Fiesta!

Over the course of the past year, I have developed an obsession for Fiestaware.   Fiestaware is a brand of dinnerware that was first released to the public by the Homer Laughlin Pottery Company of West Virgina in 1936. 

The original release included 5 colors and included 37 different pieces.  Since 1936, Fiesta ware has been produced in 39 different color glazes.  Although some of those colors have been discontinued, many can be found through various on-line dealers.  In my opinion the coolest thing about these dishes is that they can go in the dishwasher, the freezer, the oven, and the microwave!  Can I get a hallelujah?

There are many different kinds of collectors.  There are the quantity collectors – those wanting every piece in every color.  There are others who just buy the pieces they love in the colors they love.  Some people just have holiday collections.  Seriously, look up Fiestaware in Google images.  Some people have enough of the stuff to feed an army.

The other thing about Fiestaware is that it is so affordable.  Okay, not as affordable as paper plates, but definitely cheaper than most dinnerware.  (Not to get bossy, but really, you aren’t using paper plates daily anymore are you?  Come on, hug a tree and put your dishwasher to good use with these dishes!)

In 2010, Fiestaware was at the top of my Birthday and Christmas wish lists.  But, of course, I am a bit particular.  I picked out four colors to serve as my main place settings, and here is what the table looks like now:

These colors are Turquoise, Lemongrass, Chocolate, and Paprika.  Aren’t they a good combination?  I can mix and match depending on how many guests I have, and what mood I am in.

Here is a closer view:

These are two of my favorite pieces:  the Salt and Pepper, and the Covered Butter dish.  Aren’t they too cute?

Meet my very own gravy boat. 

I have never had one of these.

Guess I better learn how to make gravy.

Also, meet my new wine glasses.  

They are…wait for it…dishwasher safe, and break resistant, and didn’t cost me my right arm.  They are from the Fusion stemware line from WineEnthusiast.com.

But back to the Fiesta.  I love it!  It makes me happy to even just open up the cabinet.

If you want to check out all the different colors and styles, and buy some for yourself,  my favorite place to buy it is MegaChina.com.  If your order is at least $99.99, shipping is free.  Let’s face it, we would all rather get some stuff for our money rather than pay for shipping.

Stay tuned for a future post on my serving pieces, and why I chose to go with different colors.  What are your favorite Fiestaware color combinations?

For the record, I am not getting anything for putting links to Mega China or Wine Enthusiast.  They have no idea who I am, and don't really care as long as my credit card charges clear.  Just saving you some time in the search process if you are interested in any of this stuff.