This past week we got 10″ of snow. As the storm was approaching, the boys decided to head upstate and go skiing. I decided to stay home and enjoy the blanket of silence that fell. It was beautiful, that soft layer of white and the calm, quiet, almost eerie stillness. I got to read, and putter around the house and get some long overdue projects finished. Putting the Christmas things away, I spied a compote I’d gotten recently antiquing on my way to Provincetown with my dear flea market friend….. The snow and compote further reminded me of our many ski trips to Butternut in Great Barrington,MA……a town full of antique shops, especially table top antique shops! Last time we were there, one of my favorites, The Country Dining Room, was closing. Full of transfer ware, glasses, majolica, silver accessories, it was a mecca for for all who love dishes and entertaining.
There were cupboards (whole rooms actually!) full of blue dishes, place settings stacked high in delicious colors, silver accessories, linens…..with so many dishes calling my name, it was a symphony to behold.
These one of a kind plates seem crowned with gold…
And are as regal as some of my favorite pieces of porcelain in the Metropolitan Museum…..I especially love the elephant vase.
As I was enveloped in the silence of the snow, I realized I missed the hustle and bustle of the boys being home. Perhaps, I thought, I should use that compote as I always envisioned and bake them some cookies for when they get back.
Now, if I had just listened to the song of the tea service at the Country Dining Room, I’d have the perfect set to serve hot chocolate with the cookies…..