The Modern "Carolyn"

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They're here, they're here!!! My chosen and official wedding china pattern, Noritake "Carolyn"!!! It took only over 12 years but she is definitely worth it!

First of all, did you know that Noritake first came up with the pattern "Carolyn" back in 1948 to 1952? The pattern number is 3055. It's also beautiful and oh so pink with a more bold pink floral pattern and has a gold rim. So, no this wouldn't have been for me. I love pink enough, but I'm a purple girl, so it's missing something, plus I'm not a fan of gold rim remember?

(Courtesy of My Tableware.com)

But in the 70's, Noritake again created a pattern called "Carolyn", pattern #2693, a more modern counterpart. More modern in fact that it lasted 19 years! That would make me about 24 years old and a new bride by October. Before I go on, if you want the back story, read, "Patience is a Virtue".

Ok, moving on... Since most of you already read the how I got this set, now let me tell you how much I got it for and tell me if you think I got it for a steal, ok? A quick recap I went to Ebay and found one seller who had this pattern for much less than an auction I turned down.

The auction that I missed had all that I purchased plus the coordinating crystals (which I didn't like) and much more extras I'm also not interested in, for $275 with sales tax + $34 s/h. As you can see it is also a great deal, but not to me if I wouldn't use the crystals, the butter dish or the s & p shakers. I'm just not into those.

Here's what Replacements gauge the price of each piece for this modern pattern is today.

Replacements dot com Price Quote

If I bought it there, I would have spent $525 including s/h of $9 and no sales tax.

***********************************************************This pattern is very representative of me...
Though it was introduced in 1977, it was discontinued in 1996; the year I was married. (I wonder why I didn't see it before? "Brain", why do you think?)

The pattern number is also symbolic for me, #2693. I met my husband in 1993 and we got married in October 26, 1996.

Its smaller more dainty design represents my petite stature and the subtle light blue and pink color represent my more feminine side that almost never comes out (lol).

The platinum rim is more me. Gold seems to be too showy for me, and I'm just not that kind of person.

My mother named me Carolyn because she liked the American name of the 1971 Miss Philippines, Carolyn Gornora Masibay who went on to win 2nd place in the Asia Pacific Beauty Pageant in June 26, 1971.

Oh, the best proof of how this is truly the pattern for me? The name Carolyn with Y and no E is the American spelling of the English name Caroline which is the female counterpart of the name Charles, my awesome and gorgeous husband's name... I met my husband here in the U.S. of A. So you see, this is not only MY pattern, it is OUR wedding china pattern.

Ok, ok, I'll tell you now how much I paid... (goodness, patience ladies!) ;-)

I was able to purchase 12 dinner plates, 12 salad plates, oval platter and a set of 4 teacup and saucer for a mere $80.00! By buying all that this seller had in stock of the same pattern, she took off $47 in discounts and the sales tax. Plus, because I picked them up with my dh Charlie, we also saved almost $34 in s/h!

Did I get a bargain or did I get a bargain? Leigh, what's your verdict? ;-)

Now let's see how my style compliments the pattern in this tablescape. Susan, what do you think?

THEME:

"Carolyn, meet Carolyn"

INSPIRATION:

Noritake "Carolyn" 2693 Fine China

It is really that pale pink and the blue is very soft, almost light gray.
I set the table for two just to play with. I was beside myself from sheer giddiness!

Here is before I lit the candles. Since it was white, platinum, crystal, silver and pale shades, I chose to add off white ceramics to give the eye something to stop at and bring focus to the place setting. I was so mad at my run-in with sheer incompetence at Albertson's yesterday that I forgot to buy white tulips for the vase!

Here's with flash on at tight shot.

Perils of apartment dwelling, you are stuck with tight shots. LOL

Bird's Eye View- without flash,

with flash...

************************************
How about a tablescape for one?

Do you see them? I caught the birdies at Target!

I placed a candle in each ceramic lace trinket box and one in a holder behind the vase

How do you like the overall effect?

If you look closely at the flowers, you'll see an odd one, a dark purple!

My husband once gave me a card with a picture of a field of red tulips and peeking out of the corner was a white tulip bud. On the inside of the card it said,

"You're a rare find."

This is for my husband, for letting me get this beautiful pattern...

He's my "rare find"...

I actually spent the entire Monday afternoon looking for the perfect setup for these plates, but unfortunately, with Easter coming up, most linens were scooped up! But I do not fret about that, I will keep looking until I find just the right pieces to compliment this pattern and show off "her" romantic side... I waited over 12 years to meet her, what's a few weeks?

TABLETOP GOODIES:

Noritake "Carolyn" Fine China - Ebay, 12 sets /4-pc placesetting; $80

Hampton "Lace" SS Flatware- Walmart, 46 pieces; $40

Gorham "Flowering Meadow" Crystal Stemware- Tuesday Morning, goblet and flute; $5 ea

"Two Bubble" Glass Candleholder- Hobby Lobby, 2 sizes; 80% off

Mikasa Crystal Vase- Macy's, 1996; FREE wedding gift

Home Heritage Lace Trinket Boxes- Big Lots, off white; $5 ea

Holiday Time "Winter White" 12" taper candles- Albertson's, closeout 2006; 10 cents ea

White Tablecloth

Gold Single Drape Panel

Bird S&P- White, Target $5 / pair

FITTING MENU:

Mediterranean Baby Greens

with

Lemon Olive Oil Drizzle

Pureed Navy Bean and Ham Cream Soup

Prawns and Portabello Risotto

Steamed Maine Lobster

with

Scampi Butter

Dark Chocolate Creme Brulee

Spearmint Lavender Herbal Tea

To all of you, a big thank you and to our gracious hosts, I hope that you continue to feed this obsession of mine- "Thrifty Tablescapes"!

Thank you Leigh and Susan!