All About Raggedy Ann and Andy
This picture pretty much embodies what people think about when they think about Raggedy Ann and Andy — but there are a lot of things you probably don’t know about them. They’ve been around for a long time — nearly 100 years — so it’s natural that their history would take a backseat.
For instance, did you know that Raggedy Ann and Andy weren’t always a team? Raggedy Ann, created by Johnny Gruelle in 1915 as a doll for his daughter, was a solo act until 5 years later when her brother hit the scene. Raggedy Ann had already appeared in her own book, Raggedy Ann Stories, written and illustrated by Gruelle, in 1918 and in 1920, Raggedy Andy Stories was released.
Raggedy Ann, whose name comes from an amalgamation of the the poem titles, “The Raggedy Man” and “Little Orphant Annie” and Andy have gone through a number of design updates. Here’s what they looked like in Raggedy Andy Stories:
Though they share the same basic components — red yarn hair, matching blue outfits — you might not realize at first glance that the dolls above evolved from these storybook characters. Indeed, as Raggedy Ann and Andy have gotten older, they’ve gotten much less, well, raggedy.
Permalink | Tags: Arthur Court, denby, Formal Dinnerware, Godinger, Gund, gund sesame street, lenox, lenox dinnerware, noritake, Portmeirion, raggedy andy, raggedy ann, raggedy ann and andy, royal doulton, Russ Berrie, Spode, sterling flatware, Wedgewood | Posted in toys | No Comments
Have a Great Valentine’s Day
Happy Valentine’s Day! Ah, Valentine’s Day — a holiday that can mean so many things. To some, it means holing up at home and ordering Chinese; to others, it means a night on the town with the boo; to others still, it means setting out that formal dinnerware and sterling flatware.
I personally recommend cooking dinner at home, especially if your sweetie is the one to usually prepare the meals. (Of course, if you both do, by all means treat yourselves and go out, but really — how often does a couple split the cooking equally?) Fix up your boo’s favorite meal and have it all ready for when he or she gets home.
Set the mood with some candles and romantic music. Skip the Barry White for now — he might’ve been a musical genius, but keep the tones soft and dulcet, something that adds to the ambiance but doesn’t overpower it.
If you have kids, send ‘em off to a babysitter’s, or out with some friends whose parents are kind enough to look after them for you.
Make sure you look your best! Your honey will love arriving home to find you in a nice dress or jacket.
Permalink | Tags: Arthur Court, denby, Formal Dinnerware, Godinger, Gund, gund sesame street, lenox, lenox dinnerware, noritake, Portmeirion, raggedy andy, raggedy ann, raggedy ann and andy, royal doulton, Russ Berrie, Spode, sterling flatware, Wedgewood | Posted in Holidays | No Comments
It’s Almost That Time…
What time, you ask? Time for Valentine’s Day! It’s time to move on from Christmas and pick out a gift for your special someone. Here are a few ideas from Table and Home:
Russ Berrie “Hooked On A Feeling” Singing Gorilla
Your sweetie will be hooked on this adorable guy in no time at all. This super plush gorilla sings and jungle boogies to “Hooked on a Feeling” — in silk boxers while he holds a velour heart. Who wouldn’t go ape over something so cute?
Gund Valentine Mugs
Adorned with the phrase, “Too H♥t To Handle!”, “L♥ve and Coffee Conquer All”, or “Warning: Contents May Be H♥t!” this is the perfect gift if your lover loves coffee. He or she won’t need to take sugar for coffee with someone as sweet as you around!
Set of 2 Nambé Chill Champagne Flutes
These Chill crystal champagne flutes from Nambe are the perfect fit for great champagne and a memorable toast. The contour of the stem curves sensually, and the inviting grasp is made to fit your hand. These are the perfect way to enjoy some champagne or wine during a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner!
Permalink | Tags: Arthur Court, denby, Formal Dinnerware, Godinger, Gund, gund sesame street, lenox, lenox dinnerware, noritake, Portmeirion, raggedy andy, raggedy ann, raggedy ann and andy, royal doulton, Russ Berrie, Spode, sterling flatware, Wedgewood | Posted in Table and Home | No Comments
Continued Christmas Savings
I know, I know, Christmas is the last thing on anyone’s mind right now. January is nearly over and I bet everyone is starting to think about Valentine’s Day. Well, maybe not quite yet, but I know the stores already have those heart-shaped candy boxes out. Even if you don’t want to see another reindeer or tree ever again, consider the fact that there are savings up to 80% at Table and Home. Yes, that’s right! Select Christmas items are reduced to nearly 80% off. Now is the perfect time to get those Lenox ornaments that you couldn’t quite afford. It’s never too early to shop for Gund plush toys for your little ones next year either.
Everyone knows the longer you wait, the deeper the discounts and these are some excellent sale prices. Stock up now on all the great items from Table and Home and store them away for next year. Table and Home already offer low prices on all your favorite home decor and table items, so imagine how great the savings are now!
This is really the best time to shop so don’t pass up the opportunity. There are a lot of beautiful ornaments from Lenox and Wedgwood on sale, so take a look and start adding to your shopping cart.
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Famous Collections from Royal Doulton
While continuing on my history lesson path of the major formal dinnerware brands, I discovered that Royal Doulton has quite a few famous collections. While it comes as no surprise that a major brand would team up with celebrities, I was still surprised to learn that renowned chef Gordon Ramsay is one of them. Although chef Ramsay doesn’t have the nicest reputation in the kitchen, there’s no doubt in my mind that he was a pleasure to work with on his dinnerware collection. (You have to be cruel to be kind to get great food!) His collection consists of a simple yet stylish dinnerware set that is durable enough for everyday use. He’s even created stainless steel pans.
For those more keen on the fashion world, Royal Doulton teamed up with fashion designer Monique Lhuillier. Together they created dinnerware, home decor, stemware and giftware. Trying to please the little ones? Royal Doulton has plates and mugs of everyone’s favorite Winnie the Pooh characters. For the collectors, they also have an assortment of Disney figurines.
With over 200 years of experience, it’s easy to see why Royal Doulton is one of the leading manufacturers in dinnerware.
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A Brief History of Denby
One of the top dinnerware brands at Table and Home is Denby, so today I’ll give you a history on this leader of beautiful dinnerware. Denby got its start over 200 years ago in 1806 when local entrepreneur William Bourne found an exceptional piece of clay. In 1809 this humble company began producing salt-glazed pottery. They made jars and bottles to hold everything from ink to medicine to beer. The company was very successful, but with the introduction of glass bottles, less people wanted to pay for expensive pottery.
The company decided to put more effort into its kitchenware line instead. They became known for their rich colored glazes, which is still what they’re known for today. Throughout the 1900′s they made pie dishes, bowls and colanders. In the 1950′s, pottery was widely used for dinnerware and Denby followed suit. In the 1970′s they created serving pieces that could go from oven to table —everyone loves convenience.
Today Denby creates both casual and formal dinnerware, along with glassware. Their beautiful colors and patterns are sure to look exquisite in any home. Browse through their extensive collection at Table and Home to find dinner plates, mugs, serving pieces and accessories.
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Caring for Noritake
After you’ve made the wise decision to purchase Noritake dinnerware or china, it’s important to properly care for it. You don’t have to worry about being too gentle with your dishes because Noritake prides itself in the durability of their products. After rigorous testing by the company, all of their porcelain and fine china is completely safe in the dishwasher. This means you don’t have to wait to use the “good china” once a year! If your dishwasher has a fine china setting, definitely utilize it. Since may of the dishes have delicate designs, don’t use a harsh detergent. Also avoid any lemon-based detergents which can cause pitting in the trim.
If washing by hand, always use the minimum amount of detergent necessary and rinse completely. If there is a rainbow colored sheen, then there is still detergent left. After your formal dinnerware has been dried in the dishwasher, take it out and let it cool down to room temperature because the heat will temporarily soften metal trimming. If you have casual dinnerware, avoid sudden temperature changes.
After taking china out of storage, a tarnish might have formed from oxidation. You can use a gentle polish and jeweler’s polishing cloth to remove it. Crystal glassware should be hand washed. With the right care, your dinnerware can last a lifetime.
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Gund Sesame Street Toys
Table & Home offers a lot more than great formal dinnerware for your home, they also have a large selection of toys for kids of all ages. One of my favorite shows growing up was Sesame Street and I know there are plenty of kids out there who can agree with me. Table & Home has Gund Sesame Street toys that include everyone’s favorites. They have Big Bird, Bert, Ernie, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and more. Oscar the Grouch and Cookie Monster were personal favorites of mine. Poor Oscar. I bet he was grouchy because the poor thing was forced to live in a trash can. Cookie Monster was always adorable and who doesn’t enjoy eating tons of cookies?!
Cookie Monster has actually been in the spotlight recently with his infamous YouTube video auditioning to host Saturday Night Live. I think SNL would be crazy not to let him host. They just need to have plenty of cookies available in his dressing room. No matter who your favorite is, pick up plush toy or hand puppet for the kids in your life. Sesame Street is a classic show and I hope it never goes off the air. If your child is going to watch TV, at least make it this wonderful show!
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Lenox Dinnerware for the President
When you think of Lenox dinnerware, the words “elegant, “luxury,” and “quality” probably come to mind. Lenox is synonymous with fine china and it’s a brand that everyone wants to own. You know you’re getting top quality when the brand has graced the White House several times. Not too long ago, I thought the President was stuck with whatever dinnerware was in the china cabinets. But then I learned that each president gets to choose his dinnerware. As mentioned before, Lenox has been the choice of several, but today we’ll talk about the first –the Wilson Service.
President Woodrow Wilson was originally stuck with Teddy’s old china when he took office in 1913. By 1918, it was time for a serious upgrade. Mrs. Wilson wanted to have American china and was impressed by the Lenox display at a local store in Washington. It was the first time American china was purchased for the White House. The pattern was designed by Frank Holmes and features an ivory border, a brighter ivory body, and two bands of gold encrusted with stars and stripes. Like all the presidential dinnerware, it bears the presidential seal.
After receiving the set, Mrs. Wilson went down to the New Jersey factory with chocolates for all the workers to show her appreciation.
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Setting the Table
Now that you’ve taken my advice from last week and saved money on Christmas formal dinnerware, you want to set the table properly this year. Anyone can fold some napkins and place a fork and knife at each place setting, but guests will appreciate the thought and effort you put into really setting the table right. We’ve adopted such a casual atmosphere in so many aspects of our lives that it’s time to bring back a little formality.
We’ll begin with the top row, from left to right:
- Bread plate with butter knife (top left of the dinner plate)
- Coffee cup (top right of the dinner plate)
- Water glass
- Wine glass
- Liqueur glass
Now here is the order for the bottom row, from left to right:
- Salad fork
- Dinner fork
- Dessert fork
- Dinner plate with salad or soup bowl on top
- Knife
- Small spoon
- Soup spoon
Where you place the napkin is up to you. You can place it inside the water goblet, fold it on the dinner plate, or place it next to the flatware on the left. If you want to get really fancy, you can learn some new variations for folding the napkin. With the formal dinnerware out and neatly arranged, your dining room will feel more like a five star restaurant, even if you’re cooking isn’t nearly as good!
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