MarthaJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:42 PM

    I love Friendly Village -- and it certainly does look friendly on your pretty table. What a great lamp and beautiful chargers.

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  17. VanessaJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    We are at the table together every night and those are some of our best times! I so agree that it gets pushed to the side too often in our busy culture and yet it is too precious not to protect. Thank you for speaking those words of encouragement! And for sharing yet another gorgeous tablescape with us. I love that place setting and how wintery it feels! :-)
    Vanessa

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  18. LaJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    Your tablescape is so warm and cozy. I like the way the natural light dances across the table. Very pretty.

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  19. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:26 PM

    I love love your runner. Everything looks beautiful.

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  20. nannykimJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    I just love this. I haven't seen the different dishes to this set so I enjoyed this. Love the cozy lamplight!

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  21. Red Couch RecipesJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    Anita -- thank you for letting me view your "Friendly Village" -- it is a pattern that I admire. I also loved the Aladdin lamp. I have heard of them before, but haven't seen one -- it is beautiful. Joni

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  22. myletterstoemilyJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    gorgeous! i especially love the silver chargers and
    oil lamps.

    every evening around 4:00, i always shout, "blue
    snow!" when we're in the mountains. i just adore
    that soft blue.

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  23. A Perfect SettingJanuary 19, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    Hi Anita! Your friendly tablescape is so cozy, I wish I could pull up a chair. The Friendly Village is one of my favorites, and having that oil lamp is very special. This is really beautiful!!

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  24. D.B.January 19, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    What most perceive as "frightful" YOU KNOW I find it delightful! Beautiful, and love the Aladdin lamp, round wick and all. Looking forward to seeing it again.

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  25. The Quintessential MagpieJanuary 19, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    Anita! It's YOU! I was by earlier, and I thought when I clicked on this as I was going through tablescapes... hmmmm, that sure looks familiar. Haven't I seen this before??? Oh, I'm getting worried about myself! Still loving this 'scape. Dropping by on the Tablescape Thursday train to say, "hi" and ogle your dishes.

    Happy Tablescape Thursday to you...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  26. Miss CharJanuary 20, 2011 at 6:01 AM

    You just can't go wrong with Friendly Village, especially this time of year. Your winter table looks so warm and inviting for a winder's evening. How wonderful that you have your mother's collection to borrow from and that oil lamp is a real treasure.

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  27. Emelia DiCarloJanuary 20, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    Hi Anita, Your table is so inviting......you could conduct classes on proper dining and decorating and would be booked!I have the same sets of petite salt and pepper shakers and use them on holidays and around the table!The different scenes are gorgeous and so colorful. I like how you matched the green napkins and goblets as well. I use green a lot and thinking of buying them too.....green is a great all season color. Hope you are all safe with wintery weather and all my gratitude for sharing your beautiful home, Blessings Emelia.

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  28. LindaJanuary 20, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    Again I'm inspired by your scape. I've been inspired over and over again this morning by everyone's scapes. I too have an antique oil lamp (not Alladin) but haven't had the gumption to put oil in it and actually burn it. Well, that will change.
    Your scape is lovely. Every piece ties in perfectly. I love the scenes on the plates.

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  29. DeniseJanuary 20, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    Hello,I'm your newest follower.I had to follow we have alot in common.Those are the dishes from my wedding day I got 33 years ago.Those are my silverware I started collecting in high School with my Moms Betty Crocker coupons.I was almost positive though that they were called My Rose.I'm also a sister in Christ.Now I'll go back and read more of your posts to see what else we have in common.

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  30. Pam - @diy Design FanaticJanuary 20, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    Beautiful, Anita! Your table is so warm and inviting! I grew up with "lasting rose" at the dinner table every night! My mom loved it!

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  31. PCovi January 20, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    I spotted that lamp right off! Love it!
    The whole table is so inviting and just beautiful.

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  32. PaulineJanuary 21, 2011 at 4:28 AM

    Anita, this is really lovely. So in keeping with the snow too. If ever you get fed up with those dishes, I'll gladly take them off your hands ;o)
    Oil lamps are difficult to find here but I enjoy seeing it in your table setting. Well done :o)
    Hugs.

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  33. Alycia NicholsJanuary 21, 2011 at 6:38 AM

    BEAUTIFUL winter table with all the rich textures!!! Gorgeous...especially the oil lamp! Fabulous!

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  34. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    Hey Anita, I've been out of town, so glad you've invited us to visit the "friendly village" by lamp light,...love,love these Johnson Bro dishes!
    ~Jo

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  35. BeautifulDeesJanuary 23, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    Oh you are an amazing lady...talent is your middle name...I am in awe of you. Your dishes were so beautiful. I really enjoyed your awesome blog.
    Love,Debbie

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  36. BeautifulDeesJanuary 23, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    Oh you are a very talented lady...talent should be your middle name. I love your beautiful dishes. Your blog is awesome.
    LOve,Debbie

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  37. Colleen W.June 27, 2013 at 2:25 PM

    Just found your tablescape as I was looking for tablescapes using "lasting rosé" flatware. Above Denise is confusing it with "my rosé" which is a very similar pattern but not the same. I also own lots of Friendly Village (for 12) but wasn't aware there were spring plates. It's so fun to see how another person uses the same china and flatware you own to get ideas you can duplicate in one way or another. Beautiful!!

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