Lovely Charms and Charming Dinnerware – A Heavenly Match
I'm very excited to introduce my first guest blogger on CharmChatter. A friend and colleague of mine, Sally K writes a blog called Diary of a Dishie that I've enjoyed reading for some time now. I'm a big fan as Sally is truly an expert in her niche and so friendly and willing to share advice. She also runs the online stores Kimbesa's Closet, and Kimbesa's Closet Finer Vintage. So without further ado I invite you to enjoy reading her take on comparing and contrasting vintage tableware and charms.
Lovely charms and charming dinnerware - A heavenly match ~ By Sally K
I’ve never worn much jewelry, but charms have become more tempting since I’ve seen so many beautiful things here on CharmChatter. Dishes are my first love, and I never knew there was such a similar variety and beauty to be found in silver, gold and enameled charms. I never imagined pie or cake charms, teapot charms or little round charms that look like little round plates. Whether you are enjoying the tinkle of charms, or the sparkle of fine china, there is something for everyone in the world of pretty and practical items. Charm collections and dinnerware sets can all be built around themes.
Places you’ve been. If your charm collection is based on places you’ve been -- such as those pretty enameled countries -- your dish collection can include lovely cups and saucers, or perhaps a creamer (properly a cream pitcher if it has a handle) from those places. For example, I’ve been to Kilkee, County Clare in Ireland. Noritake made dinnerware in Ireland for a time, and named the patterns after various places, including Kilkee. This pattern has subtle flowers and a butterfly, which bring up the beauty of the Emerald Isle, especially the west country and the nearby Burren, an area of unique natural wonders.
Travel is also a popular charm collecting theme. The Eiffel Tower or Big Ben might already be on your wrist. The Pub Grub set of plates – just the right size for a light lunch dish, salad or dessert – are based on public houses common in Britain. These were made by BIA in a set of four coordinating designs. The emblems on the pub signs, and the foods referenced on the rims, are all inspiration for future trips (whether abroad or to a special local restaurant).
Mementos of past times. Sewing thimbles and bells have been in use forever, for example. Souvenir plates commemorating states, places and events, were popular in the 1950s and 1960s. For example, the Three Oaks plate in the photo, made for the town’s 1967 centennial, brings up local landmarks and historical events. This one hangs in my local history space, as some of my ancestors were early settlers there.
Floral favorites. Pretty flower charms abound. In dinnerware, there are hundreds of patterns in floral motifs. Roses are very popular, but dinnerware can also be found that features orchids, peonies, daisies and many other garden flowers (or even gardens themselves).
A charm collection based on colors or motifs can also inspire a collection of china. Anyone who likes beautiful things, and loves using those finds, can certainly enjoy both charms and china.
About the dishes, clockwise from the top left: Bird of Paradise by Crown Ming, Three Oaks, MI commemorative plate, Christmas Bears by Sakura designed by Debbie Mumm, Pub Grub plate by BIA, Petite Fleur dessert plates by Godinger, Kilkee creamer by Noritake.
Whether you love dishes, charms, or anything else, it's important to have fun and enjoy your treasures. Please visit Sally's blog Diary of a Dishie for lots more entertainment ideas.
Category: Other Stuff
About the Author (Author Profile)
Wanda Fitzgerald is a Florida native and an vintage charm collector who loves to share her adventures in an e-commerce jewelry business with anyone who is interested.Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
Comments (5)
Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed
Sites That Link to this Post
- Blogging Fun and Dinnerware - Dishes Galore | July 16, 2010
Oh no!!
I can hardly keep up with my “charm habit” and now you’re introducing me to more lovely things that needed to be collected. My husband will never forgive you.!
I don’t know anything at all about plates but that Bird of Paradise by Crown Ming looks gorgeous. Okay, I’m off to look at lovely dishes – my mantra for the day “I will not buy, I will not buy, I will not buy …”
Is there something in the psyche of collectors that, as soon as you see one lovely thing, you have to have “the set”?
How exciting that you too are a dish junkie!
I have a REAL problem with dishes.
The more the better, I always say!
Just like a charm bracelet for every season…there are dishes for every occasion! AND you can flea market shop for dishes while shopping for charms….what can be better than THAT?????
Oh Noes! It is a disease. One should be aware that dishes cost a LOT more in shipping than charms.
when you have just one piece they are so lonely, keep you up at night listening to them sobbing on their shelves.
Hi Wanda,
I had a set of the Pub Grub plates like the one shown in your photo. They were displayed on the wall, and a week ago, my housekeeped crashed into it and all four plates crashed to the floor. I am heartbroken, as these plates reminded me of the three years I lived and England and frequented the local pubs for meals. Are you interested in selling that set, or do you know of anyone who might have that set for sale? I’m sure my housekeeped would love to see the set replaced, as she had to witness my crying like a baby when I discovered what happened. Thank you so much.
Maggie