topic Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive! in Community Chat

Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

pommom — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 14:27:15 GMT

I've had a set of dishes for years and am at the point where I need to buy a new 8-pc set.

Went online and, oh my!, they are not cheap. I guess the price has risen over these years and I was totally oblivious.

My preference is a white porcelain set.

About 3 years ago, my son struck gold. He stopped by a thrift store and in one of the glassed-in cases he saw an 8-pc, white porcelain set for $10. He examined them before buying and not a chip or scratch. What a deal. They are gorgeous. Nice weight and rim.

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

Preds — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 14:30:39 GMT

I keep thinking that someday I'll replace mine and then after I look at the prices I decide mine still look pretty darn good. LOL Your son did get lucky! Good Luck on your search.

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

terrier3 — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 14:34:59 GMT

I have some Fiesta and a service of Pottery Barn basic white from 33 years ago - before my son was born.

I have supplemented my dishes by picking up restaurant style china from thrift stores and estate sales.

I have a set of 10 luncheon size Buffalo China plates (again from almost 25 years ago). They were ten cents each - $1 for the lot - and they look good as new.

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

JustJules — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 14:35:52 GMT

If all you are looking for is plain white porcelain there are lots of places you can find affordable dinnerware. Try looking at Kohl's, Walmart, K-mart, Tuesday Morning, Big Lots. I've seen sets that are service for 4 people in those places for $39.99, so 2 sets + tax would be less than $100 which seems inexpensive for dinnerware to me. Unless you shop thrift stores or garage sales, it's unlikely you'll find any bargain like your son did.

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

MaggieToo — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 14:50:43 GMT

Williams-Sonoma have what they call "open stock", I think. Four plates cost $20.

It's plain white and got mixed reviews.

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

terrier3 — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 14:51:53 GMT

I'm on my way to a big estate sale a few blocks away...I'll see what they have!

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

pommom — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 14:58:43 GMT

Sorry, I meant service for 8. My mistake in posting. (See? It's really been a long time!)

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

pommom — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 15:00:55 GMT

On 6/19/2014 Preds said:
I keep thinking that someday I'll replace mine and then after I look at the prices I decide mine still look pretty darn good. LOL Your son did get lucky! Good Luck on your search.

Once again, he picked up a service for 8 (16 pcs). Gosh, I've got to get with the times.

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

151949 — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 15:09:19 GMT

For everyday dishes I only use corelle.They are the best of all worlds and relatively inexpensive to boot.

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

pommom — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 15:15:03 GMT

Terrier - report back! I'm eager to hear of treasures found.

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

terrier3 — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 16:07:22 GMT

Williams Sonoma sells new Buffalo China style dinnerware and it's on sale.

I collect the old stuff, especially china with logos from restaurants and summer camps. It is almost impossible to break, doesn't stain and adapts to just about any décor.

I recommend it highly!

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

MaggieToo — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 16:31:47 GMT

On 6/19/2014 happy housewife said:
For everyday dishes I only use corelle.They are the best of all worlds and relatively inexpensive to boot.

And, light weight. I've been looking for something lighter than my stoneware.

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

terrier3 — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 16:49:34 GMT

On 6/19/2014 happy housewife said:
For everyday dishes I only use corelle.They are the best of all worlds and relatively inexpensive to boot.

Doesn't corelle scratch?

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

stilltamn8r — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 16:50:33 GMT

Check out Ikea....

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

lulu2 — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 18:15:24 GMT

You can buy reasonably priced dishes at HomeGoods, Kohls, BB&B (coupons always available for the latter 2) If you buy open stock, service pieces tend to be more expensive than buying sets with completer pieces included.

I have a ton of plain white dinner plates I use for buffets. I purchased them at BB&B many years ago for about $2 a plate.

If you buy older dishes, be careful and make sure they can be used in a microwave. (if you heat leftovers like we do)

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

evelomaddict — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 18:43:39 GMT

i mix and match my dinnerware.

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

terrier3 — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 18:52:10 GMT

On 6/19/2014 evelomaddict said:
i mix and match my dinnerware.

I like that look too.

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

151949 — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 20:45:27 GMT

On 6/19/2014 terrier3 said:
On 6/19/2014 happy housewife said:
For everyday dishes I only use corelle.They are the best of all worlds and relatively inexpensive to boot.

Doesn't corelle scratch?

I had Corelle that was 40+ years old when we moved and I donated it - it was still in perfect shape but the pattern was very dated. I bought new service for 8 in a modern pattern and expect to easily have it for the remainder of my life.

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

151949 — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 20:46:48 GMT

On 6/19/2014 MaggieToo said:
On 6/19/2014 happy housewife said:
For everyday dishes I only use corelle.They are the best of all worlds and relatively inexpensive to boot.

And, light weight. I've been looking for something lighter than my stoneware.

Plus it does not take up a lot of room in the cabinets or the dishwasher.

Re: Dinnerware Is So Expensive!

LaterGator — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 22:13:50 GMT

We use Corelle all the time. We have frost white so it's easy to buy open stock for our set. We've have it for almost 20 years. We also have a set of Christmas dishes from Dillards and a set of service for 12 of Portmeirion The Botanic Garden which was made in England. I won't buy it anymore unless we go to England, because what we get here in the States is made in China.

I love having different sets for different types of dinners. But I'll stop at 3, thank you. They are so expensive like the OP said.