My blog friend Kathleen issued a challenge to her tablescaper followers to post a table done with wedding china. I don’t have wedding china. I have my mother’s which, perhaps, makes it more special. This table was posted last year, but I hope you don’t mind a repeat or maybe seeing it for the first time.
When I got married, I did not choose china or crystal thinking it was all a bit too fancy for me. I’m still not one whose table is going to be very formal, but some months ago I made the decision to use the china which came to me via my mother as if it were just another set of dishes.
This time around I wanted to pair it with miscellaneous pieces that are reminders of people and places. The starting point is this beautiful piece of handwoven silk from Morocco. The threads are finer than anything I will ever work with, and I love that this exquisite fabric was woven by a man.
Flowers and candles are in some of my favorite things. The cut glass pieces were gotten years ago at a neighbor’s estate sale, the small vases were mother’s and the candle holders are from a Maine antique shop. I got them because I loved the etching on the base. Together, all these pieces are a perfect vignette.
The china is a no longer produced Bavarian pattern called Richelieu. Prior to WW II, the pieces were hand painted, but later they were machine made. Mother started collecting soon after she was married, and I remember many Christmases and anniversaries Daddy adding a new plate, serving piece or cup and saucer.
Adding to the memories are the crocheted placemats made by my mother-in-law and the textured pink glasses and plates which once belonged to my best friend’s grandmother. Indeed, this table is wrapped in history, and I wonder what stories were told around the tables where these pieces were once used.
Adding the something unexpected is a must for me, and here it is the French napkins from Anthropologie tucked into playful napkin rings that provide a contrast to the more formal elements.
Touches of elegance, touches of fun are here, but what makes this table special is the story that goes with each and every piece that you see.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
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Lulu's Musings 
Hi Lulu,
Your mom’s china is lovely! I have a set from my mom, Bavarian with little pink flowers, but not as pretty as yours. It sits in a box in the basement! My dil does not want it, she has her own, yet I can’t bear to get rid of it! You have paired yours so sweetly with the pink.
Thanks so much for taking the wedding china challenge.
Your mother’s Bavarian china with the delicate pink plowers has perfect companions with the pink salad plates and the lovely pink wine glasses. The cut glass candle holders and vases are nestled beautifully on the handwoven Moroccan fabric. This beautiful tablescape and the wonderful memories for the beautiful pieces make it so special.
You made an inviting table, the plates are exquisite and the combination of vases and flowers is the final touch!
HI Lulu,
I could have sworn that I left a comment here before but don’t see it now, so glad I checked.
Wanted to thank you for coming by and for your sweet comments.
Your table is lovely, love the pink floral china, so pretty, and those pinky peach dishes and glasses looks so pretty with it. An made a very lovely table indeed. I was laughing when you
said you didn’t get china and all that when you got married cause you thought it was too fancy,
I thought that too………but my Dad had other ideas and I am so glad I listened to him.
Have a lovely weekend,
Blessings, Nellie
Beautiful table and post! Isn’t it a wonderful way to remember special people and times to use pieces from the past?
I love using things that have a story. Thanks for stopping by.
I find this table very elegant. Love the way you used the crystal vases atop that pretty textile. Pretty china, and the woven French napkins are a nice contrast for this table. It’s all very lovely.
Any other day I may have been surprised to learn you don’t have wedding china, but that seems to have been kind of a thread among many of the bloggers participating. I don’t have wedding china for my current marriage or for my first 3…only for #4 which was the big wedding with the church wedding-palooza. I remember this post from awhile back, and it’s just as beautiful today as it was then. The fact that the fabric of the runner was created by a man is astounding in a way. I wouldn’t expect a man to have that kind of tenderness/care to be able to do something like that…although it may be a quite different story in Morocco. I’m thinking more of U.S. guys!
The china pattern your Mother chose is so lovely! What great memories you have of collecting pieces at holidays. The crystal is beautiful and I love the part of finding pieces at the estate sale. Your tablescape is perfect with each added accessory and memory! Have a great week!
Pam
I especially love tables like yours, with elements from several family members included. They came together beautifully in this table!
Just lovely…. The center pieces are spectacular and the pink glass plates just adds a nice and delicate touch… Take care, Lor
Love it! That china is beautiful and looks great with the pink plates and stemware. Lovely…
Your table is just beautiful Linda, and the fabric is absolutely stunning~
Jenna
Loooove your Tablescape. Very elegant!
Such a gorgeous stunning table! Beautiful!
Perfect, elegant, and beautiful! Love how you close it with the last paragraph!
Using that from your mother makes it all the more special and beautiful from the heart. You did a nice tablescape old fashioned with bling.
Linda, what a beautiful pattern you have from your mother and such special memories you’ve shared. Can you imagine all the hours spent by your MIL crocheting those gorgeous doilies?? The napkins look so pretty with their texture in complimenting the china. I love it all!
Linda, Your artistic eye never fails you–combining such a variety of elements successfully is something I struggle with. I love the napkins you chose to use with the elegant dishes, and the moroccan fabric is gorgeous. Linda
Beautiful!
Your mother’s china is pretty. I have my grandmother’s. I gave mine to my DD when she got married. China, I think, should be passed on!
I think you are right, the story behind each piece you use in a tablescape makes it more special. I enjoy your tables because you always add your artistic signature and individuality. Your mother’s china and your collected etched and cut glass pieces look lovely with candles and flowers. The hand woven tablecloth is a treasure. I suspect it is even more beautiful in person.
No, I did not get your email. I looked through several times. My address is bonnie.gmorgan@gmail.com.