First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.
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Gaudy Welsh pottery pretends to be something it is not...inexpensive pottery trying to pass itself off as china. It was produced for working class families from the late 1820's until the 1860's, and it originally sold for pennies. The name Gaudy Welsh was actually coined by an American professor who wrote about it in the 1970's. The Welsh preferred to call it Swansea Cottage, cottage ware, Welsh Lustre, or peasant enamel. It was collected by more Americans than Brits. At that time, a growing middle class could suddenly afford finer things. The working class couldn't afford the same fine things, but they could furnish their homes with inexpensive items like Gaudy Welsh.
Some time ago, I found a set of 12 English Gaudy Welsh luncheon plates, identified as English Gaudy Welsh by Adams on eBay. I haven't tried to authenticate them, and I don't know if mine are considered highly collectable or not. I just know that I like them, and they were in pretty amazing condition....
...Today I set a table for 4 in the living room.
The red and white stripe tablecloth added some interest without overwhelming the dinnerware.
The Pottery Barn navy linen hemstitch napkins are held by the Coalport Countryware napkin rings. I used my everyday stainless steel flatware, Towle, Antique Bead.
Ready for the details?
...to frame the cornflower blue of the Spode Blue Room Collection, Warwick Vase, dinner plate...
...placed beneath the cheerful and friendly Adam's Gaudy Welsh luncheon plate...perfect for a May Day luncheon with friends.
I wanted to keep it rather light and airy, so I paired the Godinger Crystal, Sutton Place, goblet with my AJKA Arabella cobalt wine goblet.
...and four Michael's reticulated jardinieres, holding faux evergreen topiary balls...
allowed me to create a centerpiece in a matter of moments!
...and an afternoon of food, fun, and fellowship!
This week I'm joining:
Such a beautiful table! I had never heard of Gaudy Welsh - how interesting! That pop of red does add so much! Love those cobalt blue candle holders and goblets! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLovely red, white and blue table...looks wonderful against the striped tablecloth. I just love cobalt, can't get enough of it this time of year.l The salad plates are so pretty with the basic colors...nothing gaudy about them!
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I've always loved the pattern of your luncheon plates! The red flower offers lots of tablescaping options!
ReplyDeleteIt all looks charming. I'm sure you had a wonderful time. xoxox
ReplyDeleteOh, bestill my heart! There is absolutely nothing I would change in this tablescape. All of your choices are PERFECT!! And they all coordinate so well-----dishes, centerpiece, accent pieces---EVERYTHING!! Bravo! Rosie @ The Magic Hutch
ReplyDeleteRed, white and blue are all-time favourites. I love the small table - so intimate.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you mix beautiful things. The Gaudy Welsh plates make a perfect May Day statement with the blue and red under plates. Another gorgeous table, Cherry Kay! Happy Month of May!
ReplyDeleteI tell you, honest to goodness...there's a name for everything! Gaudy Welsh is one I really could take a liking to!!! What a fun little background to share!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful table in so many ways. First, I love the choice of tablecloth. The stripes are perfect as a backdrop to the floral dishes! Your choice of charger is a great one, too, because it works so well against the red & white stripe as well as picking up the red in the dishes. Just beautiful! Of course, I just love those jardinieres and am still on the hunt for additional ones to add to what I already have.
I hope you had a great weekend. It's probably starting to heat up there as it is here. Got up to 86 here today. I caved and turned on the air conditioning. I just can't stand the flat hair I get with the heat and humidity!!!!!
Have a great Monday!
I am so glad to see your post! I knew you had been ill.
ReplyDeleteI love this table, the stripes pair so nicely withe the beautiful plates! Very interesting name, lol! How do you remeber them all? I have enough trouble with my 5 gkids! :). Kidding, I have those down pat!
Wow Cherry Kay. You always set the most elegant and classy tables. Everything is truly stunning. The Gaudy Welsh plates are very lovely. I bet it was a successful event.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Janet
Thanks for the lesson, I was unaware of Gaudy Welsh dishes and love the name. The red and white stripes are darling with the dishes. You were smart to find the Bormioli glass chargers.
ReplyDelete