Tuesday's Tablescape (a day late)

Today's tablescape fell into place...perfectly.  I knew this Tuesday's table would be a day late since we were on a little getaway (which is why I couldn't post Monday or yesterday). I also knew that I had long wanted to couple this china with my showy rooster for an autumn table. His regal colors have always reminded me of Grandma's china. It worked out flawlessly because today would have been my grandma's 100th birthday! Her china displayed on her birthday is a most fitting tribute to a special woman. Always picture-perfect (from her hair down to her shoes), she was, very much, a lady who valued family and education. Loving, brilliant, creative and humorous are just a few words to describe her.

 

 

 Although originally selected for his colors relating to the china, it then occurred to me that Mr. Rooster is also a symbolic centerpiece because Grandma grew up on a farm. My sister and I used to love to hear stories of her childhood days spent with her hard-working farming family on acres of land. We adored hearing about the animals, the crops harvested and canned and the tales and antics of Grandma and her siblings.

Anyone who knew my grandma for her nearly  96 years also knew she was an outstanding cook. Nothing delighted her more than preparing a meal feast for her family. It was typical for Grandma's table to have a few fantastic entrees, multiple mouth-watering sides and delicious desserts. Most of her recipes were learned from her mother, but she also created some of her own. She was known to win many recipe contests in town and friends and family always requested their  particular favorite dishes from her. It made her happy to oblige by cooking or baking for someone! Our family gathered for countless meals in our grandparents' home to dine on these dishes.

 

I have never seen this china anywhere else. My grandpa bought the service for her and I was blessed to receive it while she was still living. Don't you love the scalloped edges? The pieces back then were slightly smaller in size than today's plates and bowls. That's probably a good thing since we Americans tend to eat portions too generous in size on our oversized tableware!

I'm sure you can deduce that these dishes are priceless to me for the family memories they represent! Today I reflect on all that I learned from, and loved about, my grandma who was born 100 years ago today.