The Pine Hollow Vintage girls go to England

My love of vintage china goes back to my childhood when special occasion tables were always set so beautifully. It wasn't that everything was new and perfect; instead, it was the charm of mismatched china, crisp linens, pretty glassware, and freshly polished silverware that graced the table and was so inviting.  
Those memories of childhood stayed with me, and as I gained a household of my own, I began to collect bits and pieces of pretty china, especially patterns I loved for the holidays. Brown Spode transferware for Autumn tablescapes, Franciscanware Rose pattern for Springtime dinners, and then Christmas....well, Christmas had no boundaries, and no one pattern could hold my attention...if it was beautiful, red, green, and sparkled, it had to come home. 

In time, I began to see a pattern develop. Most of my cherished pieces came from England, although I had never traveled there. I felt a deep connection to the country, as a teacher of literature at the high school level, I had studied the works of great writers and poets from all over England, but I only dreamed of what it was truly like. ​
​When my vocation started to blend with my passion for entertaining, baking, decorating, and antiquing, I started to dream of what I could do with my passion. I'll jump ahead to where we are today and leave that tale for another time. For today, I want to tell you about a recent trip that Cadie and I made....both of us...the Pine Hollow Vintage girls!

The art of tea most certainly is at the center of English daily life. So, doing it 'right' was quite important. The many books and magazines I have read about the serving of tea can only do so much. One must experience it firsthand, and so we did!
​In September of 2016, we flew into London/Gatwick Airport. It was a gorgeous Autumn day! We had many places to visit and a rather brief stay, so we gathered our belongings and off we went to a charming bed and breakfast set amid acres of sheep, cows, kittens on rooftops, and green rolling hills as far as we could see. The owner was a wool gatherer, who made sturdy warm blankets from the finest wool throughout England. We were told that Kate Middleton herself purchased a blanket! And, so when we finally got our weary bodies into bed that first night, those blankets were wonderful company indeed! 

The next morning, we were served a scrumptious breakfast...fruits, eggs, everything beautifully presented, and of course, tea! We chatted with the owner for quite awhile, listening to her stories, learning about the area, and anticipating the day ahead. We walked in the fields with the sheep, breathed in the morning air, and tossed dog toys for the playful pups on the farm.  ​

This was to be the beginning of so many amazing experiences in England...from the most delightful time ever at Stourhead, having a picnic with some friends, old and new and a favorite artist and author of ours, Susan Branch. Susan has inspired us to find joy in homemaking, to find peace in a cozy spot near a warm hearth, and to bring joy to others by making events so very special with delicious food, beautiful spaces, and pretty china. We'll be doing future posts about Susan and our wonderful experiences with her over the years...she certainly nudged us toward England in more ways than one!

Our trip included an incredible day at Stonehedge, something you just have to see to believe. A boat ride on the Avon River, afternoon tea where Shakespeare lived were a few of the highlights...and then we went to Stoke-on-Trent. 

The town of Stoke-on-Trent really had gone the way of the typewriter, obsolete and worn down. A lot of incredible pottery and fine china is made there, but certainly there have been times when the economy did not support that expense, so many shut down over the years. But one forward thinking woman, with a mission to make a mug for tea that was of her liking, led to a new phenomenon in town, and that woman is Emma Bridgewater. I first saw Emma's mugs about 20 years ago, but at the time, I just admired them, but didn't really know the story behind them. The company only started in 1985, so they are relatively new, compared to Wedgwood, Minton, and Royal Worcester from the 1700s. England is known world-wide for its fine china and pottery, and we were absolutely awestruck to see signs of it everywhere!

We wanted to see every single factory, but we chose the factory tour of Emma Bridgewater and it did not disappoint! From the making of the molds and the sponges that stamp on the designs to the women painting the mugs and plates and the men shaping bowls and cake plates, we were in dish dazzling delight! After the tour, we had afternoon tea right there in the lovely shop, with pottery pieces from her collection as our serving pieces...all mismatched, colorful, and adorable, just as we like it! Scones, pots of tea, and soups satisfied our tummies as we were wide-eyed like children at Christmas....yes, it's our passion!  ​

England is so unique and special, but you must venture into the small villages, take walks on paths where sheep tread, and listen to the history all around. See the bunting that is strung across the village roads; imagine the great writers who were inspired by the landscape, have fish and chips in the many small shops that offer it. Savor it all.... ​

London will be there for another trip, but the countryside and its charm captured our hearts. Chatsworth House amazed us with its incredible gardens, grand staircases, baroque furniture and tapestries, history, and grandeur. But our most cherished moments came from walking through the smallest of towns, scavenging antique shops, and sitting down for tea. England served us well and we can't wait to return!