Dan Abel wrote:
> In article >,
> The Bubbo > wrote:
>
>
> Many years ago, several of us went to somebody's house. Everything was
> perfect. Her nails were perfect, the house was perfect, her makeup was
> perfect and her kids were perfect. I felt sorry for her kids. That's
> not fun. She served us some little food item on little plates. She
> made a big point about how the plates were rimmed in platinum and cost
> US$90.00 each. I couldn't wait to finish the food and give the plate
> back.
>

No hostess with manners would be so crass as to make such a point. Was
she trying to sell you the dishes? Sheesh.

I put out my good china along with the Williams-Sonoma buffet plates at
a potluck recently, given for students and teacher at my novel workshop
at grad school. People don't have lots of money when they're in grad
school. I wouldn't think of saying: these are the expensive dishes,
they cost $125 a place setting, on sale, but they're more expensive
now. I want my guests to enjoy their food and if they notice the dishes
are pretty, so much the better. Also I don't want to flaunt my good
fortune. I'm 10-15 years older than most of these kids and I was lucky
enough to marry a guy who earns well; his side of the family also
believes in generous wedding presents, so I got money and/or gifts for
all kinds of kitchen/dining stuff. This is all just sheer luck. If it
weren't for my great family - and his - I wouldn't have any of this
stuff. Why brag about it, if it might make people feel uncomfortable?
I'm only talking about it here because this thread is for china mavens.

Dan - if you ever come to my house for dinner, you are welcome to use
the porcelain dinner plates and mismatching dessert dishes. If I forget
and serve you on the bone china, remind me and I'll switch ya.

Leila