My Marrakesh: Marrakech: Peacock Pavilions dishes out

The details were important to her. She thought about the small things...about the soap dishes, the trash bins, the key chains. She wished that everything could be just so at Peacock Pavilions. She sometimes grew frustrated when she couldn't find the things she wanted - not the right forks, not the right faucets, not the right fabrics. She begged people traveling to Marrakech to courier special items for her that she ordered online and shipped to them.

When it came to dishes, she knew she would have to find a local source.......because, after all, dishes are fragile...they break. A trip of the foot, a stub of the toe, and replacements are needed. While Moroccan pottery might be tempting -- so colorful, so hand-crafted -- also soon shabby......the telltale chips, the flaking paint. Oh no, that wouldn't do........

Then there was white porcelain.....Porcelain..... so elegant and the white so pristine, so restaurant-like. And easily replaced. But Moroccan? Not particularly. And memorable? Not at all.........

Moroccan porcelain was called for. Finally, after contemplation, she decided on a pattern from Porcelain de Fes........ Classic, in good taste, and so Moroccan with its intricate mosaic designs, reminiscent of Moroccan tile work or zelij. And the blue...so lovely -- why, even Swedes couldn't complain.

So bright and early one morning.......she marched off with her checkbook...... She returned with dinner, salad and desert plates, as well as fruit bowls, platters, and the sweetest tiny dishes for butter, jams, and honey. She stacked them up, she packed them in tissue, she marked the large box with Peacock Pavilions in black permanent ink.

One step closer............ (Pssst.....doors opening October 15, 2008)

Comments

Just perfect!!! I cannot WAIT to come! Peacock Pavilions is going to be world famous, I just know it!

Posted by:Laura | March 10, 2008 at 11:15 AM

These are absolutely gorgeous, Maryam! Very sleek, yet Moroccan :) Good choice!

Posted by:Pille | March 10, 2008 at 11:36 AM

AMAZING!
the porcelain looks so perfect! If I will ever have the possibility to come to morocco, I will of course visit Peacock Pavilions!!!

Posted by:nay-k | March 10, 2008 at 11:51 AM

They look as if they are crafted from mosaic - very very beautiful - a wonderful play of colour in blues . I shall definitely go to Marrakech for the pleasure of dining off that pretty blue pottery!

Posted by:Mallika | March 10, 2008 at 12:22 PM

Those dishes are LOVELY!! I just love them!!

Very good choice.

Posted by:jody | March 10, 2008 at 01:24 PM

How pretty! The strict symmetry with only square and angle shapes is appealing. And woohoo, you've finally got an opening date! Congratulations! :cD

Posted by:Anna | March 10, 2008 at 01:35 PM

You have picked the loveliest dishes!

as for the copycat: how wrong!

Posted by:corine | March 10, 2008 at 02:00 PM

Oh, they are gorgeous. I'd love to have a couple. :) Hope you're well!

Posted by:Claire | March 10, 2008 at 02:29 PM

Oh SWOON. These dishes are so lovely.

Posted by:Persephone | March 10, 2008 at 02:53 PM

Yep - I was just going to ask "SO WHEN ARE YOU ACCEPTING GUESTS?!!" Andy and I will be visiting.

This is so exciting.

Posted by:kim | March 10, 2008 at 02:54 PM

Absolutely gorgeous! Very nice choice.

Posted by:Saraj | March 10, 2008 at 02:56 PM

The porcelain is both beautiful and practical. Excellent choice!
How exciting that you know the opening date...you must be all fired up!
I will keep dropping hints to the hubby. We need a couple's getaway for fall. Wouldn't your place be great??!
xo

Posted by:Gillian | March 10, 2008 at 03:29 PM

Do you have the rates ready?Lovely dishes :-)

Posted by:Katarina | March 10, 2008 at 03:41 PM

Gorgeous...not only the dishes, but your entire blog, your writing style...everything.

I've been visiting your blog for a couple of months now, and everytime I click to your link and see a new post, I get so excited! You have such a way with words, Maryam, and a beautiful way of drawing the reader in.

I sincerely hope one day to be able to visit your gorgeous guest house. I'm sure you will have and endless flow of guests who are anxious to not only stay in your beautiful guest house, but also to meet you in person. Thanks for inviting us along on this journey with you.

Posted by:Kristi | March 10, 2008 at 04:02 PM

Those gorgeous dishes remind me of your last post on Popham designs - the patio - only in the blue of Marrakesh skies and the white of the snow on Mt. Toubkal. Perfect!

Posted by:Kathy here again | March 10, 2008 at 04:10 PM

Definitely a good choice! I have all these plates and bowls and cups and little dishes and big serving dish - and even a soup tureen and a tagine like this!!! I love the new half-moon plates, have you seen them???
Will be in Marrakech end of April - hope to see you!!!
Joan

Posted by:Joan | March 10, 2008 at 04:15 PM

OOhh, so pretty. I LOVE blue.

Posted by:Carolina Eclectic | March 10, 2008 at 04:16 PM

oooh so so pretty! If i didnt have 3 dogs i'd be begging you to come let me work for you. clean the bathrooms, wash the windows, anything! Speaking of peacocks, there is an area in the coronado district in Phoenix, AZ where peacocks roam around..like 7 of them. they are AWESOME!

Posted by:thriftbunny72 | March 10, 2008 at 04:49 PM

beautiful dishes! what a great choice.

Posted by:nicole block, NicEvents | March 10, 2008 at 04:51 PM

Great opening date (our anniversary). Best of luck, and I love the blue dishes!

Posted by:tracey | March 10, 2008 at 06:23 PM

September?! Aww, I'm so disappointed I'll be leaving Marrakesh in August. Might you have some reccomendations as to where to stay in Marrakech?

Anyway, those dishes (and the baghrir!) are just lovely. Your taste is impeccable.

Posted by:Lindsey | March 10, 2008 at 06:58 PM

beautiful, beautiful! i imagine you will have a lot of blues going back to the peacocks... or is it green?

how exciting that you have an opening date - your dreams are just within your reach!

sorry about the copycat. i know from personal experience that imitation is definitely NOT the most sincere form of flattery.

Posted by:gigi | March 10, 2008 at 07:04 PM

Maryam, I love how it everything is coming together so beautifully. you will be the next feature in Elle Decor to be sure!

Posted by:hammocks | March 10, 2008 at 07:27 PM

WOW!! September 20th - it's not that far away! It must feel great, I'm very happy for you!

Love the blue mosaic designs - looks amazing against silver tray.

I wish, oh I wish soooo much to be able one day visit you at Peacock Pavilions...

Posted by:Magda | March 10, 2008 at 07:40 PM

I love seeing the little (and big) details come together. The dishes are so fresh and delightful, they will be cheery in the morning and exotic-romantic for candlelit dinners.