I was thinking of the best topic for this post and couldn't find anything. And then this morning, as I was looking for something, I stepped back to look at our beautiful wedding china and realized that I never shared that with you!
This is it. Our beautiful set. It is "Imperial" by Lenox. We could not have asked for a better set and it means so much to us. So much family history and stories behind it.
Let me tell you more about this set...
We did not register for china for our wedding. It was something we wanted to register for but felt wedding guests these days wouldn't appreciate the old tradition. We also did not get this set for a wedding present. We received it shortly afterward and weren't able to even take it out of the box until we moved this summer.
So how did we receive a beautiful set we didn't register for? The Galloway grandparents.
My dad's parents had this set for their wedding china. I remember using it at times growing up. This was their set they received as a wedding gift. And we are honored to be the ones they passed it down to. I jumped at the opportunity when they downsized last year and moved up to Bedford.
They married during the World War 2 era. My grandfather is a veteran of the same war, and their love story is one for the movies. They met on a train. They courted through war-time letters as my grandfather braved the war. After my grandfather was wounded, they married. They have been together ever since.
This china pattern was a "World War 2" pattern. That means it was very popular during that time. Because all of our resources were being used during war time, my grandmother never got to see the pattern in person before registering for it. And, she was not able to physically receive the pieces until they were back in stock years after they married. They received gift cards towards the china instead. After searching all over for at least something to see in person, a store in Houston had a tiny cup and saucer (called demitasse). She was able to hold on to it until she could purchase the remaining pieces. We still have that tiny cup and saucer to remind us of the history of this set.
I love having a set so rich in history. It's much better than the modern pieces you can register for today. The pattern is no longer being made, but there are places to purchase pieces online. We have a complete setting for 8 and some pieces for 9. Eventually I would love a complete set for 12 and some serving pieces. Perhaps Christmas and anniversary presents for us?
Until then, I will constantly be reminded of the power of true love when I look at our heirloom set displayed for everyone to see in our house.
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