Collections: Franciscan Desert Rose Ceramics

Franciscan Desert Rose ceramics were first introduced by Los Angeles-based Gladding, McBean & Co. in 1941, along with the company's Apple pattern. They were manufactured in L.A. until 1986, when Wedgwood, Franciscan's owner since 1979, closed the Los Angeles plant, discontinued all of the patterns except Desert Rose, Apple and Fresh Fruit, and moved the remaining Franciscan dinnerware production to England. Both Desert Rose and Apple are now owned by WWRD - The Luxury Lifestyle Group (Wedgwood Waterford Royal Daulton). They are two of the most popular china patterns in American history, and they continue to be produced to this day.

Ironically, my great-grandmother used Franciscan Desert Rose dishes in her L.A. kitchen in the 1960s and 1970s, and my mom began collecting her own Desert Rose dishes while living in England in the 1980s. She now has all of my great-grandmother's original pieces from California as well. When Jonathan and I got married, we decided continue the tradition and register for some Desert Rose dinnerware. As luck would have it, everyone bought us Desert Rose dishes. We have 12 place settings, plus most of the modern serving pieces. I love comparing the '60s Franciscan to the modern pieces. As one would guess, the original details are much nicer, but I love that you can still buy Franciscan Desert Rose ceramics at your local department store. Of course you can also find it on Ebay, estate sales and at most antique stores.

You can learn more about the history of Franciscan ceramics (and see more photos) here.

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Learning About Mid-Century Modern Design

Optimism ruled in postwar America. Young soldiers rushed home to marry their sweethearts and start families. To accommodate the baby boom, neighborhoods popped up across the United States. Some of these homes had the modern look featuring wood, glass, stone and an open plan. Mid-Century Modern was dubbed the "West Coast" look because it originated in California and seemed natural and organic.

These new houses needed furniture, and the pieces that were produced during the era reflect that happy mood. Materials that had helped during the war effort – rubber, plywood, epoxy, fiberglass – were incorporated into furniture design. Synthetic materials also exploded due to scientific advancements. Nylon, laminate, PV, plastic, melamine, plywood and vinyl were modern and hugely popular. An added bonus -- all of these materials were affordable.

Many of the top designers of the movement had the same overarching goal – they wanted to provide good design to the masses. Some of the most popular designers were Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Isamu Noguchi. At the time, the spare style had its critics, but beginning in the early '80s, its timeless appeal became highly coveted among collectors. The mid-century craze continues to this day.

Fortunately, if you can't get your hands on an original mid-century piece, you can buy reproductions straight from the original sources. The two biggest manufacturers of mid-century modern furnishings -- Herman Miller and The Knoll Company -- are still in production today!

To see more mid-century pieces then and now, follow along on our mid-century board on Pinterest.

Happy 4th of July

Sometimes we forget the meaning of holidays because we get so caught up in having a day off. Today we'll take time to remember all of the brave men and women who have fought for our nation's freedom over the years, both before and after the American Revolution. We'll remember the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and the most well-known words in American history:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. - Thomas Jefferson

We'll reflect on the sacrifices made by those who came before us, and we'll enjoy the patriotic traditions of our great nation -- fireworks, parades, cookouts and time with family and friends -- all dressed up in red, white and blue.

On the Road to Mackinac Island, Michigan

Today we're on the road to Mackinac Island off the coast of Michigan. This quaint, eight mile island became a popular summer colony and tourist destination in the late 19th century. Many of the homes and buildings have been preserved and restored, and the entire island has been deemed a National Historic Landmark. In addition to the wide variety of architectural styles, the island hosts numerous cultural events and is well-known for its delicious fudge and ban on motor vehicles. Since 1898, only snow mobiles, service vehicles and emergency vehicles have been allowed on the island. The rest of the island's guests and inhabitants arrive by ferry or boat and get around on foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage.

How's that for quaint?

Read more about Mackinac Island here.

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