Sugarbaker & Toad

If you’re putting together a collection of mismatched china, either for a wedding or party, or just to enjoy in your home, here’s a major tip.  Avoid, at all costs, retro, 70’s stoneware or (gasp!) melamine.  I see this all the time and it makes me cringe.  These cheap pieces will singlehandedly bring the whole collection down.  Even if you have some sort of kitschy attachment to them, on no planet do they belong with fine china.  In order for a collection to be “mismatched” but still be pleasing to look at, there has to be some kind of cohesion.  These stick out like a sore thumb in weight, color, and texture.  There are definitely modern takes on English bone china that are less expensive and beautiful.  They’re still usually quite a bit heavier than actual fine china, but if you go for a pattern that is more feminine and refined, you can absolutely get away with it.  Putting together a stunning collection is something you have to have patience with, but it’s worth the wait.

Sinners…