Wednesday, January 27, 2010

{Oh China..the places you have been}

China's Journey
*
I have a problem
{well actually many problems but this is one of them}
I have no room for another
teacup
bowl
plate
cup/mug
and
platter
in my cupboard

but every time I go out
I seem to bring home more
{we have a few local thrift & charity stores I frequent on a regular basis}
I adore mismatched pieces and use them all
but
I can not shove another piece into any of my cupboards
{my husband is even complaining and he never complains}


With each piece I bring home
I am always wondering
where has it been
what homes has it seen
what people has it known
what conversations has it heard
what amazing food has it served
*
China's Journey
*
who knows I may have a piece of your old china
I am so desperately trying to stuff away in my cupboard
before husband finds out
*
{pop over to blooming on bainbridge for an amazing pink giveaway}

66 comments:

Jeanette said...

I share your problem. I always wonder what holidays this piece has served or what diffult meals were served on that piece. You have some lovely pieces there.

Janean said...

i too wonder who bought the pieces...was the mug a gift? great post!

The Tablescaper said...

Everytime I reorganize (to fit the new stuff in) I keep saying, I don't need anything else. I will only buy something that is very special. Kind of a mantra - it isn't working.

And by the way, there is no way you have any of my old china. I give a lot to Good Will, but NEVER china.

- The Tablescaper

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour Koralee,
Hmmm, looks like alot of us here blogland have this little problem. I just can't resist beautiful things.
Bon soirée!

Unknown said...

I dont have this "china" addiction, but it's def neat to think, who else has used this, what was their life like.

However, I love china and all the pretty colors!

BonjourRomance said...

Sorry to double post Koralee. I grabbed one of your buttons to put on my blog. Thought I'd give my friends a chance to brighten their day by visiting over at your place.
Merci!

Julie Harward said...

I LOVE YOUR BEAUTIFUL PIECES...I SAY THROUGH OUT SOME AND KEEP ALL THESE PRETTIES! I LOVE THEM TOO, I LOVE TO SIT DOWN WITH A CUP OF HOT CHOC. IN AN OLD TEA CUP! COME SAY HI :D

Laura Trevey said...

How can you resist? They are all so colorful and beautiful ~~ especially mix-matched together!!

xoxo

Julie Marie said...

Hello Koralee... oooh, they are all so beautiful! I don't think any are mine though... I never part with things either! I have found that under the bed is a great place to hide things, as well as the laundry room... the furnace room... my clothes closet shelves... behind books in a bookcase... you get the idea... I think you will always have room for just "one more"... xoxo Julie Marie

Cate said...

What a beautiful collection of china. All so interesting and all holding so many stories..keep them all and add to the stories ;-)

Teresa said...

Oh you make me smile!
Your world is addictive Sweet Koralee!
Oh how I would adore popping up and oooohing and aaaawing over all of those lovely pieces. I gave all of mine up when we moved...to my mother that is.
I decided that everything would be WHITE from here on out.
I adore that decision until I pop in to an antique shoppe and see all the lovely pieces of China.
Nothing like sipping tea and eating a little sugared cookie from sweet vintage china.
Your pieces are heavenly...just like you!
XXOOXX
Thanks for blowing PINK Giveaway kisses!

Amanda (Small Acorns) said...

I share your dilemma Koralee. I keep finding things I never knew I needed until I brought them home. You just voice it all so well! xx

A Whimsical Girl Named Debbie said...

Ohhh, so pretty! They make me think of spring!

http://girlwhimsy.blogspot.com

Blondie's Journal said...

Oh, you have so many pretty dishes. I know...it is addictive. I do the same thing. Let's put our heads together and come up with places to hide them!!

xoxo
Jane

Maria said...

Hi Koralee!
Oh I do know what you mean...
I'm with you on all of this!
... and it is a girl thing...

BUT the guys have much BIGGER stuff that they store that takes up so much more room!
generators
table saws
workshop tables
big tool chests
electronic stuff (whatever it does :D
Your beautiful, useful and possibly historic teacups and dishes are a must have ♥
So glad you loved the THANK YOU post! I love all the things you sent... You are truly a Gold Medal Bluebird
O O O
-O O-

~joyfully~ Maria

Anonymous said...

Eeek that is a dilemma, and I totally get what you are saying. I adore vintage tea cups, their beauty, the colours and designs, they are very special indeed.

I also dream about where they come from and who has loved them. You are welcome to came and look at my stash any time:-)

Elyse said...

have you received the new cath kidston catalog? it's not vintage china but i think you will find her spring line of cups, plates, bowls, cutlery ... quite swoonworthy!!!

xo
elyse

TAPESTRIESOFNATURE said...

OH, BUT ONE MUST HAVE PLENTY FOR BACK UP IN CASE SOMETHING SHOULD BREAK..! RIGHT?

CHEERS, JUDY

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

hehehe.. you can send some to me! hehehehe.. just kidding.. like you, I love vintage china.. anything that is vintage and china and pink roses.. that is all me.. hehehe.. and i spot few china pretties that I love here from your photos above.. are you selling any of them?

LuLu said...

You are so cute and so is your china. I always want to sit down and have a tea party with you when i visit your blog. That would be such a sweet afternoon,
xo,
LuLu

FrenchBlue said...

Hi Friend!
I have the EXACT same problem! It used to be dishes too...now it is chairs! My husband can't believe how many places to sit we have. leave and say, I promise I won't bring home a chair.. but I do!!
XO's
Janet

Catherine said...

A problem indeed. Where to put all the fun and VERY needful stuff we find ~ perhaps your sweetie could build an addition on to your house? Hmmm? No?

Well ~ I don't see anything wrong with storing dishes under the bed! :)

Unknown said...

Ha! Now that's not such a bad problem to have!! I'm the same with my white dishes...do I really need another white dish, no...will I buy another white dish, yes...I just can't help myself :)

Happy Wednesday Koralee ~

:) T

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Oh Koralee, I love old anything. If only it could talk. Think of the stories your china could tell us.
Maybe you will just have to resist any china pieces that you come across. Just for a little while. XXXX

Nathan Staton said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Auntie Cake said...

You have wonderful china, so many colors and patterns. I am sure you will work something out so you can rescue even more! You are right, these pieces do have a story, I am sure if you sit and have a nice cup of tea, they will tell you all the lovely times they have had.

Thanks for sharing your pictures, they were wonderful!
Kate

Andrea said...

Beautiful!
Blessings, hugs, and prayers,
andrea

Shell said...

You could always give some of your lovely tea cups to me!! I know that is being pushy..i couldn't resist...

Magdalena said...

Koralee I can't imagine anyone that your china collection would rather live with than you, You take such great care of them, put yummy food and treats in them, and set up beautiful vignettes with them... I think it you must keep on collecting and sharing all your charming photos with all of us to enjoy.
kisses
Bunny

Winchester Manor said...

Girl...you better get more cupboards, your collection is amazing!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I've sniffing around my Mom's gorgeous collection for years. Maybe I just need to start my own. Ah ha ha

GardenOfDaisies said...

OH they are all so pretty!! Maybe an Etsy shop is the answer to your "dilema". That way you could still go on the hunt for beautiful pieces and ooh and ahh over them, but you wouldn't have to keep all of them in your house for long. Just a thought!

Beansieleigh said...

Hi Koralee! This is so funny to me!.. My cupboards and two hutches are not bursting at the seams YET, but I can see where they probably will someday, because I have bought more dishes in the past year, than I have ever bought in my LIFE!.. Not to point a finger of blame, but through the wonderfully inspiring world of blogging, I have now found a love for tablescaping! I'm still a just novice, but I LOVE it! I've got my eye on another set right NOW, and oh yes... It's just a matter of time before I bring THAT home!.. LOVE the yellows I'm seeing in your photos! So bright and cheery! ~tina

Anonymous said...

your collection is adorable. i have the same *problem*, by the way. :D

Cathie said...

gorgeous! no wonder you keep bringing them home.
they tend to follow me home aswell & I love it

Unknown said...

So much gorgeous China! If only we could know there stories, wonderful post! Have a sweet day!

Angie Muresan said...

Well pass them on to me, girl! I'll keep them safe for you. I live in a huge and very old victorian that's mostly empty. Imagine the stories they'd tell the house, and the stories the house would tell them.
Did I tell you how much I love your blog? I hope I did! It makes me happy to visit.

Chronicles of Dolliedaydream said...

Lovely Koralee you can never have too much china, too many pairs of shoes, cushions, cakes ... as I keep reminding my hubbie :-) You have some beautiful pieces there. You need to start up a little vintage china hire company - there are a few cute companies over here in the UK, that provide vintage china for weddings, tea parties etc it's such a fun idea! xxx

bellaboo said...

A girl after my own heart! I have been collecting china for more years than I care to remember,chintz is my favourite,and like you, am fascinated to think where each piece originated from and who used it.I now have around 100 jugs,and goodness knows how many cups,plates,bowls etc!!It's addictive isn't it.

Bellaboo

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh Koralee, you have a way with words, photos and themes like no other...Comme nulle autre! I love your mismatched pieces!!! What to do about storage? Good question....Enjoy them always in good health dear one! Anita

Rebecca said...

I share your problem - if beauty is a problem! These ARE beautiful. My husband even made shelves for above my bathroom door and window where I display some of my rose cups, creamers, small plates, etc. They're EVERYwhere here.

FEDERICA said...

What a beautiful collection of china darling!
Wish you a fab day!
Federica

Unknown said...

What a new assortment of goodies you have in your china collection. That's the fun thing about hitting the thrift/antique stores is you always imagine just where and who these treasures belong too.

Now, about hiding the stash. I have to do that with all my yarn and well, other collections. It's amazing where we can hiding all these things before the door opens at 5pm and they are looking for dinner.

Love your pictures today....again,
Kate-The Garden Bell

Mammabellarte Rita Reade said...

Buongiorno Koralee,
thank you for visiting mammabellarte, I missed your blog too! I love your bright colors. Ciao Rita

Marina Saclley @ Iced VoVo's said...

Hi Koralee

What a beautiful post... I love the way your China photographs!
Yes, with any piece of china, furniture or even antique fabric ... you do wonder what its part life was like.

Hope your day has beeen great!
xx

Claudia said...

I have the same problem, Koralee, I love, love china. And I live in a tiny cottage. What to do? I haven't figured that out yet.

xo
Claudia

Tracy ~Seeking Refinement~ said...

isn't it just the *best problem to have!?

I'm reminded of that page in one of Rachel Ashwell's books where she has her dishwasher open and it is filled with mismatched china beauties. That is what I strive for - and you've achieved it! Oh what a fun problem to have!!!

And if you and Lulu have a tea party - may I invite myself? I'll bring the tea-sandwiches!

xoxo

Randi Troxell said...

such lovely pieces...

i especially love vintage looking cups and mugs..

Tiedupmemories said...

Oh my..such pretty china! I love it all! Do you display it in clear glass cupboards or like in the photo above in a suitcase? Love that look too!I don't have too many pieces but I think I'm going to start collecting.So inspiring!

Martha said...

Have I told you how much I love your blog? I know I about do everytime. You are just so cute and I love your problem...I just have it in my head a few weeks ago to start a little collection with my white pitchers of different blue ones...and not all matching:)
Love this post:)

Kissed by an Angel said...

I'm exactly the same - packed to capacity!!! I still keep seeing china and glassware that I love!!! It's a real dilemma!!! You have such beautiful things too!!
xxxx

My Passport to Style said...

Hi Koralee, adore this china, your shots are always such a joyful exposion of colour!I wondered if you would be so kind as to support my virtual tea dance in aid of Haiti by posting a link to the event over @ My Passport to Style, which ends Friday(tomorow) at midnight,every link earns a virtual ticket to the dance which I pay for, raising 50 english pence for Hati.Wishing you a lovely weekend my friend. Sharon (UK) xoxox

Rizzi said...

HI KORALEE,
ME TOO!!! I WAS COLLECTING TEAPOTS, BEFORE I KNEW IT I HAD SOOOO MANY. I DID GIVE SOME AWAY, BUT HATED TO PART WITH THEM. I HAVE A BRAND NEW TEA SET UNDER MY STUFFED CHAIR, SERVING FOR SIX, AND I JUST BOUGHT ANOTHER TEA SET, FOR TWO. I WILL POST THEM ON MY BLOG. WHY DO WE DO THIS? KNOWING WE HAVE NO ROOM. RIZZI

Bralliz said...

Hi Koralee!
Soo beautiful post!
I love all the cute teacups :-)
Have a nice day!
xo alice ♥

Unknown said...

i know what you mean. i often think of the people who enjoyed the piece that i have purchased. your china is so beautiful! i've been known to hide my finds too! enjoy your weekend! xo

Val said...

I've got the same problem,no room for another cupboard,no more place in my cupboard for my plates.I love to mismatch plates and I go on buying them cause I live not far from a Chiffonier d'Emmaus and that's terrific...
Val

Luiza said...

Haha, we seem to share the same problem or should we call it passion?
Instead of china , I collect all sorts of old cans...I just don´t know what to do with them anymore =)...

Your china is gorgeous. And the way you decorated it for thier photos is fantastic.

I wish you a great night!
Hugs/
Luiza

Sue said...

Such pretty pictures. I already had too many things, blogging has made it much worse. Now I think tablescape or "story" when I am out and I'm always bringing in little treasures.

We are actually going to use an extra bedroom for my pretty things. It is in the basement, no one uses it...why not?

Sue

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Oh my goodness........I am sooooooooooo laughing.....I have the EXACT same problem. I've been on a thrift store quest for fabric for my bedroom and every single time I go I seem to find another cute little piece.....and CANNOT pass it up. My husband DOES complain and asks me....."did we find some more china"???? YIKES! I've been trying to figure out another system for storing some of this stuff....overflow.....excess. It's comforting to know I am not alone!

Hugs,
Spencer

Faded Plains said...

I think you have the right idea...you can stuff them in vintage suitcases...lol...cuz you never know when you'll have a giant tea party.

The Whispering Creek House said...

what a fun post! its hard to be addicted..hehee let me just say your not alone my friend! thanks for sharing!

Kelsey @ Seattle Smith's said...

What a gorgeous blog lady!!! I will be back for more -- thanks for visiting mine :)

Anonymous said...

I know what you mean, exactly...that's what is so romantic about collecting things that have been cast aside....
I invite you to my blog...ciao

Cristie said...

I have a little problem with picking up dishes with stories as well. I mean, how can you just walk by a beautiful dish at an estate sale when it starts calling your name? Thank heavens for storage rooms under the stairs . . .

caroline joy said...

I love love love your mismatched china. Some days I want to scrap all the matchy matchy and just start over one unique piece at a time!

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

Strawberries and polka dots – who could ask for more?!

Victoria xxx