China question - what do I do now?

Okay so for my shower I got 1 place setting of my fine china and 4 of my everyday china. We already started using the everyday china.

I don't know if I should just complete my everyday china set or maybe just get 2 more place settings (I originally wanted 8 - 12). And with the fine china, well, it's just too expensive to complete it all myself right now... should I maybe just return the one setting I got and purchase another, less expensive set?

I really do want the fine china, I am very into entertaining and I know we will use it. I'm also concerned that if I try to slowly complete the fine china set I registered for, it will take me too long and it will get discontinued.

Any suggestions? What did you do if you didn't get your sets completed?

My everyday set is complete, but I only got 6/12 of my fine china.

Me personally, I would finish the everyday first, then work on the fine china. I have people over more casually than I do formally.

Also, try asking for the fine china for birthday or holiday gifts. That's how I got two of the settings.

what sets do you have?

If anything, I'd buy one more set of the formal, so that you and your DH can use it for special occassions. As time goes by, you'll get more of it. Anniversary gifts, holiday/birthday gifts...

even if people give you cash for gifts, you can use it toward the fancy stuff!

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Posted by suven


If anything, I'd buy one more set of the formal, so that you and your DH can use it for special occassions. As time goes by, you'll get more of it. Anniversary gifts, holiday/birthday gifts...

even if people give you cash for gifts, you can use it toward the fancy stuff!

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Ditto...this is the approach I would take

If your formal china is THAT expensive then I would return it and complete your everyday! You will use that more. Then if it is THAT expensive, it might be why you only got one setting, I might pick another less expensive one and drop hints that they would make a great Christmas gift and such. Check out the great sales on china at Fortunoff. I know my Mom found my formal on sale there is was a special buy 4 settings and get 4 free soup bowls or something like that and the price was so cheap compared to Macy's at the time!

As for entertaining you everyday plates can always be dressed up with great wine glasses, table cloth, beautiful napkins and a great centerpiece.

I didn't think my fine china was that expensive, it's $100 a setting, isn't that about the average?

My everyday is about $35 - $40 a setting if I remember correctly.

Do the china patterns usually hang around that long that I can take years to complete it?

I think $100 is in the high average range, mine personally was on the cheaper average range because I know my family and they can be cheap

I know my cousin got married around 1998 and my Mother was still buying her a setting of her formal china for Christmas, hers is in $150+ range so I know it stays around awhile in her brand- I think Waterford. Mine I have seen out so far going on 4 years from when we got engaged to present.

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Posted by JimmysBride

I didn't think my fine china was that expensive, it's $100 a setting, isn't that about the average?

My everyday is about $35 - $40 a setting if I remember correctly.

Do the china patterns usually hang around that long that I can take years to complete it?

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what china is it?

Nope, $100 is actually pretty low. I know of some manufacturers that notify owners if a pattern will be discontinued. But, depending on what it is, it may be around for a long time

The fine china is Vera Wang Pink Duchess.

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Posted by B2BMay04

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Posted by suven


If anything, I'd buy one more set of the formal, so that you and your DH can use it for special occassions. As time goes by, you'll get more of it. Anniversary gifts, holiday/birthday gifts...

even if people give you cash for gifts, you can use it toward the fancy stuff!

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Ditto...this is the approach I would take

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I agree, especially if you like to entertain and will use the China in the future. If the china is discontinued, you could check the web or Vera Wang sometimes discontinued patterns are still available through the manufacturer directly.

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Posted by B2BMay04

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Posted by suven


If anything, I'd buy one more set of the formal, so that you and your DH can use it for special occassions. As time goes by, you'll get more of it. Anniversary gifts, holiday/birthday gifts...

even if people give you cash for gifts, you can use it toward the fancy stuff!

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Ditto...this is the approach I would take

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This is what I plan to do.

COMPLETE IT IF THATS WHAT YOU REALLY WANT!

Can you use some of the wedding $ to complete you fine?...if you REALLY love it, that's what I would do..

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Posted by jozieb0925

Can you use some of the wedding $ to complete you fine?...if you REALLY love it, that's what I would do..

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Also, where did you register?? I know some places like FO, BB&B, and Crate and Barrel offer discounts after your wedding date? I think now would be the time to buy it, if they offer a % off..

Good luck!!


Ooops..sorry..didn't mean to create two posts..

I would just try to complete the formal set in time if you really like it but complete the everyday set first.

I know Lenox and Noritake have outlet stores. I bought a set at the Lenox outlet (Secaucus)for $65 and my set usually sells for $109. Also Macys always has sales on everything including china so maybe look out for those sales.

I think Vera Wang is made by Wedgewood? so maybe you can look for a Wedgewood outlet.

Hope this helps!

It's really pretty, but if I were you, I would return the one set, and maybe buy a cheaper set. Amazon.com has a set by Mikasa with a silver band around the rim, for about $200 for the entire set for 8, including serving pieces. There's free shipping, and you get $25 off if you spend more than $125 in kitchen & housewares. (which you will) Plus, an extra place setting is only $29, so you could get service for 9, and serving pieces ($199 - $25 + $29), for about the same price as two of the Vera Wang settings. (which are beautiful, but would be heartbreaking if a piece broke)
Mikasa 45 Piece set