Mix and Match Flatware

When I was a young bride I didn't have much money so I mixed and matched my silver flatware out of necessity. Well this week I received a catalog from a friend that included actual vintage flatware. I thought I had invented the idea!

I realize now that a lot of people are doing it! It's become very fashionable, especially if it has a monogram! I imagine other companies are offering vintage flatware too!

I am always on the hunt for flatware...old and vintage are best.  Rogers 1847 Vintage is my absolute favorite.  I scream when I find some!!!

 Sometimes the scruffiest pieces are my favorites.   I try to leave the pristine ones for my ebay store.  

Here is a picture of my mix and match flatware! 

I guess GOOD ideas are always GOOD ideas! Thanks for visiting, and I hope you have a great Week!

Liz

It's Mint Julep Day

My parents have been to the Kentucky Derby and brought me a Derby cookbook as a souvenir. They have often talked about the juleps they enjoyed and the beautiful countryside in Kentucky.

Here is the official Kentucky Derby Mint Julep recipe from the book

Photo Courtesy Southern Living

Mint Julep Recipe Place a few sprigs of fresh, tender mint in a bowl. Cover with powdered sugar and just enough water to dissolve the sugar. Crush the mint sprigs. Place the mixture in our Official Kentucky Derby Julep Cup. Fill cup with finely crushed ice and pour in good Kentucky Bourbon whiskey until cup is brimming. Garnish with sprigs of mint and let stand until a thick frost forms. Slowly sip the cool and fragrant Kentucky Derby Mint Julep.

Official 135th cup.

I am going out to try to find some mint so my husband and I can have one later today in celebration! Several years ago, I found a set at Tuesday Morning for about $5.00, so I'll use those. Usually they have flowers in them.

Liz

It's Time For Tea

Well it's Tablescape Thursday again at Between Naps on the Porch by the wonderful Susan, a fellow dish lover.



Yummy scones with plenty of sugar! This table reminds me of the Great Gatsby and the beautiful tea they serve in the movie.



I am still unpacking and creating my pantry, so it's a challenge right now to find everything, but I am very motivated. It's so much fun to participate and everyone's tables are so beautiful.

My Japanese Snowball is in bloom!



Another chance to use my vintage flatware!



I decided to do a tea service this week, cause once it gets too hot here, we won't drink too much tea.

It's time to go have a scone, and look at my favorite silver tray! ahh



Liz

Easter Table Setting 2009

My Easter table is ready...I decided to go "colorful" this year, instead of my usual pastel table, and posted it at betweennapsontheporch Tablescape Thursday! It's so much fun to see how everyone sets their table and all the different dishes!



I am using my vintage linen table cloth and vintage mix & match silver plate I have collected over the years. None of it matches but I love that about it. When I was young bride I was given an Oneida Community Set from the 30's but It was only service for 6, so I have added many different patterns to it.



These are the daffodil's I posted a picture of earlier in the week. They opened up beautifully! They are in my large mint-julip cup. I can never resist one when I come across them. I have several in different sizes.




I have included a cabbage from Mr. Gregor's garden for the bunnies!



The cabbage is my absolute favorite place to hide my chocolate stash...I was thinking I should have filled it with chocolate eggs. I bought it at the Cracker Barrel gift shop a couple of Easter's ago.



I've had the The glass bunnies ever since I saw Martha Stewart set her Thanksgiving table with those famous glass turkeys. I borrowed her idea. The plates are part of a Tuscan set I got at Tuesday Morning...each plate was a dollar. I love any plate with an unusual edge.



The green glass plates are part of my collection of depression glass. I love how you can see the design on the plate under the glass! I almost hate to eat on it!!! But, there is chocolate involved so I'll have to!

Thanks to betweennapsontheporch for letting me participate!




Liz

Spring Flowers

In an effort to be thrifty in this economy, I have decided to buy un-opened daffodil buds at Trader Joes, for 1.29 a dozen instead of full blown Easter bouquets, something I spend money on every year. I am using my own beautiful vases & 10 dollars worth of flowers, a 4th of what I have spent in the past. Here’s what they look like when you purchase them.




The instructions say to just pop them in water and watch them open. I’ll show you another picture at the end of the week. It should be fun! I really want to re-do this house without spending a fortune. I just have to work harder at it. In case anyone’s wondering, Trader Joe’s is a very cool grocery store out of California that sells world famous $2-Buck Chuck Wine, organic produce and beautiful flowers. I will take a field trip there and report with some great photos!

In honor of the daffidol's I am going to use my beautiful silver gravey ladle decorated with one. Isn't it grand! When I use it I find myself staring at it, instead of serving with it! When I found this gem, it said "take me home" even though it was completely tarnished. I think I paid 1.49 for it at the Albuquerque flea market.



I am starting my Easter decorating, a little late this year because of the move...here is my silver bride's basket filled with eggs I got at Micheal's with my 40% off coupon! HOORAY...MORE SAVINGS!





Easter is almost here! I make sure to post a picture of my table setting later in the week.

Liz