The theme is wheat and other grasses. Not quite Still Summer but, as is becoming undeniable given the later sunrises and earlier sunsets, no longer Summer.

You may ask, and it’s a legitimate question, “Why? Why bother? It’s not like anyone is going to see it except you and Mr. Big Food.”

Why not? What’s the point of having all of this crappy old stuff if not to give it life and appreciation? And so we have the Homer Laughlin’s Golden Wheat gravy boat centerpiece (ca. 1949-1966) which will not keep Mr. Big Food and I from seeing each other later in the week when we enjoy a sit down dinner.

There are more Golden Wheat patterns of china than you can shake a stick at. I have three– a grand total of 204 pieces of which 65 are cups and saucers. So I admit– a bit much. Odds are pretty good we’re not having a coffee-centered gathering for 60 any time soon.

BUT! Homer Laughlin’s Golden Wheat Rhythm Shape (1957-?) was a pattern my mom had when I was young and I’ve always liked it. She gave me what she had left years ago but it was only a few pieces so when I spied that box containing it and the other Golden Wheats in the junk store, I snapped it up!

This is the nicest of the three, Taylor Swift and Taylor Golden Wheat Versatile. The gold rim is wider and the wheat colors more vibrant. Unfortunately, I don’t have the breath of pieces in this as I do in the Homer Laughlin.

The beautiful yellow linen tablecloth was the star of the show in the box of linens Mr. Big Food’s Aunt Bea sent earlier this summer in response to my rant about not being able to find nice tablecloths. It belonged to Mr. Big Food’s Gran. It is gorgeous.

The transparently thin, delicate cloth on which the centerpiece sits was also in the box. Look at that. How many folks can still do that kind of work?

Look at the cutout! It’s only 3/4 inch wide. That is some beautiful workmanship.

The silver flatware was Gran’s as well. I thought the pattern was a nice match.

Mr. Big Food’s mom gave me her china a while back, Autumn by Winterling Bavaria. Makes a nice display in the hutch, don’t you think? One of the small table runners in the box had the perfect complimentary colors.

In keeping with the theme, we have the vase with grasses brought to you by Daughter C who created several years ago. (I added the spent coneflowers.)

Thus concludes our little talk of crappy old stuff. For now.