I have always had my eye on Spode Woodland china. There is something about the dark-chocolate toile pattern rims combined with the wildlife of the woods that (to me) is a timeless classic. I don’t think it’s the sort of pattern I would tire of easily as it’s been on my “wishlist” for some time now. I revisit the idea of these dishes often, but especially when the air turns cold and the leaves start to change each Fall.
If it were possible for dishes to scream, these pretties would be shouting “comfort food!” It’s the time of year when we gravitate toward stew, roasted root vegetables, braised beef and the like. These plates could only make those dishes look tastier! Each year, I consider the fact that they’d be perfect for my Thanksgiving table. However, living in NYC with limited cupboard space, I could never justify a special set of “holiday” china.
So, over the weekend I started “dream” china shopping! Mr. D always asks “Why in the world did you come to this marriage with so much dishware?” (For the record: I arrived with at least three full sets and a vintage china cup collection.) I love it. I love to look at it. I love to eat off it. I love to set a pretty table and I love to have OPTIONS when entertaining! Heck, I like to have options for my toast each morning. I enjoy deciding between blue and white or a pink patterned plate that will pick up on the hue of my raspberry jam. Presentation matters, doesn’t it?
Perhaps I love dishes too much. Fact is, growing up with the last name Cupp … and a grandmother who still has a flawless set of pink depression glass … enough said. Spode ‘Woodland’ pattern can be found at European Tableware, Horchow, Macy’s or at any fine china shop that carries the Spode line. Now that I know where to find it, I can’t help but think that my “country kitchen table” should have these lovely dishes!
While I was popping around the web “dream” china shopping, I stumbled upon another pattern by Spode called Delamere. I have to admit, I almost love it more than Woodland. Just thinking out-loud here, but perhaps it would be nice to have the place settings in Delamere and the accent pieces (serving bowls and platters) in the Woodland pattern…
Boy, I am laughing at myself – Mr. D is going to be shocked when everything gets repurposed into different rooms. Poor guy! He had best prepare himself though as “nesting time” is drawing near. You know what else is near -?- HALLOWEEN!!
Over the weekend we booked hotels for our trip out East. We’ll be in the City Thursday and Friday for meetings and to go to the Procession of Ghouls. Hooray! Then, on Saturday morning we’ll head to Litchfield until Wednesday of the following week. That should give us plenty of real estate shopping time ~YAY!!!
Posted by ABCDDesigns / Collections and Dream Decorating and Nesting and The Country House and Uncategorized
The images above are from designer S.R. Gambrel’s West Village townhouse. While we’re away house-hunting for a place of our own, be sure to peruse Steven Gambrel’s entire portfolio. His interior design work is completely divine. I absolutely swoon over the combination of old and new elements. Rustic and modern = so totally up my alley. It’s a look I will aspire towards when decorating our new abode. Speaking of which…
If interior design is not your thing, pop over to The Ritzy Bee blog. (It’s is where I found those gorgeous gourd images!) Maria writes about all the *little* details that make decorating for any event *extra* special.
