Saturday, March 13, 2010

A Delightful Discovery Indeed

When I was a young , I was promised by someone that when I got older I would receive a set of dishes with dainty scattered pink roses all over them. For years I would dream about those dishes and how many Betty Crocker points it would take to save up for rose patterned silverware to match. Unfortunately I never was to receive those dishes.

Before my husband and I got married 20 years ago, my mother and I were on a quest--with a budget, of course--to find dishes for our new household. I had given up on those rose dishes by then, and instead decided I wanted to have a "fruit" inspired kitchen (not literally fruit, but a take off of the "fruit of the Spirit" as is found in Galatians 5: 22-23 " But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."--depicting what someone who has put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus should be like). I thought green backgrounds with bright fruit could always be fresh and pretty in a kitchen not to mention easily updated and enhanced. At the time I couldn't find a set of dishes to fit this theme...and expensive china was out of the question. So, Mom and I decided on a rather utilitarian set of ivory "stoneware" looking dishes that were very economical and practical and would go with my fruit theme along with green glasses and fruit napkins. I had hoped to replace them within a few years--perhaps if I broke a few I would NEED to replace them...but, alas, they have been durable and faithful all of these years through kids and moves and mishaps and klutzy moments. I would dream of china and see fruit patterns by Lenox and others and sigh at their beauty and despair at their prices. Some "everyday" fruit dishes have come out by Corelle, but they just never "spoke" to me.

I confess, however, that through the years, although I have greatly enjoyed my fruit theme, I have always had a heavy tug towards roses and have SO enjoyed the rose trend over the last many years. There are just so many pretty rose china patterns out there that I have seen in magazines and in other people's kitchens. *sigh*

Well, the day before yesterday Mom and I were at a thrift store and I saw these...
There are two plates of each size--the larger plates were $1 each and the smaller were $.50 each! How could I resist? I tried not to do a little jig right here at the thrift shop for excitement. They are in perfect condition, and I bought all four.
As you know, I already have a teacup and saucer and dessert plate in the Old Country Roses pattern (as well as a mug from which I'm drinking tea right now) and teacup and saucer in the "Ruby Lace" pattern. Now, I say this is a "delightful" discovery because the thought occurred to me that fruit or no fruit I could be on a very thrifty and only budget-friendly quest to find more of these plates, one-by-one if necessary, to build up a set of dinner and dessert plates via thrift shopping or on Ebay or garage sales and the like. I don't need all of the extras, but a set of these for company would truly be a dream...a dream come true.

7 comments:

Elderberry-Rob said...

They are beautiful, I would like some too! I think when you find things bit by bit like this you enjoy and appreciate them so much more. Hope more come your way.

sjmcdowell said...

Hi Michele,

When I lived in England I aquired a small collection of Old Country Roses/Royal Albert pattern. I have a candy dish, basket of roses, a Christmas plate and my favorite is the three tiered plate stand that you can put scones on, or cupcakes.
I have always wanted the whole set of dishes and I know how you feel.
I have never had a really lovely set of dishes and this has been my favorite for years. I know Macy's does carry the line and when they do have sales it's a good time to pick up some pieces every now and then. Well if you and I lived closer we could buy the set and share it....Ahh well I wish you luck in getting your very own set sometime!!
Have a lovely day, Susan

Cynthia K. said...

Oh, I'm so happy for you!! I know that was a thrilling moment when you saw them. And it's amazing they were priced at $.50 and $1.00!! That wouldn't normally happen - I think it was a God thang!!! Hope you'll continue to blessed and find them 4 at a time...

Cynthia K. (Beauty and Blessings)

Unknown said...

Hi Michele. I just wanted to stop by and introduce myself. I'm going to be you swap partner in Jenny's Petite Basket Swap. Sorry I didn't get to come by sooner but it seems I've got a yucky stomach bug and I'm getting better but it's lingering a little. Enough of that.

I'm looking forward to coming by again tomorrow when I'm better and checking out you blog from what I see you have uber talent!!!!

Have a beautiful Sunday. Hugs...Tracy :)

Marie Rayner said...

I have always loved the Old Country Roses pattern as well. What a lucky find!!

Unknown said...

Holy tamoly!!! I'd having been doing JIGS for sure for that price. That was a true bargain & they are such a beautiful pattern by a great company.
Good for you ... you'll enjoy these even more.

Have a fabulous week, my friend.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

Perfect Michele, just perfect. I've loved my visit today. You are awesome.



come visit
Hugs
cindy@stitches