Ideas for Special Occasions using Collectable China

The block pastel colours of tableware from the 1950s and1960s are unarguably attractive. During the war years, bright colours in interior design, and indeed crockery was banned, so a splash of colour in chinaware was a satisfying and encouraging sight after the grey and austere period of the late 1940s.

Most of the well known pottery makers of the time came out with pastel coloured tableware ranges including pale blues, pinks and greens. The ranges had assorted coffee and tea sets, with varying shapes and styles. 

Using your Collectables for Special Occasions.

A selection of Pastel China Ware

Baptisms, Christenings and Naming Ceremonies are special events in any families’ diary. So why not make it an occasion to remember?

Your celebratory cakes and tea will taste much nicer, and create a lot of more interest if served on an eclectic range of china ware.

 

Why not take the time to assemble a collection of retro pastel tableware to compliment your special occasion? For traditionalists a collection of pink or blue tableware to celebrate the naming of baby girls or boys is an original and memorable way to mark your special occasion.
 

Celebratory teas in the springtime could look fresh and novel in tones of pastel yellows or pastel green china. Or maybe combine the colours and shapes to create a random dolly mixture, pastel assortment.

Once you have chosen your colour scheme don’t try and collect all your crocks from the same pottery; the different shapes and styles of various makers will complement each other and add interest and an asthetic quality to your afternoon tea.

Where to find Collectable China

As always, pastel block coloured chinaware can still be found quite easily and cheaply in charity shops, car boots and Ebay. Now is the time to collect these little gems. As time goes by they will become rarer and more expensive.

If you have spent money, time and trouble sourcing your collection  I wouldn’t put any of this china in the dishwasher. Instead wash your china ware well in hot, soapy water.

The Future of your China Collection

Once the special occasion is over, pack your collection away in a distinctive box along with any other mementos. This would be a fabulous gift to give to your grown up off spring on the occasion of their 18th or 21st birthday or on their engagement or marriage.

Picture show items from my own collection.

• Johnson Brothers: Green Horizon
• Johnson Brothers: Blue Cloud
• Johnson Brothers: Rose Cloud
• J&G Meakin: Rosa
• Woods Ware: Beryl
• Grindley: Laburnum Petal
• Spode: Green

    Happy Crocking!

Links to my Other Crockery Articles

Advice on Christening and Naming Cakes