The "Good" China (plates!)

[Aroundtheworldin80moves]

We received a set of good plates, bowls, cups, serving platters etc when we married 11 years ago. We use it a few times a year... and I'm trying to make an effort to use it more. Its not ultra expensive... Portmeirion. But very pretty.

Our everyday plates our chipped and mismatched and now our children are a bit older and we aren't moving anymore, we want to replace with a matching g set.

DH suggested we could replace the 'good' set and use the old set as the everyday.
Another alternative would be to only have the 'good' set. But I wouldn't want to use it outside. And we can't replace bits.
Or my plan... I've seen some sets i like in Asda.

Is it worth having a good set? The last time we had visitors for dinner was March15 2020. Hopefully that can change now!

I started using our good set 10 years ago and haven't broken anything yet. Do you really break a lot of plates?

We use and enjoy our 'good set' every day. It's Denby, which we've had since we could first afford a nice set, and I love it. There has only been one breakage so far, and it's worth it to enjoy our nice crockery every day.

Why spend most of your life eating off your least-preferred plates? You deserve nice things - and not just on special occasions.

@Naggety

I started using our good set 10 years ago and haven't broken anything yet. Do you really break a lot of plates?

We used to have a stone tiled floor. We broke a lot. Current floor is a bit softer!

We used the Portmeirion today. I enjoyed it. Its very brightly coloured and very 'us'.

Part of my reluctance is always wanting matching stuff for visitors. We have the remnants of four different purchases in current usage.

@RailingOnAndOn

Have you checked the China matching services online?

Yes, the pieces we need to replace are not available. We have been called up about one style so I got one of those. Not on ebay either. I'm considering buying a toning set to make up the numbers.

We sold out expensive denby stuff as it didn't fit in the dishwasher well and was so thick the food went cold quickly, was bulky heavy etc.

Have tempered glass from IKEA only now and utterly love it.

I would use and love your good set!!! Worst that will happen is either replacing broken items which although costly could still be affordable?

I’m in the “ don’t save anything for best , use it today” camp
Perfume, clothes, jewellery, dinner plates , the whole lot.
I started a collection of Royal Doulton ( Lambeth ware) in 1980 when I was first engaged to husband no 1. He’s long gone but the crockery is still going strong. Has survived 3 boys, the dishwasher, microwave and several moves.
I bought 8 of all the different sized plates, bowls , cups etc plus the tea sets and casserole dishes.
Not sure why I thought I’d need 8 egg cups though.
I’ve just looked in the cupboard
Since 1980 I’ve broken ( well probably the boys!) 3 big dinner plates, 1 salad plate, 1 tea plate, 2 soup bowls and a casserole lid.
All still available to replace on eBay.
Start using it tomorrow and enjoy it!
Mine “ will see me out” as my mother used to say!

RandomMess that's a great example of changing something that is not working in your home.
I'm trying to approach the household in that way.

My mil is horrified that I'm using the silver cutlery for everyday :D love the unpolished shabby look they get.

We use the good cutlery and crystal at the weekend dinners only. Makes it still feel special but it's still getting used regularly.

Janina, that’s a good idea!