This is the story of how a little girl’s curiosity (and hard-headedness!) got her into deep trouble, but became a lasting memory. I want to thank my Mother for (1) letting me live after what I did on that fateful day some 46 years ago; (2) sharing with me the story of how she came to acquire this lovely tea set, and; (3) passing it on to me for a memory I will always cherish.
It isn’t often I get to share afternoon tea with friends, but when I do it is held near and dear to my heart. For this particular occasion, it was to celebrate recent accomplishments by each attendee. (An engagement, a retirement, and a new career. Hence the champagne & Godiva chocolates for all!!!)
My mother was gifted with this lovely Hans Dresden set back in the 1940s. My father’s nephew, who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, picked it up for her during his tour in Germany just before the city of Dresden was severely damaged by British & U.S. bombing. Little did anyone know of what great sentimental value this set would be some 65 years later.
I purchased these lovely embroidered cotton luncheon napkins years ago while on my honeymoon in New Orleans.
Let me explain/confess something. (Uh-oh…this takes me back about 45 years!) My mother had the entire set with coffee & tea pots, cups, saucers, dessert plates, and ashtrays! (Don’t give me that look! Smoking was perfectly acceptable…even encouraged…by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars “back in the day.”) As a child, much like now, I loved to play house. Despite many admonitions, I decided one day to play with Mom’s Dresden set. The result: the clumsy hands of a 6-year-old were no match for the delicate china. I irreparably broke several pieces of the set, and other pieces – like the pot above – were chipped. When my Mom gave me this fractured but nonetheless loved set a couple of years ago for my own collection, we had a good laugh…quite contrary to her reaction when I ruined it 46 years ago!!!
I did not prepare the sweets for this get-together, but I am grateful for the local pastilerias that did!
The centerpiece was composed of simple alstroemeria arranged in a tall, milky glass trumpet vase flanked by two smaller arrangements.
This was a wonderful afternoon spent with wonderful women – my mother included – who by all accounts forgive my past transgression of putting Hans in harm’s way.
Footnote: I saw this very set – in mint condition – on WorthPoint the other day. I was too afraid to look at how much it would be worth today had I not so tragically trashed it!
Other teatime tablescapes on this site include:
“Tea Roses“
“Coming Up Roses“
“Hello, Dahlia!“
This week for the first time ever, I am pleased to join Lady Katherine and all the fine ladies for Tea Time Tuesday. If you enjoy fine tea accoutrement, exquisitely set tea tables and ladies’ gatherings as much as I do, please check out other bloggers’ photos & stories on her site!
Wonderful story and great memory for you to treasure! Beautiful tea set!
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Sweet, sentimental memories and a gorgeous tea set!! A lovely tea indeed.
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I’m guessing that the chip in the teapot served to teach you a lesson that has served you well for your entire life. I’ll bet that you are always very careful with your beautiful things. Even that chip has value…in the memories that you cherish. Thank you for sharing your charming design and your wonderful story. Cherry Kay
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What a pretty story & a gorgeous treasures.
Love them (again)…
Enjoy the day & the rest of the week-end.
Greetings from Stockholm,
/chie
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This a very elegant table. The german china makes it very special. It is areal treasure that you got from your mother. And i love the story of your “china distaster”! Greetings from Europe!
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Thank you, Mabel! Wow…Europe! My family has visited many countries there, but I’ve never crossed the Atlantic. Too chicken to fly. Give all of Europe my best, and have a wonderful day!!!
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What a beautiful tea set! Great story too!
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What a wonderful afternoon celebration with Godiva, Champagne & Friends! Love the story & the beauty of the Dresden Tea Set, chips & all!
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Love your story and your china is so elegant. Perfect for a tea party. Linda
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Your Dresden/tea set is absolutely beautiful. It’s such a treasure for you to enjoy it today, especially with grace and care, even as you did playfully many years ago.
All the Best,
Requi
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