White Dinnerware - two options - which would you choose?

[Sharon in SC]

I purchased this dinnerware for the new house very inexpensively from Wal-mart: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5723799

Now that we've had it out to use for the last month or so, I find I like it well enough. What I don't like about it is that the plates are *very* heavy and the bowls very large (there's only one size bowl). I have about $48 in a 4 piece place setting for 12 people (dinner plate, salad plate, large bowl, mug).

This past weekend, I found a 61pc set of Oneida: http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/product_page.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=8455248153630 39

Normally priced $120, I got this set for about $42 after their sale and another discount I had. This set is a 7 piece place setting for eight people. What I prefer about this set is that there is, in addition to the dinner and salad plate a bread plate but more importantly there are *three* different sized bowls any of which I prefer over the bowls that come in the set from Walmart. Additionally, there is a creamer and sugar bowl, serving platter and serving bowl.

What I wonder is - which set would you go with - the first set that serves 4 more people or the second set that has more numerous functional pieces? (FYI - we have a family of 4 but have extended family that frequently visit; the first set would serve with 24 plates total and the second set would serve 16 plates total, all sizes except for the bread plate, combined. I don't ever remember needing more than 16 plates at one time; the first set has 12 bowls where the second set has 16, not including the tiniest dip size). I can probably sell the first set at our used curriculum sale in June. Worst case, for only $40 some odd dollars that it would cost me to sacrifice in the event I couldn't sell the first set, I'm willing to simply share that set with a needy family if I decide that the second set would serve us better in the long run. I'm just torn as to what to do.....any thoughts?

[j.griff]

If I had the room, *I* would keep both-they match in color, and you would definitely have enough dishes for visitors that way. If I didn't have room in the cabinets, I would store them in a rubbermaid type tote, in a closet. HTH

[Mom2legomaniacs]

Can you keep both? Then when you need more place settings, use the one set for the adults and the other for the kids.

[Sharon in SC]

If I had the room, *I* would keep both-they match in color, and you would definitely have enough dishes for visitors that way. If I didn't have room in the cabinets, I would store them in a rubbermaid type tote, in a closet. HTH

Well, that thought did cross my mind as well in light of how inexpensive they are! I thought about putting the set I prefer (more numerous pieces per place setting) in the cabinets and keeping the others in the attic which is VERY accessible. Thanks for posting!

[Mom2legomaniacs]

If I had the room, *I* would keep both-they match in color, and you would definitely have enough dishes for visitors that way. If I didn't have room in the cabinets, I would store them in a rubbermaid type tote, in a closet. HTH

Jinx! Great minds dear! LOL!

[Sharon in SC]

Can you keep both? Then when you need more place settings, use the one set for the adults and the other for the kids.

:D Maybe we've got a "hive mind" going on here! :D

[cin]

It appears that you really like the one Kohl's. Could you buy a second set of those for the extended family? Or do what I do....for extended family parties, we use paper!!!! Much easier clean up!

[Tammy]

I never use all those 'extra' pieces.....so I would go with the one with more plate settings!

[Cadam]

Sell the first set after using the second set to make sure it will work for you. As long as you can afford it have the dishes that make the most sense for you and your family.

[Sharon in SC]

I never use all those 'extra' pieces.....so I would go with the one with more plate settings!

It's funny - after the first few responders posted (voting for keeping both sets), I opened the second set and placed them on fast wash in the dishwasher. *Already*, we've found use for the "dip bowl" (smallest of the three sizes) as dd wanted to save a few pieces of her Mango for older ds when she gets home and we've found use for the "dessert" plate (cookies younger dd is baking for us and she wanted to serve everyone individually). The plates and bowl to the first set are way too big for purposes such as these. I think I'm feeling pretty good about keeping both sets - the first set will be reserve for when we need more place settings and the second set will be used for everyday uses meeting our more functional needs.

Thanks for chiming in!

[Sarah in FL]

Keep the first set and give it to your dd when she goes to college!

[Sharon in SC]

Keep the first set and give it to your dd when she goes to college!

Yes! Also, as I was just now storing that first set in the attic, I found myself thinking, "You know, this set could come in handy for future graduation parties, baby showers, wedding showers, and the like!" :D I forgot about a handy dandy bookshelf I have up in the attic as soon as you walk in the door that had many empty shelves just waiting for something of this nature. Within 5 mins, I can easily have access to all the dishes I may want or need for home gatherings. Thanks to all for voicing their opinion on this.

[PrairieAir]

QUOTE=j.griff;208648]If I had the room, *I* would keep both-they match in color, and you would definitely have enough dishes for visitors that way. If I didn't have room in the cabinets, I would store them in a rubbermaid type tote, in a closet. HTH[/QUOTE]

:iagree:

[OnTheBrink]

I'd keep neither. I'd go to http://www.megachina.com and select the exact pieces you want from Fiestaware in white. Megachina has the best prices I've ever seen and the beauty of FW is that if you do break a piece, you can replace that one piece w/o having to buy another set or multiples. You can choose your bowl size and style, mug size and style if you even need more coffee mugs, select saucers, lunch plates and even table and serve ware to match.

So, that's what I'd do. :D

[Sharon in SC]

I'd keep neither. I'd go to http://www.megachina.com and select the exact pieces you want from Fiestaware in white. Megachina has the best prices I've ever seen and the beauty of FW is that if you do break a piece, you can replace that one piece w/o having to buy another set or multiples. You can choose your bowl size and style, mug size and style if you even need more coffee mugs, select saucers, lunch plates and even table and serve ware to match.

So, that's what I'd do. :D

Oh, but that would be a much more costly option. :tongue_smilie: For now, especially until the old house is sold, I need to stick with the shoestring budget option. I'll keep your suggestion in mind for the future. :) Fiestaware really is so nice!

[OnTheBrink]

Oh, but that would be a much more costly option. :tongue_smilie: For now, especially until the old house is sold, I need to stick with the shoestring budget option. I'll keep your suggestion in mind for the future. :) Fiestaware really is so nice!

Ok, then I'd go for the Kohls set. It's lovely and appears to have what you need!

[True Blue]

I have the Oneida set and love them. I ordered two sets myself and it's plenty.

[KidsHappen]

We have had it for years and we use all of the extra pieces all the time. I packed away my old (very old) set as one of my dds liked it and wanted to take it when she left home. Go with the functional and save the other set for special occasions. Maybe one of your kids will want to take it when they are grown.