Have you ever gone to an antique store or flea market so much that you know every item they have had and exactly where it is and how much it costs? I have several stores like that. I go and look and enjoy each moment, even though I have seen it all before. But sometimes....the owner has just returned from an estate sell....and there is something new.....something I must have! Sometimes, I know the owners well enough, that they put something back for me...knowing I will want it. Sometimes they will stop me in the store, telling me to drop by....they have something I might want to look at.
For spring break, we were able to go out of town and stop by some of my favorite "treasure places". In the back, among the linens, I found this stack of beautiful unused napkins! 10 in all, perfect in every stitch, without a flaw on either one.
As you can see the cutwork is wonderfully worked. It is probably Madeira embroidery,......they are famous for this kind of perfect stitching. I am usually drawn to greens and pinks, but this silver-grey color, and the leaf, is something I have been searching for to match with my china. 
Sorry the photo is blurry. I also collect pieces of silverware. The real silverware. Decorative pieces as this one above is hard to find. I found several pieces of this design a few years ago. I love leaves....I just had to have them. As you can see....the napkins match just right.
A few years ago, I was helping a friend clean out her antique barn for an upcoming sell, and found this beautiful china set from Noritake. The name is Pasadena. It has a silver rim, a very pale single rose, with silver and green leaves and stems. The napkins will go perfect with this dinnerware. I only use this china on holidays or special occasions and the napkins will be used only during that time. So......how about you? Where are your favorite treasures found? Is there a particular set of dinnerware and napkins you use? I would love to hear!
16 comments:
Kathleen what a pretty find - I was just thinking about you - really! Went upstairs to my MIL's room (haven't gotten used to her being gone - I keep it as her room though her room is now in heave!) In a box in her closet - I found a whole stack of small embroidery printed pieces not worked yet and a huge ring of sorted embroidery floss! So now I might be motivated to do needlework.
Most of my favorite treasures are found at a plant nursery. Inherited my mom's china and DH had a big set of china when we married - with our current mindset of not accumulating more possessions I don't go looking for more. Love the way that cutwork pattern goes with your dishes - so elegant.
Those are so beautiful and they match so well! They were waiting for you to claim them!
What a great find! That's what makes all that trolling worthwhile, isn't it? Beautiful work on those napkins, kind of makes you sad they weren't loved enough to keep. But that's your good fortune!
oh, it matches the leaves just right! it is so cool when things come together like that.
Hi Kathleen~ I could spend ALL day looking in antique stores! Such pretty old napkins! We use old linen napkins all the time. Have a beautiful weekend! ~Mandy
I love cut work. They're all so pretty.
Kathleen,
I really enjoyed this post about napkins, silverware and china. What a wonderful discovery. I like old things too. That's why I enjoy writing about the Appalachian Mountains and our old-timers.
I wanted to nominate your blog for an award, but I noticed you were not accepting any. Thank you for the comment regarding my nomination.
I noticed you like Joel Osteen's book. Mama and I watch him every Friday night on TV. Have you ever been to his church?
Have a fabulous weekend.
You're right, what a find to match your silver and china.
I have collected linens and some odd china pieces over the years.Pieces that make my heart glad. Looks like you do too.
I too have found old napkins and other linens in antique stores. Also I have boxed away a few old china plates so I must mix and match with the napkins along with a few silver spoons I inherited. And if I lay a pretty postcard next to it I might just put on my blog!
What lovely napkins,they look so pretty with your china and silver...I bet you can hardly wait for the next special occasion...hugs, Linda
LOVE the napkins, and yes, they go beautifully with your silver and china! What a great find!
My love is the Watts pottery stuff -- the ones with the red apples on them. My eyes get really wide and I start drooling whenever I see a piece. I love any of the old mixing bowls, though!
Cora
Those are a perfect complement for the dishes. Very pretty.
I can get lost in antique shops. We have a couple that I can lose a couple of hours in without even thinking about it. I have a tea pitcher that used to belong to Grandma, & I think I may start looking in the shops for some matching tea glasses. I found a sugar & creamer set a few years ago, but didn't have the money to get the glasses. I think I can take care of that, now.
Such a nice find, Kathleen. I love the entire setting. Happy Spring! Lea
Those napkins are beautiful Kathleen!
I love shopping in antique stores, too- but most fun for us is going to farm auctions- you never know what you'll see there!
I am behind with your blog ---
What lovely china and the napkins and silver all go so well together. I love china more than anything. Every cabinet and closet is full of dishes! Like you, I need to search for just the right napkins etc. to match. Thanks and have a great weekend.
I have some special places but it has been so long since I have been there that it would be a new adventure......I guess I need to plan a trip.
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