I have a friend who had to leave everything behind her for a range of personal reasons. She is a young woman who is embarrassed that she has mismatching plates and mugs to use for guests. It was her birthday and it was a lovely excuse for me to go to the Zara Home sale and buy her pretty white plates, bowls and lovely water glasses. It made her so happy so easily. As a lover of beautiful cups, plates and way too many vintage glasses, I love finding bargains and also appreciate the expensive porcelain as well.
Beautiful porcelain with its delicate translucent look didn’t arrive until the 15th century in Europe. We have made up for that loss of time and buying vintage or retro teacups is a hobby in England. I also have friends in the US and Australia who appreciate dinnerware from plain white to over the top Versace!
How to Choose?
First of all, let’s talk budgets, if you are on a tight budget, you could go either way, invest in a really good set as your traveling ware, buy budget items or go to flea-markets and vintage stores to buy individual pieces. In some countries, you can even find seconds stores and outlets that offer some great deals. If you know the look and colour you like, you can mix and match as long as there is a key element that holds the whole look together. Choose one colour and have different styles, choose a patterned plate and for every other item, plain and in one of the colours.
Basic white?
I have a Zara Home white set for breakfast on the go – a few Euros for a plate and cup. I also have a lovely Anthropology set that is unique and a soft bone colour. I can easily mix and match. As we have moved countries, we have been given lovely Asian deep black and navy dishes, American sky blue platters and elegant apple green Japanese porcelain. They easily blend with our white setting. Another friend only buys black and white which looks so chic and stylish and can be bought cheaply or at the other end in the designer stores. Don’t be afraid to add a cheap coloured dish to add a zing and review grandma’s set; you never know!
What Style?
A plain look is still my favourite but look at your clothes and your general décor, they should tell you about your style. Do you go for black and white plain chic, bright vintage florals, English rose gardens, or do you go for one look but occasionally like to try on something new? I am the latter. Not being a pattern lover, I have pretty teacups and some bowls that add a fun accent to my plain colours. I also buy in sales to look for something that adds a whimsical touch!
