My sister and I have always thought we were so smart to have the same dishes.  We host pretty big family gatherings, where a sit-down dinner is the norm.  So, we think we’re pretty smart when we call each other to say, “Can I stop by and get the Friendly Village dishes?” or “Can you bring your cream, everyday dishes when you come?”

The everyday dishes are a very simple pattern.  Our local Fred Meyer carries them.  It’s always been terrific because when a plate breaks, you can just pick up a new one while you’re getting your groceries.  Fred Meyer has carried them for at least 8 years.  Well, around Christmastime I was giving suggestions for Christmas gifts and I told my mother in law that I could use some new plates.  A few days later, she said, “Did you know Fred Meyer doesn’t carry our plates anymore?”

Hold everything!  This was going to be a huge problem!

I looked everywhere.  I called around to see if anyone had any on clearance.  No luck.  Of course, when you know you can’t purchase any more, that’s when things really seem to get bad.  I dropped one plate in the dishwasher and broke it, chipped two more, and now I’m down to about 5 large dinner plates.

I’ve made a decision friends.  I’m moving to Fiestaware.  My sister needs to take note here!  Since I’m moving to Fiestaware, I think she’s going to need to make the switch too.  Just sayin’.  Now don’t get me wrong, I didn’t pack up all of my old dishes and take them to Goodwill.  I simply bought 4 sets of Fiestaware to add to my current collection of Fred Meyer plates.  As something breaks and needs to be replaced, I will replace it with Fiestaware.

So, why Fiestaware?  They’ve been around since the 30’s and I can’t imagine they’d discontinue my basic white.  They are extremely durable, made in the USA, and have a ton of other pieces to go along with the dishes.  They come in about 20 colors too, and encourage collecting a variety.  Wouldn’t it be fun to have a few plates in brown or red too?

My mother in law had a coupon at Macy’s and I had a few gift cards burning a hole in my pocket, and I’m pretty happy with my purchase!  My hubby took one look at these and said, “They’re kind of plain.”  After the first time we ate on them, he said he was impressed.  They’re heavy, sturdy, and look really clean and simple.  It didn’t take him long to see the light!

So, do any of you collect Fiestaware?  What color or colors do you have in your kitchen?  Are there great pieces I need to keep an eye out for?  I’d love to hear!