Hi, my name is Julie and I’m addicted to china.
No, not the country…the stuff. Tableware. Dinnerware. Plates and cups and saucers and sugar bowls and creamers and oval platters. It’s an inherited condition. My mother owns upwards of ten complete sets of china.
I own three–and that’s not counting the stuff I use every single day. I have two of those. I had three, but I gave one away when we redid the kitchen.
I suppose the fact that I love food and cooking makes my addiction completely reasonable and rationale. But it’s an expensive habit, as I learned yesterday when I decided to go to Replacements, Ltd. and order a few missing pieces from sets I have. ($69.99 for salt & pepper shakers? I ask you! No, I didn’t order them…I’m addicted, but not destructive.)
I managed to get the two pieces I needed for a reasonable price (a missing tea cup from one set and a never-owned creamer from another…this set belonged to my husband’s grandmother and was created sometime in the 20s, so I thought it would be pricey, but it actually was reasonable.) But while at the site, I shopped other sets. Didn’t buy, but spent hours shopping. I went to Crate & Barrel’s website (my mecca…they’re opening their first store in this area is a few months!) and Bed, Bath & Beyond…I even ended up on eBay.
But I just love a pretty table. I love the artistry of enhancing the meal and the festive company by having just the right accouterments to facilitate the fun. I’m particularly enamored of quirky pieces…like little dishes you’re not exactly sure what you’re supposed to do with them, but they’re pretty and delicate and interesting. I don’t actually get a chance to do this until I’m at my mother’s house. She owns more tablecloths than a hotel.
Am I the only one who loves this stuff?
I picked out two sets when we got married…two nice sets, because my grandmother spent YEARS collecting an “every day” set for me for my trousseau. It came from her grocery store and is not…well, not pretty. It is the opposite of what I would have picked for myself, but she got every single piece for me down to the salt & pepper shakers, gravy boat, platters and covered vegetable dishes. It’s horrible…but wonderful at the same time because of the love that went into it. I wouldn’t part with it if you paid me, even if only four plates are left. In fact, we used them tonight for dinner. Every time I use them, I think of Nani.
Anyway, my nice sets are both Mikasa. Not too expensive, but not cheap, either. My sets are Antique Rose (for formal occasions) and Monet (for casual dining.) I’d put in pictures, but nothing on the web does them justice and they are, of course, no longer sold. The saddest part is, I could probably tell you the exact occasions where I’ve used them…because as much as I love to entertain, I rarely get to do it at my own house. We always end up at my mother’s house because she has the perfect house for entertaining…and therefore, we use all her stuff.
This time, the bridal tea I spoke about a few weeks ago is at my sister in law’s house. Her house is also perfect for entertaining…much more so than mine. But while she also has an impressive collection of china, she doesn’t have enough for 30+ people! I’m now washing all my stuff and getting ready to pad my car somehow and drive 5 mph to get it to her house.
For the record, we normally eat on paper plates or a plain white set I picked up for a steal at Big Lots. But when I’m doing things up, I like to do them up right! Am I the only one who is enamored of pretty china?
Maybe I was Martha Stewart in another life. But I don’t think so. If I was, I’d have a cleaner house.
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
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Hey missed you guys. I’ve been gone for 4 days and it’s good to be “home”.
No, I’m not really big on dishes. I do like the look of a nicely presented table, but it makes me too nervous that I’ll break something, so nothing too fancy for me. As long as it matches. But I can definitely understand the appeal. I used to watch the Martha Stewart show all the time, from when it first aired. I loved it, though it wasn’t like me at all. I just wished it were.
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I love pretty china and crystal but rarely get it out and actually use it. Only for Christmas and Thanksgiving but last year we didn’t even use it then. Just the thought of washing all those plates, drying them and putting them away again held no appeal. I didn’t even put out my Santa collection. Only did minimal decorating. I never really got in the Christmas spirit.
We have some Lenox Eternal and Lenox Morning Blossom, Cherrywood crystal…and some crystal goblets that actually belonged to my stepdads mother. Very pretty but never used. I have an Orrefors bowl we got as a wedding gift that I love but again it’s never used. I’ve been entertaining thoughts of putting it all on E-bay and selling it–china cabinet included.
We usually just eat on paper plates because its easier. I do enjoy watching Semi-Homemade when I happen to catch it. Everything always looks so pretty including the kitchen set up which seems to change with every show. But then I realize she has about 50 + assistants helping her put it all together.
Have a great day all,
Cher
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Hi, my name is Evelyn and I am right there with you.
I get continuous updates from ebay on a couple of my Xmas sets that I want more of. They weren’t expensive but I love them and since there are almost 20 of us at the holidays…
Then there’s my everyday china which is Fiestaware. Not one or two colors- but I have one setting of every color and then dither over what color I want the various serving pieces in. My walls are decorated with the original Fiestaware- the ones that lite up with radioactivity! And there is still my first set from my wedding- plain white correll ware, that I saved for the little kids to use. And my original wedding set of good china.
My mother decided, years ago, to give me all the family stuff. She never uses it. So I inherited the pre-WW2 stuff, who’s name just went out my exhausted brain. My grandmother’s and great- granny’s stuff. My great-great uncle was a purser on one of the last clipper ships that used to sail and we have some wonderful treasures.
Then I got hubby’s stuff. I have added to those collections too.
I think at last count I had 7 sets of china and who knows how many pieces of others. And we won’t even talk about tablecloths. When your table goes from seating 4 to 20, there are lots of sizes needed. And napkins. And centerpieces.
I love to use them.
So no, you aren’t the only addicted one.
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OK, Silver, it’s 916 and I am packing up the car and heading your way!!!
See you soon!!!
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*blink* Ev? I have Fiestaware.
Black, white and turquoise. I’d love to have the…spice(?) color to add but I already have 12 place settings. I have 8 of my wedding china. Used it…three times in 25 years? It’s like the sterling silver punch bowl… 
I love to look at dishes and patterns. I also used to decorate my entire house for every holiday/celebration. Now I’m lucky if I remember to switch the wreath on the front door!
I can cook and bake like a maniac but I’ll admire what dishes you gals set on the table. Good food tastes just fine on paper plates!
Happy Hump Day! (Ev, see you tonight!)
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When I moved into my first apartment many years ago, my grandmother gave me her “special everyday” dishes. They aren’t her fine china nor her actual everyday dishes. These are the dishes my mom and grandfather got for my grandmother from the grocery store. I have an 8 place setting with all the extras. She then got amber colored glasses to go with the set(we had never used them in my life) and she gave me those too. I still use the dishes, but the glasses are in storage as I have no room in my kitchen for them, but can’t get rid of them.
I haven’t started buying any fine china, as I have no room in my apartment for it right now. I love to look at china in the stores, but have never decided which set I would really like to own. My parent’s china is beautiful, but no longer is made. I would love to find a pattern that is close to their pattern.
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I have an everyday pattern that I use (I even have matching kids’ plates!). I don’t think I have ever used my ‘good’ set. I do have Fiesta pieces that mix in with my everyday set. Since my mom and I have the same pattern, it’s fun to just have a set that (with the mixed in Fiesta ware) that is a little different from her. What’s funny is that none of my brothers want that pattern (the everyday pattern of my mom’s). They have all said, “why, when you have it, too!?”. LOL
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I love beautiful china and dishes in general. I own a few pieces from the Lenox Butterfly Meadow collection. Just enough to have tea/coffee and cookies/dessert with a half dozen people. I had to have 2 of the butterfly shaped dishes.
Julie, I’m with you…I love the odd shaped dishes that you don’t know exactly what they’re for. But I find something to put on them, even if it’s just little pieces fancy chocolates.
I have a bone chine set from Wedgewood. The pattern is called Venice. I would love to get the matching serving platters (oval, round, bowls, etc) but the smallest platter is WAY over $100 each! Needless to say, I’m considering plan white platters.
I picked out the Venice pattern because it’s white with a wavy light blue design at the edge. If you stretch your imagination enough, you can pretend its the waves of a pastel ocean. That goes well with my crystal (which is the only thing I like more than china). The crystal stemware is a palm tree pattern called Tropico that had been made by Shannon Crystal, exclusively for Burdines department stores in Florida. I have the wine goblets, champagne flutes, high ball glasses and old fashion mixed drink glasses. I don’t have any brandy snifters because they didn’t exist in this pattern. I didn’t like the water/tea goblets and there were no martini glasses (I love martini glasses–crystal or plain glass). So I mixed in another pattern by Shannon Crystal, called South Beach. I’ve got their ice cold beverage glasses and their martini glasses. Again…no brandy snifters! And no cordials either. Both are palm tree patterns, similar to each other, so they blend together very well.
Sometimes I get creative and will scoop some yogurt with a cherry on top and ice cream into the martini glass and surprise my husband.
I love to entertain but I don’t have the time or the financial means right now. And with the twins on the way, it’s only going to be worse. So, just like Julie, we usually gather at my Mom’s house. She definitely has the right place to entertain, complete with screened in pool and patio.
I usually do Easter Sunday at my home, but this year I might forfeit and let Mom take charge. It all depends on the “Belly!”
By the way…I find out later today if I’m having boys, girls or one of each! That’s if they cooperate and don’t turn around. Last ultrasound I got a picture of the spine.
Talk to you all later…if not today then later in the week.
Debbie
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Oh yeah…forgot to mention…Christmas dishes! I love Christmas dishes. I have a fancy set that my Mom gave me, but my favorite is a casual print called Winterberry. And talk about matching accesseries! I’ve got a place setting for twelve. I’m working on all the other matching items. My husband has been very generous at Christmas, contributing to this collection, though he doesn’t understand my obession. But he goes with the flow. Right after Thanksgiving, I put away the everyday dishes (seashell pattern) and fill the kitchen cupboards with the Winterberry dishes. I even have matching wine glasses, martini glasses (only 4…they’ve been discontinued
) Water glasses and glass stemmed dessert bowls which I use to put out Chrismas candy.
Debbie
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Hey everybody…it is so cool that you collect China. If I had the means I would collect a lot of China. Mikasa is awesome…read a lot about them in my historicals, along with numerous others…they are beautiful….I hope you guys have a wonderful rest of the day…will check in later…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Julie, when I first married 25 years ago I did use my good China a few times. Thank goodness I had a few extra dinner plates because I dropped a few over time. I did dream of having get togethers and entertaining once upon a time but that never happened.
My wedding china is Noritake ‘Ranier’ . Very pretty and elegant. I haven’t used it is a long, long time. I also have matching crystal. Rarely used.
My everday is good ole Corelle. You can nuke it and stick it in the dishwasher. My kind of dish.
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Fancy crystal & China is just not in my nature! I do love pretty glassware & find myself looking at it here & there. My dishes are very practical everyday stoneware. When I got married I picked out China & crystal! I still have the few pieces of crystal I got but it has been used so rarely. I am going to give it to a friend of mine when I see her later this year. It is just residing in a box doing nothing!! Since I live by myself I will buy one or two dishes just to have something different to look at. Cost Plus & Pier 1 have dishes that appeal to me especially on sale!! When I was a young girl my grandparents gave me some lovely bone China cups & saucers that I love. They also gave me a set of dishes, for one, when Queen Elizabeth was coronated. I still have the whole set except for one piece that got broke, those too are in a box because I am a person that uses mugs for coffee or tea! However, I love having those because my grandparents gave them. They are a treasure.
It has been years since I did any real entertaining, but I did at one time, love doing it for small groups. I hate eating on paper plates!!! There are times though when it really is necessary. Fun subject Julie.
There is a set of China that has been in the family for over 100 years, it is all still intact. My Mom used it once or twice a year. If I had any room to put it somewhere it would belong to me. It makes me sad that no one seems to want it. There is not enough room in this apartment for the stuff I do have let alone add that set to it. It is a simple pattern, very nice & I wish there was someone in the family to take it & love it. Maybe some day! It is stored in the attic at my brothers!!
Sorry for getting a bit long winded!!
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I love to look at dishes, etc. But I do not have a set. Maybe one day I will have moms that is Eastern Star. I really had wanted a rose pattern, but you don’t get to register when you don’t have a wedding, but get married instead.
I really love Crystal and was going to have a nice set, until the kids came along and no money, not pratical, etc.
My best friend has a wonderful set of a sunflower pattern. She has it all and uses it a lot.
I never entertain. My house seems to be in a perpetual mess.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
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I like to look at pretty chine, but I don’t really pay that much attention to the plates or cups that I use. As long as the food is good, that’s all that matters to me. Of course, maybe after I have my own place it’ll matter more, but I doubt it.
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Yeah, that should be ‘pretty china’ and not ‘pretty chine’. lol
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I have soem china from my great grandmother, but am always afraid to use it. This post is too funny b/c I just reread Jennifer Cruise Fast Women. If your remember that book they are all obsessed with their china eapecially Margie. I love that book!!!
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@Debbie: I do the same thing and bring out the “everyday” Christmas china, as opposed to the ones I use for Xmas dinner.
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Noritake, that’s what I have that was my grandmother’s. It’s pre-WW2 and I love it. I have added to it when I have found pieces at a reasonable price.
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Wow Julie! My china is Mikasa also! Mine was started at my bridal shower in 1985 by my two aunts and cousin. It started with the pots, pans and teapot from the Charisma Black series. It is beautiful! My husband wanted me to have the whole line of china because his mom never did. So I own a service for 16 people that includes salad dishes, dinner dishes, soup bowls, tureens, casserole dishes, mugs, cups, china servers, platters, butter dish with lid, cream and sugar servers, sauce cups, etc. It is everything that Mikasa made in that pattern. We got lucky and found some beautiful wine goblets, flutes, etc. that have a black tulip style stem to go with the china. We use ours at family gatherings. I hand wash everything since like you said nothing is sold anymore.
My everyday china was a gift from my mother-in-law. She was an angel! It was a complete set of dishes from a grocery store promo. They are really pretty and durable. White dishes with a delicate blue flower pattern. It is a service for 16. It came with soup bowls, salad bowls, dinner plates, salad plates, cups/saucers, butter dish and lid, and some big bowls.
My husband likes to collect things so we have odds and ends from other china companies as well. We don’t lack for dishes so when we have large parties it all comes in handy! Our house is small so my husband is very creative and handy and has it all stored very concise so it all fits.
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I don’t have matching set, let alone more than one at the moment. While I like having stuff that looks nice, I don’t tend to like having more than one set.
I’m sure that as I get older I may look at purchasing a matching set, but so long as the set I have is functional I don’t care that it doesn’t match.