The Plates I Pack Every Summer
Historic china patterns you can actually eat off of, plus the quinoa salad my friends request every year
Every year, my friends ask me to bring two things to our Prospect Park picnic: my quinoa salad and my tin plates. It’s a tradition, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
There’s something about eating off a beautiful plate that makes the food taste better. Maybe that’s just me? I’ve had these museum replica tin plates for years, and I bring them out every summer without fail for the free Philharmonic in the Parks concert series — one of my favorite New York rituals. (And happening THIS WEEK!)
Back in April, I shared some of my favorite plates from the Rijksmuseum. None of which are within reach of actually owning, but these tin replicas are a close second. If you haven’t seen them, they’re reproductions of historic china patterns, and they’re good. Maybe I should figure out how to have tin replicas made of my Rijksmuseum favorites, too?
I’ve tracked down a few places you can find them, including eBay and the shop at Monticello. Years ago, I got mine from Wells and Winter in the UK. If you buy six or more, they run about $8.70 each. These days, tariffs and customs can add a bit to the price, so that’s something to keep in mind.
It probably won’t surprise you that I’m also a huge fan of classic splatterware and that vintage camping vibe. I’ve even started a small collection; some dreamy yellow-and-white ones, and I can’t resist pinning unique color combos to my Pinterest board whenever I spot them.
Crow Canyon Home is one of my go-tos for splatterware. They make the classic porcelain-enamel plates on a steel base, which you can actually put in the dishwasher, unlike the museum replicas, which need to be handwashed.
I also love TOAST because they offer stunning, uniquely beautiful colors. I’ve ordered from Dyke & Dean, known for their exceptional blue-and-white splatterware with large splats. Additionally, I’ve found many of these gems at secondhand shops and thrift stores.
And Now, The Salad
This one is perfect for a picnic and keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Years ago, I started using the whole container or bunch for each ingredient (a whole package of cherry tomatoes, the entire bunch of cilantro), and it made my life so much easier. Somehow it still works, so that’s how I make it today.
1 cup dry quinoa, cooked per instructions and cooled
1 small container cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 small bunch green onions, chopped
1 small bundle cilantro, chopped
1 orange or yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (I use Aleppo), juice of 2–3 limes, 1 tablespoon good-quality ground cumin (I like Frontier brand). Whisk in a small bowl.
Mix it all together and store in a portable container. Or serve it in your favorite enamelware.
Speaking of which… I have two of these stunning tomato-orange enamelware bowls that I inherited from my grandmother. It’s the kind of color that makes everything you put in it look delicious. I’ve started hauling them to our picnics as well, as they are lightweight, practical, and cute!
Happy summer-ing, everyone! What’s your go-to picnic essentials? Food or accouterment?
Ps: Love this one too! Inspired by an 18th-century Qing dynasty Tobacco Leaf pattern, this China-made export design likely depicts a passion flower or hibiscus. Its serrated leaves were mistaken for Tobacco Leaf, hence the name. The original porcelain pieces are highly valued by collectors.
Ok, ok, that’s the real end. Thanks for reading! Warmly, Corrie