As I mentioned in my last entry, the year ended on a very sad note for me.
I adore the holidays, and while I’m determined to look forward to them every year and continue my festive ways, there will still be some heartbreaking moments that will hit me.
Fortunately, there were some great memories from this past December for me to look back on as well.
The Sew 18th Century blog had a fun giveaway, and I won! It’s taken me a little while to post about it, but I wanted to work on a proper post to mark the occasion.
The prize was a Delft cup and saucer — a small and adorable set — and my favorite color is blue!
It arrived very quickly, which surprised me, but it wasn’t just that — the care that was taken to pack the set was what knocked me off my feet.
First, the box had a cute holiday stationery paper taped on the top, with both our addresses written in fun handwriting. Obviously I can’t post a photo of that since most of it would be blurred out, but it immediately put a smile on my face.
Inside, the cup and saucer were each carefully packed in bubble wrap, and then wrapped in pretty silver paper tied with beautiful green and red ribbons.
How everything was wrapped up -- note the lovely card, and pretty ribbons!
I knew from reading the giveaway blog entry and comments, that the cup would be small, but I didn’t realize how small and cute the set would be! I thought I might actually use the set, because my husband and I both use our glassware and china on a daily basis. After holding the set in my hands however, I’ve decided not to risk it. I also adore the crackling patterns in the glaze.
Look how tiny the cup is compared to my husband's hand!
The markings on the botton of the cup and saucer.
Also included was a lovely holiday card featuring the perfect subject matter!
Needless to say, I was moved by the whole package, and now when I look at my antique cabinet and see the little teacup and saucer, I have a very good memory to remind me that it was still a good Christmas in 2011.
The Delftware cup and saucer in their new home. We call our antique cabinet "Rose." Sorry for the poor photo quality -- the lighting was terrible, and I took the photo with my phone. In the foreground is part of my snow village.
The Delftware looks pretty in the cabinet, and I can see it every time I walk by that room.
I appreciate the kindness and fun of this wonderful prize. I always have a blast meeting people on the Internet, and participating in surveys and giveaways. This was a wonderful distraction and brought me great joy. Please visit the Sew 18th Century blog!
It’s lovely! Looks like a demi-tasse, made for drinking espresso. My mom used to collect them.
Thanks! That was mentioned by the blog owner and someone else in the comments, I think. I remember them talking about it, but I was still surprised at how small it was when it arrived. The photos make it look bigger than it is. I wish I could use the cup, but I’d be heartbroken if something happened to it. I’d love to get some demi-tasse sets. 🙂