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!