When I was married, not a thought was given to not selecting fine china and silver settings for the wedding registry. In the years since then, I’ve heard many brides say they are forgoing the formal settings and choosing a second set of casual dishware, or a holiday setting instead. I wonder if having a cabinet full of fine china is becoming “old-fashioned,” and I wonder, if I were just now creating my registry would I skip fine china too?
My sister in-law didn’t choose to register for fine china but chose instead to use a lovely pattern passed down from her grandmother. Here in the South, having your grandmother’s silver platter or crystal bowl is a coveted treasure. Many times relatives will register for the same patterns – knowing that some day they will be passed down together to the next generation. While I am still pleased with my traditional Mikasa, sometimes patterns just don’t have generational appeal – a family friend was recently lamenting that the peach and black floral pattern she had chosen in the 80′s was really out of touch with her home today . Which introduces another question, should patterns be classic or current?
With Thanksgiving less than one week away you might be making plans to host the whole crew – or you just might be breathing a sign of relief that you won’t be setting the holiday table at your house this year! I love that at these special dinners the fine china, crystal and silver are pulled out to be cleaned and polished… but why do we save these items for major holidays?
Let’s make a pact – to use our china more! Let’s elevate the simplest dinner into something a little more special, mix it with everyday dishes and chargers to change the look. I recently mixed mine with plasticware for a special seven-year old’s birthday party!
Tell me, what is the story of your fine china?
If you skipped this tradition have you been glad that you did?
by Sunshine, pictures by Peter and Sunshine
Sunshine, I married in 1991 and also have a black and pink (?) pattern with gold trim. No longer love it. Rarely have used it. My crystal is paper thin with gold trim at the top so the thoughts of bringing it out to even wash it terrifies me, much less using it (with kids!). I don’t like gold at all – what was I thinking? I’d rather have classic, classic, classic anyday. And I’d much prefer to use Grandmother’s china which I see in Cracker Barrel all the time – the red rimmed floral center. Thanks for the article and the site – so cute!!
Isn’t it funny how we can choose something and then years later feel like it was selected by a stranger! Ha! Well who knows maybe in another 20 years you’ll love it again – or maybe it will be the exact thing Rebecca Grace is looking for when she marries! :)
agreed! i think i’m one of the few in my crowd who registered for fine china and silver. i feel tied to my roots with that…it is just the way things are done:)
finally got on here…enjoying your posts (and bright is an amazing writer..wow…so impressive!)
I LOVE to use my china. My wedding china is Lenox “Hamilton” from the Presidential Collection. I wanted to select something that would be classic. This pattern has a navy rim overlaid with a gold braid. I have inherited a lot of china and treasures. I hope that one day my girls will appreciate their heritage of heirlooms. I believe it is important to tell our children about the item we are using and the story behind it. So that it becomes special to them and a valued piece. Sunshine, you are so right, women of the South love their china. We should have lunch one day and use “the good stuff”!
Susan- I’m not surprised one bit to hear that you have fancy family treasures in your cupboard! I’ve heard you throw a beautiful tea party :)