Dinnerware Diary

Whewwwww...

I have to admit that things have been overwhelmingly busy since I returned from my vacation.  It is good to be back but I have so much to do!  Since I completed my college education, there is no need for me to live by the university.  This week, I have been busy moving into a condo across town.  This morning, I came into work quite flustered.  My morning was hectic and I was sore (from moving, of course).  As soon as I arrived, I have to quickly prepare for a marketing meeting.  This meeting is attended by the print and online marketing teams and our website administration staff.

After being so rushed and facing so many challenges in getting to work, the last thing I needed to do was sit through a long, boring meeting that would cut into my time writing.  How quickly my attitude changed!  A presentation was given by our Vice President of Print Marketing about our customer base.  I learned so much about our customers and the inner workings of another department - - - it was truly astounding.

This is just one of the many great things about this company.  Everyone is trained to do so many jobs.  If I need a break from writing, I can take a few customer calls in our sales, customer service, or purchasing splits.  If I want to know more about our mail-quoting processes, I simply let someone know that I would like to work in the mailroom.

I recently read an article about a new Human Resources term, "unsiloing."  The premise of the article was simple.  Take your employees and move them around the company, allowing them to better themselves by taking them out of a linear or "siloed" path to success.  Although the writers of the article stated that the principle was new, it is something that Replacements, Ltd. has been doing for years.

Loving one's job is something that everyone should experience.  I am very fortunate to have that opportunity at Replacements, Ltd.  Coming to work is really a great experience and something to which I look forward.

HAND-CRAFTED!

Whenever, I bring visitors to Replacements, Ltd., it is quite amazing to see the various collectible figurines being restored to their original glory or watch as a someone hand applies an intricate gold edge to a piece of crystal.  In addition to this and their many other duties, our restoration artists are also responsible for creating a vast array of hand-crafted serving pieces.

The story of these unique items is rather amazing.  Over the years, people have called and requested pieces in their china, crystal, and flatware patterns that the manufacturer may not have made.  Let's say that both yours and your neighbor's silver patterns were made by Reed and Barton.  They were made at roughly the same time and otherwise the patterns are very similar.  What if your neighbor's pattern had a candle snuffer and yours does not.  You've really wanted a candle snuffer for some time but the piece was simply not made for your pattern.

Replacements decided to make these pieces available to customers who may not have access to them because the manufacturer never made the piece.  By sawing off a handle from your pattern and adhering it to a complementary "snuffer" implement, you now have a candle snuffer in your Reed and Barton pattern.  It's rather ingenious when you think about it.  And, now you know why they call these pieces "hand-crafted."

Replacements, Ltd. offers a large (actually, gargantuan) selection of these hand-crafted items, including carving forks, casserole spoons, holiday-pierced tablespoons, 1-, 2-, and 3-tiered serving trays, wall sconces, cheese plates with domes, candleholders, nightlights, and chip and dip sets.  The variety is stunning.  To explore various pieces that are hand-crafted by Replacements, Ltd. simply click here.  To purchase items that are hand-crafted in your pattern, find your pattern's webquote using Replacements.com's search engine or the "China," "Crystal," and "Silver" navigation tabs.  Once you have located your pattern's webquote, hand-crafted pieces will be designated with "HC" following the piece's name.

If you have questions about hand-crafted pieces, give me a call or email me.  I'm available at 1-800-737-5223, x2537 or your can reach me at garon.anders@replacements.com.  If I don't have the answer, I can certainly run down to restoration and get the answer for you.  Also, any of our friendly sales associates will be happy to assist you.

Mandalay!

This morning, I was in the showroom and I walked past the most amazing display of table- and giftware.  "Mandalay" is an extraordinary pattern that has an oversized Oriental floral display that is accented with glittering gold trim.  The pattern is made in a variety of colors - my favorites being "Blue" and "Chartreuse."

Founded by Miles Mason in 1796, Mason's Ironstone has garnered a reputation for stunning beauty and incomparable durability.  Miles, with his three sons, experimented with various glazes and biscuit types to develop what is now known as "ironstone."  So durable was their discovery that it has been used to make fireplaces, tiles, and even garden seats.  Traditional body styles are further accented with rich colors like iron red, cobalt blue, and gold. 

In Mason Ironstone's own words, "[Mandalay] creates a strong presence in any room."  It amazes me to walk through our showroom and see the "Mandalay" collection which offers a variety of giftware, pllace setting, and serving pieces.  To view a history of the Mason's Ironstone Company, simply click here.  To browse and order serving and accessory pieces from this collection, click here.

Can't get me enough of Lenox's "Westchester!"

The following table composition is pulled together, once again, by Lenox's "Westchester" chargers.  These amazing plates artfully bring together any table decor.  The following table is set with a simple white cheese cloth with an understated lace edge.  Again, it is hard to express the beauty that comes with adding a simple charger or service plate to a place setting.

Wedgwood's "Cuckoo" is the eye-catching centerpiece of this tableware palette.  This bone china features exotic birds and flowers that are boldly juxtaposed with the whiteware bone-body of each piece.  As always, the perfect accent to this delightful pattern is the charger from Lenox's "Westchester."   The "Westchester" band is bold and exotic while the "Cuckoo" band is simple and refined.  Paired together, these amazing patterns make an excellent complement to any dining table.

To further enhance the grandeur of this tableware composition, consider Gorham Silver's sterling "Secret Garden."  Featuring a symmetrical handle that is accented with a series of scrolls, this pattern is the essence of classic sterling silver artistry.  Its glossy finish sparkles handsomely with the gold trim of "Westchester" and "Cuckoo." 

To complete the look of this stunning table, a stemware pattern is needed.  In this case, I have chosen Waterford's "Castletown."  This lead crystal pattern has a series of crosshatched diamond cuts that accent a body that is slender and aristocratic.  The stem is multi-sided, bulbous, and rests atop a diamond cut base.  This pattern also features the stunning quality for which the Irish crystal company, Waterford, has come to be known.

I am always on the lookout for a great table setting.  Sometimes, when you are perusing the Replacements, Ltd. website the choices can be overwhelming.  For that reason, I do my best to find table settings that I know will impress your guests and point you right to the best source for purchasing these place settings.  If you have questions, please email or call me.  I'm always available to help a customer.  1-800-737-5223 x2537 or garon.anders@replacements.com.

Vacation - All I Ever Wanted

The song, "Vacation," sung some time ago by the Go-Gos still rings true.  If there is one thing that I've needed, it is a vacation!  Although I love Replacements, Ltd. and its wonderful products, it is still my job and who doesn't want to escape from their jobs occasionally. 

This year, after celebrating the end of school (and my school career), I decided to visit Disney World and the Dolphin/Swan resort.  This was definitely no "kid's get-away."  My days were spent lounging by the grotto and waterfalls at the resort and my evenings were spent eating the culinary art of Todd English and Wolfgang Puck.  I read several books, including Markus Zusak's The Book Thief. I strolled Disney's Board Walk and visited Downtown Disney's "Pleasure Island." 

Aside from Disney entertainment and character dining, I visited Universal Studios "Islands of Adventure" and dared to ride the monster roller coasters "Dueling Dragons" and "The Incredible Hulk."  The highlight of my visit to Universal was the "Spiderman" simulator ride. 

Disney's Dolphin/Swan Resort was designed by Michael Graves, the famed designer of many Target Products.  The two-resorts-in-one have buildings that face each other.  Atop of each of the buildings are giant sculptures of swans and dolphins.  The dolphins look very much like the dolphins that are seen on traditional English china, especially Wedgwood.  I immediately recognized the unorthodox representation of the dolphin.  The image at this link is taken from Wedgwood's "Drabware."  I laughed throughout the week as people would comment that the dolphins atop the resort looked nothing like an actual dolphin.

As much as I enjoyed my vacation, it is great to be back at work.  I have a lot on my plate in the coming days.  Another newsletter is about to be transmitted and there is much to prepare for.  So, I might as well dig right in. 

My Wedding China

I have worked at Replacements, Ltd. since April 14, 2000.  In that time, I never really found a china, crystal, or flatware pattern that "spoke" to me.  I certainly didn't find anything that I would be willing to call my "wedding china."  Well, "wedding china" is not exactly the right word considering marriage is not in my future.  Nonetheless, in six years, I never found a pattern, or patterns, that piqued my interest in such a way that I would add them to my would-be Replacements, Ltd. wedding/gift registry.

Today, I stumbled upon a display in the showroom that is so regal, elegant, and brilliant that, for lack of a better term, it will be my "wedding china."  The place settings consist of a variety of patterns that are tastefully matched.  The chargers for each setting are taken from the "Westchester" pattern by Lenox, a derivative of Lenox's "Presidential Line." This creamware design is accented with an ornately gold-encrusted band and simple glistening verge line.  Each charger is 12" in diameter.  It seems that chargers are rarely used these days - a fact that I find astounding.  The aesthetics of one's table is exponentially enhanced by the grandeur of this addition.

For dinner plates, each place setting alternates between Royal Crown Derby's "Blue Aves" and Mottahedeh's "Torquay-Blue."  These patterns are reminiscent of the original flow blue designs popular throughout England during the past couple of centuries.  "Aves" is floral pattern that has, as its centerpiece, prominently displayed birds.  The word "aves" refers to the class of vertebrates that includes all birds.  Royal Crown Derby is best known for its production of the "Imari" patterns.

Mottahedeh is renowned for their classic dinnerware reproductions.  "Torquay" is a pattern that was produced in Torquay, Devon, England.  It was selected by Mildred R. Mottahedeh as one of her famous antique reproductions and showcases a marvelous sea-themed motif with shells and sea grass.  Unlike the other patterns featured in this selection, "Torquay" has a matte gold finish.

Bread and butter plates and dessert plates are taken from Spode's understated but elegant "Y3890" pattern.  A breathtaking pure cobalt band is accented with gold filigree, in this timeless aristocratic design.  The pattern is one of Spode's higher quality bone creations. 

Each place setting is to be completed with crystal bar and stemware from Wedgwood Crystal's "Dynasty" pattern.  A plain base supports a multi-sided stem upon which a multi-optic bowl bowl rests.  The edge of the bowl is accented with series of oval cuts that perfectly complement the otherwise naive crystal sculpture that is "Dynasty."

To complete this tableware composition, I have chosen the post-war "Processional" pattern by Fine Arts Silver.  Like its contemporaries, "Processional" is relatively simple.  Each symmetrical handle is decorated with a series of scrolls.  The tip is heavy and somewhat ornate, the central body has a glossy mirror-like finish, and the heel-half has overlapping scrollwork.

The beauty of this tableware composition is that various attributes of each pattern are perfectly juxtaposed with opposing attributes of complementary patterns.  For instance, the creamware body of "Westchester" contrasts with the whiteware bodies of "Aves," "Torquay," and "Y3890."  The ornate "Westchester" border is the perfect accent to the muted gold lines of the other pieces in the service.  While "Aves" and "Torquay" feature busy, eye-catching designs, "Processional" and "Dynasty" are, by comparison, understated.

These patterns will look great together and will certainly be a conversation piece.  Alas, I have not even begun thinking of a linens!

Waterford Goes Modern

This morning a coworker pointed out a particular design to me.  She knows that I love all things modern.  I was astounded to see that these pieces were made by Waterford of Ireland.  Called "Evolutions," this collection of giftware features organic forms, simple lines, repeating geometric shapes, and a variety of colors.  The centerpiece that is pictured here is the item that first caught my eye.  It is shown standing 16" wide and 10" tall. 

For the most part, Waterford is known for their austere traditional designs like "Lismore;"  heavy lead crystal patterns that are accented with diamond cuts.  Probably the most innovative line that I have seen made by Waterford is the Millennium Series.  This festive line of toasting flutes and giftware was made for the turn of the millennium and has been immensely popular.

My job is so full of surprises.  I really never know what I'm going to find next.  It's just a matter of turning the corner.

Gracie's Big Adventure

Replacements, Ltd. has a pet friendly policy.  Our company allows all well behaved pets to accompany employees and visitors to our facilities.  This is a really, really cool bonus to working here.  On our website, you will find a tri-weekly addition to our "Featured Pet" archive.  I take the time to interview and get images of one of our employees and their pet.  Using that interview, I write a rather cute story and place them on the web.  The response from the readership of our website has been tremendous.  Whenever I'm wandering around Greensboro and wearing my blue and gold Replacements, Ltd. polo, the comment that people most often make is, "That's the company where you can take your pet to work."

My partner, Jeremy, and I have a mutt named "Gracie."  She is some odd canine mix that makes her look a little like Yoda from Star Wars.  Jeremy found her in the parking lot of Lowes Foods, a local grocery store, a little over a year ago.  Gracie is well behaved, smart, and amicable.  However, she is a bit wild.  Heaven forfend that she should get off her leash.  She loves to run and has the speed of a cheetah.

Yesterday, the unthinkable happened.  Gracie jumped the gate in my office, bolted for the door, opened the airlock, and began running around our campus.  She eventually made it into a forested area near the Replacements, Ltd. building.  What happened next is truly a testament to how wonderful this company is.  Several people saw Gracie as she ran from the building.  They met me outside carrying dog treats. 

One in particular, Mary Ciburk, our Safety Coordinator came to my aid.  She met me outside carrying dog treats and said, "What do you call these at home?"  I said that Gracie knew them as "treats."  Apparently, Mary has had some experience with pets on the lam.  While I was hiking back to the building to get me my car, another employee said, "You're a little upset and my car is closer.  Let me me drive."  As Micheal and I were preparing to search by car, Mary came walking to the building carrying a tired and slightly scared Gracie.

My office was full of well-wishers who were concerned over the situation.  Some brought doggie treats, like the ones that most of us keep at our desks.  To all of them, and to the staff of Replacements, Ltd.  I have to say "Thank you."  Replacements, Ltd. is truly a fun place to work and the people here really do care.  This says so much to me about our corporate spirit.  You know that you work at a great company when your fellow employees are more than just team mates. 

Gracie is fine now.  She is resting at home today after her big adventure.  Of course, I will bring her back to work - she loves it here!  My team mates love Gracie.  Dogs will be dogs and accidents happen.  What is truly unique about Replacements, Ltd. is that so many people care and are willing to help when there are incidents like that one the occurred with my rogue, albeit, lovable Gracie.

I promised you more...

Well, it's here! It's on display and today, I'm including it in my blog.  The exquisite USS North Carolina silver has been received and placed in our Showroom Museum.  This stunning array of sterling silver was commissioned on August 15, 1907 by the North Carolina General Assembly to be used on board the armored cruiser.  The vast number of pieces included in the collection were produced by Dominick and Haff.  This company was later purchased by Reed and Barton. 

There are so many unique attributes to this amazing collection.  First, there is the amazing North Carolina State Seal.  The seal or "Great Seal," as it often called features two women - the Lady of Liberty and the Lady of Plenty.  The background of the seal shows mountains on the left and ocean on the right.  This represents the great Smokey Mountains in the western part of North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean that borders the eastern part of the state.

A unique rope border accents each amazing piece.  Ropes figure prominently in nautical symbolism.  The Navy seal also appears on many pieces.  This seal features one of the great icons of the USA, the bald eagle.  Also displayed is an anchor and a ship. 

Many of the feet that were designed for this service are dolphins.  Dolphins have always been "great helpers" of the sea.  The dolphin design is the one that is featured more prominently in tableware design; the one that is often seen in Wedgwood designs.

I think my absolute favorite attribute of this collection is finial design.  The finials are great bald eagles - one of the most enduring symbols of American freedom and democracy.  The Continental Congress adopted the bald eagle as the National Bird on June 20, 1782.  This American bird is most often pictured holding an olive branch and a arrows.

The USS North Carolina silver will be on display in our showroom museum for the next year.  I encourage you to take the time to come and visit us.  We would love to have you here.  As a reminder, the Showroom is open from 9:00am to 7:00pm ET, 7 days a week; free tours are available from 9:30am to 6:00pm ET, 7 days a week. The Showroom and Museum are conveniently located between Greensboro and Burlington, NC, at exit 132 off Interstate 85/40.

Romeo and Juliet

One of my favorite collections at Replacements, Ltd. is our extraordinary line of Armani figurines.  These delicately sculpted figurines are so painstakingly detailed that you stand in awe of the artist who designed them.  Each piece is classic and breathtaking.  Created in the style of the Renaissance masters, these figurines add an air of sophistication that is unparalleled in the world of figural art.

Consider, for example, this handsome sculpture of Romeo and Juliet.  Standing an impressive 25" tall, this amazing sculpture is accented with warm and endearing washed tones.  The ballet of the same name was composed by Sergei Prokofiev and was based on the William Shakespeare's infamous work, The Most and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.  The ballet is comprised of three acts and an epilogue.  The work premiered at the Kirov Theater in 1937 and is one of Prokofiev's most famous. 

Last year, I  had the opportunity to visit the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C and watch this gorgeous ballet.  Many are familiar with the Pyotr Tchaikovsky's famous work The Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture and confuse this piece with Prokofiev's ballet.  This is an easy mistake to make considering that Tchaikovsky is known for his ballets, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, etc. 

Armani's figurine is stunning in so many ways - as is all the works of this Italian master.  They are like 3D portraits suspended in time.  If you would like to view more of the stupendous works of Armani, then click here or visit our showroom.  This piece is currently being displayed on the J.P. Morgan Cherry Wet Bar.