Look at most of this blog’s photos carefully and you’ll see Portmeirion‘s Botanic Garden pattern, a durable stoneware service made in a wide array of shapes and sizes since 1972.  Each piece features a botanical illustration, bordered by repeating green leaf trim.  Fans of the 60s TV show “The Prisoner” will know that the Welsh resort village of Portmeirion served as the series’ fictional prison town.

Also seen is Rosenthal/Continental china’s “Charcoal” pattern, designed by the great modernist Raymond Loewy.  Flatware is the Durgin / Gorham Fairfax pattern in sterling; stainless steel is Oneida’s Moda.  Glasses are Duralex Picardie.