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Monday, November 22, 2010

I Can't Decide!

I can't decide which plate to use for the Thanksgiving table. I know, such a dilemma!
Having 30 years behind me of hunting and gathering from estate sales and antique or thrift stores for treasures, I have a few patterns to choose from.

This plate is one of my favorites. The brown border depicts garden implements, while the face of the plate is a colorful woodsman scene. It's made by Royal Staffordshire, and called "Rural Scenes." You can see them in a tablescape I did back in January here.


My old standby is this Johnson Brothers plate of harvest fruits. I have collected 19 of these "Windsor Ware" plates over the years. Depending on how many we end up having at our table, these plates will be perfect. You can see these plates in a tablescape I did for a wine dinner here.


Then there are these Johnson Brothers plates. Called "Woodland Turkey," they are the quintessential Thanksgiving plate! I unfortunately only have 8 of these. Believe it or not, they were quite a find at Tuesday Morning, for only $5.99!


Tomorrow, I will begin to set our Thanksgiving table. Luckily, I now have this wonderful caramel stripe runner as my inspiration. After passing it up at the antique show, I couldn't get it out of my head. I was able locate the dealer to purchase three yards for a runner. It was delivered today, just in time!

So, which plates would you choose?
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44 comments:

  1. It's a Wannabe Decorator's LifeNovember 22, 2010 at 8:19 PM

    Oh my goodness! I love these plates! I must say, my fav is the very first one! They are all gorgeous!

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  2. KathysueNovember 22, 2010 at 8:23 PM

    Oh Delores I can see your dilema they are all gorgeous, I vote for #2 I love the fruit motif and the way it picks up the caramel in your runner, Yay!!! You got the runner. OOOOH and don't you have some amber stemware too!! I always love your table settings. Can't wait to see. Mine is done except for last minute tweaking, just simple this year, but I like it, Enjoy doing you table it will be perfection as always,xo Kathysue

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  3. The Inspired NestNovember 22, 2010 at 8:26 PM

    I love each one and would have such a hard time choosing. Because they each seem to favor each other (at least from the pictures), you could mix and match the patterns??? Decisions, Decisions!
    Happy Thanksgiving,
    Lacy

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  4. SarahNovember 22, 2010 at 8:26 PM

    Delores, each one is fabulous and would set a gorgeous table ~ especially with that runner. Why not mix them?
    With your creative eye, what ever you decide to do will be stunning. I'll be eager to see your table all set.
    Happy Thanksgiving! ~ sarah

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  5. At Rivercrest CottageNovember 22, 2010 at 8:33 PM

    How about mixing the brown turkeys and brown woodsmen? I can't believe those dishes were less than $6. I plan to go by Tuesday Morning ASAP!

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  6. AnonymousNovember 22, 2010 at 8:45 PM

    Are the sizes the same? Mix them up!

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  7. Lisa @ Fern Creek CottageNovember 22, 2010 at 9:08 PM

    They are all gorgeous! I would mix the turkey ones with the huntsman ones. Whatever you choose I know your table will be magnificant! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

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  8. KathyNovember 22, 2010 at 9:18 PM

    I just saw the Johnson brothers turkey plates at my Tues morning and thought seriously about getting them but they only had four or five of them...if you want more I bet Tues morning could locate them for you. They are all so great, just love your taste and that runner is stunning!

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  9. TammyNovember 22, 2010 at 9:20 PM

    Hello Delores - all these plate are beautiful! Although, my vote would be for the number 2 plate with the fruit motif. I love the colors and the look of the "harvest"! Any of the 3 would look wonderful on your holiday table. Happy Thanksgiving! Tammy

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  10. Linda @ Itsy Bits And PiecesNovember 22, 2010 at 9:34 PM

    What a wonderful selection you have! Any of these will make for a wonderful table setting!

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  11. A Runner's MindNovember 22, 2010 at 10:02 PM

    I suspected that you would get that runner....you "sounded" like you were worried that you had missed a great chance to buy it. Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family!

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  12. Burlap LuxeNovember 22, 2010 at 10:02 PM

    Hi Delores,
    I called my daughter to the computer to see if we were on the same page with the choice I loved. We carfully looked them over, with that being said we both loved the fruit pattern..."Johnson Brothers plate of harvest fruits"

    Although loving the pattern, all of them would delight a table in your home. I would also mix and match a playful feel to the settings, euro chic style.

    Delores, really no delima at all here. All or any of them would be a perfect choice. So why don't you just... eenie, meanie, miney, moe them, and you are not it. :)
    (laughing-out-loud)

    Please do tell though! don't keep us hanging, let us know what you decided on :)

    Happy ThanksGiving
    xoxo
    Dore'

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  13. Blooming Rose MusingsNovember 22, 2010 at 10:03 PM

    All the plate patterns are gorgeous! You are so talented and have always done exquisite table settings. I really love the fruit harvest pattern...but having said that, I really love them all. I'm so glad you got the caramel stripe for the runner, I could hear it calling your name!
    Have a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving.

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  14. Nancy's Daily DishNovember 23, 2010 at 12:18 AM

    Delores,

    I'm so partial to Rural Scenes but of course you can never ever go wrong with Harvest. The turkey plates are gorgeous too...I just have an affinity for the older ones.

    I have no doubt that whatever pattern you go with the table will be stunning!

    Nancy

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  15. AnonymousNovember 23, 2010 at 12:43 AM

    Beautiful!!!

    Big kiises and regards,Zondra Art

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  16. Custom ComfortsNovember 23, 2010 at 2:53 AM

    I like "Rural Scenes" best of the three, but would still go with the turkey plates simply because it is Thanksgiving. Or maybe you could mix and match depending on how many people you have coming. If you did a mix and match, I know I'd be looking for the seat with the turkey plates.
    Good luck with your decision and have a Happy Thanksgiving.
    Cindy

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  17. Blondie's JournalNovember 23, 2010 at 2:56 AM

    From reading your previous post, I knew you loved that fabric. Hooray for following instincts and having it arrive in time! It's beautiful!

    I am loving the harvest fruit plates, although all of them are perfect for Thanksgiving. Wishing you a happy one, Delores!

    XO,
    Jane

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  18. UnknownNovember 23, 2010 at 3:35 AM

    I say mix and match....
    Smiles.
    Mary

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  19. Acanthus and AcornNovember 23, 2010 at 4:52 AM

    They are all wonderful and I'm not sure I could decide either!

    Don't know how many will be seated at your table, but couldn't you use them all and let everyone have their own unique plate?

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  20. Carol S.November 23, 2010 at 5:23 AM

    Agree, tough decision. I think I told you before I was inspired by your Rural plates to seek them out, whew, expensive and hard to find! But so gorgeous and they get my vote. In my searching, I found four of the same turkey plates this year at Tuesday Morning and they are on plate racks in my dining room! My tables are up and the decorating of them has begun. Can't wait to see more of your room. You've inspired me this year since I found your blog. Enjoy!

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  21. NanaDianaNovember 23, 2010 at 5:37 AM

    Well, I love them all. I think the turkey plates would have top choice being as you would only use them for Thanksgiving most likely. That being said, I love that top pattern...it is gorgeous. Good luck and make sure you show us the table set and ready to go. Hugs- Diana

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  22. Pam - @diy Design FanaticNovember 23, 2010 at 5:38 AM

    Delores, your runner is going to look fabulous on your table! I'm so glad it arrived in time! As for the plates, I really love the last ones. Would it be possible to mix the plates? They all look great! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  23. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsNovember 23, 2010 at 6:10 AM

    That's tough because they are all gorgeous and in my favorite brown and cream/white! Since you don't have enough of the turkey ones, I'd go with the second one. Or you could just mix them all up!

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  24. Pinky at Designs by PinkyNovember 23, 2010 at 6:42 AM

    I love the turkey plate but vote for the fruit plate! It is just gorgeous. Can't wait to see your table, the runner is beautiful!!!! XO, Pinky

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  25. AmesNovember 23, 2010 at 7:06 AM

    I say mix it up this year. Alternate Harvest fruit place setting with Turkey place settings. That way, as your guest list expands so will you place settings.

    I will be mixing it up this year too. I have too many sets of 12 dishes and decided to go with 3 different sets of 4. I am making each place setting special for each guest. Then afterwards I will have 3 new sets of 4 to use on my kitchen 4 top table.

    Both sets you have are just lovely. I do love those Harvest plates. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Blessings~Ames

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  26. Lori ENovember 23, 2010 at 7:51 AM

    I vote for the turkey plate. A precursor of the dinner to come perhaps?

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  27. GerryNovember 23, 2010 at 7:59 AM

    I would have to go with the turkey plates and fill in with the woodland scene ones. The turkey plates are perfect for Thanksgiving!! Just beautiful, I can't wait to see what you come up with.

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  28. SoniaNovember 23, 2010 at 8:16 AM

    I love all three and can see why it would be a hard choice...I personally LOVE the second one with the floral scene..that is stunning and I'm partial to flowers..but the others are really beautiful too...don't think you can go wrong whatever you choose. So glad you got the stripe burlap runner you wanted so much! It will just make your table so cozy! Love it all and can't wait to see your finished table all set! Happy Thanksgiving!!

    Miss Bloomers

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  29. La DolfinaNovember 23, 2010 at 8:29 AM

    Hi Delores,
    I haven't read your other comments yet because I didn't want to be influenced but my first instinct was to use all three and mix it up. What do you think?
    I'm so glad you tracked down that gorgeous caramel striped runner. Good for you. When you can't get it out of your mind, it's meant to be yours :)
    You could always do just 2 patterns, using the other at either end of the table like captains chairs.
    Can't wait to see what you decide.
    Believe me I know what it's like to have too many options/treasures :)
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. I'm wondering what menu your talented husband and daughter are working on!!!
    XO

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  30. swedecollectionNovember 23, 2010 at 8:30 AM

    Very pretty plates. Since they are all similar in rim style and colorways, I would mix them up so each guest can admire and comment on their particular plate. If you have 24 guests, do 8 of each since you only have 8 turkey plates. I used to do themed plates for Thanksgiving [Turkeys] and Christmas [Lenox Holiday] but tired of them quickly. Now I do a mix by color of plates that can be used anytime during the year. I love colored chargers and I never use the same pattern for charger, dinner, salad, dessert, BB, etc. A mix is much nicer and also allows you to not buy every piece in one pattern which is a huge investment. Have a wonderful meal!!Colleen for Swede

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  31. OliveNovember 23, 2010 at 8:36 AM

    I say mix them as they all have similar browns.

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  32. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderNovember 23, 2010 at 9:18 AM

    Dearest Delores,

    For me the Johnson Brothers' plate is the big winner! Maybe for the fruits, the rose and the forget-me-not...?

    Glad for your JIT delivery! Just In Time...

    Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

    MariettesBacktoBasics

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  33. MarigeneNovember 23, 2010 at 10:13 AM

    Oh my goodness, I would be happy with any of those beautiful plates!
    Happy Thanksgiving.

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  34. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereNovember 23, 2010 at 10:25 AM

    Delores, I remember the post where you passed on the flax linen. Glad to see you were able to contact the dealer and get the fabric for your runner. All of the dishes are gorgeous. I say mix and match them.

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
    xo,
    Sherry

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  35. netieroseNovember 23, 2010 at 12:16 PM

    Love all of them...how about using them all in combination...but you already know that!

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  36. Elizabeth and Gary November 23, 2010 at 12:17 PM

    Hi Delores,
    All three dinner plates are festive and beautiful, but I would use Windsor Ware and Woodland Turkey. They are both in the same color family with very simular boarders and complement one another very nicely.
    I'm sure what ever you choose will be lovely and your table will be fit for a queen and king.
    Have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.
    Elizabeth

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  37. MarlisNovember 23, 2010 at 12:58 PM

    they are all equally wonderful. And they are very much in the same colorway... why not use all three?
    If not,, harvest fruits is my fav!

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  38. AnonymousNovember 23, 2010 at 1:44 PM

    Wonderful Thanksgiving Blessings to you and your family, Delores



    I love all of the plates.

    I would use Harvest of Fruit and intermix them with the Johnson Bros. Woodland Turkey. The mum in the Harvest Fruit is so close in color to the feathers on the Turkey in the JB Woodland Turkey plate. The greens are similar and the borders both contain similar flowers.
    I feel that since the Rural Scenes stands so strongly alone
    that they could be utilized during the Thanksgiving week perhaps a lunch of soup and sandwiches? At another time for pot roast?
    Kindly,
    CJF

    treehouse.queen18(atyahoodotcom)

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  39. On Crooked CreekNovember 23, 2010 at 1:48 PM

    Delores,
    Congratulations on purchasing the linen caramel stripe fabric for a runner!AND now. . .I schoose the fruit motif to coordinate with your runner. Any of them would be "drop~dead" gorgeous but I like a bit of formality to Thanksgiving dinner! Have a blessed Thanksgiving and be sure to post later the stunning and exquisite table setting for us to see!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  40. BonnieNovember 23, 2010 at 4:01 PM

    My first thought was to say mix them and quite a few others said the same thing. They are all beautiful and I will be eagerly awaiting your decision. Have a great time with your family!

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  41. TerriNovember 24, 2010 at 5:58 AM

    My vote is for number one. I love the rural scene. But when else to use the turkey pattern????
    Oh well...........what a wonderful dilema.
    Happy Thanksgiving
    Can't wait to see the results.

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  42. Tracie~MyPetiteMaisonNovember 24, 2010 at 9:07 AM

    Hi Delores,
    I like the first plate with the country scene. I always think it's a bit odd we eat off of items that have a picture of what we're eating used to look like but the turkey plate is pretty too as is the fruit.

    Hey... where is there a Tuesday Morning near us???

    Have a beautiful Thanksgiving with your family and try to stay warm!
    xo~Tracie

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  43. Tracie~MyPetiteMaisonNovember 24, 2010 at 9:08 AM

    Forgot to say, I love your runner! Can understand why you couldn't get it out of your head, it's perfect!

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  44. ~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~November 26, 2010 at 11:12 AM

    Hi Delores~ ~ ~
    I love the Johnson Brothers china too they have so many lovely brown patterns. Beautiful.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

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