I need new tableware - what's "in" and will last

[LadyMuck]

I have been merrily using my wedding Denby for many years, but it is at the stage where it is pretty much impossible to replace individual items. Time for a new "best" set. But what to go for?

My dining room is mainly beech wood with some milk chocolate leather thrown in. I need something with plenty of serveware.

Am tempted to go for a simple white set, but is that too overdone now? And what will last for a decade or so? Again liked the fact that I could build up the set with Denby. Anyone known how long their sets stay active?

I can see the old Royal Worcester factory and outlet shop from my house !

Ooh! We haven't had a china porn thread for ages!

Really, Figment? Are they still open - last time I went they weren't sure how much longer.

Assuming you don't live in a newly-converted lump of the factory (or actually even if you do), you must be really really close to the school we are considering for DS - any connections/opinions (the prep school)[nosy]?

LOVE this for the bright/mad but not cheap!

I've got a few of these tucked away that I bought in a charity shop when i was a teenager. too scared to use them - would LOVE a full set >>off to ebay!

No I don't live in the factory, not really my scene

There are lots of prep schools in the area so I'm not sure which one you mean ! Either way, no connections, my kids are all state educated.

store still open as far as I know

What else has been around for ever?

Emma Bridgwater Toast? (expensive)

Portmerion Botanic Garden (er... colourful)

Persephone - I have some Homemaker too (my nan had the full set from Woolies but broke most of them]. They ARE pure class

I am not convinced that Denby White will last the course - could be wrong. I went on the factory tour and some of the good ol' boys felt it wasn't really true to their range as it's not the usual Denby Stoneware but imported.

Have you tried China Search for replacement pieces?

I love plain white. Serving pieces I pick up from markets, antique shops and charity shops as the mood strikes, but the white plates tie it all together if you stick to a fairly limited palette with the serving pieces.

Actually, how close are you to the channel? In Paris years ago I bought some Limoges blanks - it's plain white, I think it might have slight flaws that mean it's not worth their painting the pattern on.

I think I'd do Denby white if I ever did this myself. I have the Denby Storm set - grey/purple rims with a white base, now an expired range - but I think you get tired of any other colour/pattern than white.

I'm glad I haven't really got Eternal Beau or I would now be extremely offended!!
Sorry twas a joke but then went away for the night!!

I actually bought some fab plain creamy white dinner plates from Ikea 29p each. I love white - your food will never clash with it - also the plates have a largish lip - very important if you actually eat real meals (as opposed to Come Dine With Me ones) and you don't want to slosh gravy everywhere! Bought lovely matching little bowls too - too small for cereal perfect for puds - trifle etc