Hope you are all having a happy Memorial Day weekend? We’ve been busy, with boating, and a party, and the fairy grand baby staying the WHOLE weekend with us. She and I have done yard work all morning (and no, I didn’t tame the wildness of the yard, I merely pulled weeds and cleaned up a bit). After nap time, there will be more boating, so I thought I’d use this small window of time while the baby is sleeping to be a part of Show and Tell Sunday and snap some photos of my china and crystal.
Except, I don’t really have any crystal…
All of my glassware comes from garage sales.
Just about all of my dishes do too. Except the collection of chintz patterned coffee cups, those I buy at Home Goods or TJ Max when I see a pretty rosey one I don’t have. The chandelier cup is from there too, it was on clearance for $1.99.
Gosh, on my last post I was talking about the wildness of my gardens, but from the looks of my cabinets, they aren’t much neater.
I am so much more comfortable with a laid back, casual display.
The very top shelf seems to be neater. These pieces aren’t in daily use like the others.
It is important to me to have things pretty, like painting the insides of the cabinets a complimentary pink.
The pink interiors aren’t really that noticeable when the doors are shut, but the color always lifts my spirits when I go to put away my dishes.
For every day, I use an assortment of white, cream and ivory plates and bowls that I have picked up here and there.
Then I have a couple of sets of "good dishes" like this stack of Wedgwood ones from an auction (for $11).
I don’t always put my things away in an order that makes sense. I go more for how pretty they look together, then add little tidbits to the display, like these chipped up porcelain flowers.
And no, I am not too proud to admit that I cook with instant mashed potatoes and prove it by showing a cannister full of them in the cabinet with the Wedgwood plates.
I do have a trick for instant taters, though. I will boil one potato, skin on, and smash it up so that is still slightly lumpy and add that to my instant ones to give them a better texture.
Any china with a rose on it is hard for me to resist at garage sales, even though I am out of room for displaying them all.
And of course, what is a cottage without some Pussy Willow around somewhere? 
Well, when you run out of display space indoors, it is time to start hanging plates on the garden fence!
There were quite a bit more out here hanging but over the last few years, they have fallen and I simply haven’t replaced them. I’m surprised these have stayed up through a few rough Kansas winters.
And of course, I plant plates too.
And use them as flower bed borders.
Teacups glued to the arms of an old chandelier make great candle holders. (I did this project for Romantic Country a couple years ago).
As a clumsy, careless, and hurried antique dealer, I always had boxes of broken dishes from moving displays without bothering to clear the shelves first.
So I took up mosaicing to use up the dishes that I regularly crashed.
I’m not the sort of collector who expects or values perfection. Many of the dishes in my cabinets are chipped or cracked or crazed. I think it makes them more interesting (and of course, more affordable!!).
If all I am doing with a plate is using it for decor in a cabinet, I’d much rather have a 25 cent chipped one than a $35 dollar one in perfect condition.
In honor of last week’s Show and Tell Sundays vintage linens, I added an embroidered doily to the MAY GIVEAWAY PRIZE PACK.
For this week’s Show and Tell, I’ll do the same and add a lovely old plate. It seems to just be perfect with the assortment of other prizes, doesn’t it? How could I NOT add it to this bunch of pretties??? (that is if I don’t break it first!)
Don’t forget to "grab for the golden ring" and leave a comment to enter the drawing (all comments, all posts this month count).
Also check out the button on the side bar to see all the Cottage Charm giveaways going on this month. Good luck in the drawings!!
What wonderful ways to use your china. I’ve never seen it being used in th e garden before. How creative you are. As always I love visitin’ your blog.
Hugs, RoseMarie
Such great finds and I have to say that that potato trick sounds like a real timesaver! The plates on the garden fence – great display idea!
Karla
Love your collection and how you display, use hang, plant etc it:) Funny, cos I prefer vintage china with crazing on it, think it has much more character:) Rachael
What a great collection of china. I don’t just use mine for show/display anymore. I decided that I may as well use it every day and enjoy it. If it breaks thats just bad luck. No point having it sitting there cos I’m sure if I dropped dead tomorrow no one else will want it.
Alison
Karla, you are so clever in how you use your plates!!! i love the flower bed edging of plates, so so cute!!! i like things that are imperfect too, i agree that they are more interesting…your garden looks so pretty, i love the fencing that you have and how cute are the plates hanging there? and i think that is your porch {?}, well it looks just lovely, very cozy and homey!!!
I love the way you use plates, too!
Sigh, I used to never use instant potatoes but that’s what is now used most of the time. Just once in awhile do I make REAL mashed potatoes now, usually in the mist of a dark and cold day.
Karla, you know my fave is the plate garden border but thank you for the peek at your other dishes!
Hi Sweet Karla! You always have the best displays ~ such pretties! Haphazardly haute couture! That’s YOU!! I agree with you, the more crazing, the better to me. I never pass up an old plate if it has ROSES!!!
Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
OMG! I love your home! The plates as a flower border – what a great idea! I’m in love with the set of bluebird dishes. Love it all!
Margo
I am so in love with your bluebird plates! ADORABLE! Who makes them? I would love to find some. What lovely photos, and of course what a lovely cottage.
I love the outdoor ideas, especially the plates on the fence. You have an award at my blog to pick up Ü.
Becky
Hi Karla, I LOVE those bluebird plates of yours! I always love to see your pretty things. :))
xo Heather
AMEN SISTER! I would much rather have a piece of something with history and not in prestine condition especially if costs less. I can’t believe how perfect this post is for me. I will be making a plate border to my garden & using teacups on an old chandelier now. Just amazing ideas!
It all has that special Karla touch. Clarice
what cuteness…I love to check in and visiting with you, your blog makes me smile. We do not have antique flea markets so when I see all these goodies I get happy. Thanks for sharing. Hugs Grace
I love how beautiful your displays look, even though you put them together casually! That is really a talent. Those bluebird dishes are beyond gorgeous – great for spring. Thanks for sharing!
I just love your Planted Plates! I haven’t gotten mine replanted since the move, just haven’t been motivated, but they are waiting for me! You are an inspiration! And I love the old crazed plates you have with blue birds on them, they are precious!
Karla, is very impressive your garden with plates, I loved the last plate, is wonderful!
You have some beautiful pieces. I love the way you use the plates and tea cups for other things. Planting plates….who would have thought of that cute idea. I love it.
Joanne
I’m with you, Karla. Casual displays and a loving tolerance for the less than perfect. I’ve thought about putting plates or teacup planters outside but I always worry about the Kansas hail smashing them to bits. (I guess I could just do more mosaic projects!)
Karla~
What a fantastic post! I love your porch, I am so jealous!
Thanks for sharing today!
xo
Analise
Oh Karla, I just love your “planted plates.” I saw old china plates used as garden edging once and have been meaning to try it every since. Seeing yours reminded me of it.xo
jeanne
I’m in LOVE, LOVE, LOVE with those plates with the blue birds on them!!! Oh my goodness, are they ever cute!!! I wish I could something as cute as that!!
I must say, I learned some interesting ways to use plates….and tea cups, too! What fun ideas you have…very creative!!
Thank you for sharing all your pretty dishes….and the potatoes….Oh, and the tip of adding one potato to the instant. Great idea!!
Michele
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
I have never seen the Blue Bird pattern before. I have to find some now.
On the 3rd day of May Karla gave to me a Brighton leather coin purse and an old gold band.
On the 13th of May Karla gave to me an embellished old hanger, a Brighton leather coin purse and an old gold band.
On the 14th of May karla gave to me a ballerina cake topper, a vintage greeting card, a little pearl pin, an embellished old hanger, a Brighton leather coin purse and an old gold band.
On the 15th of May Karla gave to me a bottle of lovely lotion, a ballerina cake topper, a vintage greeting card, a little pearl pin, an embellished old hanger, a Brighton leather coin purse and an old gold band.
On the 18th of May Karla gave to me an embroidered doily, a bottle of lovely lotion, a ballerina cake topper, a vintage greeting card, a little pearl pin, an embellished old hanger, a Brighton leather coin purse and an old gold band.
On the 23rd of May Karla gave to me one girly tag,a sprig of millinery flowers, an embroidered doily, a bottle of lovely lotion, a ballerina cake topper, a vintage greeting card, a little pearl pin, an embellished old hanger, a Brighton leather coin purse and an old gold band.
On the 25th of May Karla gave to me a lovely planted old plate, one girly tag, a sprig af millinery flowers, an embroidered doily, a bottle of lovely lotion, a ballerina cake topper, a vintage greeting card, a little pearl pin, an embellished old hanger, a Brighton leather coin purse and an old gold band.
Have a happy and safe Monday Karla to you and yours.
I love your border in the garden of planted plates, they look so sweet, and the chandelier too with the tea cups, so pretty xxx
I love the china with rose, I can’t not resist them also and so I sometimes don’t now where to put them.
And just like you I also bought them chiped and cracked for me that tells the story that they are used by many people.
Greetings Marja
Hi Karla,
Thanks for the tour of your lovely china and glassware. I love instant mash, even better than the real thing in my opinon.
Cheers Linda
I love your use of china so creative and unique! I love bluebird china always looking chipped,cracked for pieces to make into charm jewelry!
Girl, I just have to say that you make me feel like I have known you for years. You are a true kindred spirit.
I’m drinking my coffee out of a rose-covered chintz cup right now. Maybe if I hold it up you’ll be able to see if. I just love it, and I think my coffee is even better in it.
Love that depression glass. I want some pink depression glass stems for iced tea. I’ve been looking for years, but the prices they are going for just seems extreme.
Have fun with Sugarwings. My little guy is coming over this afternoon. I have cupcakes with chocolate frosting and red, white and blue sprinkles for him. He is going to love them.
What a delight this blog post of yours was! I really enjoyed all of the “rosie” displays that you’ve done. A true lift to the senses. Now that it’s Memorial Day those winters are just a memory and summer is truly here! Thanks for displaying the pretties for us to see.
Kathy
Hi Karla!
Such beauties! You have an incredible collection, and I love the plates hung on the garden fence! LOL too cute
Hugs, Sherry
What a fun post! I always love it when you show us snippets of your house…I’m a big fan of your casual, stylish displays. Love the plates on the garden fence & love all your rose china!
Oh Karla, this is a fabulous post!! I have such a weakness for china, pretty floral china! I LOVE how you used it outside!That is such a fabulous idea! I think the way you have displayed your items is beautiful!
Hugs,
Amy
PS, I only use instant potatoes too, lol! Unless it is a holiday, lol!
What a fun tour through your china. I think our garden definately needs a few plates and a cup and saucer or two. Thanks for the inspiration.
Darla
gorgeous doll.
love love the plates as a border. so cool. very magical.
have a great holiday,
oxoxo,
jessi
I love those bluebird plates. You are gonna have quite a May basket to give away when you are done!
Cheryl
I look at your blog almost everyday,it’s so fun. I thought this was cool a few weeks ago I was at a yard sale and the lady had some old books for sale I had most of them but she had a Romantic Country mag she said I could have. I looked at it and realized you had an article in it”Found Treasures” It was from late in 2005 I think. I was so happy I had to show my sister who reads your blog too. You made my day.
well good morning to you karla! i am sure you are thoroughly enjoying our little sugarwings this weekend so thanks for letting us into the nap time zone. i adore the bluebird plates and the planted window box! you have made such good use of your treasures in the garden! i must think on this awhile and see what i can do to spruce up avalon with my own attic bargain treasures. i have hundreds of pieces of china for mosaic but alas not near so many completed projects..but some garden ones yes.. i will have to photograph them later in the season when they make the garden their summer resting place. i love how casual everything is for you 🙂
your friend, bird tweet robin from down the road
I just love all your STUFF! My sister has one plate in the bluebird pattern, which I have tried to talk her out of for years. Thanks for sharing all your pretties.
I love all the odds and ends china! I too buy things that move me instead of worrying about having a whole set. I was just fortunate enough to inherit some of my grandparents china and since she had 7 children, she had a place setting for 12…thus a real, whole set!
Thanks for sharing your Beauties!
karen….
Just love the odds and ends of all your beautiful china. I just got a tea cup with roses on it from my Mother. Never thought of putting them outdoors, maybe i will since yours gives your gardens a kick.
Sounds like you are having a fun weekend.
I just love to see more of your home, it always inspires me!! I love the plates with the bluebirds, I have a platter that matches, those birdies make me oh so happy to look at!!! Going to go check out more of the goodies!-Sandra
You have a beautiful display of china and glasswear. I love all the interesting ways you use them in the garden as well as the house. Fantastic inspiration
Hugs Karen
I love your fence idea. And the pussy willow plate is beautiful. Great blog.
Oooooooooooo!!! You have a lot of treasures!! And they are all beautiful!!!
Wow and I thought I had alot of dishes! ..I like the way you use them outside also.
Always a treat to visit your blog, Karla! Love the plates as flower bed border — that cracks me up! hee hee All your glimpses are so beautiful, creative, and clever. Plus a way to enhance our instant mashed potatoes toos – wow! Can hardly wait to try that & see if my “real potatoes only” daughter can tell!
Jane – Jacksonville
Love your collection of well-loved things! I am dreading painting the interior of my kitchen cupboards (not looking forward to the exterior, either, for that matter!) but painting them a pretty color might be the motivation I need!
I love the planted plates idea!
Claudia
I enjoyed my visit here and loved ll of your pretties….
Brenda
Karla,
I love visiting your blog. You are so down to earth and real, love that!
I am such a dolt! I completely forgot about the card! It will go in the mail to you tomorrow. I am so sorry, I am not usually so tardy!
I love your pictures! Such a treat..thank you
Plates on the garden fence–a whole new world has been opened to me!!
Hope the weekend with the fairy was wonderful.
What a great idea to use plates as a border. If I do this I will definetly have to do the weeding in this area to avoid DH and son from destroying the plates with the weedeater.
Love the blue bird plates. I will need to go looking for some. Thanks for sharing your photos. Hope you and Sugarwings had a nice time together.
Irma 🙂
Hi Karla!
What an beautiful collection, it inspires me a lot. doesn the labour-days turn a little bit festive when you use these pretties. We use to make mashed potatoes in the same way. If you have 3 boiled potatoes in the cooler then add it to the instant mash. Have a lovely week. /linnea-maria
I love your china and that tea cup project! I hate weeding and it is that time of yer. It sounds like you had a nice weekend!
Jen R
What a lovely blog you have! Such pretty pictures. I ADORE roses, too. My husband and I were in Lawrence this weekend! How fun to think you were close by.:-) I would love to be entered in your drawing! Lori
Your posts are always so inspiring, thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to try your tip for, “doctoring,” instant mashed potatoes. I’d love to know more about your garden fence…it’s beautiful!
Wow! Karla, you have such a beautiful collection of dishes!!! I really like how you display your pieces, too. Love the outdoor room with the furntiture and antiques sign – just too dern cute!!!
have a great week,
Becky
Love all the picture and the plates “planted” everywhere. I really think I need to do this… wonder if my husband will think I am crazy!
How fun to peek into your cupboards. I especially like using the plates in the garden/window boxes and on the fence! That’s one I may implement sooner rather than later!
China with roses is the very best kind – irresistible! I love your casual displays with bits of lace and ribbon. Utterly charming.
Lorrie
Well sweetie, you never cease to amaze me! Wow! What a treat this was! Can you share what you did to your cabinets? I love the roses! and the paint effect!
Karla,
I love your china!!
I have many of the same pieces all around my home too!!
I was wondering how you are out there since I’ve seen the news and all this bad weather. I hope you, Sugarwings and the family are doing well!!!
Love,
Jenn~
I enjoyed so much seeing all the beautiful things. I love to go to TJ’s and Marshall’s and look at all their lovely dishes. I have bought a few. I especially like the mosaic table. It’s gorgeous.
Hope you’re having a great week.
Charlotte
I just discovered those cute bluebird plates this past weekend when I acquired a few! I really like them! I would be so pleased to win your giveaway! Thanks for stopping by my blog as well!
-Heidi
Karla, I love all the eye candy on this post, but my favorite are the birdcage planters and those dish borders in your garden. Your love of pretty things spills out into your garden for all your neighbors to enjoy. Karen
I love the roses on your pieces shown in the first photo!
I had a stack of “Flower Fairy” plates get crushed when a shelf fell. My husband thought I would be heartbroken and was surprised by a scream of joy!! They were numbered collector plates that I was given. I could never break those but since fate stepped in I now have beautiful mosaic peices with flowers and fairies. Lucky me!!
Kathie
Gosh, I want to take the real live tour! I would wander around for days in a daze!! I KNOW IT! 😉 I’m w/ you on the cracked and crazed… Goes w/ my personality. We have decided to rip out the two stock cabinets over my farmsink and make our own open shelving all the way to ceiling so I can put my junking goodies on display. (and so they get used!). Take Care Karla.
I just saw so many pretty things…..love the china and glasse displays and especially love the bluebird plates. How neat the way you have a plate border and the dishes tucked in among the flowers…love the whimsy. Linda
My great complaint about living in NYC (well, it’s actually one of many lately!) is that we don’t have great stores like TJ Maxx to find lovely, affordable dishes and such (and with the wee bairn now 4 years old and into ‘cooking’ and ‘helping,’ I could use a store like that for replenishing what gets broken!) Lovely photos, thanks!
Wendy
ethelsmommy@yahoo.com
I just love your use of plates in your garden! What a wonderful idea. Thanks!
Karla,
I posted pics of my card for Caroline on my blog post today if you want a sneak peek. I’ll take it to the post office this afternoon! This was so much fun, but you and Beth are the fun girls to hang with! Have a great day!
Please enter me in the give away! Luv your blog site! You have alot of good ideas!
Nancy
Karla,
Love your collection of dishes! I reealy like the look of mistmatched pieces on a casually set table… and the thing I love most about yard-sale dishes, is that if I break one (yeah, I’m the klutz in my house!) who cares– it probable cost me, like a quarter!
Janet
Karla,
Loved the visit with your china and glassware…. Really love the mosaics you’ve made; I have a box of broken china and that may be what happens to it! Can I put it on an old wooden table top?
MimiG
I’m singing with GLEE!!!!!!!!!!!
HOw absolutely amazing!! I just love it here!!!!~
My Response…I’m standing on my head, bouncing up and down on my hubby’s office chair, I just might let my dog sniff a little more than normal when I take him for a walk, Yipppie, YES! and some more Yippppies, Yipppies and I’ll put away the knife, fork and spoon until next time. Happy happies.
wow! as usual you always have such eye candy and love all your ‘old and new’ mismatched and creative displays..
I am alittle tardy getting around to the show and tell partys but here I am. Love your dishes. Really love the plate lined path. I have the covered blue bird serving dish that matches your blue bird dishes. A great garage sale find for 3 bucks.
Take Care,
Mya
such charming treasures, feels a little like Alice in Wonderland, I imagine . . .
Oh, those pictures! Amazing… and the one with the china with the bluebirds??? I have a stack of that china.. It was the china my granmother and grandfather went to housekeeping with in 1918, I think… or one very similar.. I have one or two very firecracked like your back one, too… I took them to my shop for sale, but then I rescued them again…