Fostoria for Spring...

Just because it snowed Monday does not mean that it's not Spring. Right? Luckily, it went away as fast as it came so I truly believe that Spring is around the corner!

And what could be better than lots of beautiful, vintage Fostoria glass in green? 

This week I'm continuing with more tips on table setting using a few basic pieces then accessorizing. It's just like getting dressed!  I'm using the Mikasa "Italian Countryside" which is my "everyday china." I will say again that I am a firm believer in starting with a good, neutral set with place settings for 12. I actually have 13 in case I break something, which should tell you something! I started with Wedgwood "Queen's Plain" years ago, but do not have that many pieces of it now.  The Mikasa is not that expensive and you can find it new and used on ebay and pretty much at any store like Bed, Bath and Beyond, etc.  I also love the "French Countryside" and the "English Countryside." I think they are great to mix and match as they are all the same color. The French pattern is similar to my Wedgwood and I mix that frequently with this.

So here we go...I used the same chargers as last week because I liked the texture and color. Spring has a lot of brown and mossy green, so that's what I was going for.

The fabric actually inspired this combination. I love the mossy green! I decided to make more of a decorative edge on this one for a change. I really don't like to have trim or tassels on the runners because it makes it difficult if something is sitting near the edge.

I wanted to bring out the gold and the green of the runner so I used the two napkins together. The gold one is from World Market a few years ago, and the green from Walmart last fall. Again, bringing in the brown "woodsy" feel, I used the bamboo napkin rings from Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Oh...I almost forgot the Fostoria! Not really. These are Fostoria "Argus" in the green. I LOVE this color so much, so I got 8 three-piece place settings. I thought the sherbet glass would be fun with grapes and strawberries. Here is a little info on Fostoria:


"The Fostoria Glass Company began operations in Fostoria, Ohio, on December 15, 1887. This site was chosen because natural gas at a recently opened field in the area had been offered at a very low cost to attract new industries. However, the field was so short-lived that in 1891, Fostoria moved to Moundsville, West Virginia, where there was an abundance of gas and coal, and other needed materials were close by.

During its first ten years, Fostoria made pressed ware, but early in the century Fostoria realized the importance of developing fine quality blown stemware.
In 1924 the company was one of the first to start a program of national advertising, and the first to produce complete dinner services in crystal. Besides their regular line of blown, etched and pressed patterns they did custom work such as providing glass with government seals for officials in Washington. All the presidents from Eisenhower through Reagan ordered glassware from them. At one time Fostoria was the largest maker of handmade glassware in the United States, employing nearly 1000 people.  The AMERICAN pattern, introduced in 1915, is still being produced by Lancaster Colony (who bought the Fostoria company in 1983), making it the most successful pattern in the history of glass making. Fostoria's business peaked in 1950 when they made over 8 million pieces of glass.
In 1986, after struggling with an outmoded plant and foreign competition, Lancaster Colony was forced to close the Fostoria Company, ending nearly 100 years of glass making."

Something I learned that will help you identify Fostoria, is there are three seams not two. Look on the bottom and you will be able to see those seams. 


Just in case you noticed that there were red votives in the earlier photos, I took a ton of photos then realized I didn't like the red so I changed them to a creamy white.

I used my "everyday" stainless flatware again, Oneida "American Harmony." The butter knives are restaurant supply I found on ebay. Although they are not the same pattern, they have a similar bead around the edge which coordinates nicely. 

I walked by the china cabinet and realized I had this beautiful vintage tea set from China, which my grandmother had given me. Could these colors be more perfect? So I thought I would go ahead and  put the cups on the table. I never bring out coffee/tea until after dinner, but I just loved the colors so much I had to break the rule! I wish I had a salad plate with this beautiful pattern, but I don't know the maker. 

It seemed even more perfect on this vintage Chinese tray...

At least we are enjoying some beautiful evening light...and don't worry, I will move the plant before we eat so we can converse without looking around it!! 

I used two different shades of green candles on the tall candle holders...

Are you beginning to think I'm dreaming of a tropical island?

Now the sun has set...

I hope you find something you can take with you:-) So many people are gathering with family and friends at home and beautiful tables always make everyone feel cared for.  I will take the same "Italian Countryside" next week and change it with just a few different accessories. Think yellow!! So please come back for more Spring table tips! Before you go, please go over to see Susan at "Between Naps on the Porch" for "Tablescape Thursday." You are sure to see some fabulous tables and incredible ideas. Thanks for stopping by:-)

Anita