Sunday, April 23, 2017

Have You Heard? Taylor Ceramics Are Back!





Images from MacKenzie-Childs, Used With Permission
Have you heard the news?
MacKenzie-Childs is bringing back the
retired patterns in the Taylor series.


I fell in love with MacKenzie-Childs dishes
when I first discovered them in the 1980s.
These dishes were how MacKenzie-Childs got their start,
and they were the start of my own personal MacK-C collection.

When Spring arrives, here at HFTS
that means bringing out the MacKenzie-Childs dishes 
in the Taylor Series and dining alfresco out on the terrace. 
MacKenzie-Childs' web site notes 
that these dishes "mix and match in playful harmony." 
 It was exactly that characteristic which drew me 
to these fanciful dishes in the 1980s.


Stack of Salad Plates in Wallcourt Collection Await Dessert
~ Pastel Colors ~ Fanciful Patterns ~ Ruffled Edges ~ 
~ Flat Edges ~ Polka Dots ~ Checks ~ 
The Taylor Series and the Wallcourt Collection 
mix it all up for delightful springtime dining.

Austin's spring weather is perfect for alfresco dining.  
Pull up a chair and join me for a light meal and an
evening of conversation outdoors.

Pastel plaid tablecloth, Ambiance Vintage Garden white chargers, 
and vintage flatware are all that is needed 
to set the stage for the mix of patterns on the table.

Bearded Iris pattern "pays tribute to the bright, colorful, beards in our artists' drawings of flowers from our gardens."
Richard and Victoria MacKenzie-Childs 
founded the company in 1983. 
MacKenzie-Childs was purchased by Pleasant Rowland in 2001, 
and has since been sold to Twin Lakes Capital.

Aalsmeer pattern is named for the place "where
Victoria's sister and family lived in the Netherlands."
It represents the Dutch colors and boxes of tulips.
The Taylor Series was the original 
dinnerware collection of MacKenzie-Childs
 It was "designed to be mixed at random 
like a happy ceramic bouquet."

King Ferry pattern "is a grid of fields and flowers
and sky neighboring the village of Aurora. "
These contemporary Majolica plates 
come in this ruffled edge or with a flat rim. 
Each is hand formed from red clay and painted by artisans in 
Aurora, NY, using fanciful designs of the same color palette.

Myrtle pattern is named for a "Belfast lass who
wears a floral apron just like Milly Molly Mandy's aunt."
I liked the idea of mixing it up with different patterns, 
so when I first saw them in a local store in the 1980s, 
I decided to purchase a plate or two at a time, 
each in a different pattern.

Madison pattern for the "Indiana, smokestack,
riverboat, 4H, farm town on the Mason-Dixon line 
where Victoria finished growing up with 
Southern belles and pet pigs."
As indicated above, some of the patterns are now retired, 
but MacKenzie-Childs continues to add new patterns, 
and on occasion, like the current offer, 
they will bring a pattern out of retirement.


Monet pattern "honors Giverny's dining room beyond
the trellised gardens, decked out delphinium blue and yellow."
Over the years I've limited my Taylor selections
 to mostly dinner plates, mugs, mini compotes, 
special serving pieces, and a vase or two. 
 I appreciate that they are each hand crafted 
and made by artisans in Aurora, NY. 
 There is no doubt that I will ever tire of the 
charming designs and beautiful colors of these ceramics.

I used a potted spring annual in a whimsical  
carrot tin container as a simple centerpiece.

Hand painted napkins in pinks and greens
are tucked into the handles of petite bunny creamers.

My friend Mary @ Home is Where the Boat Is 
was the inspiration for this idea. 
 I had planned to use the bunny creamers 
filled with flowers at each place setting, 
but when I saw Mary's idea of using a mug 
filled with flowers as a napkin ring, 
I knew these would serve the same purpose.

To visit Mary's gorgeous Tulip d'Or table click here.
Each little creamer can go home 
with a guest for the evening's party favor.

A yellow Kalanchoe plant offered the
perfect petite bouquet with which to fill each creamer.

A simple light salad of fresh cucumbers and tomatoes 
is served in an Odd Fellows footed compote. 
 The Odd Fellows pattern is "a 
medley of patterns patched together."

Heather pattern is named after founders' Victoria and Richard's daughter "who always reminded them to appreciate the purity, grace, and playful perfection of the child in us all."
Parmesan crisp are served in a Heather pattern
fluted bowl to offer a little crunch to the meal.

Aalsmeer pattern is named for "Aalsmeer in North Holland which is known as the flower capital of the world.  A beautiful spot to visit, tulips in vivid colors and varieties are precious commodities packed in boxes and carried home as gifts. 
Napa Rolls offer a rabbit friendly 
light entree for our spring evening and are served
 on a large platter in the Aalsmeer pattern.

The Napa rolls are filled with Napa cabbage, 
chicken, julienned carrots, and 
a blend of mint, basil, cilantro, and scallions. 

Sauces of spicy peanut and hot sriracha,
served on a small oval platter in the Odd Fellows pattern,
give the Napa rolls an added tasty kick.

For dessert ~ carrot cake cupcakes, of course!

The cute carrot cupcake toppers
were purchased from World Market.

Keukenhof pattern is named for "gardens that fill the space beyond the spiral paths, with dots of Dutch flowers everywhere."
Iced pretzels, served in a Keukenhof  bowl, 
offer a sweet/salty taste.


 Images from MacKenzie-Childs, Used With Permission

My MacKenzie-Childs Spring Catalog 
arrived over Easter weekend.
The cover announced the Special Event.
~ ORDER EVERY TAYLOR CERAMICS PATTERN ~
Limited Time Only


Images from MacKenzie-Childs, Used With Permission
Inside the catalog is a special insert 
with a brief history of the Taylor Ceramics 
along with all twenty patterns shown and explained.


Image from MacKenzie-Childs, Used With Permission
For one month, April 17 - May 14, 2017,
MacKenzie-Childs collectors can pick a pattern and 
select a silhouette of their choice from the catalog
and order pieces of this famed and beloved series of ceramics
specially created using your favorites of the retired patterns.
According to the web site,
 "each piece will be custom made and shipped in about 60 days."

There is a small window of time,
so you'll need to place your order soon.
Please, help yourself to a scoop of citrus jelly beans and
head over to view the special offer here @ MacKenzie-Childs.


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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.

50 comments:

  1. WOW, I love all your beautiful MC dishes. You certainly have wonderful collection. I don't have any, but if I were younger you bet that I would be collecting them in a heartbeat.

    Wish I lived closer as I would be right over for dinner on the patio. This time of the year is great for dinners, before it get to hot to enjoy.

    Thanks so much for sharing your stunning dishes. Have a wonderful week.

    Hugs,
    Mary

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  2. Oh I had not heard! How beautiful the collection is and your table is just so perfectly springy! Love how all the pieces are different and yet they coordinate perfectly.

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  3. You must be elated, Sarah! I don't collect but I so enjoy your posts which showcase your collection. I love the Taylor Series, the pastels really appeal to me. And the table with all the delicate salads, sweets and the Napa Rolls (Mmmmm...) is wonderful!

    I hope you continue to find many more pieces that make you smile!

    Jane x

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  4. Sarah,
    The Taylor Ceramics are happy, happy, happy! Your Mackenzie Childs dishes are perfect for all spring and summer. Your Napa Rolls look delicious. Do you have the recipe on your blog somewhere? These would be perfect to serve at one of our monthly book club gatherings.

    Judith

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  5. I love the Taylor collection and named my second tote after it!! Great post thx for sharing!!

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  6. How exciting, I do not own any pieces of those patterns but they are all so fun and colorful and perfect for Spring and Summer!

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  7. Sarah, I agree that the Taylor collection is like a happy ceramic bouquet. My ceramic collection includes Aalsmeer, Aurora, Hitchcock Field and Fran. I loved reading all the descriptions! I just noticed that Victoria grew up in Madison, IN as stated in the plate description. Lucky friends to be sitting at your beautiful MacKenzie-Childs table.

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  8. Sarah, not only have you done MacKenzie-Childs a wonderful favor in purchasing their Taylor collection, but you have put an enticing marketing message together for them! You and the Chef assembled a most memorable spring soiree with your tablescape and food fare. It all looks so good!

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    Replies
    1. I thought of you when I saw this post — you and Miss Luna C.

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  9. Stunning collection Sarah. I remember these patterns and wish I'd followed my heart and purchased some. Your table is show room perfection with the mixed patterns, flatware, and adorable rabbits. Great nod to these beeacutiful charmers. Lovely menu, food looks delicious. My compliments to your chef.......

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  10. I love them all..I have seen imitations..here ..years ago..in a multi kitchen shop ..nowhere near as pretty but now I see where the inspiration came from..
    Beauties..all your collections!

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  11. Sarah, what a gorgeous collection. I have loved the Taylor collection even though I do not own any! You have it styled to perfection and the food looks fabulous!

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  12. Loved seeing all your pretty dishes from the Taylor collection, ideal to mix and match place settings and perfect for al fresco dining. The dinner menu looks and sounds delicious, I may try and replicate the Napa rolls and sauces the next time family come to visit.
    Say hi to the Dallas duo from us!

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  13. Such fun & frolic, Sarah! These are truly timeless happy dishes that evoke fond memories for almost everybody.
    Your tablescape is simply lovely...especially the little bunnies for the napkins. Charming, whimsical delightful!!


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  14. These are fabulous, Sarah. I love every single piece and can see why you are wild about them, too! And my goodness! All that delicious food they hold. I've not yet had breakfast. That might have to change very soon for you made me hungry!

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  15. oh Sarah, you have showcased and presented this special MKC line so beautifully! I don't have any Taylor pieces, my MKC pieces are Courtly Check, Picadilly, and Parchment Check. I love the quote about all the patterns playing happily together to form a ceramic bouquet! I have always been drawn to the colorful whimsy of MKC and am anxiously awaiting my new chick to arrive!
    Jenna

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  16. Sarah, your collection is amazing and you always do the loveliest of tablescapes to showcase your many different sets of china.
    I never was a collector of MKC but was familiar with their lovely designs. At that same time I was collecting original pieces of 'The Country Diary of An Edwardian Lady' - and still have much of that - but really only use my white china, Noritake 'French Country' mixed up with some colorful odds and ends. I just have no space for large amounts to use daily - but there are a few box loads up in the attic - for future generations to discover maybe, haha!!!

    Happy week dear Sarah - Mary x

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  17. I will have to tell my sister. She has many pieces from the Taylor Ceramics, but I don't know if she has a full set. I have always loved the dishes.

    More important than the dishes themselves is the way you style your tables and vignettes with them.

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  18. How beautiful, the little tulips are just precious! I was in a shop this weekend and spied a MC teapot and immediately thought of you, Sarah! :) It was lovely.

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  19. Lots of fun images happening in your post. Those dishes would always brighten up a table. Visiting from Mosaic Monday.

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  20. What lovely and cheerful ceramics, all so perfect for a dinner with friends, thank you for sharing such a lovely post, darling Sarah !

    Wishing you a beautiful week to come,
    I'm sending blessings across the many miles

    XOXO Daniela at - My little old world - (Dany)

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  21. I love those dishes and I have some similar from Quimper in France. Lovely and I will be looking up taylors
    MB

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  22. Sarah, What a delightful post! I saw the note about the return of Taylo Ceramics in my recent catalog, what a wonderful way to round out a collection or revisit this whimsical and colorful dinnerware. What a treat to feast at your festive spring table with your carrot centerpiece and blooming bunny creamers! Your Napa rolls are calling my name and are figure friendly too so I can treat myself to a carrot cake cupcake! Thanks for the shout-out. ♥

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  23. What a pretty collection, perfect for Spring. The food looks mighty tasty, too.

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  24. Tres jolie! And the jelly beans would hit the spot right now too.
    Sheila

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  25. Your dishes are very pretty and colourful. They do seem to suit the spring and summer season so well.

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  26. Delightful post. You have educated me, entertained me and enticed me to start a new collection. Your food looks amazing and I'm wishing I could be at your house enjoying the beautiful dishes and food.

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  27. Holy moly! It was the 80s when those came out?! I'm getting old lol Your collection is beautiful, Sarah, and the food looked delicious :)

    xo,
    rue

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  28. I'd never heard of these dishes - they are simply wonderful. I love the whimsy. And your table is so cute - the idea of the bunny pitchers for the napkin rings is so clever

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  29. I think whmsical is the perfect word to describe this whole collection ... and I like whimsical! Everything here makes me smile ...and wish I had room to collect! Ah well... generally I'm perfectfully happy with our purposefully chosen simple life ... and one of the joys of blogging is, like reading good books, the chance to learn about the choices we didn't make! Thanks for sharing your joy!

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  30. Sarah, I've always loved the Taylor ceramics but have resisted collecting them ... so far :) ... but I'm more tempted than ever after seeing the simple, elegant, happy table you have set with the white chargers and the cute bunny vases. The glaze is so beautiful on these pieces. I have been looking at all the patterns and it is so hard to choose a favorite! Wish I could join you for that springtime luncheon! Linda

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  31. They sure are colorful and pretty. Thanks for letting us know. I have a little silver dish with a scoop too...love these old pieces! Enjoy your day!

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  32. Sarah, What a lovely set of fanciful dinnerware. I love the colors and the ripple edge. Citrus jellies sounds great. Thanks for sharing. Sylvia D.

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  33. You have such pretty pieces of the Taylor Ceramics, Sarah, and you were one smart lady to begin collecting them back in the 1980's. I didn't even know about them back then, but I sure love the whimsical patterns and the fun colors. Those bunny creamers are such a sweet take-home gift! Wish I was sitting down and having that fabulous assortment of delectable food at your pretty table.

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  34. Hi Sarah! These have to be the cheeriest dishes ever made! They look wonderful together on your table. And you have picked the perfect cloth. I love that napkin ring idea too! I will have to adopt it sometime too. I miss my tablescaping days. Surely I will get back to it again. Thanks so much for your encouraging comments!

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  35. Sarah, these are so lovely. I can see why you love them so. Beautiful pastel colors and the ruffled edge is divine. Your table is beautiful and those cute bunnies. A feast for the eyes and tummy. You are so smart. So happy your beloved Taylor Ceramics are back/

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  36. Such beautiful McK Child dishes, Sarah and the food served on them looked fabulous! The napa rolls + yum! The carrots cake cupcakes are so adorable!

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  37. No matter the season I love plaid! This cloth is the perfect foundation for this whimsical pastel table. The bunny napkin rings are adorable!

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  38. What a beautiful post! These are such gorgeous dishes and your table is fabulous. I enjoyed reading the history of the company and how it has changed hands and am happy to hear that they are bringing back this series. I think they should send you a new piece just for letting us all know!!!

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  39. Yes! This is a whimsical and delightful post! Thank You for sharing the rich history of MacKenzie & how it all began with Taylor. It's such a pleasure to interact with other collectors who share the same passion for these hand crafted treasures. ;-)
    ~Shaunda Necole
    OhMyWhimsy.com

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  40. Sarah, I have always loved this collection dishes when you have shown them! They are so you!!! I can not go there and order any, but I will enjoy the posts you share of yours. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  41. Wow you have a wonderful collection. Having the originals from when they first started must make them more valuable. It's interesting to read the different explanations for each pattern. I didn't know MC had been purchased by another company. I only have a few things by them but would have more if I had the space! I like how you displayed the napkins circling the center arrangement- I'll have to try and remember that!

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  42. Sarah, it would be a delight to join you at your MC inspired table. The pattern and color lend themselves to so many options.

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  43. Your table is very bit as pretty as a spring garden in the Netherlands! I love patterns that mix and match and I love colour, so these dishes truly appeal to me. There is only one place that carries the line here - Chintz and Company. I was just there last weekend to see what was new.
    Lucky guests, to sit at your lovely table Sarah.

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  44. Your table is very bit as pretty as a spring garden in the Netherlands! I love patterns that mix and match and I love colour, so these dishes truly appeal to me. There is only one place that carries the line here - Chintz and Company. I was just there last weekend to see what was new.
    Lucky guests, to sit at your lovely table Sarah.

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  45. O MY!! The patterns on those dishes are so charming and vibrant!! Love them!! Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  46. Sarah,
    I love the beautiful colors and patterns of these lovely dishes!! Your tablescape is charming!! Thanks so much for taking the time o stop by!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  47. Your collection is lovely - the colors and patterns are fascinating. You have styled them so beautifully. Thank you so much for sharing your collection with us at Vintage Charm.

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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.