How is it that china gets left in the cabinet, used only on special occasions, if that often? At least that’s the way it is at my house, and I actually like my china. It belonged to my mother, and I remember that every birthday, anniversary or Christmas Daddy would give her another piece to add to the collection. This went on for a number of years until she had service for eight and some of the serving pieces.
When Mother moved into an assisted living facility, the china became mine, and when I can find them I have added some new pieces, hoping to acquire enough for each of my daughters to have several place settings. The pattern is Richelieu made in Bavaria, Germany. It has long been out of circulation, so finding additional pieces is not easy nor is it anywhere close to the original price.
Because of the memories and the fact that I hate to have anything I don’t use, these delicate dishes are going to come out of the cabinet. The table won’t be fancy. Rather the dishes will be incorporated into the settings I like best with touches of color, mismatched pieces and whimsy.
For color and, perhaps, the unexpected this handwoven runner from Peru will work.
And, remember this funky cast off piece that was purchased several months ago at The Women’s Home thrift shop? I knew it would come in handy some day, and tonight it will add the soft glow of candlelight.
Add the china with crisp white napkins held in handmade rings
and here you have it. The china is out and is a special touch for a casual week night dinner.
The lobster risotto would look tasty on any plate, but it seems just right served on these lovelies.
For the risotto recipe, come back tomorrow.
It is such fun to share tablescapes of all kinds on Tablescape Thursday.
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Lulu's Musings 
I applaud your decision to USE your pretty china! Yours is extra-special, as it holds so many memories. That lobster risotto looks divine!
Beautiful china! So delicate!
Linda, your china is beautiful – and your memories even nicer! If you haven’t seen this, you might want to check it out… http://cgi.ebay.com/Hutschenreuther-China-Richelieu-Pattern-7658-Dinner-P-/180558450447?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a0a1f4f0f Looks like she’s accepting offers, too. Good luck adding to your collection. I’ll keep my eyes open for you…
This is so yummy looking.., The china pattern is fab as well!..,
Cheers and hugs Wanda Lee
@ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com
and also
@ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com
I was not lucky enough to have such wonderful “hand-me-downs” but last year we bought a setting for 12 from Werner’s former drawing teacher, something she inherited from her grandmother and had no place/use for/interest it. What a treasure! You can see the picture here. We love getting it out for special occasions and Wednesdays, or Fridays. I think I should have done it more often when the kids were little……
http://wichmanns.blogspot.com/2010/03/new-old-treasures-thanksgiving-is.html
Do you think we are learning to appreciate such things more as time passes?
I can hardly wait for the lobster risotto recipe!
Linda, I can’t believe this but I too have Richelieu china! My Mother was a china lover, so she gave me a whole set of 12 and I love it! I do use mine occasionally, and I simply love the handwoven runner you used on the table! You are a very talented gal! Hope you can make it to our FMHS 50th class reunion! I plan to be there. Love your webpage!
I totally agree with you about “saving” our best china–or whatever–for special occasions. At our age, every day should be a special occasion. I have 12 place settings of beautiful Fitz & Floyd china in three complementary patterns, all with shell and coral designs. We have used it every day since 2000 while we are in Fla. I love taking it out of the cabinet every day and choosing which shell design I want for my plate that meal.
How right you are Billie, and I do try to make every day special though that is sometimes a challenge!