Thrift Meets Limoges, with Bunnies!

It seems to me that appealing table settings often include vintage treasures, thrifty finds, garden flowers, new acquisitions, and ... something else -- elements that are unexpected, even whimsical. Little surprises can take a table from pretty (but generic) to fresh, modern, unique, and interesting! I hope some of these adjectives can be applied to the table I've set for you today. You decide ...

The dinner plates and demitasse cups & saucers are pre-WWII. The plates are Turin (Bavarian), and the cups are Tressemane & Vogt (T&V, Limoges, France). I purchased them a few years ago at the estate sale of a retired physician/antiques collector.






The salad plates were a thrifty find -- six for $4 at a local charity thrift shop. There's no backstamp, so I don't know the maker or pattern. The gold rims are a bit worn. Still, with their stylized floral pattern (accented with a butterfly), I think the plates seem fresh and appealing.



The little ceramic bunnies are also thrifted.



The contemporary glass napkin ring has a cylinder that acts as a vase (for fresh flowers or silk). I inserted yellow "Carefree Sunshine" no-spray rose buds.



I also used the yellow roses in the centerpiece, along with pinkish-red no-spray roses and azalea cuttings. I kept the arrangements low, but added a bit of height to the one in the middle by placing a footed bon-bon dish on the shell-shaped silverplated tray.

The other containers are silverplated gravy boats, a bread tray, and the base of a covered vegetable dish. I used small pieces of water-soaked oasis (in all but the center tray) to anchor the azalea cuttings. The azaleas provide a structure to hold the short stems of the roses in place. There's enough water in the shallow containers to keep the flowers fresh for at least a day or two.






A closer view of the demitasse cup & saucer.



The stemware and candleholders are Fostoria's classic "American" pattern (1915-82). It's easy to see how "American" remained popular for so many decades. The faceted design captures and reflects light and color beautifully.





















The silverplated flatware is "Eternally Yours," (1941-73). The pattern was produced by 1847 Rogers Bros., a division of the International Silver Company.

































I used my favorite set of salt & pepper shakers today. They're by Mikasa. Speaking of Mikasa, I just won six place settings of Mikasa's "Daylight" china in a giveaway hosted by Marlis of Creative Journeys! You can read about it HERE. Marlis has set a truly gorgeous Easter table with her own Daylight china HERE! Nicely done!

Thank you Marlis, Mikasa, and, as always, thank you to Susan of Between Naps on the Porch for hosting Tablescape Thursdays. Please visit Susan and all talented participants.

I hope you have a very Happy Easter!