Fresh Fruit, Wilting Flowers, and a Johnson Bros. Reunion

They are wilting, the flowers that were used
on Sunday at Alida's bridal shower.

But look at those colors -- how the roses are tinged with the color of the alstroemeria, and how they carry

the gold of the roses in their centers.  Can you believe Anne and I picked up these flowers at the local A & P

on our way to the church where the shower was held?  Were we lucky ducks to find them, or what?

Nice colors.

I think I see those colors somewhere else:

Why bless my soul, what is this?

Has the mother-of-the-bride,

who says she is all busy-busy-busy with Wedding folderol,

been cruising Craigslist again?

It's True Confessions Time.

  Evidence:  8 luncheon plates, stacked on the kitchen counter and looking for shelf space.

8 soups, 8 dinner plates, just chillin' on the dining room sideboard.

8 cups and saucers, 2 mugs, a serving plate, and (not shown) a vegetable bowl, also chillin.'

Who are these mysterious strangers to That Old House?

They come from a good family.

So yes, I confess.

I did indeed cruise Craigslist last week.

And for twenty bucks, I snagged a complete service for 8 in Johnson Bros. Fresh Fruit pattern.

Not vintage, but made in England and not China, where Johnson Bros. china has been made since 2003.

It is complete down to little fruit dishes, bread plates, and a sugar, creamer, and teapot

(which does have a top, but it's not unpacked yet).  All in perfect condition.

No, I didn't need more dishes.  But when do we ever?

And 7-piece service for 8, with extras, for $20, in a happy summery pattern --

I ask you -- what would you have done?

I just hate to see homeless tableware go begging.  And I do love the colors!

Update!
Lori of My Heart With Pleasure Fills blog spotted these dishes as Johnson Bros. by the octagonal shape;
she got Johnson Bros. Heritage White pattern -- same shape, same beaded edge -- when she got married.
You can see the creamer from that set in action as a flower vase at a bridal shower Lori hosted, click here.

I almost chose the Heritage White china when I got married, but I opted instead for Johnson Bros. Colonial pattern --
a very plain white rimmed plate with beautifully shaped cups and accessory pieces.

Image from Replacements.com

My wise mother made me get service for 16!

 Nearly all gone now, after almost 33 years, but I still love that old pattern,
and I think its sugar bowl is complete perfection.

Replacements.com -- cause I'm too lazy to go take a pic of my own sugar bowl.

How many of you began married life with the
Johnson Brothers along for the ride?

***********************************************************

It's Friday!  Two weeks from tomorrow is The Day . . .  and I am still making lists

and checking them twice, hoping not to leave out any vital parts for Alida's wedding day.

But really, what are the vital parts?

Bride, groom, pastor, party.

We've got it covered. -- Cass

Links!

It's Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home.  Click here.

At French Country Cottage, Feathered Nest Friday is in full swing. Click here!

It's Home Sweet Home time at The Charm of Home.  Click!!!