Why does James Bond say his martini should be “shaken not stirred”? Because a martini, and any other cocktail that contains mostly alcohol, is traditionally prepared “stirred” with ice in a mixing glass. This Blue Willow Bar Mixing Glass makes up to four drinks at a time. They are stirred with ice, then strained into…
Blue Willow transfer porcelain has been put onto probably everything. These fun little cows are some of my favorite pieces. This is an antique cow cream pitcher with blue willow transfer applied under the glaze. I’ve come across these at junk shops and received them as gifts over the years. Blue and White Delft Cows…
For a fun change up, hang some blown glass ornaments from your chandelier or pendants. You can loop them over the arms or replace some of the crystals. The look goes beautifully with painted finish chandeliers. Quorum International 6073-4-70 San Miguel Crystal Drop Chandelier on Amazon These exotic drops are hand blown in Egypt. No…
When it is cold outside, cheer up the house with some spring bulbs. You won’t believe how easy it is to grow spring flowers in your house. The earliest descriptions, from the early 1700s, describe how the Dutch balance a bulb on top of a bud vase. Special forcing vases are seen in illustrations by…
I love everything from the company Two’s Company. I especially like their Chinoiserie Chic Collection. Inspired by the unique designs first introduced in 17th century China, our Chinoiserie Chic collection features a beautiful array of Chinoiserie décor, bamboo decorations, and much more. With… a vast selection to choose from, it’s easier than ever to add…
I have found more of the adorable miniature blue and white porcelain pagodas. And they don’t cost much at all! The one on the left is from a brand called Hoolerry. I don’t think there is any difference between it and the one from Mpapali. The second is from Sophinique and the one at the…
I can never have too many hand towels. I prefer the cotton terrycloth ones. Any cotton towel that is absorbent is useful. And I have a lot of rather useless un-absorbent synthetic towels that I bought anyway because I like the picture so much. This set has chinoiserie designs embroidered onto cotton terry cloth. Quera…
This is the Cobalt Blue Net or Mesh pattern china from Russia. The basic pattern is crossing lines with “bugs” or bows where they cross. They have been made a long time and are available new and used in hundreds of variations. The white porcelain with cobalt blue is accented with solid blue and gold….
Chinese figurines in white china with cobalt blue transfer or painting is a wonderful accent to your blue willow china collection. They are available in different sizes. The smaller ones are easiest to find. Larger ones are less common and cost quite a bit more. Some have beautifully applied details. Others, not so much. This…
These ginger jars are shaped like little pagodas made of porcelain with cobalt blue painting under clear glaze. I have seen them in two sizes. Usually they are small, 8-inches high. But I have seen them larger, 16-inches high. You can also find them turned into table lamps. The shape is nearly identical every time…
