Many of us have collections of figurines or china animals that are sitting in a box lovingly wrapped to keep them in perfect condition and there they sit in the closet never seen and never used. A friend brought me her collection of “Josef” Birthday Figurines to use in a table setting. She gave her daughter one each birthday through her graduation from High School. They are really darling.
I started the place setting with these gorgeous embroidered place mats. The delicate embroidery and spring colors seemed to lend themselves to pretty china figurines.
I created a centerpiece using flowers from the garden and a beautiful cut crystal vase. Azaleas, snowball verbena, and Japanese Iris were used. The colors go well with the placemats, china and with the figurines. A small figurine sits at the base of the centerpiece. You’ll see it better in another picture but it is the Graduation Figurine, the last she received, so I felt it needed to be included in the setting.
The plate stack begins with pink and green chargers in the Baroque pattern from Ambiance. Mikasa’s Villa Medici dinner plate is next. This has a beautiful flower border and incorporates pinks, greens, blues and yellows in the design. It has an all white center. Lastly, I used a Villeroy & Boch wave dessert/salad plate with a nice deep depression in the center. You’ll see why in just a moment.
Nestled in each Villeroy & Boch plate is a delightful Birthday Girl. This one is for when you turn four. You can see she holds a little watering can. All the figurines have wings. Each figurine picks up colors in the Mikasa dinner plate and makes a harmonious grouping.
Here’s the one for the Ninth Birthday. As the child becomes older the figurines become larger echoing the growth of the child from year to year.
Simple white napkins held in green porcelain napkin rings were used. Then I made some tissue paper flowers to insert in the fold of the napkin pulling in the vivid colors of the azaleas in the centerpiece.
Here’s an overview of the table. You can see how well all the colors blend together. The pink of the azaleas really pops and pulls together the placemats and the tissue flowers distributing that vivid color over the whole table.
I used green water and wine glasses to bring out more of the green of the various elements of the table setting. Plus they are pretty.
Another view of the table allows you to see the background. There wasn’t room to showcase all of the Birthday figures so I set up a vignette that could be seen from the table.
Here’s a closer look. You can really see the difference in the sizes of each figurine. The year 16 is the largest and is also a music box.
Each figurine comes with a tag that identifies it as a Joseph Original. The inside of the tag provides a little story about the figurine. They are nice to keep and revisit from time to time.
I love that you can use treasured pieces in a table setting for everyone to enjoy. It brings such sweet memories to the table to be shared with cherished Family and Friends.
Wonderful idea ! I will remember this.
It’s great to get those lovely memories out of the box. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Lynne
What a lovely table! I really like those placemats. I remember having a few “birthday girl” figurines as a child, and I have NO idea what happened to them. These make a very special tablescape and vignette.
Well, I love the table setting…not so much a fan of the figurines. It’s probably because I don’t do tchotchkes or ‘collections’. I have an aversion to them, lol. Never liked this stuff as a child, either. But good for you if you’ve inherited them and enjoy them.
Yes, not everyone’s “cup of tea”. Fortunately, my friend loved seeing her figurines on the table. But….just remove the figurines and the table setting will still be quite pretty and ready for guests. Thanks for stoppping by and commenting.
Lynne
What a pretty table, and love the sweet annual figurines…..they help create a colorful setting, I have a few and enjoy using them. Thank you!
It is nice to use and enjoy those collectibles. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Lynne
Everything on your table looks so lovely! I especially like the vintage figurines. My grandfather used to give similar figurines to my sister and me for birthdays or any special occasion (back in the 1950s-60s). I had a whole collection displayed on shelves in my room, and I still have a few pieces.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
It’s amazing how many people have this kind of collection that brings so many fond memories. Thanks for commenting.
Lynne
CONGRATS! I chose your post to be FEATURED at the Crafty Creators Link Party 17 hosted by Life as a LEO Wife on Thursday at 6am central. I co-hosted with Niki during the month of April and although I’m not co-hosting party 17, I’d like to invite you over to my blog where I host several different parties!
I’m really honored. Thanks so much for the feature. Love your site.
Lynne
So many have collections like this and memories to go with them. Thanks for commenting.
Lynne
I love the sweet little porcelain figurines;- and remember wishing that I would get one for my birthday one day. Never happened. And I didn’t get a Barbie until I was 17, either! 😉 So fun to see your use of these on your vintage tablescape, Lynne. Delighted to be featuring you at Tuesday Turn About this week. Pinned!
Thanks so much for the feature. It’s always exciting. It’s not too late. Maybe there’s a birthday figurine in your future. Thanks for stopping by.
Lynne