Another New Pattern? I can't resist a Forget-Me-Not!

Adopting Vintage Dishes

It's a good thing we don't have pets, because there's a new pattern to love!

When it comes to pretty dishes, I'm just terrible.  Honestly, I cannot leave them in the shop and walk away.  Something in that pattern draws me in and suddenly, I'm committed.  Do you feel the same way?  But it's not all dishes (thank goodness)  - just the ones where I find a personal connection.  The next thing I know, I feel compelled to "adopt" them, take them home, and show them that their service will be enjoyed by a next generation.  I also think of the person who had these before me, why they chose them, and how they used them.  

With vintage and antique tabletop pieces, I have found them to be in remarkable condition, only requiring a good hand-washing. or a "Gentle/Fine China" cycle in the dishwasher and, "poof!" they are ready to use and enjoy.

Possibly the best part of "adopting" new tabletop pieces is these beauties expand my entertaining and dining options endlessly!  

Today's #mydishstories are these Haviland "Montméry" plates, which were talking to me from the display window at the La Cache Antique and Consignment Store in Denver last weekend.  Aren't they lovely?   

This set of six French 10 1/4" dinner plates have a hand-painted gold rim and are delicate enhanced with forget-me-nots.  The Haviland backstamp indicates that these plates were produced from 1946 - 1962.  At this time, they are bonafide antiques (a term used for an object 75 years old or older).  Each plate is in perfect condition which is pretty impressive for anything that is 75 years old!   And, for $35 for six dinner plates, aren't you glad I said "yes"!

Did you know that Haviland is the first company to use transfers and decals to decorate their china?  This method to keep a pattern  consistent piece-by-piece is still used in modern tabletop manufacturing today.

Here's my story:  We grow forget-me-nots in our garden which bloom every April in tandem with blue lungwort.  These two garden plants compliment each other so nicely.   Did you know that forget-me-nots are among Princess Diana's favorite flowers?  They grow in her garden at Kensington Palace and Harry picked some for his bride Meghan's bouquet.  That's so sweet!  

The heart-shaped leaves and sweet tiny flowers were my great-aunt's favorite flower, Helene Herzfeld Parsons, who lived in Monterey, California.  She was Wave during World War II and a family letter-writer legendary for remembering all three generations of nieces and nephews at their birthdays and holidays.  

Perhaps that's why the forget-me-not was her favorite flower - Aunt Helene never forgot anyone and is remembered by our family for her kindness and generosity.  When I was in my 20's, I lived in San Francisco (in the "Cow Hollow" to be precise).  To escape The City, I would drive my little white Pontiac Fiero two hours south to her home and enjoy time at the beach.  She gave me a key to her home and told me to use it whether she was at home or not.  I was single and in my 20's, and she made me feel part of her family.  If that's not trust and love, then I don't know what is.    

 

Haviland dishes are made from a porcelain base, which compliments other porcelain dishes, like Herend "Golden Edge" accenting the gold edge of the plates.  This setting says "I'm ready for a lovely ladies brunch" to me.

Haviland's more modern(1990's) "Marie Antoinette" also has blue flowers in the pattern and is made from a porcelain body as well.  Adding the pink placemat and napkin highlights the blue flowers of both patterns.  

How pretty this is with the classic blue color of Wedgwood's neoclassic Jasperware.  Wouldn't this make a lovely brunch set?  The blue accents the little forget-me-not flowers so nicely!  You can find more pieces of Haviland's "Montméry" forget-me-not pattern on-line at Replacements Ltd.,  Etsy and eBay. 

As a floral designer, I just love flowers.  These little, delicate springtime blossoms are among my very favorites.  These forget me not's are extra special because they will never fade, but will always remind me of my dear Aunt Helene.  Their cheery nature makes me happy, truly the purpose of adopting dishes. I think that's the best reason to do almost anything - because it makes you happy and brings you joy.  These dishes will do just that.  

Happiness, party of 6?  Right this way!   

Blue jacquard napkin from Williams Sonoma 

Towle "Chippendale" sterling from Beverly Bremer Silver Shop

Bunny with forget-me-nots hand-made by artist Jone Hallmark