We had house guests last weekend. My daughter, her husband, and one of their friends were going camping in Big Sur over the long weekend. Our house is about half way between Big Sur and where they live, so they asked if they could stay with us on Friday night. One of my favorite things is to have a house full of people, so I was inspired to plan a fun dinner, get some fresh flowers, and dig out some old dishes I haven’t used in a while.
These dishes, "Old Country Roses" by Royal Albert, have become quite commonly seen. So ubiquitous, that I seldom use them, allowing them to sit for years at a time at the bottom of my china cabinet. Since they worked well with my pink hydrangea table arrangement, I dragged them out for my dinner.
Aside from the pattern being rather widespread, part of my ambivalence towards these dishes comes from the manner in which I acquired them. I just can’t get past the association I have with them.
Thirty seven years ago, when I was a young bride, the mother of one of our friends surprised me by offering to give them to me. I couldn’t believe someone would give me an entire set of dishes for 12, as they were a popular design at the time, and rather expensive. It turns out, she had been given the set of dishes by a dear friend with whom she had had a major falling out. The sight of the dishes reminded her of their ruined friendship and whatever offense she had suffered at the hands of this no longer loved individual. She wanted both the friend and the dishes out of her life.
So, when I see these dishes, I tend to feel a bit sad. Who hasn’t had a friend from whom we have become estranged? What happens to end a relationship that was once so valued? Why do we make painful associations with innocent objects that remind us of our losses? They are only dishes after all.
16 responses to “Falling Out”
At least they have been put to good use. I never got a weird negative vibe from them. I am disapointed they became so massivly popular in the 80’s, but growing up they were our fancy plates- boy have we come a long way!! remember those horrid white dishes with the seagulls birds and the birch trees. Oye. I can agree with the woman who gave you the dishes, I’d act the same way, clear out the bad memories and cut your losses. Still, it was a kind gesture to give you all the dishes.
At least they have been put to good use. I never got a weird negative vibe from them. I am disapointed they became so massivly popular in the 80’s, but growing up they were our fancy plates- boy have we come a long way!! remember those horrid white dishes with the seagulls birds and the birch trees. Oye. I can agree with the woman who gave you the dishes, I’d act the same way, clear out the bad memories and cut your losses. Still, it was a kind gesture to give you all the dishes.
That’s a shame, to have something so beautiful bring only sadness. If they don’t mean that much to you, and the mom certainly doesn’t care about them, have you considered passing them on to another young bride who would be so happy to have them? Then go find a nice set that will build only happy memories of your houseful of guests!
That’s a shame, to have something so beautiful bring only sadness. If they don’t mean that much to you, and the mom certainly doesn’t care about them, have you considered passing them on to another young bride who would be so happy to have them? Then go find a nice set that will build only happy memories of your houseful of guests!
I have been enjoying your blog – although I seem to be a couple of days behind. The links for the artist’s work was wonderful to see, both very talented, beautiful work.
Grandparents are very special for children. My parents have brought so much to my children.
I have been enjoying your blog – although I seem to be a couple of days behind. The links for the artist’s work was wonderful to see, both very talented, beautiful work.
Grandparents are very special for children. My parents have brought so much to my children.
Thanks for visiting my blog. Your guilts are beautiful. I took some quilting classes about 5 years ago but never got far with making a quilt. We have moved since then and the house I live in now, does not have the room I need to work on large sewing projects. Your dishes are lovely and if they were given to me under the same circumstances I would have thought of them starting a new beginning and I would have thought that they were meant to be in my home where they will be loved. Enjoy your pretty dishes since you did not have to go after them, they came to you…….see, they were meant to be a part of your family memories.
Thanks for visiting my blog. Your guilts are beautiful. I took some quilting classes about 5 years ago but never got far with making a quilt. We have moved since then and the house I live in now, does not have the room I need to work on large sewing projects. Your dishes are lovely and if they were given to me under the same circumstances I would have thought of them starting a new beginning and I would have thought that they were meant to be in my home where they will be loved. Enjoy your pretty dishes since you did not have to go after them, they came to you…….see, they were meant to be a part of your family memories.
My grandfathers favorite Royal Albert design…he gave me a set on my wedding day, which i use every Xmas…..only special memories for me when i see this pattern!!!
My grandfathers favorite Royal Albert design…he gave me a set on my wedding day, which i use every Xmas…..only special memories for me when i see this pattern!!!
The dishes story is a poignant one. I enjoy your blog and I love you quilts.
The dishes story is a poignant one. I enjoy your blog and I love you quilts.
Beautiful dishes! Don’t feel sad when you see them. Enjoy them as your friend wanted you to.
I believe we have different chapters in our lives and some friend move from chapter to chapter and others stay behind with the memories.
Beautiful dishes! Don’t feel sad when you see them. Enjoy them as your friend wanted you to.
I believe we have different chapters in our lives and some friend move from chapter to chapter and others stay behind with the memories.
Hi Nicole, I have been catching up on your blog. My name is Tiffany and I am Debbie’s (Prairie Queens) Daughter In Law. I have the exact same china pattern. Debbie approached me after Brian and I had been married for a few years and asked if I would enjoy her buying me that pattern. It is one of her favorite patterns and I feel honored to have a pattern she would have used if she didn’t already have china.
Hi Nicole, I have been catching up on your blog. My name is Tiffany and I am Debbie’s (Prairie Queens) Daughter In Law. I have the exact same china pattern. Debbie approached me after Brian and I had been married for a few years and asked if I would enjoy her buying me that pattern. It is one of her favorite patterns and I feel honored to have a pattern she would have used if she didn’t already have china.