This is vintage "Carmela". Her nickname was "Millie" to some folks, but to her hubby and brothers and sisters she was "Honey". Just plain old "Ma" to me.
And this is vintage "Carmela" by Noritake.
It made its debut in 1947, the year my parents were married. No, my mother did not have this china, and I doubt she knew about it. We did have about 9 dinner sets when I was growing up; I kept just one and that was her Christmas Spode. (kicking myself hard over this :( fact) I found this pattern by accident and started collecting it. I have just two place settings, but I have most of the serving pieces I would like. All were purchased by bidding on EBay.
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| Sorry for poor photo, I have bad lighting and it is a rainy day |
I love the translucency, and my mother liked that in china, too.
Covered veggie dish,which was listed for .99 cents and guess what I paid? ........ yep, .99 cents.
Inside of the dish.
The reason it was only .99 cents.
Sugar and creamer with a symbolic faux cake - my mom loved her coffee and cake! The handmade tatted doily was made by "Millie", mom to Ahrisha of the "Joyously Living Life" blog.
Tablecloth was my mom's, here are some closeups. This is at least 25 years old, I think.
I used Mom's wedding silver plate - 1847 Rogers, pattern is First Love.
I could not get good photos, and, unfortunately, it looks tarnished, and believe me, I polished it.
The stemware is my Waterford, pattern is Lismore. I received this after 25 years of service with my employer, Citicorp.
Napkin fold I was attempting is "Fleur de Lys". My mother loved this emblem, her bedroom wallpaper had this design on it, and I completely forgot all about it until I started following blogs. My mother would have loved blogging.
For the centerpiece, I used this decanter which was a wedding gift to my maternal grandparents in September 1904. My mother loved the dogwood tree, and would have loved one to be planted in our yard. It didn't happen, but I found a faux branch at a nursery.
Another September bride.
Dee of A Lapin Life, made this lovely board for me. Each month I put old (and new) photos to represent events in that month. April and May it has been about Mom, next month, Daddy-o. Notice the fleur de lys.
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| Mom made a good roast beef and mashed potatoes-this would have been filled! |
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| Really vintage, those dar n wrinkles!! defied my iron |
Linking to the following parties. Please stop by and say hi!
xo
Dear barbara what nice and beautiful post, i love this china too, you know for me is important. Lovely and fine china, love your mom, xx gloria
ReplyDeleteI will try to syopping by in some blogs friends!
This is as lovely tribute to your mother, Barbara. You have set a picture-perfect table!
ReplyDeleteI say you succeeded in the fleur de lis, the napkins look great! The dishes are pretty and I love the tablecloth! Don't know about you, but I'd like to see a little sun:@)
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful china and even more beautiful memories. Nice tribute to your Mother! hugs, Linda
ReplyDeleteYour mom would have loved it!
ReplyDeletexo Cathy
Such a lovely tribute to your Mother. She would have been proud to see you incorporate her treasures into your tablescape.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Share Your Cup Thursday, Debra
This is a beautiful table tribute to your beautiful Mother, Barbara. I know you cherish all your wonderful memories of her. The Carmela china pieces are perfect ... you have begun a beautiful collection!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to your mom. Love those dishes!
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post & tribute. I love that vintage china from Noritake. I think that is a pretty pattern.
Pat
Hi Barbara,
ReplyDeleteYour tablescape touched my heart. I know that your mother is there watching over you. I'm sure she is delighted to see how sweet of a daughter you are. The bulletin board looks so beautiful on your table. I'm so glad you’re enjoying it.
“Happy Mother's Day” my sweet friend.
xo,
Dee
P.S. I enjoyed the music.
Beautiful table and lovely dishes. I think i might have two items that go with your dishes. They look similar. I can't read the print on the bottom of the bowls. The bulletin board is a wonderful gift.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day Barbara.
I just love that you've collected china with your mother's name! And WHAT a find that covered vegetable dish was for 99 cents! It is a beautiful pattern, and it looks wonderful with your pretty silver and crystal. I really enjoyed this post!
ReplyDeleteThis is from an email from my friend, Diane, who has trouble commenting on my blog for some reason we cannot figure it out, so I did a cut and paste:
ReplyDeleteDear Barb,
What is there to say about today's blog? Simply beautiful. Your mom (you are her clone), the china, crystal, sterling, Fleur de Lys, linen and your grandparents decanter. What a wonderful daughter you are. Your tributes are always so poignant. I used to hear my grandma hum Fascination but I never knew the name of the song. Never gave it much thought. I was delighted when I clicked and heard it. You should know how special your blog is. I wanted you to know that your memories cause others to remember theirs. That is quite a gift you have.
Thank you. xo
Your china is so pretty, Barbara, I hope you find more. It's nice that you got your mother's Spode! I like when you wrote "dreamscape", I guess that is what it is for so many of us. Happy Mother's Day.
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Oh what a pretty table you have set with all the memories and special reminders of grandparents and your mother. Fascination...now why were you muttering to yourself?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your Mom is smiling in heaven with your beautiful table set in her honor. It is lovely...that pattern is so feminine. I love translucent china as well. Your Mom's silver has that wonderful patina that evolves over the ages. Just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing....
That was a beautiful post! The china is gorgeous, as is the flatware.
ReplyDeleteDearest Barbara,
ReplyDeleteOh, what a wonderful tablescape and tribute to your loving mother, my Dear Friend!!! Your mother IS (she still lives in you, right) a beautiful and talented lady.
Yey, "noritake" it is a Japanese company♬♬♬ I LOVE all the items you showed today. Lovely design with flowers and colors♡♡♡
Hehe, this is the most wonderful tablescape you did, I think.
Love you always, xoxo Miyako*
I just laughed at you sitting under the table polishing the legs.. so funny. I love those dishes (promise not to bid against you on ebay cause I can't collect any more!!!) You have posted a lovely tribute to your mom.. Such a pretty table.. Have a blessed weekend, xo marlis
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to your mother. She was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love your tablescape - a huge fan of that Noritake pattern - it is GORGEOUS!
Thank you for sharing your mom's favorite song, too - haven't ever heard the vocals to this - only familiar with the tune alone.
Everything, absolutely everything, is wonderful in this post. I am listening to the music as I type, and it was such a sentimental way to end it. I love that china and can't believe you found such a perfect pattern named after your mom to start collecting. It's beautiful, too!
ReplyDeleteAll the personal touches from the napkin fold to the pink dogwood in the centerpiece made the tribute complete. Fantastic job!
Hi Barbara~ ~
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post. Your Mom was a real looker, as they used to say. . .a Beauty from the inside out I am sure. I am so glad that we connected.
Your table is lovely and the china, Oh My! What fun to have something so special to be on the lookout for on ebay and flea markets. I know how you love the hunt!
So nice that you included the doilly that Mom tatted. It looks so pretty on your table. Can't wait to show her your post.
Be well my friend and stop by soon now that the weather is so nice.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
I love the china pattern. What a sweet way to remember your mom, each new find is a tribute to her. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy Mother's Day!
Patti
Barbara, Your mother is beautiful and what a nice tribute to her. I like Carmela china - it's a stunning pattern! I so enjoyed your post today.
ReplyDeleteBeth
I just love all these items that remind you of your Mom. The china is gorgeous! What a nice way to remember your mother.
ReplyDeleteYour memories and photos of your Mother and the family life is wonderful. I love that you kept the christmas china and the love of china came to you through your Mother. I remember enjoying "Fascination"and singing along with the song. Thanks for sharing the great memories!
ReplyDeletePam
Such an exquisite china, so pretty! I love the flatware too. Your mom was beautiful!...Christine
ReplyDeleteOH Barbara,,che bell'omaggio hai fatto a tua madre!Lassu' dal cielo ti sorriderà !Oltre ad essere bella doveva essere anche speciale!E quante cose belle vintage hai mostrato!Sei grande anche tu!Come mi sarebbe piaciuto averti vicina ,saremmo state amiche!Baci,Rosetta
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tablescape, and I think your mom in heaven loves it!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Lisa
A very special post filled with beautiful photos and sweet memories, all but polishing the table legs :) I have a few memories of that too.
ReplyDeleteLove your table, love the dishes, love Fleur-de-lis but most of all I love your tribute to your Mom. The best tribute is being remembered with much love and affection. She was a beautiful woman!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful table, Barbara. The dishes are so pretty. I hope you are able to collect many more. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet post! The china is beautiful and I can see why you would be drawn to it, especially with its name. Your mother was a very beautiful woman.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, what a beautiful mother. I love the nickname "Honey"! Her wedding silver is just fabulous. It looks wonderful. What a pretty table and I love your changeable board filled with the fun photos. My mother has been gone for 22 years now so I know that feeling of missing Mom!
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara! What a sweet post. The china is absolutely gorgeous and what a beautiful table you've set. Loved your story too! Happy Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
What a nice post to honor your mother. Barbara. Your china pattern is a pretty one- I am drawn to vintage florals. :-) Sue
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, heartfelt post Barbara. Your things are so lovely. I remember when everyone had those tablecloths, pillow cases, tea towels ~ you name it...many hours spent embrodeiring them. Such treasures aren't they?
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful weekend!
xo
Pat
Before I even started reading your post I knew the dishes were Noritake...they remind me of mine, the ones in my header. Your table is just beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day!
I just read Marigene's comment, and I thought they reminded me of the dishes in her header, too!!!!! It's a beautiful pattern, and what a great score on that 99 cent covered dish!!! That's almost unheard of!!! Your Mom was stylin' in that little coat and tam! She looked like she was posing for "Vogue" magazine!!! I'm sorry your Mom is not here to celebrate this special weekend with you, but I know that you know she is all around you...always. Best wishes to you for a peaceful Mother's Day weekend filled with the love your Mother always had for you.
ReplyDeleteHello, Love this table - coming across so many other bloggers whose mothers are already in Heaven - what a joy to know we will be reunited one day! Gorgeous tablesetting - I recognized the pattern - I have a covered dish in that pattern a gift from a friend many years back!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Kathy
What a beautiful table and sweet tribute to your dear mother. I loved the pictures of her. the china is absolutely gorgeous. I vacationed in the Carolinas a few years ago and the blooming Dogwoods took my breath away. I can understand why your mother loved it so. Thanks so much for sharing with Share Your Cup.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jann
Barbara, What a beautiful post honoring your Mom. Your table setting is lovely. Love the china pattern and your Mom's tablecloth is especially lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Ginger
Your mother would have been proud!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, beautiful porcelain, fine.
Thanks for passing by me, I'm delighted.
good weekens
Susy x
what a great post and i loved listening to your mother's favorite song! my mother has been dead for so long i barely remember her.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to your mother! And lovely dishes and linens..what treasures to cherish!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely tribute to your dear mother. I love that china pattern and your mother's flatware is beautiful. Thank you for sharing these lovely treasures and your memories of your mom with us.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Susan and Bentley
Immagini stupende! Felice fine settimana....ciao
ReplyDeleteHello Barbara,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely setting in memory of you beloved Mother. It's so nice that we can still celebrate the day even though we miss our mom's dearly! Hope the day brings extra special love your way!
Happy Mothers Day..
~Shirley
What a sweet tribute to your mother. I love the photos of her and her beautiful dishes and flatware!
ReplyDeleteBarbara this was just beautful. Lovely memories and a gorgeous Mother! Happy Mother's Day! xo
ReplyDeleteBarbara F.,
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention I love that tablecloth. Love the wedding photo of your mother as well.
Pat
Beautiful post, dear one.
ReplyDeleteYour mom was very pretty....:)
xo bj
Barbara, Thank you for stopping in! Your post is so lovely! The dishes and tablecloth are gorgeous! Your mom was such a cute little girl and pretty bride. My mom also had me dusting the table legs! Happy Mother's Day to All!
ReplyDeleteI have the newer pattern that you have in Noritake. It has your pattern but instead of the blue it has just the gold trim all around the dishes. I only have th dinner plates and dessert plates. When my mother-in-law past away ,my sister-in-law had all her things and other family members things in storage unit. She called and said there was nothing in there worth much, just take it to the dump. So my husband(her brother) and I went over to the unit hauled everything home and put it out on the lawn to sort. I plugged in a tall floor lamp outside and began to sort . And that is where the china ended up in my home along with depression bowls ect. My neighbor came over and asked if she could have the crystal toothpick jar and I was more than happy to give it to a friend. I have her mother's china from the 1942 time. It is deep burgurndy with a dogwood flower in the center. I have part of the crystal goblets and she took the other half. I do not know what happened to the sterling silver, it was beautiful! It had an orchid flower on the design of the handles. Lovely setting and great find! I am sure I misspelled something :)
ReplyDeleteLove your sweet tribute to your mother! The china bearing her name is such a wonderful touch. Lovely post - thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet tribute. The china is so pretty! And love the linen!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tribute and lovely dishes. At least you are collecting them now since you don't have the original.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, you have set a gorgeous table in honor of your lovely mother! I feel sure she would be so proud. You did so well to get these dishes on e-bay. I believe they're some of the prettiest I've seen since I started blogging. I just LOVE the colors and the design.
ReplyDeleteYour mom's tablecloth is lovely, as is the silverplate and your Waterford crystal. And you did a great job with the napkin fold. I, too, love the Fleur de Lys emblem; it's so classic.
This post is a wonderful tribute to your mom, and I thoroughly enjoyed the text and pictures. Looking forward to your recipes. :)
XO,
Denise at Forest Manor
Beautiful post! I love the tablecloth and the china, so very pretty...
ReplyDeleteThank You for your comment on my Mothers Day Tablescape! I hope you have a wonderful week!
Aledia @ Plum Perfect
So beautiful and such special pictures. Thanks so much for being a part of my 100th Seasonal Sundays.
ReplyDelete- The Tablescaper
I am so sorry Barb, I did not realize I missed this! The china is beautiful, just like your mom! I can't believe you paid .99 for that covered dish! These are a real treasure.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I apologize. You know I do my best to visit everyone who links up at our weekly meeting! I am so glad you let me know! I wouldn't have wanted to miss this post!
This is a beautiful post Barbara! Your Mother was lovely and so is your place setting. Lucky you to have a wedding photo my parents eloped and there are no photos of them on their wedding day sadly.
ReplyDelete