Yeah, weird title for a blog post, but I’ll get to that… first off, happy Memorial Day and a HUGE thank you to our veterans and active-duty military across the world!
This morning I looked down at my plate and realized I’d been given the green Christmas plate adorned with snowflakes. This, like most random things, got me thinking… why didn’t this plate get stored away in the attic with the rest of the Christmas decorations and what kind of Mrs Manners rule are we breaking by not climbing the steps and shoving it into a box with it’s kin folk?
Actually, I could care less. From reading my other posts I’m sure most of you realize I am a free spirit. Yes, I’ve had the $300 dinners served with precision and enough utensils surrounding the plate for a small family… I’ve also had the meals on cheap Styrofoam plates with matching paper cups. Does any of it matter? Not really.
If you looked above the microwave in our kitchen you’d find our fine china. I’d estimate there is around $3500 worth of it just sitting in two sections of cabinet… why? Because someone, somewhere said that you had to register for fine china when you got married. Probably the same person that said, “hmmm, I know they want this awesome grill, but I’m going to buy them a plate. They’ll love it!”
Why is this reality? We have used the ‘fine’ china with the platinum rim exactly FOUR times in 14 years. On the flip side, the Christmas plate is constantly in rotation when, in reality, it should only be used between December 21-25 each year. I think it had a price tag of $2.99.
Fine china is a leftover virus of a bygone era. Like herpes and luggage, you keep it forever…
Walk through any store that sells china and you’ll see less and less of it on display. This is because younger generations are not buying it – that is, unless their parents tell them, “register for it. You know grandma Johnson will want to buy you a piece of your pattern.” Seriously?!? Why not have grandma Johnson buy something on the wedding registry the couple really wants?
From an auctioneer standpoint (which is my occupation) china does not sell well on the resale market. Some patterns do hold their value, but most do not. You can always check with Replacements Ltd in Greensboro, NC to see if they will buy your china, but their stock is usually full. Why? Because fewer and fewer families are buying/replacing/selling china.
We use Fiesta dinnerware for everyday use. Very colorful dinnerware that matches my personality… which is probably how the green Christmas plate got mixed in unnoticed.
Thoughts?
darronmeares 
jenniferjfonseca
June 5, 2014 at 1:18 am
We happen to use Fiestaware also. Mine is inherited from my grandparents and has the old school coloring. I love it. Plate sizes are a bit smaller and this stuff holds it value. 🙂
darronmeares
June 5, 2014 at 1:52 am
Oh yeah… I have an old pitcher with the orange uranium paint. I glow for HOURS after drinking from it! HAHAHAH. Kidding. We have two pink pitchers coming up in an auction this week (http://www.MearesAuctions.com)