Each year at the end of August I look to see if the Osage Oranges are ready on the trees at the back gate to my office. I love picking them and decorating with them. Last year I did a post on them HERE.
This week I used them in a tablescape as part of the centerpiece.
I have placed limes and the Osage Oranges in two oval plates from my antique Coalport dessert service.
I think this acid green color was popular before 1860.
The Osage Oranges last about two weeks in the house, longer if it is cooler and you pick them off the trees before they fall to the ground.
I made a fresh flower arrangement in an acid green oriental vase that was new about 5/6 years ago. It is the perfect color for this grouping. I've used Nandina berries from my yard as well as Annabelle Hydrangeas. I seldom have to purchase greenery for an arrangement as I can just go outside and cut branches off various bushes nearly year round.
Seeing a stack of plates with this type of edge at an estate sale is what makes tablescapers' hearts beat faster as it can only mean Coalport. This dessert set was originally made for T. Goode & Co.'s London store. I purchased them from a collector in Canada.
Instead of using these plates for dessert, I am using them for service plates at the beginning of the meal for an appetizer. Because of their acid green color, I like starting out with them because they look so good with the vase, linens and Osage Oranges.
Here is a close up of the appetizer plate. I am using the gold plated stainless by Ricci again - you've seen it many times - but I love how it looks with the gold edges of the plates.
Starting on the bottom, I am using Anna Weatherley chargers in the Iris colorway. These are no longer being made. When they first came out in 2003, you could get them in three purple colors, Iris, Perriwinkle and Violet.
Then these Anna Weatherley dinner plates in the Seascape Waterlily pattern.
Anna Weatherley is known for hand painting insects on her plates.
Here is one of the insects on the dinner plate. I tried to take the lavender color from these Water Lilies and pull them out into the Iris chargers and the purple flowers in the fresh arrangement.
The dark green stemware I purchased maybe 15 years ago and I don't remember the maker or pattern name. The tumbler has an acid green flash around the top. It is from Dillards several years ago and I don't think it had a pattern name.
And for bread plates, this Anna Weatherly pattern with the cute bug.
The tablecloth is from Zina Vasi in the Marion Jacquard pattern [Dillard's]. Napkins are Primrose Bordier Le Jacquard Francais that I already had which happen to be a perfect match. That's a good thing since the Vasi napkins were all sold when I found the tablecloth on clearance.
The tablecloth has swallows flying around and butterflies along with daffodils and other flowers woven into the damask. The grasshopper metal napkin ring was found at Pier One about eight years ago but I have never used them until now. I'm sure the grasshopper is looking for all those bugs.
Salad plates are rim soups in the Morning Glory pattern by Anna Weatherly. I love the Dragonflies on these. As I have mentioned many times before, rim soups are good for soup, salad and dessert. Great multi-purpose piece that allows me not to buy the salad or dessert plates. See, Mr. Swede, I'm saving money honey!!
Here is a close up view of the hand painted Dragonfly.
Anna Weatherley china is hand painted in Hungary. There are men and women who specialize in certain types of painting.
I like using the rim soups for salad plates so they hold more lettuce and the dressing doesn't run off the plate. I think most manufacturers make salad plates too small.
For dessert plates, I am using these Portugese leaf and vine plates made by Bordallo Pinheiro Rainha. Not a perfect green but I have to use what I have. I have owned them about 20 years.
Afterwards, I placed the centerpiece on the console table.
It will provide colorful beauty for another week to ten days if I maintain it.
I am participating in Tablescape Thursday this week on the blog Between Naps on the Porch.
To see all the entries, after 9:00PM Eastern on Wednesday, go here:
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
Summer
Photos: Swede
Wow, such a beautiful table with so many exquisite details! The vase and china are magnificent!
Posted by: A Perfect Setting | 09/16/2011 at 09:17 PM
Every Tablescape is another wonderful experience to enjoy! Thank You Summer!!
Posted by: Al Vignolini | 09/16/2011 at 04:34 PM
WOW WOW WOW! Loved the colors! The bugs are wonderful. I just love the napkin rings too. What a wonderful table. A real treat for my eyes!
Posted by: Debby S. | 09/16/2011 at 10:47 AM
Beautifully conceived and executed. I'm a major fan of Coalport designs, too. The vase is spectacular, and Anna Weatherly is always gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your marvelous design. Cherry Kay
Posted by: Entertaining Women | 09/15/2011 at 09:14 PM
Normally I would be horrified to see bugs on the table, but these dishes bring 'em in a way I can't resist! What pretty designs!!! I can't decide which is my favorite, although the ladybug and dragonfly are in the running! I have never heard the term "Osage Orange." I Googled it just to be sure it was what I thought it was. Around these country parts (Midwest!) most people refer to them as hedge apples. The color is always so pretty, and they really add to your arrangement. I didn't know they'd last longer if you get them before they hit the ground. Thanks for that tip! Your floral arrangement is beautiful, too! The vase is gorgeous!!!
Posted by: Alycia Nichols | 09/15/2011 at 07:54 PM
Your tablescape is beautiful! I love your plates!Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Jo Ann | 09/15/2011 at 04:39 PM
Oh this is breathtaking! I love what you've gathered for your table. The greens are beautiful. Your china (each pattern) is lovely. What a wonderfull elegant table.....bugs can even be quite elegant!
Posted by: Mid-Atlantic Martha | 09/15/2011 at 07:49 AM
Again, you have outdone yourself. I just love the Coalport dessert set! The green color is so addicting...how could one not adore these plates! Then again all the plates are gorgeous. Anna Weatherly is an artist on china..every detail is amazing..I wonder if she started as a china artist with Herend? The flowers complement the table setting and the vase is exquisite. Just beautiful..wish I could join you for the dinner.
Posted by: maureen | 09/14/2011 at 09:06 PM
Another drop dead gorgeous table.. Love the bugs on the plates and napkin holders. That is such a pretty shade of green! What luck to find the napkins you owned matched the tablecloth you bought. The centerpiece is the perfect compliment to your lovely dishes.. a true winner! xo marlis
Posted by: marlis | 09/14/2011 at 08:35 PM