Sunday, August 12, 2012

Montana Prairie Gold

Prairie Gold table, thanks to Montana.


This summer we visited family in the treasure state of Montana, land of big skies, rivers, glacier parks, Rimrocks, rainbows, geysers, hailstorms, prairie lands and wheat fields.  You feel arrested by beauty at every turn, so much so that you have to stop, be still, and breathe it into your soul. And of course, amongst the blazing beauty, I fell in love with dishes aptly named, Prairie Gold, treasure indeed.

We visited cousins on the Hoagland Ranch, still worked by family, cattle ranchers and farmers. Riding on the back of their flatbed pick-up, we toured the wheat fields during harvest, watching our cousins drive the combines harvesting the wheat.  Such beauty in those fields. Hard work, but gloriously beautiful.

Back at the ranch (always wanted to say that), it was love at first sight. There in her china cabinet were the most glorious plates and glasses (why didn't I take a picture?) She told me she found them in the basement, nobody else wanted them, and she loved them.  Her mom said they were given away in detergent boxes, and if you bought a tractor, you got a whole set. I was hooked. When I returned home I found out more about them, as well as purchasing plates and glasses on eBay. Got to love eBay.

There are lots of glasses available, but I'm starting with these petite wine/juice glasses.  Love the wheat stalks on each side.

I didn't know what I wanted for the centerpiece, but something wheaty, earthy, wildflowerishy, so found various dried stalks at Michael's that reminded me of Montana, golds, sage greens, and purples.  The short stemmed glasses called for something low, unobstructed, like the prairie itself (I may be over thinking this...)  Nixed the vase, arranging them along the table in a free flowing manner.

Needs movement, like wind blowing through the golden prairie filds.  Gold mesh ribbon seemed to work...to flow/blow across the table. Candles for golden glow...like the sun going down on the fields, time to dust off the road and go to supper...(definitely over thinking this but this is my thinking.)


Found out that Lifetime China Co. did produce china as promotions for many companies, but I never found an ad for a tractor!  I'm so on it looking. If you have stories or leads, please send to me!
Silverplate, Oneida Community Baronet circa 1923, because of the simple design and detail at the bottom of each piece reminding me of a wheat stalk.

Wrapped the napkins in silver rings then covered with ribbon.

It may be because school starts this week, but I'm so in the mood for Fall, harvest golds, warm colors,  and the season of thanksgiving. We are blessed to live in this country, to feel God's greatness in the mountains, prairies, oceans, rivers, and around our tables.  Blessings and treasures indeed.
Sharing this post with Tabletop Thursday

Plates - Lifetime China Co. Prairie Gold, eBay
Chargers - Garage Sale, Malibu, CA
Glasses - Homer Laughlin Prairie Gold wine glasses, eBay
Flatware - Community Silver Plate Baronet, Goodwill ($15)
Napkins - Starched damisk, Estate sale, Woodland Hills, CA (6 for $8)
Napkin rings, Goodwill (8 for $5)
Flowers - dried and artificial stalks from Michael's
Candle holders - Home Goods, last year ($5)
Ribbon - Michael's
Tablecloth - Ventura Flea Market, last Fall ($3)

5 comments:

  1. What a beautiful tablescape! I love your centerpiece, very unique and gorgeous. I'm also crazy about your dishes, they're so sweet and pretty. Love all the gold in your glassware and tablecloth. Perfect! Hope you come by for a visit.
    FABBY

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  2. Our brains must be on the same wave length because I didn't think you were over thinking it at all!!! I pay a lot of attention to detail so that the "feel" is just as right as the look, and I think that's exactly what you did here, CJ! It really pays off in the end when you pay attention to the little things! Really terrific dishes and stemware! Good luck with getting all the pieces you want, and I hope you find them at bargain basement prices. These would be just gorgeous for a Thanksgiving table!!!!! I'm glad you had fun at the ranch. Was it like living on Southfork? Please tell me your cousins are NOT like the Ewings!!! :-) I've never visited Montana, but I hear it is referred to as "God's Country" for a very good reason. Sounds like you were able to find that in your visit. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  3. CJ,
    Gorgeous!!! This is so exquisitely arranged and the movement in the centerpiece is captivating! Lovely post. Do hope you find your information on the tractor.
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  4. I love your flatware!!! Very pretty table.

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  5. It's been too long between posts. Are you still tablescaping?? Miss you

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Thanks for your encouraging messages! No anonymous messages. Thanks!~CJ