Naturally, after I finished writing "Dainty Dining" last year I came across even more memorabilia pertaining to America's old department store tea rooms. I recently located a dessert cookbook from Strawbridge & Clothier in Philadelphia, so expect to see a recipe or two out of that in the near future! Meanwhile, I've added to my department store teacup collection with this cup and saucer from the store.
I really liked the pretty handle on this teacup. It sort of reminds me of the bow-shaped handle on
this department store's teacup.
Why were things so much prettier back then? Tiny roses, scallops, gilded edges. It's impossible to find new things with this much detail.
This set is marked Limoges, France, and I recently got a book on Limoges china so I can bone up on it. Meanwhile I'll enjoy sipping out of a teacup that recalls a bit of America's delightful retail history.
Naturally, after I finished writing "Dainty Dining" last year I came across even more memorabilia pertaining to America's old department store tea rooms. I recently located a dessert cookbook from Strawbridge & Clothier in Philadelphia, so expect to see a recipe or two out of that in the near future! Meanwhile, I've added to my department store teacup collection with this cup and saucer from the store.
I really liked the pretty handle on this teacup. It sort of reminds me of the bow-shaped handle on this department store's teacup.
Why were things so much prettier back then? Tiny roses, scallops, gilded edges. It's impossible to find new things with this much detail.
This set is marked Limoges, France, and I recently got a book on Limoges china so I can bone up on it. Meanwhile I'll enjoy sipping out of a teacup that recalls a bit of America's delightful retail history.
18 comments:
That is beautiful!
I bet it's thrilling to come across these finds!
You must be a magnet for these little department store treasures. I often think of how nicer things could be when dining in restaurants nowadays.
So pretty! What a special find.
I think it is so fab that you have and continue to chronicle such an important part of American social history! What a great find!
Ruth
Very pretty, pink and delicate... what a great find! Just out of curiosity, do you ever interact with your followers or folks who leave comments on your blog?
Beautiful! Of course I love anything with pink roses. :)
What a pretty teacup!
Just beautiful and so so so very interesting. I so enjoy reading up on your research.
Thank you so much- please enjoy your tea!
This cup and saucer is beautiful. I would not have known that "Strawbridge & Clothier" on the saucer was the name of a store.
A pretty teacup. Isn't that always the way? More research info comes along after you've finished your project.
At least you're adding to your collection of teacups with a history.
Judith
That is a lovely teacup and I'm impressed that a department store tearoom used Limoges china.
You are so teamazing!!!!
I love all of your cool finds. Thank You for sharing.
Love it! How exciting to still be finding more department store memorabilia. My reader and her mother that won your book told me they loved it so much the mother was going to order more copies for her friends.
BTW I will be having tea in Masillon, Ohio on May 5 and 6 at Amherst Rose Tearoom. If you were to happen in the neighborhood, it would be lovely to have you join us for tea. I know Phyllis is going to be there and others you might know, including maybe Steph of Steph's Cup of Tea. Let me know.
Very pretty. Maybe you will publish Volume 2 of Dainty Dining one day.
Angela, that is the prettiest tea cup. So hard to believe it was 'a staple' in a department store tea room. I love it when special china - Limoges, is used in an every-day setting. Reminds me of the Victorians philosophy: 'everyday items can be pretty and useful.'
I agree with Ginger: you may have enough material for "Dainty Dining II." Keep up the great work, I am so proud of you! Joanie
Beautiful! You find such wonderful things, I love seeing your photos and reading about them. I hope to purchase you new book sometime soon as well - it sounds so interesting.
It's lovely, lovely! Oooh, I love the bow, too.
I do wish that manufacturers and stores would take a hint to make the beautiful, quality patterns used back then.
How exciting for you to be adding to your excellent collection and history. I'll be on the lookout for things here.
Love, Carol B.
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