Panoply: Celebrating Life and Love with Noritake Azalea

Signs of new life are already emerging in gardens a little further South. While waiting and watching for signs of my own garden awakening, I'm setting a table for two to celebrate both life and love. My vintage Noritake Azalea china was an intentional choice for this tablescape.

My tablescape today is just one of many coming to you this week, amid company of a great group of bloggers. The complete list of those participating (with links) is provided at the end of this post. Our gracious host is the very talented (and patient!) Chloe, from the blog Celebrate and Decorate. The table details are also provided below.

This delicate china dates from 1918, and was sourced from an estate in North Carolina.

Noritake Azalea was made for the export market in Japan, and features hand-painted, pink azalea blooms on a white base. It has a gold rim (timeworn and loved in places), with gray and green foliage extending from the blooms. I've stacked the dinner plate between a silver trimmed, glass charger and a frilly, pierced salad plate. Sterling flatware (Prelude) lends a formal touch, while coffee spoons with a heart motif keep the mood playful.

Crystal champagne glasses are intended for fruit service on the plate stack, and coordinating tumblers for cold dinner beverages. Napkins are a simple white cotton with scallop trim, dressed up a bit with a pearl and gold napkin ring.

The tablecloth is a favorite vintage piece, a white matelasse textile. Layered on the tablecloth and beneath the cake pedestal is a white rabbit fur pelt, found while antiquing a couple years ago.

The flower arrangement at the head of the table is simple: a glass hurricane on gold charger, with crystal beaded floral stem and strand of lights in center. A magnolia wreath (purchased in Amish country several years ago) rests on the charger, which is raised on the table with another cake pedestal. A pair of crystal candlesticks are placed just in front of the floral arrangement, on each side.

I'll be quick to note that love and/or admiration of another with thoughtful presentation of a meal together does not have to be limited to the conventional idea of a Valentine's Day romance. I actually prepared this table with two occasions in mind - life and love. Valentine's Day is approaching, yes, but it just so happens that Mr. P.'s birthday falls shortly before. I created this tablescape to first celebrate his life and special day.

There's no denying candlelight ups the romance factor on any table.

A spice cake with buttercream icing was made just for Mr. P., his favorite (recipe here). I also made strawberries dipped in white chocolate, and served those on a bed of whipping cream. The macaroons add a pretty touch, and are great with coffee or tea.

We do plan to share a meal together for Valentine's Day, but one thing we love to do, with every meal, is to enjoy a little dessert afterward. And life is short - sometimes you just need to eat dessert first!

Celebrating Life and Love with Noritake Azalea

Source List

Noritake Azalea China, Longchamps crystal sherbet/champagnes, candlesticks - estates

White rabbit pelt - antique mall
Prelude Sterling Flatware - auction

Towle heart demitasse spoons - Amazon

Crystal drink glasses - Mr. P. vintage

Glass cake stand - wedding gift

Lacy salad plates, silver edged glass chargers, napkins - Pier 1

Napkin rings - HomeGoods

A special thank you goes out to Chloe of Celebrate and Decorate, for organizing all the bloggers listed below, ensuring there'd be plenty of inspiration and ideas for you in celebrating romance.