Antique Crockery for the Seasonal French Table

The joys of this time of year in the Charente region of France are the beautiful autumnal colours, the gorgeous light and the wonderful local produce.  With the sun low in the sky we have been treated to some stunning sunrises this past week and the leaves on the trees are slowly turning and showing off shades from velvety deep russets to fiery bright scarlets.

The lovely view from the top floor of our house in Cognac

Last weekend I went hunting with Spike for items for my online shop at a brocante market not far from us in Cognac.  The market in Ars (I commented on this unusual name in a post last year!) is one of the last of the season and I wanted to stock up for the Christmas rush in November (fingers crossed!).

It was a lovely bright morning and the Autumn fair was charming but I didn't come away with as many goodies as I had hoped for.  However, the things I did find I was very pleased with particularly a large blue and white ironstone serving plate.

As soon as I saw this antique plate made by the French potteries 'Mintons' I could imagine it on a rustic table and loaded with figs so when I came to photograph it I just couldn't resist popping out to buy some.

These figs were whoppers and I think they look stunning (although they do make the plate look smaller than it really is!)

Here are a couple of sauce boats that were also lucky brocante finds that are now gracing someone else's table

This cloche & plate combination is very pretty and would be ideal not only for cheese but also for serving up a Christmas pudding! 

And just imagine a warm winter soup or casserole served in this elegant tureen.  If you're wondering what happened to the figs I rustled up a rustic fig tarte tatin...

 

 

... which although not the most refined cuisine in the world (certainly not up to chef husband Spike's standards in the looks department) it does taste absolutely yummy all the same!

  

A bit of Glamour Amidst the Dust

I haven't been writing many posts lately due largely to the ongoing renovation of our house.  From experience (and we have plenty of that when it comes to house renovations) it's a good idea once in a while to emerge from the dust and destruction to remind yourself that there is still enchantment and glamour in the world.

Luckily for me I have the opportunity to handle such lovely things that I can indulge in a bit of daydreaming of more elegant times which for me is encompassed by the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s.

This beautiful cut glass perfume atomiser epitomises the taste of the 1930s

And if you can't afford diamonds this stunning topaz bracelet is the next best thing

Don't forget to keep the champagne on ice with this Art Deco ice bucket

A long string of pearls are a classic oozing with elegant Art Deco style

And perhaps after dinner cocktails made in a cut glass cocktail shaker are a good way to round off a sophisticated evening of indulgence

This little opaque glass Art Deco pin dish has found a permanent home on my dressing table and always brings a smile to my face

All being well the next month or so is going to be a busy time for my Etsy Shop so my posts will probably continue to be a bit few and far between but remember when reality bites that there's nothing better for the soul than to let a little glamour and sparkle into your life.