Wednesday, August 18, 2010

GREEN ~ It'll Do Fine



"It's not that easy being Green.
Having to spend each day the color of the leaves.
It seems you blend in with so many other ordinary things,
And people tend to pass you over . . . "
Words taken from Kermit's Famous Song IT'S NOT THAT EASY BEING GREEN



No, it's not that easy being green, 

especially in the world of Quimper French pottery. 

 The color green is found on many pieces as an accent, 

but for the primary color of this pottery 

to be green is most unusual.



Green Hydrangeas and Yoko Ono Green Land Mums

Others might have passed this coffee/tea service by 

without much thought, but it was 

love at first sight for "the chef" and me. 

 It's a complete service for twelve: 

dessert plates, cups and saucers, 

creamer, sugar, and coffee/tea pot.



A friend contacted me in the summer of 2006. 

 She knew of a couple who were downsizing 

and wanted to sell a complete tea/coffee service. 

Jacqueline, who is French and the original owner, 

included a note with the special story of this set.



Soon after WWII, she and her American soldier husband, 

traveled to the United States to begin a life together here. 

In the summer of 1946, on a visit back to France 

to visit her parents, Jacqueline and her mother visited  

Brittany and the atelier of Paul Fouillen. 

 It was on this trip that Jacqueline's mother 

purchased this set as a gift for Jacqueline.



There were actually two sets purchased at the time. 

 The other very different in color and design 

was enjoyed by Jacqueline's mother during her lifetime.

 Jacqueline's daughter now treasures the set 

that had been her grandmother's, so she didn't need this set. 

 Lucky me!



Jacqueline told me that she carefully 

packed this set in her suitcase and 

carried it with her on the return journey, 

crossing the Atlantic by ship and 

then traveling by train on to Texas.



Paul Fouillen opened his atelier in the late 1920s. 

 He is well known for his unique designs 

with both Celtic and Art Deco influences.




The wonderful hand crimped handles 

on each of these pieces are glazed with a sponge technique. 

 Though each piece includes the 

concentric bands of green color and the green checks, 

there are different designs painted 

on each side of the various pieces.



And this magnificent t

ray matches our service!



A very thoughtful friend and fellow 

member in the Quimper Club International 

sent me this tray as a surprise one Christmas.



It was a piece 

from her own collection.



When she learned that I had purchased the dessert service, 

she felt the tray should be reunited with the set.



See, it has the darling dragonfly 

that is on the tea/coffee pot.

Lucky me, again! Thank you, Laverne!



I've talked enough. 

 Won't you join me for a cup of tea?



Sugar?



Cream?



And how about a 

little something sweet?



You may serve yourself with this 

sweet sterling fork that I found 

while antique shopping in Santa Fe.



Help yourself to a plate and 

one of these little cake forks.



You may use one of the beautiful linen napkins 

that were gifts from Mary @ A Breath of Fresh Air. 

 Just look at the fine detail on these.



May I tempt you with a horn of dulce de leche? 

 These horns are filled with a 

sweet caramelized goat's milk cream.



Or for all you chocolate lovers, 

here is a special Hatch chili chocolate brownie.



This is the season for the famous 

Hatch chilies from Hatch, New Mexico.



These chilies are HOT and add a 

subtle spicy after-taste to the chocolate.



The chocolate isn't really that hot, 

but have another sip of tea if you like.



"I'm green, and it'll do fine, it's beautiful!"

As you can see, sometimes I repurpose this service when I want to serve a glass of ice tea. With the heat of summer, perhaps you'd like a glass of ice tea before you head off to Mrs. Matlock's Rainbow Summer School Class for more on the color GREEN and the other parties listed below.

Don't forget to join in for the Celebration Give Back here. You have until the end of August to participate.




Bargain Hunting & Chatting w/ Laurie ~ Favorite Things Saturday








Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

85 comments:

  1. Those dishes are so colorful and just spectacular. I would love to join you for tea and some chocolate. It all looks so good.

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  2. I love the little dragonfly on the set. The green is really lovely. They are all so beautiful. Lucky you.

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  3. What an absolutely STUNNING set. Just so pretty. I am so glad you have it...you will love it forever. :)
    Your little silver forks....I just love those.
    And, would you please save me one of the luscious looking horns?
    xo bj

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  4. I think the entire set is completely wonderful! The fact that you also have the story behind them makes them even more of a treasure.

    Can't believe you were given the matching tray, too. Wow! How blessed you are. I love it all.

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  5. I am in love with this set, it is absolutly stunning, you are so fortunate to have the opportuniy to purchase them. You have some amazing pieces, thank you so much for sharing them with us.

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  6. Absolutely beautiful set. I have never seen one like that. And one my, oh me, what beautiful goodies.
    Great post.
    QMM

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  7. Sarah! What a fabulous and intriguing set..wow! Very unique! And i so want that fork!!..aww..it is an enchanting beauty..i love anything antique-y!! Gorgeous post!
    Kiki~

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  8. Your green Quimper set is so beautiful, Sarah, and you're right, so unusual. I have never seen that color before. So lucky for you to acquire them, and to know the history behind them is priceless....Christine

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  9. Oh,Sarah! Your green tea service and all the pieces are so charming! I've never seen anything like them. What a special story to go with them!
    Now your little sweets looks so tempting!!
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia ;)

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  10. Sarah, this green set is really so pretty! Love the design and the story that goes along with it. So many sweet treasures too! ~ Angela

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  11. I have always enjoyed your quimper posts, but i gotta say, you had me at green ... what a gorgeous set ... it just sets my heart aflutter! a cup of tea must be divine from that service! wonderful story, wonderful post!

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  12. You and Laurie and Debbie have opened the world of Quimper to me!
    What a wonderful service! It is so lovely!
    And the tray was a wonderful gift, I know you cherish it!
    I don't do chilies, or any peppers but the dulce de leche will do just fine!

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  13. Hi Sarah,
    I love the tea service and I really love the story behind the set. How wonderful to know the history of your pieces. That makes them all the more special.
    Jane

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  14. "Sarah" You are my "FAVORITE" of the day,week,month,etc,etc..."It's LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT for me too" and I'm wisking off to EBAY to see if there is ANY sign of this set. WOW, it is "SO DIFFERENT"...LOVE,LOVE,LOVE it! Oh your goodies were delicious also. Do you have a recipe for those chili brownies???
    Thank you SO much for sharing this with us... I must go back and study each piece...
    HUGS, Donna

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  15. Love your dishes. The green and yellow with the pretty flowers and bees, how pretty. Love them. Of course the flowers are lovely too. Very pretty teascape.
    Thanks for your sweet comments on my table. I really appreciate it. You asked about the wheat bundle. I didn't make it but it would be really easy to do. You just need a big huge bundle of wheat and then hot glue twine or thin rope tightly around it. It stands up perfectly. I really have enjoyed it and have had it for about 10 yrs. Give it a try, I don't think it would be hard to do. Hugs, Marty.

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  16. talk about green... with envy! your pieces and pics are just gorgeous and what a wonderful story to match. and then the food, ole!

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  17. What a beautiful set Sarah. I'm amazed at how much education I get from your blog. Had I seen this set in a store, I would have admired it, but I would never have suspected that it was Quimper. How unique and pretty. Love your story about Jacqueline and her mother, and I also love your story about a Quimper collector giving you the beautiful matching tray. I loved seeing this. Your napkins are lovely, and how nice that a blogger sent them to you. (I also like your frog in the first picture). laurie

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  18. Isn't it lovely that you have the history of the set?! I love anything with a story. I've never seen anything quite like this set before.

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  19. This set is just gorgeous Sarah. I love green, and this is just so unusual. I love the history behind it, and that it has found the perfect home with you. And those brownies look delicious. I've really got to stop reading your blog until AFTER I've eaten :)

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  20. Oh Sarah~ I'm GREEN with envy over this set...I'm partial to dragonflies & green is my favorite color. How wonderful that you have the matching tray now, what a generous friend! The fact that you have the history on the set makes it that much more a treasure. I adore your linens and new fork too~ Those chili chocolate brownies are calling my name... I always look forward to you sharing your treasures :-)

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  21. I remember when the Sesame Street album came out and everyone in my family fell in love with Kermit's song.


    That tea set is ABSOLUTELY DIVINE! You have the loveliest things!!

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  22. It is so beautiful and the dragonflies makes it so unique! It would be nice to join you for those scrumptious-looking brownies!

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  23. Wonderful post...Love it all, especially the Hatch peppers...pepper capital of the universe ;-) Peace and blessings

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  24. Beautiful dishes and I'd love to try one of those brownies!

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  25. That set is wonderful and I love the story behind it. It's sad that family didn't keep it, but I'm glad you have it and it's with someone that loves and appreciates it.

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  26. Beautiful tablescape! Your dishes are special.Great job.
    Hugs.Fatima-Scrapart.

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  27. Love all that green in your post! And the dulche de leche horns & brownies were yummy - many thanks!

    Happy AlphabeThursday Green,

    LOLA:)

    PS My AlphabeThursday Green is posted if you can join me HERE!

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  28. Oh my, those are fabulous dishes and your iced tea table setting is great too! I'd love to drop in for a glass of hot tea and perhaps try some chocolate too!

    Thanks for dropping in to see me!

    Nancy

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  29. What a wonderful green tea! I would love one of your brownies.

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  30. This set is gorgeous. How sweet that the tray came your way. As hungry as I am right now, I'm not the least bit tempted by the hot peppers. I must be tired.

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  31. Love your Fouillen tea service, it's one of the nicest I've ever seen. So pretty in shades of green, and how nice of Laverne to gift you the tray to match.
    Maggie

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  32. a colorful and beautiful set!
    gail

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  33. Sarah,

    Green is my favorite color and this is just such a fun post. From the fabulous frog, delicious dishes and melt in your mouth mint brownies, I'm putting in my reservation!

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  34. I would have not passed that by either! That is incredible! I LOVE the colors, the design, and the history makes it even more special!! Beautiful!!

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  35. I love the tea pot and the story behind it. I love things with a history.

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  36. Such a wonderfully unique & special tea service, Sarah!! I find the color green very soothing & I'm sure a cup of tea with you would be a wonderful experience. Someday!!

    Thank you for the information about
    Paul Fouillen & Hatch peppers. I had no knowledge of either of them. I always come away from your blog wiser & happier, Sarah.

    fondly,
    Rett

    p.s. Yes, I'm told my Cathy at Wives with Knives that I can freeze my slow roasted tomatoes, although we keep eating them up too fast. LOL

    I do put a great deal of just plain cooked tomato puree into gallon baggies into the freezer to use throughout the year. I'm running out of room!!!!!

    (I hate the thought of canning)

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  37. That's a lovely set. I especially like the hand-crimped handles. Makes it one of a kind! And wow, you can bake. Those treats look professional!

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  38. You can always, ALWAYS tempt me with chocolate. Your pretty dishes have quite a story. I bet you think of that every time you use them.
    Brenda

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  39. Your coffee/tea service is beautiful and its so nice that you know its history.

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  40. Those are some gorgeous greens!
    Blessings,
    Catherine

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  41. Absolutely stunning, and how wonderful that you know its history! The designs are absolutely beautiful!

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  42. What a beautiful set and such a lovely story. How lucky for you to be the keeper of this treasure. The colors are so unusual. I have never seen anything like it.

    I'll have a brownie, thank you.

    Wish you were coming to NY so you could enjoy the view with me!

    - The Tablescaper

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  43. OOh someday you must share your antiquing treasure chests in Santa Fe. We are going back early September and I can't wait. Your Quimper is delightful. It's such a treat to see an entire set and so unusual. Lovely. The napkins are simply divine! Love those Hatch's!!

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  44. OH what a Beautiful set of dishes,,,, and yes you are very lucky indeed.... I love the pattern... love love love them......

    Hugs;
    Alaura

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  45. Sarah what a beautiful tea set you where so fortunate to have acquired. I love the pattern. I grabbed a yummy treat before I left....I sure enjoyed my visit here. Debbie

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  46. Love the color and those beautiful dishes!!! Very special setting.

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  47. I love this post!
    Green is actually my fave color.

    Those dishes are just gorgeous, Sarah.

    Have a wonderful Friday!
    Hugs,
    Anne

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  48. What a lovely set, it's gorgeous...Kathy

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  49. delicate greens,
    love the tea sets...

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  50. What a very unique set and I love the story that goes with it! :)

    Happy VTT! Be sure to visit my blog for a great giveaway!

    Sarah
    ***Visit my blog for a GIVEAWAY and new linking party!***
    http://bloggingwhilewaiting.blogspot.com/2010/08/new-wednesday-party-link-up-giveway-too.html

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  51. Sarah, I for one, am green with envy over this beautiful Paul Fouillen set. The colors are so clean and refreshing and I adore the dragonfly. I don't think I've come across this pattern, but would love to. The story of how you came to own it is a treasure too.

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  52. my mouth is still gaping open. i never heard of those dishes, but sarah, i've not seen anything more beautiful. your desserts look amazing on them too.

    yum on both counts!

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  53. Just beautiful my friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  54. What a touching story to go along with that fabulous tea set/plates and to have the tray given to you as well...now that makes it all the more special! It has such a unique pattern and I LOVE the green colours on it! Your ice-tea/dessert pics have my mouth watering!

    DD

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  55. I am a green lover and these dishes are amazing I have never seen any like them before. what a lovely tablesetting they make!! Kathysue

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  56. Pretty - like the dragonfly pattern. The chocolate treats look pretty good also. Your frog is cuter than mine! :-D

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  57. Oh my goodness! What a beautiful setting you have for us today! That pottery set is gorgeous! And all the yummy treats are amazing. I love the whole table setup Sarah! Just so inviting!

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  58. As I sit sipping my Earl Grey from a very boring blue mug, I feel very envious of your beautiful set - this is a great post with a wonderful story!

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  59. What a wonderful tea set--so unique! I love the patterns!

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  60. Sarah!
    Twelve place settings???
    My heart is pounding.
    What a beautiful post.

    Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for supporting my giveaway.

    That means the world to me.

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

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  61. Hello Sarah...

    Ohhh my...what a lovely table that fabulous Quimper tea/dessert set makes! It really is so exquisite! I am not a Qimper expert by any means, but I also agree that I haven't ever seen dishes where the primary color is green! I just adore them!!! The pattern is really beautiful and I love the dragonfly! This has been such a treat, Sarah! Thank you so much for sharing this fabulous tea/dessert set with us! It certainly sets a beautiful table!!!

    Well my friend, I just had to come back by to say thank you for the sweet birthday well wishes that you left for me! I sooo enjoyed your visit and sweet note! Thank you, Sarah! I had a fabulous birthday!!!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  62. Tea and chocolate, my two favorites! I enjoyed reading all about this, very interesting!

    Beautiful china!

    Katherine

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  63. Oh my they are just stunning Sarah!
    And the story is so neat too!
    Those sweets look yummy!
    Could you pass me a few?
    Hugs,
    Cindy

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  64. This set is absolutely stunning! And the fact that you know the history makes it all the more special. I have also fallen madly in love with the desert fork! Of course now I am craving chocolate.
    Exquisite set. Thank you for showing it to us and sharing it's history.

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  65. Thank you for your visit today.
    I love your pottery!! It reminds me a little of the very fine quality of pottery that can be found in different areas of Mexico... especially Tlaquepaque and Tonala, Mexico. Lovely colors!!
    Have a great Sunday,
    Karen
    Ladybug Creek

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  66. What a lovely post and lovely teapots.

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  67. It's so nice for you to have such a lovely set with a nice story behind them. They are beautiful. Awesome green post! Now, I'm green with envy.

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  68. What a gorgeous and unusual set. And the story is wonderful!

    I love the whole tablescape and the treats looks delicious!

    Thanks for linking such a tasteful and tasty post to Rainbow Summer Schools journey through the color green.

    I always enjoy my stops here.

    A+

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  69. I love your Quimper tea and coffee service, Sarah. You're really lucky to have it! I've never had brownies with chili peppers. They sound good, though and your dulce de leche look very tasty and pretty. I really enjoyed this post.
    Blessings, Beth

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  70. Your quimper is just beautiful! Some of the prettiest I have seen and the sweets...oh my!

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  71. How absolutely beautiful. I wish I had known about and collected Quimper because I now have a serious case of "coveting". Just gorgeous. Thanks for stopping by.

    Carol

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  72. I've never heard of green Quimper. What a wonderful treasure! And, those goodies look delicious, too!

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  73. Sarah, what a beautiful set and such a wonderful story! Makes it that much more special to know the history behind it. It truly is wonderful!
    XO
    Susan

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  74. Just amazing Quimper pottery! I have never seen anything like this before. One of the best touches, I think, is the organic handles. I love the way you set it all up, with those beautiful napkins, too.

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  75. Sarah, I love all the green. The story about the Quimperware is lovely, and it is a stunning set. What a treasure you have!! Linda

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  76. What a lovely set and that tray that you got to go with it is quite outstanding. The goodies are just lucious looking, I would like one of each please!

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  77. Your Quimper set is simply stunning!!

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  78. I was at the market last night and saw a huge basket of Hatch peppers..I thought of your post.
    I've never tried them but think I will get a few and check them out. Guess they will burn the whole inside of my mouth off but I do love the taste of a good pepper. :))
    xo bj

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  79. Sarah, I would not have passed this wonderful set up! It is so unusual and one-of-a-kind. I love the green! And I love it even more because it has such an interesting history.
    Thanks for sharing this beautiful set... and all the goodies too.
    xo Yvonne

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  80. Tres Bon Ok I dont speak french but the sentiment is ther I wa sbowled over by your blogg this week thank you so much for sharing

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  81. I would like to get my hands on some of those peppers. Yum.
    I have never seen that pattern of dishes before. Very nice.

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  82. Dear Sarah,

    I am a little late with my comment, because I was on vacation.

    This is really an unusal but very magnificent Quimper set. I have never seen such decor before and I love the green colors on it very much. Thank you so much for sharing your treasures, this enriches my life ver much. I also loved your post for silver sunday. The stargazer lilies in the silver vase are just gorgeous. Fresh flowers in silver vases are great.

    Nice regards, Johanna

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  83. wonderful GREEN Hospitality!! thanks for a lovely visit :)
    Susan

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.