Fed up with Willow Pattern and Cornishware but still a sucker for the classic blue and white look? Ditto. Thankfully, we are saved by local company Roelofs & Rubens who thought it was time for something more contemporary on the old Welsh dresser.

Founder, Piet van den Beuken and her husband Monty work out of their garden studio shed on the Berkshire border in Woolten Hill using handmade English earthenware bisque, and hand painting each of their individual designs to make cool and quirky tableware, tiles and decorations.

Being Dutch, Piet admits that the much-loved Delft Blue of Holland holds a special place in her heart and the distinctive blue and white palette is homage to that. But the look is given a much more Continental contemporary update with Piet’s original designs. Loving these saucy little tiles!And because the same blue pigments are used across the range you can mix and match, and get a right old collection going to jazz up your breakfast table.

They have some quirky little hanging decorations ready for Valentine’s Day if you’re bored of flowers (yawn!) and chocs (hmm…)

They also do special commissions and are always willing to make a special design, give a quote etc. Just wing ’em an email: info@roelofsrubens.co.uk or pick up the blower.

Off you trot! Here are the Berkshire stockists:

Pineapple Palace, Thatcham

The Robin’s Nest Gallery, Wargrave

Rosie & Parker, Newbury

Roelofs & Rubens, The Guernseys, Hollington Farm, Woolten Hill RG20 9XN. Tel: 01635 253671. Please call first before visiting the studio. www.roelofsrubens.co.uk