As a romantic and admitted Anglophile, I am eagerly anticipating the fairy tale wedding on Friday of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. I will be one of those who sets my alarm for 5:00 am to catch the beginning of the festivities before the responsibilities of the day beckon.
Thinking of the royal wedding turns the mind toward things English, particularly food:
Tea and scones (which to a southerner appears to be a biscuit with currants), biscuits (which are not biscuits but cookies), fish and chips (which are are not chips but fries), steak and kidney pie (no thank you), and Yorkshire pudding, (which is bread not pudding). Even though we speak the same language, some of us may still need some translation. English bone china is thought to be the best china, so one can't have tea in anything less. Besides food, thinking English brings to mind other things -- Tudor architecture and of course, the ubiquitous beefeaters in their red and black.
Maitland-Smith has English roots as it was started 30 years ago by a London antiques dealer initially to reproduce 18th century furniture. Though we have expanded and updated our product line to include many styles, much of our line continues to be artisan-crafted English style furnishings such as those made by Thomas Chippendale and George Hepplewhite. Classic never goes out of style, as it stands the test of time. Seen here is a Hepplewhite mahogany pembroke table. Notice the beautiful inlaid marquetry, which was a hallmark of Hepplewhite's craftsmanship in the 18th century. Brass casters and pulls finish the look.
You will feel royal sitting in a Chippendale influenced hand-carved black lacquer finished bench with gilding. Perhaps you can imagine that you are having tea with the queen.
To sleep like royalty, one must have a four poster bed. This handsome rice bed is hand-carved mahogany and sized for a king.
The English have influenced us in countless ways. For a few hours on Friday, as we watch our TV, perhaps we can forget for a short time our troubles, and simply enjoy the fairy tale --with all the pomp and the color and the tradition -- where the handsome prince marries the beautiful princess and they live happily ever after.
Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today with quality and style to last a lifetime... Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure? www.maitland-smith.com
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