Monday, January 17, 2011

Inspiration... china... beauty


Sunday found all three of us at home, our immune systems fighting off a bug of some kind.  A chicken had been defrosted on Saturday, transformed into lemon chicken orzo soup once again on Sunday afternoon (I do tend to get into ruts but it is delicious).  :)

As the guys watched football and kept up with scores, I retreated to fluffed up pillows and the flannel sheets of my bed... re-reading Victoria and perusing Beauty.  Then I saw it... inspiration... why hadn't I thought of this before?  Rather than hiding Beauty behind the doors of the hutch... let it be displayed to bring smiles.

So, this morning, further tweaking of the china cabinet took place and produced... this...





By the way, just for recent readers, most of the contents of my china cabinet were found while thrifting.  The set of Royal Albert china... the complete set (platters stored elsewhere)... about $60.00 found and purchased shortly after we moved to this house in the country.

Only the teapot sitting on the china (which was a gift from Stephanie) and the plates displayed on the top shelf (from "Grandmother's china", inherited from my mother-in-law who inherited it from her mother) were not purchased while thrifting or from garage sales.  Some of the teacups were gifts, too.

It truly does not take a lot to add Beauty and part of the fun is in the search.  :)

Oh... and we are all much better today.  Just as Jewish grandmothers have known for centuries... there is a lot of healing in that chicken soup.

Picture:  All may be enlarged by just clicking on them if you are as nosy as I am.

In case you are wondering...  The complete set of china displayed on the bottom shelf is the Lavender Rose pattern by Royal Albert.  It was one of those "God things" as I had the $60.00 to spend right then and lavender was the primary color of the dining area in our "new to us" house (it originally had purple-lavender curtains as well as wall paper but I replaced it with the lace).

17 comments:

Susan said...

I love your china - it looks just beautiful.

Glad you are feeling better :-)

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

I just love the way God works to bring us beauty - in ways that are special to us! Your set is amazing - Royal Albert - $60? Definately God!

Thanks for inspiring us to bring out the beauty we have in our homes!

Deb said...

I always look forward to free time to play with my dishes. Love your cabinet.

Anonymous said...

Your china is beautiful.

I also love pretty china and glassware. I have gotten lots of vintage glassware and silver at Goodwill, but have never seen such fine china there. You were truly blessed.
I did get a gorgeous set of English bone china at a good price at an auction, but it was several times higher than your find. Still, a bargain and has been enjoyed!

Marie said...

Very beautiful....we have had sickness as well and I have been cleaning and decorating. :)

Scrappy quilter said...

I love Royal Albert...such pretty china. Glad to hear you're feeling better. Hugs

moreofhim said...

So beautiful!! Your taste matches mine completely. :)

So glad you're feeling better...there's just something about chicken soup.

God bless you - Julie

Anita said...

Lovely!!!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Beautiful...now I want to go thrift shopping...I hear it is good in January!

Fixing My Thoughts said...

Very pretty! So are you leaving your china cabinet doors open? I would like to, but with so many curious kitties in the house, it just wouldn't work. Bess

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Now that's catching glimpses of beauty in unexpected places. Pretty china.... my high school girlfriend chose that pattern for her 'hope' chest so many years ago. I always think of her when I see it.

Heather @ Simple Wives said...

Your china is just beautiful! I recently spent an afternoon cleaning, and dust our china cabinet. I'm trying to make it a habit to eat off our China at least once a week. No since in allowing it to gather dust...it should be enjoyed.

That chicken soup sounds delicious!!

Thoughts for the day said...

I have a rose theme in our home too. Something about the beauty of 'roses' and I have the old country rose dishes too. My husband is very kind to tolerate such a 'feminine' look.
It is really pretty.

Mamato3 said...

I must tell you that I stop by almost nightly here with my cup of tea, ready to be calmed and soothed by your wonderful choice of music and an inviting and serene photo at the end of a blessed and busy day. Thank you for all that you share of your heart and your home -- what a Godly inspiration you are!

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

That is one beautiful pattern! Love your display!

Manuela

Joanne said...

It is beautiful...love that pattern!
And yes, God is the giver of all good gifts! Thank you for another lovely post!
Joanne at Seasonal Hearth

Marie said...

Brenda, your china is beautiful. Thanks for the soup recipe.
Love,
Marie