Paper plates

[onlyoranges]

I have to admit I do like to watch progs about larger families. My latest is the Willis Family. I have noticed they use paper plates at meal times, as do the Gosslings. Does anyone else do this?

[imip]

Only 4 dc here but no, I wouldn't do it. Solely for environmental reasons. When I'm lazy I use small okra plastic plates and stick them in the dish washer. I have loads and use them for DCs birthday parties also. Kind of wouldn't feel like a nice family dinner if you were always using paper plates!

[onlyoranges]

The environmental issues were my main concern. Having said that no washing up of all those plates!! As I said I have noticed that most of the 'tv large families' do it. Thinking about it I think the Duggars use them as well!! But these families are very large I guess.

[StealthPolarBear]

Imip how are plastic plates that go in the dishwasher easier than China plates that go in the dishwasher?
They must go through a lot of paper plates!

[ToTheStarsMorag]

I do sometimes, usually only in emergencies and for parties. I try and put them in the recycling though as they are cardboard. I couldn't do it everyday and its mainly its when I am on my own with the DCs.

When we've gone to a massive family meal (a 50+ gathering) plates don't really take that long to wash and dry once everyone has chipped in. Usually the cooks rest and everyone else manages to clear everything up really quickly.

[LibrariesGaveUsP0wer]

I don't get it really. I mean, 7 plates might take fractionally longer to wash up than 4, but the difference is marginal for your average large family compared to the time for pans, cutlery etc.

[ToTheStarsMorag]

For me its space in the dishwasher, if I don't put plates in then I can fit extra pans etc in, it is dreadful when I see it written down!

I won't do it forever, currently DH is working ridiculous hours in the week and we are still on school holidays, I am a little bit run ragged. I have been tempted to wheel the black bin up to the back door and shovel everything straight in, paper or not.

[YeOldeTrout]

Cousin does this when she has large entertainment events or just needs a bit less stress. I think she needs newer dishwasher!

[AndNowItsSeven]

Who are the Willis family onlyoranges and where can I watch them? Thanks
We have seven dc , we have a dishwasher not paper plates.

[onlyoranges]

They were a family of 12 who appeared on Americas Got Talent. Its on TLC on Tuesdays at 8pm.

[imip]

I'd usually use plastic plates when I'm searching something like hotdogs, sandwiches etc. something with not many dishes etc. I'd be able to clean it all in one dishwashers load, all small plates (ikea, not okra!). If I cook a roast, invariably I'd need to run the dishwasher twice, large plates for the adults etc. sometimes I just don't want the extra effort. Then again, China plates have a nicer dinner time feel.

[fabuLou]

Trying to use them in the summer hols but notfor dinner. I recycle.

[LittleMissStresshead]

I gave my two children, plastic ikea plates, think picnic style two years ago when they were five and two to stop the regular crockery breakage. Two years on, I know this needs to change, but I hate broken China!

But no, paper plates for everyday usage is not OK.

[rivierliedje]

Possibly it's an American thing, rather than large family thing?
Using paper cups, towells, plates etc seems much more normal there.

[AndNowItsSeven]

Thanks , only oranges I will put it in the planner

[onlyoranges]

Rivier you know I thought that myself as all the families I mentioned are American. I don't recall seeing paper plates on the larger families series about UK families not so long ago.

No problem AndNow let me know what you think.

[NetballHoop]

We just bought loads of the Ikea bowls and plates and they each chose their colour. That worked well as we always knew who's plate was who's.