Blue Willow

I love Blue Willow and Spode china!   You might say having a "Blue Willow" collection has become a tradition in our family.  It all began with my Mother who developed a love for Blue Willow many years ago.  She loved to search for the very old pieces and would display them on shelves in her kitchen and dining area.  I always thought her home looked very inviting.  So, you might say my sister, brother and I grew up with the lovely dishes.

As we got older, my sister and I started collecting the beautiful blue and white china for our own homes.  When my two sons were young, and I lived in Houston, I would spend time browsing through the little antique stores of the area in search of a new "treasure" to go with my growing collection. 

I think the thing I love most  about Blue Willow is that it is a very warm and welcoming pattern.  It goes with a variety of decor so whether you have a cottage, traditional, oriental or eclectic style--Blue Willow will add a nice touch to your home. 

I have a variety of old and new Blue Willow and it all blends together perfectly.

I also have a little collection of child size teacups and saucers that I display in some antique pieces in my kitchen.

The teacups also look very pretty displayed on coffee tables or night stands with a pretty book.

Sometimes, I find great things to go with my collection of dishes.  Recently, my husband and I were browsing through a local antique/thrift shop in the area, and I found this great tea towel from Harrods in London for $4.00.  I knew it would be perfect with my Blue Willow!

And---you know how I love bluebirds and butterflies!  I also spotted this adorable bluebird figurine.  Of course, I had to buy it!  Actually, my husband bought them for me as a gift that day along with a few other finds.  Thank you, my love!  Here are the little birds.

The towel I found even has some Blue Willow pictured on it.   Even better!

There is a story about Blue Willow...a legend---the two blue birds that are pictured in the design are supposed to be forbidden lovers who were immortalized by the Gods as two doves.  I'll share the story in another post.  Until then, I'm off to search for more treasures...  Have a "Bluebird Day!"   xoxo Kim

Comments

[Trish Rowley]

Hi Kim, I love your Blue Willow collection it reminds me of my Grandmother she collected it also actually my sister was talking about it last week when we went for high tea they had some pieces for sale. The little bluebirds are cute and the tea towel is a great match. Have a great day hooroo. Trish xo ;)

[Bluebirds and Butterflies]

Hi Trish,
Hope you are having a great day today. I have a variety of dishes but the Blue Willow always gives me a warm feeling as it is the china I grew up with. I also collect teacups which I will feature in another posting. Collecting is fun. It gives something to keep an eye open for while you browse quaint little shops. Something I have always loved to do. I hope your cousin's daughter enjoys wearing the scarf she is making. When you complete your first scarf, and you get a compliment, it is so nice to be able to say, "Thank you! I made it myself!" She should be very proud of herself, and I hope she continues her new hobby. Happy Day! xoxo Kim

[Lavender Dreams]

It's fun to have a collection and treasure hunt for pieces to add to it! I LOVE the sweet little bluebirds! And the small child sized dishes are precious. I bought a little tea cup for my dolls today! Hugs! ♥

[Lavender Dreams]

PS I love your sweet tea towel! It's perfect! ♥ I LOVE blue! ♥

[Bluebirds and Butterflies]

Lavender Dreams,
Happy you found a little child's teacup on your browse today. I love them, too! I still have the table and chairs I had as a child and my "Chatty Cathy Doll" so would be fun to set up a doll tea party using my little teacups. Thank you for the nice posting. I hope you have a fabulous day! xoxo Kim

[lori]

hey there!

i so remember your special tea cups and how you love to drink out of those........you gave me that very special tea cup that whenever i use it, i think of you! i love the idea of using every single piece of your collection......it's too be enjoyed. it's so funny that you mention the ladies head vases! it's one of the memories i have of my grandma. (dad's mom) she had several of them......sadly, my parents were not into antiques at the time of either of my grandmothers passings....and all of their belongings were sold. i see the ladies head vases everytime we go antiquing......i really need to start collecting them myself......it always reminds me of going to my grandmothers house.

love you sister.......thank you for the wonderful blog!!
love,
l

[Bluebirds and Butterflies]

Hi dear Lori,
Thank you for visiting me at Bluebirds and Butterflies and spending time with me today! I am so glad that you love the teacup and saucer I gave you. I hope you always enjoy using it and have the opportunity to steal a little moment for yourself for a relaxing cup of tea (and maybe a biscotti or shortbread cookie) often! I am so happy that I was able to give you a walk down memory lane to your grandmother's home. We all have special little things we remember about our grandparents and their homes. When we see those reminders, our loved ones are in that moment present to us. I hope my love for you is always present when you drink from your teacup I gave you. Love you! Have wonderful day! (((hugs))) xoxo Kim