Dishes

[pisces2473]

So...I bought some dishes a few months ago, they were marked way down at Bed Bath & Beyond. I got 8 place settings for $40 (came w/ mug, dinner plate, small plate, and a bowl) so 32 pieces total. Well, then I got engaged and everyone's been harrassing me about a registry. My previous dishes were a mix of Corelle handmedowns, and old antique stuff that couldn't be nuked.

NOW, my new plates have been cracking in the glaze and chipping. I'm thinking that I should now register for every day dishes b/c of this problem.

What kind of dishes do y'all have? Pfalzgraff? Corelle? etc? I want something that's gonna LAST and not crack like these cheap-ass things.

Thanks.

[embrassezla]

Mine are Pier1, which hold up fine under dishwashing/handwashing, but can't be microwaved.

[wordsmith]

I've had the Corelle ones I was given as a housewarming gift when I got my first apt since 2000. They look like new.

[weary]

CORRELLE. they really do last forever (i think that was their slogan at one point). i have some that were handmedowns from my mom from HER first apt (which was year and years before i was even a thought in her mind)! they're still in great shape. they've made it through several moves, and children. :razz:

[winneythepooh7]

I feel ya! I got some dishes from Target when we moved, and they have chipped/cracked quite easily. I am probably going to register for everyday ware at Fortunoff or Macy's. I also am probably going to have a registry at Pier 1 as well. I am up in the air though about Fortunoff or Macy's right now........

[steph78]

We registered for some Mikasa plates at Macy's for everyday. They are not fine china - they are more of a casual pottery style, and 5-piece place settings ran about $35-50 (Macy's is ALWAYS having sales so they were more often $35 than they were full price)...so lots of people bought us one place setting as our wedding gift. They are dishwasher and microwave safe, and they are super heavy and substantial-feeling. Still look brand-new after four years of daily use, I'm hoping they'll go for decades!

I actually didn't register for fine china - only everyday stuff.

[winneythepooh7]

We registered for some Mikasa plates at Macy's for everyday. They are not fine china - they are more of a casual pottery style, and 5-piece place settings ran about $35-50 (Macy's is ALWAYS having sales so they were more often $35 than they were full price)...so lots of people bought us one place setting as our wedding gift. They are dishwasher and microwave safe, and they are super heavy and substantial-feeling. Still look brand-new after four years of daily use, I'm hoping they'll go for decades!

I actually didn't register for fine china - only everyday stuff.

I'm not planning on registering for china. For one, I don't have anywhere to put it right now, and two, I am hoping I never have to host a meal that big LOL.

[Priya]

How funny, I just mentioned buying Corelle in the Wal-Mart thread! My parents always had them and now they have really great designs.

They're also not as heavy as some of the other dishes I have. I hate heavy dishes for everyday use - they also get really hot in the microwave and the Corelle dishes don't!

[MollyMe]

Corelle is the best every day dishes I have seen. My mom had hers forever. The pattern didn't even chip off. I've dropped them on tile and they didn't break. They can break if it hits the tile a certain way but most have survived the fall.
I have a set and I like them a lot.

[J-girl]

I vote for corelle as well.

[pisces2473]

Thanks everyone!

I think I need something a bit more durable that what I've got--you pay for what you get, I guess...

I had Corelle growing up. That stuff is TOUGH. I also had a few odd pieces of Corelle from my aunt...but they were my grandmother's first. So, they are at least 40 years old and I packed them up to give to my brother--still good as new! The pattern hasn't faded or been scratched. I've noticed that Pfaltzgraff can scratch easily and I don't like that.

I am not registering for fine china, only because my grandmother's was so similar to what I would have wanted for myself, and she only used hers like 2 times. It's white with a platinum band around it. Simple and elegant. I'm only registering for one type of silverware, but enough that I can use it with both sets of dishes, if I ever have that many people over! Not registering for crystal, either. Just new glassware that can go from fancy to casual.

Winney--the only trouble with Pier 1 for dishes is that they change patterns so often, so you might have trouble getting complete sets.

[wordsmith]

I doubt I'll ever get fine china, because I have heirloom wedding china that was my great grandmother's.

[WorkInProgress]

I doubt I'll ever get fine china, because I have heirloom wedding china that was my great grandmother's.

If I get any, it'll be my grandmother's. But I'm not sure she'll give it to me, and honestly, while it would be nice, I really won't be upset if she give it to another granddaughter.

[MollyMe]

I think I have silver coming to me.
I'm registering for china and crystal because if I don't get it now, I am not going to go and buy it myself. Plus, I have lots of nice everyday stuff already; I don't know what I'd register for.

[pisces2473]

I don't think I'll ever use crystal or sterling silver flatware--we just aren't that formal. China? Yes. Really nice stainless steel flatware? Yes. New glasses? Sure!

My flatware (http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=11766323&RN=505)

My all-purpose beverage glasses (http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=10197775&RN=59&KSKU=101565)

My wine glasses (http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=10197783&RN=59&KSKU=101565)

[wordsmith]

I can't picture ever needing crystal or silver.

[WorkInProgress]

I can't picture ever needing crystal or silver.

I could picture situations where I could use it, but I'm pretty sure my parents would laugh and call me uppity about it. I mean, we clean up nice enough, but we're just not bone china/silver/crystal people.

[EmberMae]

I have some dishes I bought at Wal-Mart for like $1.50 each six years ago. They are not in great shape, and many of them are chipped. I am going to register for some new everyday dishes. If you could, what was the brand of dishes you got at Bed Bath and Beyond? I was thinking of registering there because they have a good return policy, and I don't want crap that is going to chip. I don't want expensive china, crystal, silver. I see how often my mom uses hers (hardly ever) and she enjoys hosting much more than I do. I have a great set of Oneida flatware my mommy bought me for Christmas several years ago, it is in excellent shape.

[pisces2473]

Yeah, we aren't super fancy, plus our careers won't really dictate fancy type of gatherings.

I will use those glasses with my good china, and the glasses I currently have (from Pier1, yay!) will still be used for every day. The flatware will be used for both types of settings. Now I just need some durable everyday dishes.

[pisces2473]

If you could, what was the brand of dishes you got at Bed Bath and Beyond? I was thinking of registering there because they have a good return policy, and I don't want crap that is going to chip.
Thomson Pottery. Now that you've mentioned the return policy, I'm SERIOUSLY thinking about returning them. I ordered them online, but it shouldn't matter.

[wordsmith]

I could picture situations where I could use it, but I'm pretty sure my parents would laugh and call me uppity about it. I mean, we clean up nice enough, but we're just not bone china/silver/crystal people.

yeah, you always COULD use it, but I can't think of a single situation where it would actually be inappropriate to use nice enough china and my regular flatware, which is reasonably decorative.

My mother has crystal and silver that was passed down, and it gets busted out MAYBE for Thanksgving, and then only if she feels like it.

i don't live in a black-tie, dinner party hosting world, so it seems silly to have something I'll get virtually no use out of.

[coll214]

Corelle... those puppies can be dropped on a wood floor and don't break or chip; that's what my mother had anywho. Or Dansk is very durable as well... Mom still has hers from when she worked there 20 years ago and they're also very durable, albeit more expensive.

[WorkInProgress]

i don't live in a black-tie, dinner party hosting world, so it seems silly to have something I'll get virtually no use out of.

This is, more or less, how I feel about it too. If I somehow came into money, I might get some, but I don't really see that happening.

[MetFanL]

Don't you guys use your good stuff on holidays? That's what we do...

[wordsmith]

Plus, right now, it's a storage issue, too. It's hard to justify making space for more stuff I don't really use.

[pisces2473]

If I had to host a party where we needed really good stuff, I better be making enough money to afford that stuff, b/c in that case, I'd just buy it!

[pisces2473]

Don't you guys use your good stuff on holidays? That's what we do...
Yeah, my mom does. Sometimes she'll pull it out for a random ol' Sunday dinner. I will use my good stuff for holidays when I host them in my home--right now, they are in two huge Rubbermaid tubs in my dining room.

[WorkInProgress]

Don't you guys use your good stuff on holidays? That's what we do...

My mom doesn't have "good stuff." They were too poor to need it when they got married, and the parents haven't seen fit to buy any since they've moved up in the world. Probably because they have other spending priorities. And my mother didn't want her grandmother's spode.

And I think I've eaten off my grandmother's good china once or twice ever. It generally stays put away.

[pisces2473]

Ha, my mom's "good stuff" was bought at the supermarket in 1977. It was some kind of promotional thing...come to find out, that stuff's now over $100/setting!

[wordsmith]

A lot of those 70's kitschy patterns from grocery stores or S&H Greenstamps and the like are worth a buttload now for novelty value.

[pisces2473]

YESSSSSSS THAT'S IT!!!!!! S&H GREENSTAMPS!!!!!!!!

It's really pretty too--white dishes, blue flowers and silver trim. Not typically 70s looking at all.

[SunDevil]

http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?zipCode=12345&jspStoreDir=Staples&catalogId=10051&errorUrl=zipcode&cm_mmc=Shopping-_-Shopping-_-Office_Supplies%3EBreakroom_Supplies-_-Paper_Plates%2C_9%22&ts=1162517764434&langId=-1&cpncode=11-16651236-2&partNumber=519346&storeId=10001&srccode=cii_13736960&ddkey=StaplesZipCodeAdd

My paper plates don't have to be washed, they can be dropped, and can be put in the microwave.

[SmilesSoSweet]

I've had the same Corelle set since my third year of college. I've also bought a few dishes from Ikea that have last me for awhile too and those were on clearance for like $0.50-1.50 a piece. Not a bad investment considering how long I've had them.

I don't have the nice fancy dishes only because I know I just won't use them because I'm afraid I'll break them.

I still have a few plastic cups and bowls that I use ever once in awhile too.

[MollyMe]

We always broke out the fine stuff for the holidays at my house.

[SmilesSoSweet]

We always broke out the fine stuff for the holidays at my house.

During the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas), we break out the paper plates, plastic utensils and paper cups. There isn't anything formal with my family's get togethers, but I really love it that way. :)

[MollyMe]

That's how my bf's family is, so he doesn't really see the need for fancy stuff.

[MetFanL]

We use my mom's good stuff on holidays and for Sunday dinner. The only time we don't is Christmas and that's b/c she has a separate Christmas set of dishes. She bought them so she has more of them and something festive for X-mas Eve when we usually host our extended family (about 30 of us).

[pisces2473]

C's mom had Xmas dishes, but unless you have a huge house, where do you store all of that stuff? My parents don't have a big house, they don't even have a separate dining room.

[MetFanL]

My mom stores them in the basement.

[pisces2473]

For some reason, my mom never wants to store anything in the basement. I think she's trying to be clutter-free as possible. She's an odd one, but I love her.

[MetFanL]

For some reason, my mom never wants to store anything in the basement. I think she's trying to be clutter-free as possible. She's an odd one, but I love her.
LOL... It is annoying, though, b/c we have to box them up after we wash them and then wash them again before we use them. Whatever. They're fun and festive and sparkly. :)

[Kitty]

I have some fancy hand-painted ones from Mervyn's and i really hate them because you cant microwave and you aren't supposed to put them in the dishwasher (even though I don't have one).

I need dishes I can microwave. lesson learned.

[wordsmith]

C's mom had Xmas dishes, but unless you have a huge house, where do you store all of that stuff? My parents don't have a big house, they don't even have a separate dining room.

My parents' house isn't that big, but they have a lot of antiques, including an heirloom china hutch. The dishes, when they're not being used (i.e. most of the time, are on display in the hutch. Storage and decor, in one.

[SmilesSoSweet]

My mom's china cabinet/hutch doesn't even display any china. I really have no idea what its use is for nowadays. I guess it stores stuff that my mom hasn't even used in years. It's also a little buffet area where we put out the paper plates and stuff when we have big family gathering.

She's also had this china cabinet, along with the matching oak dining table for as long as I can remember. So both pieces of furniture have some sentimental value.

[analogman]

We have Corelle that get nuked and run through the dishwasher. The cream colored ones look to be in better shape than the white ones. The white ones are showing some scratch marks. If you want Corelle try to get them from a Corning Revere outlet during sales. I think they are as cheap as $1 to $1.50 a piece.

We got some china from our wedding registry and bought some more when we saw some cheaper ones by the same company at Costco. The food looks tastier sitting in the pretty plates/bowls. Hand washing is no fun though (heat can damage the precious metal patterning).

[wordsmith]

I've never done anything BUT handwashing , regardless of the calibre of dishes.

[pisces2473]

LOL... It is annoying, though, b/c we have to box them up after we wash them and then wash them again before we use them. Whatever. They're fun and festive and sparkly. :)
Oh man, yes...I hate that when you move too, the packing, unpacking, washing, etc.

Kitty--yes, that's what I'm about: microwave and dishwasher safe.


My parents' house isn't that big, but they have a lot of antiques, including an heirloom china hutch. The dishes, when they're not being used (i.e. most of the time, are on display in the hutch. Storage and decor, in one.
Oh my parents have a hutch too, that's where the good china is kept. But Christmas dishes? Never would fit in there. C's mom had an extra china cabinet (small, but still) for the Xmas dishes...

LOL, Jess, yeah me neither. The only time I had a dishwasher was when I was in college. The new place does have a dishwasher, yaaaayyyy.