[gatordeltapgh]

I love this tread! We had a similar tradition with my grandmother on my mom's side. When we graduated high school we picked our china pattern with her. Then all the women in the family, gram, mom, aunts, etc would buy a place setting for special occasions.

I picked Federal Cobalt Gold and gram always asked me if I was sure that i would love it for many years. I did then and I do now. The pattern was discontinued so hopefully my pieces will last.

It eventually came out that gram was horrified that I picked a pattern with gold. How would I have appropriate silverware? Sadly we lost her too quickly due to pancreatic cancer. When my mom and I were taking care of the house after she passed we found a full set of flatware with gold accents. She had purchased it but never had the chance to give it to me. It worried her that much, so she took matters into her own hands! She also left me her "casual" china. It is a great collection of mixed whimsical pieces.

My china is displayed in her sister's china closet. She insisted that I take the dining room set when I got my first apartment. It is a great way to to remember them. And yes, I had two full sets of china before I ever met my husband!