Thursday, January 7, 2010

Blue Willow Child's Tea Set

Welcome to Show & Tell Friday hosted by my sweet friend Cindy. I have been a bit of a slacker for the last few weeks through the holidays & I have not participated. But, today I want to share one of my Christmas presents from my dear friend Susan. There's a little history behind this whole story so bear with me.
MANY years ago as a child I wanted a Blue Willow Tea Set because my MUCH LOVED Grandmother had that pattern of dishes. One Christmas my dream came true & Santa brought me the doll sized tea set. I was 4 or 5 years old & had a cousin about 2 years younger than I. ALL day we played tea party & after supper we went into the kitchen to wash the dishes. Standing on chairs wearing Grandma's aprons we washed & played & were so happy UNTIL.......... Jane dropped the tea pot into the water & broke about half of my new tea set. MANY tears followed & I have thought of that set often. Once in Brimflield, MA at the big flea market there I found a boxed set just like mine but, the cost was prohibitive at the time.

And then back in November Susan & I were shopping in an Antique Mall in Dallas & I saw this Blue Willow child's tea set in a display case. I told her the story of heartbreak many Christmas's past. I thought of putting the set in lay away (it's Christmas & I wasn't supposed to buying for me I told myself) but, decided not to. Susan asked me if I wanted her to tell "Honey" about it for my gift & I said "NO! I wouldn't want him to know how expensive something like that is because he'd think I was crazy". Later "Honey" asked what do you want for Christmas? And all I could come up with was The Tea Set. I gave him the information & that was the last I thought of it because a few days later a SMALL jewelry shaped box appeared wrapped under the tree.

So, on the night before Christmas Eve, Susan came over for dinner & for our gift exchange (she was leaving to go visit family for Christmas). After a yummy dinner we sat down & as I opened my box I squealed with delight!!!!!!!!!! MY TEA SET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now this set is a little larger than the doll sized one I received as a child but, I'm just a bigger child now!!!! Isn't it simply DIVINE? THANK YOU SWEET FRIEND!!!!!!

I guess I truly am having a second childhood after all I have a new doll (Noel) & now a new child's tea set! Some day I''ll worry about what I want to be when I grow up but until then I want to thank you for allowing my wander down memory lane. Do you think Grandma smiled that evening as big as Susan & I did? Susan admitted that she had even been willing to ride over there with "Honey" to buy it & play DUMB to the whole "it wasn't there" game. Hee Hee she really got me this year! OK go see the other girls & see what they brought for Show & Tell! HUGS!

29 comments:

Lynn said...

Charlene,
I love you tea set! The story behind it is beautiful. You waited a long time for the tea set. Susan is a very special friend. Blessings as you enjoy your precious gift.
Hugs,
Lynn

Linda K. said...

Awww, this is a beautiful little set. And you deserve it after yours was broken. What a sweetheart!

Linda

The French Bear said...

It is beautiful Charlene!!!! I am loving the whole idea of the child size tea set!!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Gee said...

What a beautiful tea set you got there. Thanks for sharing.

Bunnym said...

I completely understand your story. Sometimes items remind us of more simpler times. I collect red polka dot fire king bowls because as a child i was mesmerized by them at my Aunts house and as a teenager she handed them over to me...she is gone now but I totally understand the memory you have of the feeling those little dishes gave you. And your hubby is a keeper...your friend is too!

Katie@LeBeauPaonVictorien said...

What a beautiful little tea set...and the beautiful story to go with it was wonderful! What a great gift from your friend!

Nan said...

Oh my gosh the tea set. I also received that same tea set as a child. Now on the bottom of mine it's made in Occupied Japan. I will have to photograph it for my blog so you can see it. I've had it all my life but don't remember exactly when I received it as a gift. I bet you just love your replacement.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful story... Its an adorable tea set... I too have been on the look out for a mid sized tea set for my granddaugher... I'll find one...

How is Reba?

~Rainey Rockin Vegas~

Gracie said...

This is just so sweet! I had a tea set when I was I child, but not even similar to yours, this is really stunning.
Gracie @ http://mylittleplace.blog.com

Hootin Anni said...

It never ceases to amaze me the intricacies of the minis!!!

My Show n Tell, HERE, ---it's 32 degrees out, and I have one lone iris blooming!!! Come see the rich beautiful purple!!...in the dead of winter.

Happy Friday!

podso said...

What a sweet story! I love blue willow too, and your tea set is beautiful. I remember my grandmother having some "toys" (ostensibly for us) and I always thought it was cool. I too have a doll, Such fun!

Tracy said...

The tea set is beautiful and I enjoyed hearing the story behind it. Enjoy "playing" with your tea set!

Anonymous said...

That was such a nice story! I'm having an emotional day or something, it almost brought me to tears. Your new tea set is beautiful! I love that pattern. I hope you have many happy tea parties with it.
Blessings,
Charmaine

The Rustic Victorian said...

How kewl is that!! If we want something bad enough, someone will make it come true.
Happy Friday!
Marcie

PAT said...

What a beautiful tea set Charlene and I love the story!

My aunt had Blue Willow. I've always loved that pattern.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a sweet and precious story, and I love that you finally got a blue willow tea set. I know this will be a gift that you will always cherish. I love it. Hugs, Marty

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

such a pretty set! I know your grandmother is smiling ear to ear:)
have a great weekend!
paula:)

Treasia Stepp said...

What a lovely tea set. What an even more wonderful surprise to you. How sweet that was of her.

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

What a sweet set and how wonderful to have a friend like that to give it to you! Enjoy!

basia said...

I am sure your grandmother had something to do with this Charlene! I also love the blue willow pattern. My Aunt Sophie always had these dishes and when she passed away, I took what she had. Several were glued (sugar bowl cover) but I didn't care. It reminds me so much of her presence. We live approximately 40 minutes from Brimfield, and it is an awesome place to shop. One can find anything they are looking for at the Brimfield Flea Market!!!

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

YOU'VE been a slacker???? ;o)

Sweet, sweet post! But Susan had to do something to pay you back for the great hat & gloves you gave her...how chic!

I'll be praying for Reba...hope she's doing better.

Inspired-Simplicity said...

Charlene,
Great story. We all have an inner child. Isn't that great? Beautifu; set.
Carolyn~xo

violetlady said...

What a great post. I have that very same little tea set that I have had for about sixty years. I think it had been a Christmas present. Gosh, am I really that old?? As my everyday dishes I have used blue willow for 45 years and I also collect different pieces that I display. It is great to see someone else who appreciates this pattern!

Rita said...

Susan,
your Willow child-size tea set is gorgeous... I have a weakness for tea sets, especially transferware ones, so I could die for yours! How lucky of you to have a friend like Susan.
Blessings
rita form rita's shabby chic rose

Reflections from the Stone Nest said...

What a lovely story, and for it to end with your "beloved tea set" ~ So sweet.

I see you and I have a book we like in common, "The Shell Seekers". I think that is my favorite book. Every few years I re-read it.

Blessings to you and Happy New Year!
Kitty

Unknown said...

Thank you for your comment on my blog. I am a Fort Worth girl! What a great story and fabulous tea set. I love all kinds of transferware--it's just beautiful!

Jaq said...

I had exactly the same set as a child(1950s), I was about 4/5 when I was given this as a present from I believe the Rolls Royce Xmas party for the children of employees (my grandad worked there) ~ I had set it out on a tray when my younger sister put a box on her head and couldn't see where she was going, it went up in the air ~ she ended up at the hospital having stitches in her knee & I ended up with broken cups, saucers & plates ~ I do still have the rest~ teapot,milk jug, sugar basin, casserole, oval plate & 2 each of the cups & saucers & plates. She also broke some of my Noddy set but I've managed to replace all the broken bits of that..I wouldn't part with them..so glad you got your hearts desire..

Unknown said...

Amazing teaset!!! It is good for children. I completely agree with your post. I love your Blue Willow place settings! Lovely!

Blue Willow China

Unknown said...

What a trip down memory lane for me. My late sister and I used to have tea parties in our bedroom closet with my set - mac and cheese and chocolate milk. Sometimes mom, and even daddy, would join us. Fortunately, I still have my original set. Thank you for your wonderful post!

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