Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Wildflowers in Winter - Week Four

For the week of February 6th through the 12th, the assignment for Wildflowers in the Winter is to show how wildflowers are featured in various decorations in our home. Elizabeth Joy of Wildflower Morning has created this eight week event to have some fun with wildflowers until spring arrives. To sign-up, visit Elizabeth Joy at Wildflower Morning.

I have inherited my mother's china, which is Franciscan Desert Rose. The plates themselves are lovely, but I especially like some of the special pieces such as the rosebud salt and pepper shakers, the butter dish with the bud-shaped handle, and the creamer with the twisted-stem handle.


When my sisters and I were young, my parents started collecting pieces of silver flatware for our hope chest. A hope chest is similar to a dowry, something of financial worth that a young girl might bring to a marriage. Pictured is my silverware. The pattern is Woodlily by Frank Smith. Perhaps, the artist has actually portrayed Lily-of-the-Valley instead of a Wood Lily.


I have a few items with pressed flowers. Shown here is a place mat that was also my mother's. There are two unknown flowers, some milkweed seeds, money plant seed pods, and other plant items.


Another treasure from my parents is an antique lamp with this hand-painted shade. In addition to the artist's interpretation of a swallowtail butterfly, the idyllic scene includes some variety of morning glory.


To see how other participants decorate with wildflowers visit Wildflower Morning.

23 comments:

willowtree said...

Huh?? Are you saying you grew all that crap in your garden?

Yolanda said...

I have always loved that dinnerware pattern.

ChrisB said...

As you might remember I have the 'desert rose' china I have the S&P and the jug. I also have a bell, piggy bank, vases and candle holders, amongst my collection! I don't have a butter dish!

daddy d said...

Wildflowers are all around and apart of everything. They add quality to life in a natural way.

theotherbear said...

I love that butter dish, and the cutlery is also gorgeous.
I'm not sure people have hope chests any more. I had one and I think my friends thought it very old fashioned.

La Tea Dah said...

Everything is beautiful! I love the lamp. . .it's so old-fashioned and serene. And the place mat --- what a wonderful idea! It's so nicely made in an artistic pattern. Great idea!

Thank you for sharing!

LaTeaDah

Anonymous said...

All the pictures are very nice, but that lamp is breathtaking!

Unknown said...

It's nice to have these things of your mother's. :) I have left something for you at my place. :)

ellen b. said...

Oh my! The Desert Rose the Wood lily how beautiful they are. It's extra sweet to have things of your mother's around...

Biddie said...

I love, love, love, the salt and pepper shakers. Beautiful!

Unknown said...

i never saw that china before, but it's lovely...nice to see what others treasure so much.

debi said...

My Aunt Virginia had that same china and I have always loved it.Tried to get some on ebay. E-gads.

meggie said...

Lovely lovely china! I have a love for those old styles.
I also love the lamp, it is beautiful.

Have you seen the Movie, the Bucket List? It is a classic, & I could watch it again. I may do this meme.

Lynne said...

LOVE the S&P shakers and the tiny bud as a handle on the butter dish. How lovely!

becky said...

Wow, those pieces are beautiful! I especially love the placemats. What a creative idea!

Pamela said...

Gram (hubby's grandmother) had a set of Franciscan. I think one of our daughters got it when Gram went home

Clever, you are, with your week 4. I'm afraid I didn't come up with anything. Sniff.

captain corky said...

Very nice! I hope to come over to dinner some day and eat using that fancy china and silverware. Last time I came we used paper plates and plastic forks. How tacky... ;)

karisma said...

I love the silverware, its beautiful.

debi said...

Thanks for sending me over to Wildflower Morning. What a peaceful and beautiful blog. I didn't get to read much as it is getting late. I came to ask you for your prayers for my friend Chuck. I wrote about him on my blog. His surgery will be over by the time you read this but that makes no difference. I know your prayers will be heard. Thank you, love deb

Robocop said...

These are very beautiful items.

Jenni said...

I've always loved the Franciscan Rose pattern. The silverware is very pretty, too. What lovely family treasures!

Theresa said...

What lovely treasures. That lamp is gorgeous!

Elizabeth Joy said...

I don't know how I missed seeing this post, back when you first made it, but I did. It's all beautiful! I love the details of the salt shakers and the handle of the butter dish. I've never seen your silver, but it's clear that it's the perfect choice. But the lamp shade! Wow! How pretty! Thank you so much for sharing.

And sorry again for missing your post when you first made it.