Wednesday, April 28, 2010

April Cornell and Vintage Noritake...

If you have not discovered April Cornell linens, and other lovely things, you are truly missing out on some of the most beautiful items for your home! For this Tablescape Thursday over at "Between Naps on the Porch" I thought I would share some of her gorgeous linens with a lovely vintage set of Noritake "Condoro."


I was browsing through ebay several months ago looking for  a salad plate with green. I stumbled on some odds and ends of this Noritake "Condoro" and fell in love. After I got the pieces, I intended to add to it buying pieces from replacements. However, one day I ran across a 110-piece estate set on ebay!!! To make a long story short, my mom bought the entire set. We are both beside ourselves because there is service for 16! So we figured we could split it in half then borrow the others when needed:-) Works for me! This beautiful pattern was discontinued around 1921, so it is old but in pristine, unused condition.

Then, I went on the quest for linens, etc. I searched April Cornell online for the perfect green napkin and found this "Poet Jacquard" napkin in forest green.  I only bought four hoping they would work. Then I found this "Daisy yellow" beaded napkin ring and knew I was on the right track. Knowing that my mom will do a really formal table, I decided to make mine a little more casual. Here is my inspiration photo below. This is a dining room in Spain, and I just loved the casual, rustic feel and thought that would work for me! This photo is from the incredibly lovely book, "Mediterranean Style" by Robert Fitzgerald and available from amazon.com HERE.


I used with this 100-year-old basket belonging to my grandfather and filled it with yellow Chrysanthemums.




I decided to pull out the amber color because of the napkin rings and used this glassware from Pier One...


Armed with the linens and a berry bowl, I headed to a local fabric and decor shop, "Vertigo" where I found the perfect fabric for my runner. I was so excited to find this because it just ties everything together so beautifully, don't you think? 



Here's a peek at the china...notice I reused the rattan chargers, and the Mikasa "Italian Countryside."


I added a touch of gold with my Oneida "Golden Julliard" stainless flatware.



The butter knives are vintage Landers/Frary/Clark sterling silver and mother of pearl...


Isn't this just the sweetest cup?? I am in love with this pattern:-)




Since I used the amber, I got out this L.E. Smith "Moon and Stars" decanter and glasses that my mom gave me for Christmas. I borrowed the amber candle sticks from her, which came from a local Kel-Save drugstore!


Look at this little tea pot! I thought it would look great on one of the serving platters.


There were two creamers and two sugar bowls, so that worked out nicely!


These will be going outside to the garden soon...






You know I have to include one of my chandelier shots, lol!!




I also left the bench instead of using two chairs because I thought it added to the more casual feel I was going for...


Notice the amber lantern? That is one of my finds from Turkey and I thought it would be perfect in this window.






I hope you are inspired to mix things up a bit! See, you can take a formal china and make it more casual and updated, I think.  Needless to say I have ordered more of these April Cornell napkins and napkin rings, along with some other incredible linens you'll be seeing soon. If you have not shopped her site, please go by. She has some wonderful things there:-) April Cornell.

Please go by Susan's "Tablescape Thursday" and seriously be inspired!

Thanks for stopping by! I always love your visits, and look forward to getting by to see you too:-)

Anita






44 comments:

  1. The TablescaperApril 28, 2010 at 7:57 AM

    I'm a huge April Cornell fan. I love your addition of the amber glass. It gives a great spin!

    - The Tablescaper

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  2. Creations By CindyApril 28, 2010 at 8:05 AM

    Oh it all so breathtaking! Love it all. Beautiful! Be blessed. Cindy

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  3. wow- bet your heart jumped when you saw them on ebay-like the blend of the casual with the formal a great deal- the rattan chargers make the formal china much more everyday. the green color on the china is so very pretty and blends well with your handmade runner (sweet fabric)

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  4. Anita...your tablescapes are always such a treat for the eye! I LOVE this china. The napkins are lovely and the amberware such a great compliment to everything. Gorgoeus as usual :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  5. HELLO ANITA,

    OHHHH WOW I DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO SAY EXCEPT, THAT YOUR TABLE LOOKS MAGNIFICENT!!!!! I LOVE TO VISIT YOUR BLOG, YOU ALWAYS SHARE SUCH BEAUTYS :)
    HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!

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  6. Your tablescape in wonderful. I find it interesting that you refer to it as a "casual" tablescape. I realize it's not exactly formal but I wouldn't have described it as casual. More like FABULOUS!!

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  7. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsApril 28, 2010 at 10:34 AM

    I love Noritake. My "good" china is Noritake and I still love it after all these years {having picked it out for my wedding 25 years ago}. Love the table, Anita! Beautiful, but relaxing and welcoming!

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  8. Hello Anita,

    What a beautiful tablescape and what a beautiful blog! Your palette is so rich and luxurious, yet calming and sophisticated. Very inspiring. Thank you so much for mentioning our linens. It's lovely to see how you paired the Jacquard napkins with our Daisy beaded napkin rings on this setting. Well done!
    Feel free to visit me on my blog at: http://blog.aprilcornell.com
    and join me on Facebook at:
    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=517993397&ref=profile#!/pages/April-Cornell/57658262762?ref=ts

    See you there!

    April

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  9. Anita, those dishes are just gorgeous. What a lucky gal to find the whole huge set and to split it with your Mother. The colors are stupendous. Love the green napkins and yellow flower napkin rings together. Just a wonderful tablescape to enjoy. Love that old basket of your grandfather's, too.

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  10. Red Couch RecipesApril 28, 2010 at 6:02 PM

    Anita, I just love the Condoro and, of course your table! Isn't that nice you found such a large set! Love the yello too on your table. Joni

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  11. That patten Condoro is beautiful and I love the colors you have used in your table. April Cornell has gorgeous linens! I drool but don't have any...one of these days.

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  12. Oh your table is so pretty. I love th epieces that you chose to layer. The china with the rattan chargers is great together.

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  13. Hi. I love your table. The noritake china is stunning and perfect complemented with the amber glass. Alltogether a very adorable table.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  14. Mid-Atlantic MarthaApril 28, 2010 at 7:16 PM

    I love your new old china! How wonderful that you get to share it with you mom. And your grandfathers basket is the perfect touch.

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  15. Oh Anita, first of all, THANK YOU so much for coming to see my table and leaving such a sweet comment! I LOOOVE your new dishes!!! WHAT a fabulous find! They are gorgeous! I love the bench too, it is so pretty. The amber glassware and lantern and candlesticks are lovely too! Everything is just perfect. The cream and sugar....OH! Another beautiful table from you! XO, Pinky

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  16. I just bought an April Cornell plate at Tuesday Morning and saw some of her linens at Home Goods. LOVE that Noritake! It is gorgeous. My other favorite thing a/b the table is the 'family' basket and the flowers - they're gorgeous & makes the table!

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  17. That china is divine! I love the colors in it. You will be able to do so much with it! What a deal for you and your mom! My wedding china is the Noritake Mi Amour. It is hard to find and I got very little of it when we got married. Oh well, I will still hunt it down and make my collection grow one day. Your tablescape is so lovely and I know how special that basket is to you. What a treasure!

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  18. This is one of my favorite tablescapes this week. So pretty. I love the green and the golds. Those plates are to die for! Love them and the linens are so pretty. Great job.

    Hugs,
    Joanne

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  19. Carol at SerendipityApril 29, 2010 at 3:00 AM

    Anita,
    The china is just wonderful. How fortunate you can share. The amber is perfect and your runner is just lovely. Good job.

    Carol

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  20. Happier Than a Pig in MudApril 29, 2010 at 3:19 AM

    I Love everything in this setting!!! Your dishes are gorgeous, and now I think I need to collect some amber... enjoy!

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  21. Anita, your table is beautiful, I knew it was Noritake as soon as I caught a glimpse of the plate. I love the colors and pattern, it reminds me of my Noritake Luray. The amber glass really brings out the colors in the china or maybe it is the beautiful napkins.

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  22. What an inviting table! Your post could serve as a tutorial for how to use vintage china in a more modern, casual setting! My daughter recently inherited my mother-in-law's Rosalinde china, and I'm going to send her a link to your post for ideas of ways to set a modern table for her dinner parties!

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  23. Southern Touch CateringApril 29, 2010 at 9:45 AM

    Your table is stunning! How wonderful that you and your mom could share the china- the gorgeous, beautiful china! Lucky you.

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  24. Kelly McDermott-BayApril 29, 2010 at 11:32 AM

    Love the yellow and greens, it looks outstanding.
    Kelly Bookend Diaries

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  25. Katie@LeBeauPaonVictorienApril 29, 2010 at 11:49 AM

    Stunning! The colors are so warm and inviting; the yellow and green and amber looks ravishing in the candlelight!
    My fine china is Noritake(not old though!) and I just love it; it's so classic. How wonderful you found a whole set!
    I am also in love with April Cornell linens!

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  26. Americana Lady @Americana By CandlelightApril 29, 2010 at 11:50 AM

    Anita I can see why you fell in love with this pattern. You have pulled everything together so perfectly. The amber glass goes so well with the coziness of the table. You have given much thought to an enjoyable table. I am most envious of the relationship you have with your mother. It sounds like you have a lot in common. My mother who is no longer here with me, loved dishes too. But we never were able to share this interest with each other. Cherish what you have...Joan

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  27. The china is FABULOUS! Love it! Great stemware and flatware too.
    Blessings, Beth

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  28. Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy CottageApril 29, 2010 at 1:30 PM

    Wow, Anita, your china is drop dead gorgeous! I've never been lucky finding china on ebay, but even more rare to find a setting for 16! I'm so envious, but happy for you and your mom at the same time!:) I love the rustic, yet elegant look of your tablescape. You did a fabulous job! Make sure to show us what your mom does with her set of dishes, ok?

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  29. Hi Anita! Oh, honey! Your table is gorgeous! Casual? I think it looks very elegant! That china is to die for - well, swoon for! :) It's so pretty and you got so many pieces!! How nice you can share with your mom.
    I love the amber glass you're using with it too!
    Now I just can't get this out of mind: tiny little you climbing to the top of the ladder and hanging off your chandy for that shot! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  30. Bunny, THE PARIS HOUSEApril 29, 2010 at 4:40 PM

    Anita, The table you set is breathtaking. I love the china, it is gorgeous. I too love all things April Cornell!!
    Have a great weekend
    xoxo
    Bunny

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  31. Bunny, THE PARIS HOUSEApril 29, 2010 at 4:42 PM

    I have a question for you, I can't seem to find "pinky's" blog and I see she left you a comment. She always leaves me the sweetest comments, but I can't click over to visit her...if you get a chance could you send me her link??
    thanks

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  32. sweet european dreamsApril 29, 2010 at 4:49 PM

    that Noritake is beautiful - and 110 pieces...that is an AWESOME find! I'm looking for a few replacements for some of my things as well - until I can get them, my kids aren't allowed to even breathe on ANY china! THanks for visiting my page today! -diane

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  33. Yellow Rose ArborApril 29, 2010 at 6:53 PM

    Very pretty, very creative! Congrats on stepping outside the box and doing something bold and different!

    Katherine

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  34. Lovely dishes. What a lucky find and what a lucky pair you and your mother are to share this find. Your table is beautiful.

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  35. Hi Anita!
    Oh I love stories like this...
    The pattern is so beautiful... {reminds me of the flowers on my grandmother's dishes- with more of a rose theme on hers}

    My sister and I did this with Christmas dishes...thinking that we would share if we hosted! Makes sense to share!

    Your scape is so lovely and it's with such gratitude and joy to use vintage things...
    I hope you have a wonderful weekend ~ Maria

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  36. Beautiful green china -- perfect inspiration for the table. Thanks for stopping by. Jane F.

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  37. Another beauty. That china is a find. There are a few incomplete sets of vintage china at our local (nicer) thrift store...I wan to snatch them up so badly.

    I enjoy how you mixed everything up...the rattan charges look really nice with the formalness of the china...and the amber glass...

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  38. Absolutely beautiful! I love April Cornell! That china is so beautiful - how wonderful that both you and your mom are able to have a set!

    Manuela

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  39. oh my gosh i love the china what a find Anita your table is just stunning .I love Aprils linens i happend to catch a sale in the winter EVERYTHING half off i was thrilled i got 2 tablecloths and napkings to match she has the most lovely chic things As always your table scapes are by far the best .I just love the one of a kind finds you have bravo.hugs Linda

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  40. Wow, it all looks so incredible. I am; just drooling over that china, isn't it a thrill to find something that just grabs your heart -- and to have the cream, covered sugar and teapot -- woooooohooooo. I really like the say you used the placemats and set the table in a casual way to really make the settings stand out, and not too prissy. It's all just incredible. Thanks for the post. It's very inspirational.

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  41. Glenda/MidSouthMay 3, 2010 at 1:13 PM

    What a pretty table setting! Really like the stemware.
    Thanks for stopping by.

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  42. vignette designMay 6, 2010 at 8:38 AM

    Wow, you outdid yourself with this tablesetting. It is just exquisite! I'm in love with April Cornell too!

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  43. Lana K. W. AustinMay 8, 2010 at 9:21 PM

    I love every single detail, from the amazing dishes with green you found on Ebay (and how amazingly sweet to share them with your Mom!) and the matching linens, to the fantastic 100 yea rold family basket to the Turkish lantern (that's right, isn't it??? My memory is slipping, even 5 minutes after reading!) hanging in the window!
    You captured that photo's essence soooo well!

    Hugs & blessings,
    L

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  44. Farah MuzaffarMay 26, 2010 at 9:56 PM

    Anita your china are superb, beautiful treasure you have... love it

    I'm following Craft"a"world and think you'll be interested in it as well. To check it out, follow the link below: http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
    love Farah

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