I visited my childhood home on the weekend. The one my parents bundled me home from hospital to, after I was born. The incredible thing is, it is still occupied by my mum, many decades later. Now that has to be unusual, and what is so completely fabulous about it, is that as a result of having moved in, in 1964, she has cupboards full of cumulated vintage. Both my parents had the affliction caught by most vintage lovers, not being able to throw anything out. Consequently, I am the happy beneficiary of this indulgence. These teacups are part of a dinner set originally given to my grandmother by her father. So that when I pass it on to one of my kids, that means 5 generations of my family will have held this china in their hands. It's a small thing, but it means the world to me.
I don't know about you, but I have told lots of stories over a cup of tea, both happy and sad so if only these tea cups could talk to me about my family. I wonder what they would have to say. Perhaps something like gee this year 1932, is not great, I'm so hungry, I wish I could get a job or in 1942, heck I hope the Japanese don't invade, daddy's heading off to war and I pray he makes it back alive....which he did, by the way.
So you see these tea cups are priceless to me, but how to use them in our everyday 21st century life. Well one way is as tea light holders. Can you imagine this table on a sub tropical Summer night? Sitting around with good friends chatting by the pool, in a suburban backyard. It is so simple and yet so pretty. Just a bit of vintage china and a few pretty flowers from a well established garden thrown around. It is these simple pleasures, which to me, are the best and most happy times in my life. These tea cups, if properly cared for, will out last me and many generations to come.
I wonder where they will end up. Do you ever wish your family heirlooms could talk? If they could, what would they say?
Have a wonderful week Beach Dwellers and don't forget to enter my linen cushion giveaway here
For more tablescape inspiration go here
Today I am linked up here.
Today I am linked up here.
Home Maker on a Dime
Sunday Showcase
Coastal Charm
A Stroll Through Life
Cow Girl Up
Chef in Training
Wow Us Wednesday
52 Mantels
Transformation thursday
Live Laugh Rowe
House of Hepworths
Home Sweet Home
Feathered Nest Friday
My Romantic Home
Inspiration Friday
Pink Saturday
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Sundae Scoop
Sunday Showcase
Coastal Charm
A Stroll Through Life
Cow Girl Up
Chef in Training
Wow Us Wednesday
52 Mantels
Transformation thursday
Live Laugh Rowe
House of Hepworths
Home Sweet Home
Feathered Nest Friday
My Romantic Home
Inspiration Friday
Pink Saturday
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Sundae Scoop

i love the tealight in the cup idea! what a beautiful setting.
ReplyDeletex
I am a luver and collector of vintage china. I have been blessed with sets from the great grandmothers. I cherish them so.... my boys grew up with multiple sets , eventually they will be serving meals off them to their families. Then telling the kids about the lives and times of great, great grandma. The heritage continues....
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the luvly tea cups and saucers.
Cheers, Gee
beautiful setting!!!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that you can still 'go home'.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to have all that precious china. It's so hard to source that sort of thing these days. Great to have parents who are hoarders! xx
ReplyDeleteYour tea cups are beautiful, love that you treasure how special they are. Love decorating with teacups, they can look so beautiful displayed anywhere xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Carolyn. Just beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteCas x
Fabulous centerpiece. Such a creative idea. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful memories all these sets hold. Real family treasures and definitely keepers.
ReplyDeleteVery clever and also pretty. I will have to try that.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous table! Thanks for linking up with HSH!
ReplyDeleteSherry
I'd like to invite you to join me at the Clever Chicks Blog Hop this week! http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/11/clever-chicks-blog-hop-8-and-rural.html
ReplyDeleteI hope to see you there!
Cheers!
Kathy Shea Mormino
The Chicken Chick