I recently saw my hand painted Christmas dishes that I had purchased back in the 1970's for sale at a nearby antique mall. Someone bought them from me in a "retro" area at my shop. It was a strange feeling seeing them.
I had decided to move on to something else and I have admired the old pattern "Friendly Village" by Johnson Brothers still produced but now made in China. I wanted a used set that was made in England and I wanted a bargain. I saw a set a few weeks ago in an antique mall which was a great price for a 7 place setting with extra pieces and an 8th plate. I figured it would still be there if it was meant to be and when I called yesterday the booth also had a 25% off sale so this was my Christmas present:
Now I need to just find more of the
winter scenes!
The table is set for family coming in from Missouri. They remind me of many different places - Colorado, New England and Iowa for me!
I do not have a vintage teapot but will be looking for one (I've seen them around).
Bernideen, I really do love Friendly Village this time of year! What a charming pattern and I love that each piece has a different scene on it. All of mine is vintage and made in England except for the teapot and the creamer. The vintage pieces are so much nicer than the ones made in China but they are very difficult to find here.
ReplyDeleteI would love to be able to set a pretty table but my hubby insists on doing his studying on the dining room table. His books are everywhere! Now you know why I very seldom do a tablescape. Apparently a couple of our pastor friends do the same thing their wives tell me. I guess they find the lighting better.
Thank you for hosting your charming tea party every week and also linking up with mine. I wish you and your loved ones a Blessed and Happy Christmas.
Blessings and hugs,
Sandi
You were meant to have these dishes Bernideen and the 25% off was a real bonus.
ReplyDeleteThey look lovely on your table and I hope you find the teapot some day.
Thank you for hosting our tea gathering.
Merry Christmas.
Judith
Oh Bernideen, lucky you for getting the Friendly Village pattern at a bargain price! I so love them ,too.
ReplyDeleteYour table looks so pretty and I always love your sweet angels with their charming faces. They make me smile!
Enjoy your time with your family. Merry Christmas blessings to you, my friend!
Glad you found the English set...they are getting harder & harder to find! How can one not love Friendly Village? So cozy and warm through the winter. Your dining room looks wonderful! Merry Christmas to you! Thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
ReplyDeleteRuth
Twenty-five per cent off? It was meant to be. The vintage dishes from this pattern are definitely my favorites as well; although, for affordability, I have supplemented my vintage set with some pieces made in China. Have a very Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGah! You came out on top here, Bernideen. I missed my chance to get a 12 place setting with extras at $150 a couple years ago. It was in a thrift shop just after Christmas and the bank was broke. Boo. The table looks fabulous and stirs nostalgia. Lovely to visit this Christmas and may you know God's richest blessings this season!
ReplyDeleteJoy!
Kathy
Hi Bernideen,
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased that you got yourself a Christmas present. You deserve it and I know the Friendly Village china will give you joy. I only have a tea set but do not regret getting any of my pretties. They do make me happy and take me to a happy place.
Your table looks so very lovely for your Christmas guests. I would love to sip tea with you at that beautiful table. I have set my table early too but I am using Royal Albert's Val Dor which I brought back from the cottage for a change. Christmas Blessings Dear Friend and do enjoy your new vintage and enchanting Johnson Brother's dishes! Karen
Hi Bernideen, would like to wish you a very merry Christmas. Thank you for hosting this fabulous tea party and for your friendship in the past years.. Looking forward in joining you again.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Aida
Hi Bernideen
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely table you have set. Love Friendly Village. I hope a teapot comes your way soon. Your angels are very sweet.
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Linda at Beautiful Ideas
You were definitely meant to have Friendly Village. It is such a cheerful set and certainly perfect for the season. I have only a few pieces but they are special. Merry Christmas, may it be filled with blessings for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteYour table looks beautiful - perfect for Christmas! So glad family is coming. :) I love your little birdie teapot. It seems to be quite popular in blogland. I use Friendly Village in the fall, and all winter long, with the exception of a month at Christmas when I use Christmas dishes. It is perfect for this time of year. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHi Bernideen,
ReplyDeleteYour dishes are just stunning and look so beautiful on your table. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!
Merry Christmas Bernideen! Hooray on finding the dish set at a good price. It is a such an attractive set. I love it and hope we can look forward ot lots of tea parties featuring it.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous tablescape featuring your new dishes! I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteLove this pattern. I have a cup in this pattern that I will drink my tea from in January and February. Have a wonderful holiday and visit with friends.
ReplyDeleteS pretty, Bernideen! That's one of my favorite winter patterns....Christine
ReplyDeleteI have not seen that design in England at all. The pattern looks very American to me. I do like the large plate with what looks like a covered bridge.
ReplyDeleteI do love my Friendly Village. I use it from Thanksgiving all the way to Christmas. The ones made in England certainly do have a warm look.
ReplyDelete