Nursery Rhymer

For some bizarre and inexplicable reason, I really adore children's place settings. I love the concept of baby china {that is NOT a hint, Mr. Original}, and the fact that many of us, if we're lucky, wind up reclaiming our baby china because it's been saved for us. I distinctly remember mine -- and I'm sure my mother has it tucked away in the breakfront in the dining room: It was white, I think, with a thin lavender border; teeny tiny gray mice, dressed up in the cutest of costumes and clothes, danced across the surface of the plate, bowl, and mug. {Who made it, Mom? These lovely readers of mine will likely want to know.} And, I even remember my brother's M.A. Hadley sailboat set. I just found this vintage set from Mouse Trap Vintage, and I love how sturdy it looks, as well as the simple combination of red and white.

I'm sure there are loads of cute place settings made these days {and not just in melamine}, but I find myself so thoroughly drawn to vintage in this case -- either my own set {recently, I realized things from my childhood are now called vintage}, or an awesome thrift shop find -- because good juju seems particularly important when it comes to creating a childhood for a little one.