Flutter by, Butterfly! My favorite summer dish pattern - Mikasa Mariposa

 Seasons Change and so do my Dishes

Reflections on my favorite summertime china pattern

Today is Labor Day and I can feel the season change in the air.  Our Aspen trees make a different leaf-russling sound.  The daylilies and iris are cut back and prepared for the colder months.  Even my roses have slowed down blooming.  

In my house, these changes mean that it's time to change out our dishes too.

But before we pack it up and store it (very easily and efficiently, shown in our next post), I'd like to take a minute and talk about why these happy dishes are undeniably my favorites for summertime entertaining.  Here's #mydishstories about these Mikasa "Mariposa" dishes.  

"Mariposa" means butterfly and certainly, these are among the happiest butterflies I've ever seen.  These vibrant, clear summertime colors are featured on Mikasa's bone china blanks, which keeps the colors translucent and bright.  It has a mid-century modern vibe, though it was produced from 1974 - 1979.  

One of the best design aspects is how the cups perfectly fit into the saucer, like a Fisher-Price peg person fits into their little cars.  They don't slide around and make unnerving noises because they are locked into place.  Because it's strong bone china, this pattern hardly shows any wear at all, looking as fresh and lovely as the first time it was used.  

I found these at Denver's best consignment store, La Cache.  This treasure trove of a shop is located in the Denver Country Club neighborhood.  They accept only the best in household goods and jewelry, and are known for their discerning eye and incredible prices.  30% of all consignment sales benefit Colorado's Children's Hospital, a cause near and dear to my heart.  

This pattern also has the greatest proportions and sizes.  The coffee cup and saucer is twice the size of the demitasse cup.   I often use the coffee cup for ice cream (hold the handle and your ice cream won't melt as fast) and the demitasse cup for sauces, ketchup, mayo, and other condiments (with or without the saucer).  It makes a nice size individual condiment holder too.  

Who knew that this Mikasa pattern would have a footed cake plate?  I was thrilled to find it on eBay a few years ago. While a birthday cake or coffee cake would look great atop this beauty, my home-made cheddar-chive biscuits will have to do for today.  These savory treat are so yummy with Four Fruits jam from Bonne Maman.  

Vera's bread and butter plates have the charming butterfly design in the center of the plate as well as the rim, making it idea for appetizers or desserts. 

You'll think I'm crazy, but I love a matching hot coffee or teapot to coordinate with my dishes - even in the summertime.   And this one is quite special.  The butterflies flank the lid as well as the pot, and the bone china keep the coffee hot!  It's fun to add these special pieces from eBay when they crop up.

Did you know that if you put your hottest tap water into your pot and let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then pour it out and replace it with your hot coffee or tea, your pot will stay hotter longer?  It really works and protects your china from heat shock too.  Try it and let me know how it works for you.

This pattern sets a stunning al fresco table - inside or outside in your garden.  It goes with every color I can find and look fantastic with every napkin I've got (especially pink)!  I've accented it with tabletop wares from Lilly Pulitzer and the two designers are a match made in heaven.  Below are my Lilly for Target ice tea glasses and the colors are perfect with Vera's butterflies.

This pattern was designed by  famed American artist Vera Neumann who's breezy, creative designs are still being sold today.  She is known for her delightful corner signature with a ladybug, which you can see on these coordinating napkins.  Vera's artwork is featured in the MOMA and her curtains hung in the Truman White House.  I remember my mother and grandmother's loving her geometric scarves and cheery throw pillows, always with a fresh take on nature and flowers.  She created the first signature scarf, before Christian Dior.  Her fans included Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and John Lennon.  That's quite a fan club!!

Vera was a modern illustrator and designer who started her business in the 1942 and sold her first order of nature-inspired scarves to Altman & Co that same year.  She was an entrepreneur when it was not fashionable for women to venture into business world.  But aren't we glad she did! Her designs are still sought after today.  Those clear colors and happy nature themes make me feel fresh and alive!  

Like my other favorite hero Julia Child, Vera Neumann launched her own career, establishing herself as an artist with a unique perspective on the world.  Her happy colors and free-flowing designs bring me joy even today  - almost 50 years later.  Heaven knows I don't look as good as these dishes. 

  

 I'll be packing these beauties up later today, storing them in away for next year's use.  In their cabinet space will be a different tabletop pattern, one more suited to autumn.  

I can hear the season blowing through the trees.  Goodbye Summertime.

 Until next year, Vera...