Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Franciscan Apple: My Work Horse

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         There is something so comforting, so perfectly weighty and substantial about Franciscan’s Apple , that it is the logical  shoulder for the wonderful mound of food I’ll serve to my family on Thanksgiving Day.

IMGP0713         It is not so precious- so fine that it can’t be scraped and stacked before washing, or even jostled in the kitchen sink.  Young and old can ‘fix their plate’ from the buffet I set up on our kitchen island, and I don’t have to hold my breath.

        The older dishes are so much more authentic- their colors deeper, the relief of the apple obvious to the touch.

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         I feel like every cabinet door in my house is open, as I bring my dishes out of their seasonal hibernation.  Mashed potatoes are going in the bowl above.  My husband has to have plenty of mashed potatoes.

        These dishes were ‘not my favorite’ as my oldest grandson says.  I didn’t collect these; my mother did.  These dishes were hers. I love them now. Funny how that happens.

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            Does a tablescape on my living room floor count- as I reach in cabinets, with my neck twisted, pulling out treasures?  If so, go see the wonderful Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for the real thing. 

25 comments:

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Hi Laura, These dishes are beautiful. My sister has used her set every day for ages... probably 30 years. I have the desert rose pattern but tired of them (my favorite are my white Mikasa Ultima+ Super strong fine china).

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day!
Kindly, ldh

donna baker said...

I do love those dishes. Incredible how many different pieces there are. They must have been very popular in your mom's day. I will wash all my mother's dishes tomorrow in ready for the holiday.

susan said...

Laura-I love this! Was there a pattern called Apple Blossm made by this company. My grandmother has something similar but it was pink and green--I always loved it.

Amy'svintagecottage said...

I have this same set put away in a cupboard. Maybe I will use them this year too. They arent my fav, but I got the whole set plus the water pitcher at a school fundraiser sale for $25.They are antique and I do appreciate their beauty.

trash talk said...

I do believe I see a Watt's bowl in the mix! They're perfect for Thanksgiving and aren't you thankful they're yours! What a sweet and lovely legacy.
Debbie
P.S. We make such pigs out of ourselves at Thanksgiving dinner, maybe the family and I should be eating on the floor!

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Laura, you are making me nostalgic. My mother had that pattern many, many, many years ago, and I grew up eating off it. Unfortunately for me, my mother gave it to my cousin when I was in high school - she hadn't thought that one day I might want it. She had EVERY piece that went with it. EVERYTHING! Thanks for showing it to us. Linda

Beeutiful by Design said...

I love these! My grandmother collected Francisan Magnolia. I did not like them as a child and now that she is gone I would die to have her collection. Have a Blessed & Beeutiful Thanksgiving holiday!

Lisa said...

These are quite beautiful. They have such an earthy, homey quality that makes them perfect for this time of the year. How wonderful that they once belonged to your mother. That makes them extra special indeed.
Have a happy Thanksgiving!

food with style said...

beautiful pics~

Amy said...

I too love those dishes. They're so nostalgic and inviting. Have a lovely holiday!!

Our Porch in Hillsborough said...

Oh! I have always loved this china. It's perfect for Thanksgiving and how lucky you are to have your mom's china! Have a great holiday!

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

LAURA!!!! When I was a teenager I asked my Grandmother if I could have her Franciscan Apple dishes when she was through with them....She has been gone for many years now and they are my fondest memory of her. I love them and have added many new pieces to the already huge collection... I wonder if one of my children will want them and love them as much as I do!!!! Thanks for sharing...xoxo~Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

My mother had these dishes -- I wonder where they went? So clasic.

Sue said...

I think anything counts if there are dishes involved. I remember these dishes from when I was much younger. It seemed that everyone had them for a while and I had no interest. I'd forgotten about this pattern...but now, I love it! Maybe we grew up??

Sue

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Laura, these bring back memories. My mom loved Fransciscan, but she had the "Desert Rose" pattern, and I don't remember now what happened to them. Things are a blur, when we moved her out of the old house seven years ago. Yes, I'd say they are perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner. I just love the apple motif! BTW, have a wonderful week getting ready Thanksgiving!
Big Hugs,
Debra

From the Old InkWell said...

Laura, I love these dishes!!!! Please Please Please do a tablescape and let us see! :)

Anonymous said...

Laura, How in the world did I miss your blog??? It's beautiful and your photography is awesome. I just signed on to follow.

Love it that you are from Texas. Hubby and I met and married in El Paso and had 2 of our daughters there. Long way from Oregon.....but we love it here. Miss good Mexican food. I've found only one restaurant here that cooks beans like my mom. I can live on good beans and hot tortillas. Good grief, now I'm getting homesick!

Anonymous said...

These bring back childhood memories. My Great Aunt had the same set when I was growing up. Thanks for posting!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I have loved those dishes all my life! I still do and I will die loving them! Maybe I should talk my daughter out of hers. She certainly talks me out of stuff! yeah...I think I will give it a go!
I LOVE those dishes!!!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

I've always loved this pattern. I bid on a set at auction once, but just couldn't go high enough to get them. I'm feeling a little jealous knowing that you got yours from your mother. But then, that makes them even more special. laurie

Nancy said...

They look just perfect for Thanksgiving. The abundance theme is beautifully painted on each piece in broad strokes. I can see why you learned to love them. And I know what you mean about things growing on you that you didn't think would. Thaks for sharing such beautiful pictures.

prashant said...

My grandmother has something similar but it was pink and green--I always loved it.


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Raggedykingdom said...

I absolutely love the apple dishes. My mother had a set as I was growing up and when my sister and I cleared her apt when she was moved to a nursing home, she had 4 egg cups. Two for me and two for my sister. After an extensive ebay session, I have enough to do a nice brunch. Love them.

Raggedykingdom said...

I really love the apple dishes. My mother had a set, but it was down to 4 egg cups when she had to go into a nursing home. After much searcing and buying on ebay, I can now set a nice table for 4. Really a staple when it comes to dishes.

raggedykingdom said...

Sorry for the multiple posts. Didn't see the first one show up. Still love the dishes.

 

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