Book Review: Decorating with China and Glass by Caroline Clifton-Mogg

While rummaging through a bargain bin at the bookstore, I happened upon a copy of Decorating with China and Glass and immediately snapped it up; this book is such a gem! Not only does it contain detailed information for china junkies both seasoned and green, it offers tons of gorgeous ideas for using and displaying your tableware. In other words, no more banishing your collections to the closet!

A mix of unadorned white porcelain and clear glass of varying heights sets the scene for a sunny weekend brunch--proof that you don't need fancy-pants pieces to create a welcoming and memorable table. Just add waffles and enjoy!

A muted green table with complementary plates, bowls and cups has an earthy, romantic feel. Organic floral touches--moss tucked here and there, ingeniously positioned sprays of baby's breath--make it seem like you're dining on the forest floor.

A long, narrow table calls for a simple linen runner and a rustic candelabra, while a single stem of alium adds a touch of frivolity to an otherwise spartan setting. (Aside: I think this style of table is sometimes called a bishop's or priest's table--can anyone corroborate?)

I'm a total sucker for a glimpse of color peeking from the inside of a cupboard. Cheery yellow complements the warm stone floors and plank ceiling of this room. And do we agree that those floor to ceiling cabinets are worth committing some serious crimes for?

An industrial locker proves to be an unexpectedly charming console for storing tableware. The hodge-podge of lighting and knickknacks lends an approachable, unstudied air to this vignette. These are dishes you don't have to be afraid to use!

Oh, be still my heart. From the single row of pitchers and carafes to the crockery drying on the rack, this kitchen is calling my name. Toss in a vintage fan and a deep farmhouse sink and maybe I could learn to like doing the dishes!

Finally, I love love love the idea of mounting a magnificent collection of platters above a sink. Plus that little shelf with the classy bottle of dishwashing liquid? What a thoughtful way to dress up one of the most functional spaces in the home. I have a wall in my kitchen just begging for this kind of treatment!

All images courtesy of Decorating with China and Glass by Caroline Clifton-Mogg, photos by Simon Upton.

Comments

[isa]

Oooo what a find! I am going to have to go looking for a copy! That muted green table made my heart stop and the china over the sink is fantastic -- too bad I have a window there :(
xo Isa

[Susan]

wow, what a great find! I love these.
have a lovely week, xoxo

[twitter.com/CluelessCrafter]

I love bargain bin finds, especially when they offer so much creativity beyond the book.

When I was working at Martha, I became acquainted with shelf risers. They are the most perfect thing for displaying the one-of-a-kind while also offering maximum storage space.

I have varying heights in my home cupboard. Do you use them?

[lauren (pen.ny)]

That deep farmhouse sink. Love. I could totally do my dishes in something that large any day.

[pretty far west]

Yes, I'm so in favour of using and displaying rather than dust-gathering, and C C-M writes good books - her 'French Country Home' is one of my staples for inspiration. A line of charger plates on a wall makes a good show and I do like the recent trend to have holes drilled in plates to make your own cake-stands.

[Emily]

I believe that style of table is a refectory table.

[Vivi]

I love how clean this all looks. It make me feel oh-so-refined to live in any of these images... :)

[Elizabeth]

I'm laughing because when I search through the bargain bins I usually come up with things like, "Yoga for Dogs" or "Accounting for Dummies," nothing good! Lucky find!

I'll have to search out a copy though- I recently inherited my Great Grandmother's china. I've got plates and teacups galore, and I need a creative way to display at least a few of them (safely out of the reach of cat and boyfriend).

[R4i卡]

Love those decorative items on wall! One of my resolutions is to buy more pottery on etsy this year--glad you're getting into all the art here! Thanks a lot.

[Shell Sherree]

Oh dear, I do need to upgrade my dishwashing liquid bottle. Lovely pics, Anne!

[michelle]

This is sooo pretty, and budget friendly also. A girl can snazz up her NYC apt. easy with a sophisticated look like this, I wonder where I could do this at my house???

[ugg knightsbridge]

You have a good understanding of China! Deeply the Chinese people I admire you! Thank you for your love! We will be better in China

[Suzanne Turner]

Love these!! Fabulous vintage pieces.

[supra vaider shoes]

Very, very nicely done!

[Hermes Wholesale Handbags]

So cute! I already like you on FB and also get your posts on Google Reader. :)