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Fine China – What’s Right for You?

Whether you are a collector, decorator, or you just need some nice china–the right selection not only speaks to the style of party you create, it also representative of the quality and taste in your home. To achieve your desired tablescape, first lay the foundation by selecting a fine china pattern. While the world of fine china can be a bit overwhelming with so many options, there are certain elements to consider that will help you select the right fine china for your home.

Blue and White chinaIn deciding which fine china setting to select, you may have questions like “Do I really need new fine china, or should I keep using my great Aunt Sophia’s setting?” or “What if I get tired of my pattern down the road?” or “Are there other uses for the fine china that will help justify the potential big ticket?” and finally you might be asking yourself, “How often will I actually use my fine china?” From quality, to usage, to style – we will help you sift through your options to make your fine china search even more enjoyable.

To help make an informed decision, it might be helpful to consider some of the questions and comments below:

Q. Do you have pieces of a fine china set that you would like to add to or pair additional pieces with?

If so, you can always find pieces to go with the pattern, or select a complimentary pattern to personalize it. Don’t be afraid to mix-and-match! For example, this elegant place setting is sure to withstand the ages with its timeless appeal. There are not any rules that say you have to select one particular fine china pattern. Often times mixing and matching more than one pattern is not only a way to find your unique style, but it breaks up the monotony of all one look. Mixing these two patterns also provides for a few more place settings for hosting family and friends! This particular example includes Pickard’s Golden Monogram & Bernardaud’s Elysee pattern. I must say it is just stunning!

Pickard Golden Monogram and Bernardaud’s Elysee combination
The setting is a nice example of working what you have into a new look, and really updating the overall picture.

The key in a scenario like this one is that if you choose to add onto an existing fine china setting, you should feel confident incorporating other brands of china. It is your tabletop, infuse your personal style- while maintaining pieces you might have inherited or have had and would like to make new.

Q. How do you plan on using your fine china?

If you are thinking, “That is such an obvious question…”- then please allow us to explain. If you are fond of your pattern, then you would probably like to see it more than 2 or 3 times a year when the holidays roll around. We suggest illuminating your walls, shelves and plate racks with your amazing fine china set.

Arte Italica Tuscan Dinner Plate
Arte Italica Tuscan Dinner Plate

To begin, we suggest hanging your plates on the walls. Some of the most elegant interior design includes decorative plates.  Fine china should not be strictly reserved for dinner. It might also help you to absorb the sticker shock attached to your pristine china by thinking of it as décor, allowing you and others to admire it year round.

Should you decide to decorate with your china, then consider the style, color and pattern.  Does it go with your home’s design elements? For example, you might love a blue china pattern, but have primarily green furniture, wall color, etc. Try to see the big picture in overall potential uses. Your blue walls might not look so great with certain contrasting colors on your china patter.

Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain
Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted (Plain)

Included here are a few classic fine china patterns that make for sophisticated décor. Arte Italica’s Tuscan Dinner Plate, as well as one of the oldest patterns currently manufactured- Royal Copenhagen’s Blue Fluted Plain. (One of my neighbors has her Blue Fluted Plain plates placed neatly on her dining room hutch. The blue and white pattern is not only pleasing to the eye, but warm and inviting too.)

 

From mixing and matching existing fine china patterns, to decorating with your china – there is so much to consider! While the options are many, we hope this article soothes any jitters you might have about which fine china pattern to select.  Stay tuned for part two when we will discuss decorating with entire china sets and selecting a pattern you will love for decades.

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