THE HANKIE

What ever happened using a hankie? Did it go the way of white gloves? I think my gloves went into a drawer, never to return, in the 1970's. They didn't seem to fit with ethnic and gunnie sack clothing. Although that was never my style, the gloves and hankies disappeared.

Recently I've been purchasing these lovely soft cotton and lace crochet reminders of a more civil past. In today's resurgence of "Go Green," they are most appropriate for the person sensitive to saving the planet. Of course, the price of paper goods is also another good reason. My friend Janet Swanson, who is a partner in the York, Me. store, FIONA'S PORCH, always carries a hankie and encourages her customers to purchase them and cloth napkins.

They do require laundering and a touch up with a warm iron for a finished look. If you don't own an iron, that step can be eliminated.

Pictured above are a few from my growing collection. The linen handkerchief holder is hand embroidered and keeps the hankies neat and fresh. Hankies can also be used in the making of decorative pillows. The CALIFORNIA one is slated for such a life. Now I just need a winter residence in Palm Springs so it will be right at home.

Pricing can range from $1 to a high of $22. Let your passion be your guide.

A TISKET, A TASKET

...how I love a May Basket.

In celebration of May Day, I'm featuring this lovely, linen hand towel appliqued with a "May Basket." It was a gift from my friend, Karen. We have been exploring antique shops and flea markets the world over. Fortunately our tastes tend towards different eras so we don't arm wrestle over much!

The vintage towel is crisp, bright white linen with the applique created from a simple cotton, neatly hemmed and beautifully hand stitched into place. Looks to be vintage 60's. It is a labor of love and adds a fresh feeling of spring to the powder room.

That was to be my May Basket until I, quite literally, happened upon the real thing while enjoying the First Friday Art Walk in Portland, Maine http://mainemorningreport.blogspot.com/

Walking from gallery to gallery, I was explaining to my friend the celebration of May Day,the of making May Baskets and hanging them on doors of those we cherish. No sooner had I finished speaking and there, walking towards us, was a couple with the lady carrying a May Basket. "She's carrying a May Basket, " I exclaimed! They stopped, we stopped and a discussion of our mutual passion for the charm and civility surrounding the tradition of May Baskets ensued. And so, that is how I came to possess a May Basket, this May Day 2009.

Madeline and May Basket maker, Jennifer Libby-Barnes. Jennifer makes party and wedding favors and LOTS of May Baskets. Jen@JenniferSmells.com

Make a note to charm someone with a May Basket next May Day...linen, pottery, or the real thing made of tissue paper and love.

COOK BOOK CHARM

The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book by Fannie Merritt Farmer is the oldest of the books shown here. This lovingly, kitchen stained edition was published in 1923. It's an invaluable reference resource and I often find recipes that have been edited out of newer editions. Just last fall it was my source for a Pickled Crab Apple recipe. The "put up" apple pickles have been enjoyed all winter.

SUNSET'S NEW KITCHEN CABINET COOK BOOK is a First Edition printed in September 1938. All recipes are from west of the Mississippi. It's entertaining to read, "beat the eggs furiously," and the illustrations charming.

THE BLENDER WAY TO BETTER COOKING is the newest book, published in 1965. Many recipes are calling out to be tried but the one that really speaks to me is for Lobster Bisque with lobster balls (like meat balls.) That's a definite for a dinner party gathering.

All of these books are from a time when calories weren't counted and microwaves weren't on the horizon. Maybe that's why I find such pleasure in browsing them....and they only cost $1 each at a local flea market.

A PASSION FOR CHINA

My love for beautiful English bone china began at a very young age. Mother's "good" china was the wedding pattern by Minton. I loved seeing the table set for a special dinner. Today it is my "good" set and it continues to thrill me when the table is adorned with fine linens, dishes and silver. But my passion has grown to include the charming bone china accessory pieces that the English do so well. And a pretty pattern, I can't resist.

Recent purchases, at our current recession prices, include a Minton nut dish in the Haddon Hall pattern and a pen caddy in the Pembroke pattern from Aynsley. The caddy adds a touch of romance to my very contemporary glass computer table. And the Minton dish coasters my morning coffee mug. Both are symbols of civility in what feels like a frenzied world.

What little things do you love that can enhance your daily life? It doesn't have to be much and it certainly doesn't have to be expensive. Go search for hidden treasures that add grace to our daily lives.