China and Silver

[honeychile]

I once read a response to the question, "what is middle age?" The person asked gave a detailed explanation, but ended with, "When I turned forty, I started using the china and silver everyday."

Well, mine is still packed, but once we're in our more or less forever home, out it comes on a semi-daily basis!

KKGAlumDGMom, you are a wise mother! My mama knew that I was the only granddaughter on her side, so I'd be getting all of the china and silver there (mismatched as it may be). So, I just picked complimentary patterns and mix them together. Seriously, how many people do you know who have some antebellum silver and china?

[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!

[Katmandu]

Love my china and silver!! I use it all frequently.

Sterling: Wallace Rose Point. It was my mom's pattern and I love it. She lived in a small town where the jeweler gave each newly engaged girl a sterling spoon (back in the day when you purchased sterling flatware at the jewelers). She selected something painfully plain. Her SIL said, "Honey if you go to the trouble to have sterling, get something that LOOKS like sterling. If you choose that pattern you might as well get it in stainless and save some money." She was right, so my mom exchanged it for Rose Point and we both loved it. I added to her set and have service for 12+

China:
Lenox Lace point
Fostoria Americana plates (1920s version)
Lenox Holiday
Reproduction English hunt china w/pheasants (don't remember brand)

I use the fall-themed pheasant china every day Oct-Nov, then use Holiday daily during all of December.

When I was in HS I was in LOVE with Lenox Castle Garden and was talked out of it when I registered for China. I still regret that and would love to have a complete set.

Glassware: Waterford Alana and old Fostoria American (1920s)

I love to set a pretty table! who else spends a lot of time on "tablescapes" and pretty centerpieces, accessories, etc?