I Spy...Soleil

October issue of Country Living Magazine has a feature with several pictures of Quimper.

A wonderful Soleil tea pot filled with beautiful flowers.

A charming Soleil plate filled with nuts.

The October issue of Country Living magazine gives a very updated look to Quimper. Often we see Quimper adorned in only french country style homes - which I favor as I would think must of us Quimper collectors do! The above pieces are owned by a hip, young family whose home has an Anthropologie feel.

The "Soleil"glaze is the perfect Quimper to take us into Fall. I believe it started being produced in the 1920's. It reminds me of my favorite mustard corduroy skirt. Here are a few pieces I sprinkled around the house to get some Fall color.


I found this large (11') scalloped bowl at the Long Beach Flea Market in California. Co-founder, Lucy Williams introduced me to this market which is a must if you visit Southern California. Much like the Rose Bowl Flea Market you may see a few celebrities. Speaking of, I was told that actress Michelle Pfeiffer collects Soleil. This piece is marked HB Quimper France.


This set of coffee mugs were a gift which I believe were purchased in Petaluma, California. Petaluma is a quaint town that is a perfect stop on your way to Sonoma wine country in Northern California. Just past Petaluma is Healdsburg which has a town square very similar to what you will see in Savannah.


Lastly, this small plate which is marked HB Quimper France F303 D 201. I am not sure how I acquired it but I think I just fell in love with it again. I thought I would take a tip from Country Living and enjoy some nuts with my Quimper .

Please share with us how you use Quimper to decorate for Fall...

Savannah Shopping - SCAD.

The QCI Annual meeting is almost here! If you are staying at the Hotel DeSoto you will be excited to know that the Savannah College of Art and Design Shop is right around the corner
What is so special about this shop, according to FD Luxe magazine:
- Popular with design teams, Crate & Barrel and Henri Bendel regularly cruise the space for inspiration
-A 2010 fashion graduate was a competitor in the series "Project Runway
-The winner of 2010 Style Etoile Awards in New York City
-has also received attention from Vogue and rave reviews from designers such as Dianne von Furstenberg.

website

corner of Bull and Charlton streets
912-525-5180

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More Camaïeu Blue Faïence................by Sarah A

It's time once again for Blue Monday with Smiling Sally.

Several collections of French faïence in camaïeu blue have been shown here on QCI. You can find a list of these articles at the end of this post. Today I'd like to share photos of a collection of camaïeu blue faïence that I visited several years ago. These pieces belong to my friend, Charna, who graciously agreed to let me share them with you.
I don't know specifics about each of Charna's pieces, but I do know they are French, and they are indeed lovely. Charna has a wonderful wall of built-in cases, and these delights fill the shelves. Just imagine waking to these serene pieces each morning.

As I said, I don't know the specifics about each of these so I will just show the photos. Enjoy!

I hope you enjoyed seeing some more pieces in this charming art style. It's difficult to improve on the combination of blue and white. Charna's collection offers a look at some unusual forms and some exquisite painting.

To see more French faïence in camïeue blue click on the following links:

Some Favorites in Camïeue Blue

Having the Blues is a Good Thing

Blue and White Quimper

Visit Smiling Sally for a list of others participating in Blue Monday.

Porte Couteau aka Knife Rests...by Katie S.

Here is my collection of knife rests. Like all collections I don't think I set out to collect this one thing in particular. It just happened, I picked up one here and there and before I new it I had a collection within my collection...

The nice thing about knife rests are that they are small and usually not too costly.
My least expensive one was probably around $20.

Etiquette of knife rests today:
According to Kim Vallee, "Knife rests are a stylish table accessory if you plan to reuse the knives for more than one course. Do not put the knife on the knife rest when you are setting the table. The guests will deposit the knife on the knife rest between the courses to avoid spoiling the tablecloth. The knife rests signal to your guests that they should keep their knife. Knife rests are used exclusively in casual dinner.

There is no need for knife rests at a formal dinner. The utensils intended for the course are always removed at the end of each course at a formal dinner."

Above is marked, Dives Sur Mer

This one is by far the most rustic but has a less typical shape.

Part of a set of six gifted to me by fellow club member Laverne Conway.
Brand new, marked FAM France.

Probably my second favorite because it mixes my love of blue/white
and fleur de lys.
Will post that collection shortly, so come back!

And no French knife rest collection would be complete without French
cutlery so here is my Christofle taking a rest.

History:

The use of knife rests dates back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries. They were popular during the Victorian era. This was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign in England, from 1837-1901. It was a period of great prosperity and innovation.

The introduction of the knife rest was associated with a change in dining habits. The Victorian era is known for its elaboration of all aspects of dining, but especially for the proliferation of cutlery and glassware. The Victorians introduced the idea of several courses with a smaller number of food/menu choices. A different knife, fork and glass for every course was the norm.

Originally, the knife rests were probably set on the sideboard to protect the cloth runner. But as with most aspects of this era, eventually they became another aspect of elaborate table dressing. They were most certainly important for the protection of the beautiful table linens that were in use during that time.

Knife rests were made in almost any material, shape, size, and configuration you could imagine. Silver, gold, pottery, mother of pearl, ivory, horn and many combinations of these materials were used.

More information can be found here.

Books:
Knife Rests by Virginia L. Neas

Antique Knife Rests by Dean Rockwell

We'll be linking this post to Laurie's A Few of My Favourite Things Saturday meme, why not pop over to her great blog for a few more favourite things.

Damaged Goods or Favorite Treasure? Part Two

A while back Maggie posted the original entry, Damaged Goods or Favorite Treasure?

As I was unpacking I came across several pieces that I have always adored.

Since they are already broken I have no fear displaying them near little hands.

All of these pieces are pretty crudely glued back together, somehow it doesn't bother me.
The tulip vase was broken by the base.

And as you can tell the little tray broke in several places.

The colors of both pieces are so beautiful together.
I love how the mums from the garden bring a little Fall inside.

This tray has a nice clean break.

And I was finally able to successfully dry
a hydrangea from my garden.

Flowers and Quimper what more does a girl need!

Happy Friday.
-Katie

How are you accessorizing?

October has finally arrived which means the much anticipated meeting is this month! Are you ready? While cleaning out my closet, putting summer stuff away and bringing fall to the front...I uncovered some of my much loved Quimper accessories - silk scarf, heart pendant and badges. Do you know where yours are? Time to put them close to your suitcases and get ready for the Savannah soirre!

Country French Antiques

I thought I would share one of my favorite French inspired blogs, Country French Antiques. They have a store located in Kentucky, European Antique Market. Not only is there a lot of eye candy but the music play list is fabulous for entertaining. Go check it out and share with us your favorite item.

Mine is this great idea of using an old shutter as an awning!


Enjoy this wonderful Friday!