One of the most popular questions I get asked is, “What pattern do you have at home?”
Well, you all know I am a fan of having more than one pattern at home. With pottery being my family’s business, my cup overfloweth and I am still collecting. Every year, I fall in love with a new pattern, a new piece, oh just one more platter (cause this one is really perfect).
But, my main pattern at home is Audun. Above all the others, I love Audun. I’m passionate about this pattern for so many reasons.
Here are my top 10 reasons why I love Audun so much
1. This is where it all started. This is the name of the village where Villeroy & Boch was founded in 1748 by my great, great grandfather. Francois Boch and his three sons set up pottery in Audun-le-Tiche, a tiny town in the Lorraine section of France. Boch set forth to meet the growing European demand for elegant dinnerware by producing a fine ivory-colored earthenware.
2. It’s a family affair. My great, great grandfather created the original Audun design in 1830. In 1998, my brother, Wendelin, brought this pattern back and added the yellow, mix and match design. The end result is a fresh and fun mix of old and new.
3. I wish life was this way. These charming pastoral scenes convey a life from more simpler times. Each piece is different. Each piece tells a story. Together they create a world away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. It’s very calming and sweet and evokes emotions of a peaceful lifestyle.
4. Make it your own. The pattern consists of 4 mix and match designs. No matter how one collects this pattern, there are endless options to making your very own personal statement. From left to right: Audun Ferme, Audun Fleur, Audun Promenade, Audun Chasse.
5. Men love this pattern. There’s a wonderful marriage of masculine and feminine to this pattern. Stereotypically, women have a hard time convincing their partner of a flowery pattern. For that reason, Villeroy & Boch creates mix and match patterns that have a combination of florals and simple bands. It’s all about compromise, right ladies? The simple bands in the Audun Promenade design, the heavy black laurel details and the hunting scenes all attract men to this pattern. However, there are a few other scenes in this pattern that most men are prominently attracted to but would never admit to their spouse. But, I’m going to tattle on them right now. The “charming” pastoral scenes of men watching women do laundry remind men of really how wonderful times were back then…have they really changed? *wink*
6. The animals. I grew up on a farm. We had all sorts of animals. On the farm. In the house. Even farm animals in the house. It was so much fun. Ever since, I have been a huge animal lover. Here are some of my favorite animals in Audun.
7. The details. Every piece of Audun is so precious to me. I love to study the details: the accented bands of yellow, the design on the inside and outside of the bowls and the edited design of each piece being so cleverly adorned without being too fussy.
8. The coffee/tea service. I am a tea fanatic. Every day, I drink tea. For my health. But it is also a relaxation time for me. And a warming comfort. Often I invite girlfriends over for tea (or coffee) instead of cocktails. I don’t make a big fuss about it with the sandwiches and desserts. I keep it simple with a few tea choices and some cookies and chocolates. Shown below: Audun Ferme Coffeepot, sugar, creamer, coffee cup and saucer.
9. Cocktail Hour. The “bread & butter” plates double as the PERFECT cocktail plate. I pair mine with Villeroy & Boch Miss Desiree Crystal. The cut crystal laurel band echoes the same band in the Chasse/Fleur bread & butter. If that is not your thing, I love the Promenade mixed with a more contemporary glass, like Modern Grace.
10. The switch of a linen. People look at this pattern and instinctively want to match it with yellow or grays. I do love it that way. But there is so much more seasonality to this pattern…all with the switch of a linen.
Last by not least, if I’m sitting at a table with my Audun, it means I’m home. I’m with my family. It’s a comfort to me. I’m at peace. I hope that no matter what dinnerware design you have in your home, you feel the same way. Funny that a hard piece of porcelain can be so comforting to one’s soul, but as you can see, it means much more to me than a piece of dinnerware. It’s my life.
Best Wishes,
