China and Silver

[ilovemyglo]

Okay, so post your favorite patterns here.
I love the Venetian Scroll by Noritake
http://a1300.g.akamaitech.net/7/1300/806/037d3a7fe72eed/images.theknot.com/registryimages/FT328586wl.jpg

As for the silver I haven't decided....
I like this Delacourte by Lunt Silversmith
http://www.silversuperstore.com/lunt/delacourtbig.jpg
and also Reed and Barton's Woodwind
http://www.bestbuysilver.com/reedgraphics/woodwind_reed_barton_silver.jpg

[texas*princess]

yay! how fun!

honeychile, the image didn't come out on the other thread

(the one you said supports the Princess of Wales fund)

I can't wait to see what it is!!!

ilovemyglo, those silver patterns are lovely!!!

I also like the china ;)

[tinydancer]

My china is Temple Blossom by Lenox.

My silver is Grande Baroque by Wallace. I picked out this silver when I was in 7th grade and I have never changed my mind. I just love it.:)

[honeychile]

This is my china (Mikasa's April Rose, discontinued):

http://images.replacements.com/images/images2/china/M/P0000057641S0001T2.jpg

And the silver pattern I'd like to start building (Lunt's Eloquence):

http://images.replacements.com/images/images2/flatware/L/P0000052718S2732T2.jpg

This is the one that supports the Princess of Wales' Fund (Rosenthal's Princess Blue). It doesn't look as nice here as when you see the whole set:

http://images.replacements.com/images/images2/china/R/P0000201705S0001T2.jpg

[Peaches-n-Cream]

Pretty patterns.

My mother's 'silver' is actually gold. I think that it is unique and goes well with the gold on her china. I don't know anyone else who has anything like that. She didn't select the pattern. The set was a gift from her Matron of Honor. I don't know the name of the patterns.

[aephi alum]

My patterns:

Silver from Tiffany & Co.

Provence for my place settings:
http://www.tiffany.com/images/products/product_images/10178703_FL_LRG.jpg

English King for my serving pieces:
http://www.tiffany.com/images/products/product_images/10071143_FL_LRG.jpg

China: Crestwood Platinum from Noritake.
http://chinaware.noritakechina.com/images/Products/WhitePorcelain/4166.jpg

[honeychile]

Originally posted by Cream
Pretty patterns.

My mother's 'silver' is actually gold. I think that it is unique and goes well with the gold on her china. I don't know anyone else who has anything like that. She didn't select the pattern. The set was a gift from her Matron of Honor. I don't know the name of the patterns.

Maybe it's Dirilyte. That's an alloy that doesn't wear nasty like gold plate does. I inherited a service for 6 (and extra pieces) of it in Empress:


http://www.silverwarehouse.com/images/2916.gif

It's lovely, but doesn't really fit in with the rest of my table pieces. I'm thinking of selling it on ebay!

[dzrose93]

See if this works... This is mine. It's called "India" by Wedgewood.

http://images.macys.com/products/2/51872.fpx?wid=339&ftr=10.0&qlt=80&cvt=jpeg

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally posted by dzrose93
See if this works... This is mine. It's called "India" by Wedgewood.

http://images.macys.com/products/2/51872.fpx?wid=339&ftr=10.0&qlt=80&cvt=jpeg

That is gorgeous - it looks very Gamma Phi like. :D

[carnation]

Mine is Noritake's Weybourne (discontinued) which is white with, wouldn't ya know, a pale pink carnation on it! I intend to complete the set if it's the last thing I do!

[AGDLynn]

Mine's Kelly (like my niece, lol) ..this was the only picture that showed the detail.

http://www.lenox.com/pg/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_prod_view&pid=7107&lev1=1&index1=7&index2=0&index3=0&kf=47#

My silverware is Kelly
http://www.lenox.com/pg/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_prod_view&pid=6591&lev1=1&index1=7&index2=0&index3=0&kf=47

The crystal is Debut (I wanted Kelly but Debut was easier to find).
http://www.lenox.com/pattern/index.cfm?fuseaction=main_pattern&id=455&lev1=1&index1=7&index2=0&index3=0&kf=47

My everyday is Miskasa Garden Harvest.http://http://www.lenox.com/pg/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_prod_view&pid=7107&lev1=1&index1=7&index2=0&index3=0&kf=47#

[juniorgrrl]

My mom's china is Autumn by Lennox. I'm going to get something in Bone with a gold rim to coordinate with that (because the Autumn will become mine eventually)

http://www.replacements.com/webquote/images/P0000113936S0001T2.jpg

This is my mom's everyday. It's "Lotus" by Wedgwood. It's been discontinued for a very long time. But we've used it my whole life. (My mom pointed out the other day how I've never eaten off anything but Wedgwood or Lennox at home, and getting married and having my own stuff was going to be a culture shock!)

[honeychile]

Does anyone else ever read Marilyn Vos Savant's column? She was once asked to define middle age, and went to great lengths to do so.

At the end of the column, she said some very wise words: "Let's put it this way. When I turned forty, I started using the good china everyday!"

I completely understand her logic! How many people die with barely used china or silver? Not me!!

[Munchkin03]

Originally posted by honeychile
When I turned forty, I started using the good china everyday!"

I completely understand her logic! How many people die with barely used china or silver? Not me!!

We were using "the good china" for a while, too! But, we have a large extended family and entertain often. I don't know or care what the maker is; my parents bought it in Asia. They have two sets--so my sister and I will probably get one.

I'm such a bad future bride--I'm not overly impressed with china. I imagine for a formal setting, there will probably be a white or cream plate with black, silver, or gold trim. Otherwise, it's never been something I fantasized about.

[aopirose]

Everyone's patterns are lovely.

My china is Lenox Citation Gold.

http://www.lenox.com/product_images/130190600_w2.jpg

My crystal is Arctic Lights by Mikasa.

http://www.mikasa.com/images/product/large/XY701003_L.JPG

My sliver is Chantilly by Gorham. I fell in love with the throat of the fork. Silly, I know. Although, my original choice was Francis I, I opted for Chantilly because I found out that someone I didn't care for had registered for Francis I. I couldn't bear the thought of having anything like her.

http://www.gorham1831.com/v_images/pg/6177240_c3.jpg

My stainless is 1800 by Reed & Barton.

http://www.reedandbarton.com/shop/assets/product_images/sta_180_0.jpg

I did inherit a 12 piece china setting from my mother but I don't know the pattern.

[MoxieGrrl]

Here is my china - it is Rothschild by Noritake

This is it (http://chinaware.noritakechina.com/shoppingCart/noritakechina/Catalog.asp?category=Formal&family=IvoryPorcelain&product=68)

My everyday wear is Noritake Colorwave

This is it http://chinaware.noritakechina.com/shoppingCart/noritakechina/Catalog.asp?category=Casual&family=ColorwaveDinnerware&product=118

And this is my silverwear. Chateau by Oneida

http://www.oneida.com/home/ONDApattern.asp?PatternID=17&UniqueURL=47097726-2003-7-1-10-6-23

[GPhiBLtColonel]

My china is EMPRESS COBALT by Aynsley
http://www.ross-simons.com/images/AYCEMCc.jpg

My sterling is English Chippendale by Reed & Barton
http://www.ross-simons.com/images/RBFECHc.jpg

My everyday dishes are Villeroy & Bosch's French Garden:
http://www.ross-simons.com/images/VBCFGFc.jpg

We have two crystal patterns: Waterford's Kildare:
http://www.ross-simons.com/images/WTXKILc.jpg

....and Waterford's Ashbourne:
http://www.ross-simons.com/images/WTXASBc.jpg


I am looking for a new everyday flatware pattern -- we are STILL using the flatware Mr GPhiBLtCol had before we were married...it's "okay" :rolleyes:

[Jill1228]

We did not register for China (my mother is still having a stroke)...I hope to inherit her Noritake pattern.
But here is one of my favorites

Lenox Buchanan
http://www.robbinsnest.com/AmericanDinnerware/Lenox/image_files/buchanan-dp.jpg

[Dejajeva]

Here's the China I hope to eventually get. (Maybe I'll marry someone who doesn't care about the china pattern. lol)

http://www.wedgwood.com/portfolio/pattern.asp?uid=4B2F36C0%2D1E5B%2D411F%2DB594%2DA7 597DADC161&rtn=N&Location=N&Section=tableware&pattern=Celestial+Platinum

This is the stemware I like.

http://www.waterford.com/shop/collection.asp?id=53&cat=W

The Flatware I have is all done and finished. My grandmother starts it for us when we turn sixteen. (All the girls in the family) and we had to finish mine out because it was being discountinued. It's Oneida, and it was called wave or beach or something like that. They don't even have it under discontinued items on the website. :( It was really plain though, I loved it. I don't like really frilly tableware. I have a nice chest it goes in too.

I also really like this stemware.
http://www.oneida.com/home/ONDApattern.asp?PatternID=114&ShapeID=0&LeftNav=3&UniqueURL=1017718225-2003-9-3-4-19-25

[MelodyCat]

I have to show my fiance this china pattern:

http://www.wedgwood.com/wedgwood/pattern_search_results.asp?uid=68274BAC-6575-4680-AF5A-F147FD2109BF&rtn=N&Location=N&pattern=Guinevere&posn=0&section=tableware&subsection=

It's Wedgwood's Guinevere pattern. I think it's really pretty and classy.

I like Noritake's Paris crystal.

I haven't decided on a silver pattern yet. Eeps!

I like this Mikasa pattern for everyday - the Tender Bloom pattern.

http://www.mikasa.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=201&prrfnbr=11750&level1_cgrfnbr=1&level2_cgrfnbr=13&shop=dinnerware

For everyday silver, I like Mikasa's Satin:

http://www.mikasa.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=201&prrfnbr=33879&level1_cgrfnbr=1&level2_cgrfnbr=13

[AOIIBrandi]

My China is Classic Edition by Lenox (discontinued)

http://www.placesettings.com/Merchant2/lenox/classiced.jpg

Silver is Strasbourg by Gorham. It is also my Mother's, not sure if it is my favorite though. Chose it because I will inherit the rest...

http://www.silverqueen.com/Sterling2003/strasbourg%203.jpg

Crystal is Lismore by Waterford

http://store2.yimg.com/I/crystal-showroom_1749_2356168

Everyday is Arabella by Mikasa, sorry couldn't get the image to come up...

http://www.rosssimmons.com/cgi-bin/sgdynamo.exe?UID=2003090412144193&HTNAME=_04_image_large.htm&GEN1=MKCARB&GEN2=MKCARBc.jpg

[btb87]

Originally posted by Dejajeva

The Flatware I have is all done and finished. My grandmother starts it for us when we turn sixteen. (All the girls in the family) and we had to finish mine out because it was being discountinued. It's Oneida, and it was called wave or beach or something like that. They don't even have it under discontinued items on the website. :( It was really plain though, I loved it. I don't like really frilly tableware. I have a nice chest it goes in too.

Don't know if you ran across this site in your search, but just in case there's something else you're missing, here's a website for a place located in Greensboro, NC that may have anything (china, silverware) that you're looking for. I've driven by here and it's HUGE!

replacements.com (http://www.replacements.com)

[adduncan]

Mom wants me to inherit her china. In the mean time, there is NO room to store any other kitchen/diningware!!!

"Windsong" by Lenox (discontinued 1994)
http://www.replacements.com/webquote/images/P0000050304S0001T2.jpg

Don't remember the name of the crystal, but it is extremely unique: instead of the traditional deep-cut style a la Baccarat, etc, it has a very fine, lacy, flowery design.

Adrienne
:D

[juniorgrrl]

Ooh! I love the Waterford Lismore

FI's mom and dad gave us a set of waterford toasting glasses for our engagement:

http://www.waterford.com/images/product_enlarged/1047630000lg.jpg

The heart shaped swan heads aren't quite our style. Thankfully FI's dad asked if we liked them and he gently broke it to them that we'd already picked out a set:

http://www.tiffany.com/images/products/zoom_images/11671373_xl.jpg

So I think they're going to take back the hated swan glasses and get us our Tiffany's glasses - AND ours are $50 cheaper :D

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Originally posted by AOIIBrandi
My China is Classic Edition by Lenox (discontinued)

http://www.placesettings.com/Merchant2/lenox/classiced.jpg



Your china pattern is just gorgeous!!!:D

[AOIIBrandi]

Thank you GPhiBLtColonel. I just wish it hadn't been discontinued as I only have 6 place settings and no serving pieces...

[Imthachamp]

i like the good stuff

http://www.ojamco.com.lb/photos/spoonknife.gif

http://www.networkpackaging.com/images/lg_01_207_f_l.jpg

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Originally posted by AOIIBrandi
Thank you GPhiBLtColonel. I just wish it hadn't been discontinued as I only have 6 place settings and no serving pieces...


try ebay or www.replacements.com

maybe they have some of the pieces you want!!

[bekibug]

Naturally, this is an interesting topic to me, since shiny things are like crack for me. When I finally decide to tie the knot, I have decided that I want:

Lenox Federal Cobalt Platinum
http://www.postwish.com/product-images/amzLNXfcpPLCset20.jpg

and of course, Reed & Barton Francis I.
http://www.silversuperstore.com/reedgraphics/francis5pc.jpg


I'm also kinda partial to Gorham Camellia:
http://www.upscalegallery.com/images/camellia.jpg


Discuss further! I like hearing about priddies.

[Dionysus]

China and silver? Hell, I don't know.

How are old are we? 90?

[Peaches-n-Cream]

I already own this pattern Limoges Lyric.

http://images.replacements.com/images/images2/china/L/P0000051250S0001T2.jpg

It was a family heirloom, but I have purchased a few pieces to replaced worn or chipped ones.

[AOIIsilver]

Our china is Grosvenor by Community. (http://images.replacements.com/images/images2/china/C/P0000016694S0001T2.jpg)
Our silverplate is Grosvenor by Oneida/Community. (http://images.replacements.com/images/images2/flatware/O/P0000072794S0005T2.jpg) (1921)
Yes, they were made to match. The china was a special addition in the late 1920's.
Silver
Peaches-and-cream, that china is beautiful!

[CougADPi]

Our china is Noritake Crestwood Cobalt Platinum.
http://www.giftcollector.com/ProductLineImages/343.pp.jpg

Our crystal pattern is Mikasa Stephanie Platinum.
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/assets/product_images/230/15121102898C.JPG

And our flatware is Reed and Baron Perspective.
http://www.reedandbarton.com/Products/images/flatware/Stainless/perspective.jpg

[Xylochick216]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/xylochick216/china.jpg
Our China is Classic Platinum by Mikasa. I LOVE it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/xylochick216/crystal1.jpg
Our crystal is Olympus Platinum by Mikasa. It was the only crystal that didn't look old-ladyish to us.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/xylochick216/silver.jpg
Our flatware is Satin Aquarius by Oneida... it's amazing and fits perfectly in your hands.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/xylochick216/everyday.jpg
These are our everyday dishes. Much cuter in person. It's Summer Breeze by Pfaltzgraff. My favorite part is the canisters:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/xylochick216/canisters.jpg

[Rudey]

Am I the only person who freaks out at the sight of china?

I'm always afraid I will be the one that breaks it :(

-Rudey

[Rio_Kohitsuji]

We're not registering for China (OMFG! ;) ) but our casual dinnerware is Longaberger, much more hardier.

[WCUgirl]

Originally posted by aephi alum
My patterns:]

China: Crestwood Platinum from Noritake.
http://chinaware.noritakechina.com/images/Products/WhitePorcelain/4166.jpg That's my china pattern as well! Here's a pic since yours isn't showing up: http://www.noritakechina.com/images/Products/WhitePorcelain/4166.jpg

Originally posted by Xylochick216
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/xylochick216/silver.jpg
Our flatware is Satin Aquarius by Oneida... it's amazing and fits perfectly in your hands. That's our silver as well. :)

And our crystal is Grosetto by DaVinci, but I'm having difficulties finding a pic. I'm getting pissed b/c it appears it's no longer available. :(

Xylochick, all our stuff is very similar!

ETA: Found a pic at replacements limited!

http://images.replacements.com/images/images2/crystal/D/P0000174876S0003T2.jpg

[bekibug]

I hadn't thought about crystal. I don't have any picked out on my own, but my great-grandma's is Rose Point and is GORGEOUS. And just think, if I changed my mind, I could get Rose Point silver and be all coordinated!

I'd love to have some (this picture really does not do it justice, but I can't find one that does):
http://www.justglassmall.com/stores/glassfrompast/items/395230/picture1.jpg

[preciousjeni]

Y'all -- In my family home back in Georgia, we have a cabinet displaying my great-great-great-grandmother's china (top shelf), my great-great-grandmother's china (2nd shelf), my great-grandmother's china (3rd shelf) and my grandmother's china (bottom shelf). Starting from the bottom, the higher you go on the shelves, the fewer pieces there are because of the ravages of time. This past Christmas, I heard the story again about all the patterns and I cried at how blessed I am to have these pieces of my family's history.

Those women are all on my father's side, but my mom became extremely close to my grandmother and was "adopted" into that heritage.

You know what's amazing (and I don't think it was planned)? Every single set is white with gold trim - but all are a little different.

I haven't decided on my pattern (it's a really tough choice!) but I will be following in the steps of my ancestors.

As far as silver...I STILL haven't decided after all these years!! Silver says so much about a person and I want to make sure mine tells my story.

[ISUKappa]

Originally posted by Xylochick216
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/xylochick216/china.jpg
Our China is Classic Platinum by Mikasa. I LOVE it.

Cameo Platinum is our china as well. It was all I could get Mr. ISUKappa to settle on (he wanted Manly dishes).

Our stemware is Mikasa French Countryside:
http://www.mikasa.com/images/product/full/TYC01_F.JPG

Our flatware is Gorham Grand Gallery:
http://www.silversuperstore.com/gorhamgraphics/stainless/grandgallery5pcbig.jpg
It was another compromise, but we both like it.

We've used our good china maybe 5 times since we've been married, but I know we'll use it more often when we have kids and have family holidays at our house.

Our everyday dishes are from Target. It's a step up from the Corelle we both grew up with!

[WCUgirl]

Originally posted by ISUKappa
It was all I could get Mr. ISUKappa to settle on (he wanted Manly dishes). That was definitely a challenge for Mr. AXiD670 and me as well. It took us FOREVER to decide on china, then silver. We actually agreed on the crystal fairly quickly.

It's funny -- about a month ago we went shopping for a wedding gift for my big sis' wedding. We were looking through the china, and we were picking out things we both agreed upon left and right. Why couldn't it have been that easy when we registered?

[bekibug]

The future Mr. Bug will get input on/get to pick the "everyday" dishes. The nice stuff is going to be exclusively my territory. He's just gonna have to deal with it.

[APhi Sailorgirl]

While I am nowhere close to being married, I have thought about my china.

I do have a problem when it comes to everyday flatware, no one has ice tea spoons anymore. I'm not sure if it's b/c my mom and I are the only ones left on the planet who realize the importance of thse spoons or what.:rolleyes:

Crate and Barrel's open flatware have them, but I'm not sure I like that pattern.

And I really want to have ice tea spoons within my set.:(

[Xylochick216]

I got iced tea spoons with our everyday silver. I typically sweeten my tea when I make it (lots of sugar, I'm a southern gal ;) ) but the spoons are fab when we have guests and I make unsweetened tea.

Plus they're great for getting stuff out of tall jars, like salsa, etc.

[AGDLynn]

APhi Sailorgirl...I don't know where you are from but I remember from reading "How to be a Southern Belle" about how the Texas Neiman Marcus (or one of those very ritzy stores) always made sure that they had double the # of ice tea spoons than their northern counterparts.

[Munchkin03]

I'm bumping this thread for all of the weddings coming up for GCers!

Surely some good Southern ladies have their silver pattern picked out--who gives a damn what that pesky fiance says, anyway?

[kitten heels]

I'm getting married this summer so I picked out my China and silver this week. My friend says my silver choice indicates that I'm a whore, but I think she's just jealous.

[FAB*SpiceySpice]

Originally posted by kitten heels
I'm getting married this summer so I picked out my China and silver this week. My friend says my silver choice indicates that I'm a whore, but I think she's just jealous.

No I think that might be b/c you stole her husband, not b/c of your silver choice. I dunno though, just a guess. ;)

[honeychile]

Originally posted by bekibug
I hadn't thought about crystal. I don't have any picked out on my own, but my great-grandma's is Rose Point and is GORGEOUS. And just think, if I changed my mind, I could get Rose Point silver and be all coordinated!

I'd love to have some (this picture really does not do it justice, but I can't find one that does):
http://www.justglassmall.com/stores/glassfrompast/items/395230/picture1.jpg

My word, that is beautiful!! And having it in the family makes it all the more special!

PreciousJeni, I feel the same way. We have china and/or silver from the early 1800's - you're almost scared to use it! My mother always points out the dent in the teapot from when it was brought "out of the well"!

But the oddest china we have is a set of dessert dishes from the 1880's. At the bottom of each dish is a beautiful woman in various states of deshabille - from a prim Victorian woman to a longhaired woman with just a gauze-type stole! It was always fun to see which one you got!

[navane]

http://members.ispwest.com/navane/royaldoultonchallinor.jpg


I don't have a full set of china; but I do own some pieces. I have coffee and cake service in Royal Doulton "Challinor" pattern. I absolutely adore it. I remember taking a tour of the Royal Doulton factory in Staffordshire, England and seeing that they used Challinor pattern to set the grand table in their showroom. I was so excited to see that they had featured my pattern! Yeah, I'm a dork. :p


.....Kelly :)

[honeychile]

If you're in the DC area, and love china, take the Hillwood Museum (http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org/) tour - several times! The Hillwood was the home of Margaret Merriwether Post, who planned the house as a future museum, and it is awesome!! She was married to the Ambassador to the USSR when they were selling off the Crown Jewels (and bought many of them!), was the mother of Dina Merrill, and the only heir to the Post Cereal fortune. There are several vitrines of different colors of jade (one purple, one red, one white, etc); the Hapsburg wedding veil (curse and all), closets that I would just love to own!, Faberge, etc. She also owned 27 sets of china (I'm fairly certain each set was for something like 24 people or more), and each time you go, there's a different set on each of the two tables. The first time I went, there was an amazing Violet pattern in the breakfast room, and I was so frustrated that I couldn't take pictures!

This is the Breakfast Room:
http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org/images/level2/walkthru/breakfast.JPG

[ReclinaLoungerr]

Originally posted by kitten heels
I'm getting married this summer so I picked out my China and silver this week. My friend says my silver choice indicates that I'm a whore, but I think she's just jealous.

Come have a sit sit my child.

[oncelurked]

I've just recently picked my silver out - I'm still waffling between two china patterns, and I can't find any crystal I like.
I never really thought about it until I moved away from home and my mom gave me her old everyday china (Nikko - Blue Peony). There is only one salad plate left in the set, and I always use the salad plates for toast and such in the morning, so I went looking for her pattern (it's inactive now, btw). I was amazed at the sheer number of patterns out there, and most of them are soooo pretty =)

Silver: Towle's Old Master
Fine China: either Wedgwood's Celestial Platinum or Waterford's Alana
Everyday China: Nikko's Blue Peony
Crystal: So far the only one I like reasonably well is Reidel's Vinum, but I would prefer a similar uncut crystal with a silver or frosted pattern on it. I never really like the heft of the cut patterns (the crystal has to be thicker for a cut pattern).

I'd put pictures in, but I don't know how - you can find them all at replacements.com, though:D

[JenMarie]

Bumping because I have questions...

My grandmother wants to start a "China and Silver" collection for both my cousin and I. She figures it'd be better to buy us things we'll need and is more meaningful than handing us a gift certificate to our clothing store of choice. (Though I don't mind that.)

My problem is I don't know where to start researching. I want a pattern that isn't going to disappear in 2-3 years so I can add the remaining pieces/settings to my future wedding registry.

So are there certain websites I can start with? Will they tell me if it's a long standing design or just this year's fad?

Help!

[Hootie2]

Originally posted by JenMarie
Bumping because I have questions...

My grandmother wants to start a "China and Silver" collection for both my cousin and I. She figures it'd be better to buy us things we'll need and is more meaningful than handing us a gift certificate to our clothing store of choice. (Though I don't mind that.)

My problem is I don't know where to start researching. I want a pattern that isn't going to disappear in 2-3 years so I can add the remaining pieces/settings to my future wedding registry.

So are there certain websites I can start with? Will they tell me if it's a long standing design or just this year's fad?

Help!

Do a google search. There should be Plenty of websites for you to research patterns.

[AOIIsilver]

What a lovely and considerate idea from your grandmother!
If your pattern is discontinued, there are numerous china replacement services. It can be more expensive, but it can be done! My pattern is from 1921, and Mr. Silver bought me a complete service for 8 PIECE-BY-PIECE from replacement services for our 5th wedding anniversary as a surprise!
Blessings,
Silver

Originally posted by JenMarie
Bumping because I have questions...

My grandmother wants to start a "China and Silver" collection for both my cousin and I. She figures it'd be better to buy us things we'll need and is more meaningful than handing us a gift certificate to our clothing store of choice. (Though I don't mind that.)

My problem is I don't know where to start researching. I want a pattern that isn't going to disappear in 2-3 years so I can add the remaining pieces/settings to my future wedding registry.

So are there certain websites I can start with? Will they tell me if it's a long standing design or just this year's fad?

Help!

[honeychile]

Originally posted by AOIIsilver
What a lovely and considerate idea from your grandmother!
If your pattern is discontinued, there are numerous china replacement services. It can be more expensive, but it can be done! My pattern is from 1921, and Mr. Silver bought me a complete service for 8 PIECE-BY-PIECE from replacement services for our 5th wedding anniversary as a surprise!
Blessings,
Silver
My dear Silver, you have a real keeper with Mr. Silver!! :)

I think I mentioned once that my pattern was discontinued literally the day after I bought it, so I use both ebay & replacement services for those extra pieces. One time, there was a complete service for 12, with all the serving pieces, tea & coffee service, etc at a very reasonable price on ebay - until the last moment, when a man sniped at a huge price. We got into a correspondance and he told me that his wife loved the pattern, and he was going to surprise her with it for her birthday. Of course, I asked him if he had a brother! ;)

Preciousjeni, you can start your quest at a department store. Pick up brochures on each of the china & silver manufacturers, and then check out their websites. I had actually planned on something very plain, such as a white or cream with a band of silver or gold, but just fell in love with my current pattern. Most experts will tell you to start plain, then add accent plates for salad or dessert to liven things up or to accentuate a holiday. Lenox is VERY good at that.

[ambición6]

This entire thread just fascinates me!!! I never knew such things (i.e. picking out china and silver patterns and having them be heirlooms and all that good stuff) existed!

oh man, now I want a fancy china set...although seeing as we eat out of paper plates (we do have ceramic dishware) its probably just gonna gather dust.

[honeychile]

I was asked something about the Princess Blue (in honor of Diana, Princess of Wales) and ended up re-reading all of this thread.

Irishpipes, I love Grand Baroque, too - but I'm not sure if it's because they've made pieces for everything or that pattern itself! I have a good start (service for 4) of Eloquence, which is almost identical to my everyday flatware, and mixes in with the various patterns I'll inherit. Including a cranberry server, a tomato server, and a punch ladle! Of course, Old Master would have also worked...

Originally posted by JenMarie
Bumping because I have questions...

My grandmother wants to start a "China and Silver" collection for both my cousin and I. She figures it'd be better to buy us things we'll need and is more meaningful than handing us a gift certificate to our clothing store of choice. (Though I don't mind that.)

My problem is I don't know where to start researching. I want a pattern that isn't going to disappear in 2-3 years so I can add the remaining pieces/settings to my future wedding registry.

So are there certain websites I can start with? Will they tell me if it's a long standing design or just this year's fad?

Help!
About a month ago, I was talking to the Waterford salesperson, and she said that Lismore will NEVER be discontinued - it's their trademark cut. I have a couple pieces of it (a punch bowl, pitcher, and bon bon dish), but I went inexpensive with Longchamps. Everytime I see people having a toast on tv, it seems to be from Longchamps!! The week before I got married, it went on sale, so by exchanging pieces, I have service for 16 in everything but the brandy snifters, and "only" 6 shotglasses.

Unless the truly elite of GreekChat (and you know who you are!) stop over to knock back a few, when I'll need crystal shotglasses, I have no idea! ;)

[pinkiebell1001]

lol- I'm in love with pretty much every pattern from Waterford! I'd have to say the Westport and Alana patterns are my favorite though!:) now if only i could get married I'd have an "excuse" to buy some;) hehe

[honeychile]

Originally posted by pinkiebell1001
lol- I'm in love with pretty much every pattern from Waterford! I'd have to say the Westport and Alana patterns are my favorite though!:) now if only i could get married I'd have an "excuse" to buy some;) hehe
Don't even get me started on Alana - I simply adore it!! Okay, I love the name, too! ;)

Do you get Cash's catalog? They mail Waterford without shipping & handling!

[TriDeltaGal]

Originally posted by honeychile

About a month ago, I was talking to the Waterford salesperson, and she said that Lismore will NEVER be discontinued - it's their trademark cut.

Hey honeychile,

When I registered for my wedding, I was told that Waterford never discontinued any of their crystal patterns, and why I specifically chose Waterford. I needed that reassurance since my family's Thanksgivings are HUGE and I wanted to know I could always get a new glass if needed!

I have Waterford's Elberon crystal and Wedgewood's Signet Platinum as my china pattern. Both simple and elegant... I didn't want to get something I wouldn't grow to hate in 20 years.

[honeychile]

I have a bowl in the late Pinecone pattern of Waterford. I think you had a very good saleswoman!

[pinkiebell1001]

Originally posted by honeychile
Don't even get me started on Alana - I simply adore it!! Okay, I love the name, too! ;)

Do you get Cash's catalog? They mail Waterford without shipping & handling!

:eek: FREE SHIPPING?! Sign me uP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

[honeychile]

Originally posted by pinkiebell1001
:eek: FREE SHIPPING?! Sign me uP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

http://www.cashs.com/catalog.shtml

Here's Alana (which means "darling" in Gaelic):

http://www.cashs.com/images/products/74AL24.jpg

And I just love this Lismore Centerpiece/Compote bowl!!

http://www.cashs.com/images/products/743601.jpg

Of course, the perfect way to get your Waterford is the duty free shop in Shannon Airport! That's where my parents got the punch bowl that they've given me!


ETA: There's a three day sale right now!!

[jetsetmagnolia]

everyday:
williams-sonoma tuileries dinnerware
oneida juilliard stainless
pottery barn retro collection glasses

formal:
francis I
noritake silver palace (same that daddy bought my auntie when she got married)
cristal d'arques classic wine glasses (just like bree van de kamp!), iced tea glasses, highballs, old fashioneds, and tea pitcher
waterford lismore champagne flutes
waterford lismore martini glasses

i'll also be inheriting mom's old country roses and cobalt blue with gold trim (no idea the pattern!) someday. she was married in the 70s and has gold flatware, for which i don't really care.

trivia: charlotte york had bernardaud constance for china.