Favorite Things Friday.

I feel that some of my postings can be a little negative. I posted recently about things and people I'm sick of. I often tell tales of worry, fear, problems, etc. So to remedy that, I've instituted Favorite Things Friday, which will focus on things I have, or want, or enjoy, or love.

And here is the first....

Harlequin dinnerware.

It was manufactured by the Homer Laughlin Company (the same folks who brought us the much-more-famous Fiestaware) and sold exclusively through Woolworth's starting in the late 1930's and fading out sometime in the early 1960's. There was a re-issue in 1978 or so that did not have the popularity that was hoped for. There are a total of 12 Harlequin colors: rose, turquoise blue, yellow, gray, chartreuse, maroon, tangerine (called "red" by the pros), light green, dark green, medium green, spruce green, and mauve blue. More info here, with lots of pictures.

I own well over 100 pieces of Harlequin, including teacups and saucers and dinner plates in every one of the 12 colors. I also have lots of specialty pieces, including a teapot, a pitcher, an ashtray, and several gravy boats.

I much prefer Harlequin to Fiesta because of the more angular, art-deco look. And the colors are much more interesting in the Harlequin. I have been known to serve a complete meal for 8 using my Harlequin dishes, and yes, I put them in the dishwasher... how cavalier of me! But I love the stuff, and I display it in my kitchen in a large cabinet that I made.

And here is something interesting... perhaps the colors of these dishes have something to do with why I want this sweater vest?