I’m a big believer that when it comes to things like food or gifts, half the points lie in the presentation. Just ask Jared, who kindly keeps his comments to himself when I spend just as much on gift wrap as I do on the actual present. It might seem a little nonsensical (or incredibly vain), but when something is all wrapped up and presented beautifully on the outside, it always feels extra special on the inside. Maybe that’s the Martha Stewart in me (because there’s a little Martha in all of us, you know).
When Jared and I got married, we didn’t register for a “proper” set of wedding china like all of those bridal books and magazines suggest. We were young (21 and 22, pals), and I was positive that anything I picked out then wouldn’t have much staying power. So instead we registered for an inexpensive set from Target (much to the dismay of the little Southern ladies who threw us a wedding shower). Here they are:
Now let me be clear that I am in no way knocking my Target dishes. They’ve made it through three and a half years of meals for us, our friends and family. But now that I’m knee-deep in a growing cooking obsession (not to mention older and wiser), I think we’re ready for a change. And because presentation is soooo important, we’ve settled on all white china. There must be a reason all the fancy pants restaurants and Food Network stars serve it up on pristine white plates, right?
After much searching, we’re down to three choices, all from Pottery Barn (I’ll admit that a hefty gift card we have burning a hole in our pocket helped push us in the PB direction).
PB Great White Coupe Dinnerware
Pro: Visually, these are my faves. I love the clean lines, gentle slopes and overall simplicity.
Con: “Great” is the perfect descriptor for these because seriously, they’re gigantic. The salad plate is large enough to be a dinner plate, and the dinner plate is the size of a small platter. Proportion distortion to the max.
PB White Dinnerware
Pro: As the most traditional of the three options, these probably pack the most staying power. Also, they’re much more in line size-wise with what I was envisioning.
Con: They’re more delicate than the other two. I love the look, but I do worry that the curved edges will be more prone to chipping.
PB Sausalito Dinnerware
Pro: I love the minimalist look to these dishes, and the cereal bowl is a really great size.
Con: This set is the clunkiest option, which is good for avoided chipping but not as traditionally “pretty” in the long run.
So what do you think? Are there any other important qualities I should look for besides prettiness and durability? Do you have a favorite style or brand that you’ve been using and loving for years? And is anyone else humming “Be Our Guest” while reading this?!?
XO,
Katrina
All photos (except the personal pic of our Target dishes) courtesy of PotteryBarn.com.
I would vote for #2, but I understand you are wanting this to be you. It would seem to me if #1 is your fav, then go with it. I think any of the three say “Katrina” and maybed “Jared.”
I like the second and third options! When we registered, I didn’t think about size. I like oversized dishes, but I really don’t like that my ginormous plates have to go in a very specific cabinet if I want to be able to close the cabinet door.
I love #1. Get what you love and save for it. You won’t be truly happy with settling. Ask for it for Christmas. 😉
Thanks for the feedback, everyone! I think I’m leaning toward option 2 just because I’m worried about having gigantic plates (a.k.a. option 1) and having nowhere to put them. The delicate edges make me a little nervous, but it’s their standard set, so I can always buy a few replacement pieces if I start breaking plates. Opa!
Definitely agree that all-white china is the way to go. It’s a good background for making food pop (presentation-wise). I just bought IKEA plateware, white, similar in look to #2. It’s also fairly delicate, but I’ve been surprised so far with how it’s holding up. And, as you say in your comment, if it’s the standard set, then you can always purchase a replacement dish.
Glad to know yours are holding up well. I think I’m nearly decided on No. 2. Woo hoo to many beautifully plated future meals! Thanks for the feedback!