After much finagling and sibling rivalry I managed to inherit my mother's
Wedgwood china (I think my argument that my mom gave my sister the Saab was
pretty much the end of the debate). I've had this china since May and Friday
night was the first time I'd really gotten to use it.

I had a complete set of Wedgwood before, but my ex got that in the Great
Division of Property (I also lost my KA food processor, but I got the buffet
crammed full of serving dishes).

After the night of the first real use, David accidentally drops a bread plate
and shatters it. I'm not mad, i know it was an accident, but that damned
thing, that small 6 inch plate, costs $23 plus shipping.

Dammit.


--
..:Heather:.
www.velvet-c.com
Step off, beyotches, I'm the roflpimp!

The Bubbo wrote:

> After much finagling and sibling rivalry I managed to inherit my mother's
> Wedgwood china (I think my argument that my mom gave my sister the Saab was
> pretty much the end of the debate). I've had this china since May and Friday
> night was the first time I'd really gotten to use it.
>
> I had a complete set of Wedgwood before, but my ex got that in the Great
> Division of Property (I also lost my KA food processor, but I got the buffet
> crammed full of serving dishes).
>
> After the night of the first real use, David accidentally drops a bread plate
> and shatters it. I'm not mad, i know it was an accident, but that damned
> thing, that small 6 inch plate, costs $23 plus shipping.

Bummer. There is nothing quite like an inheritance to bring out the worst in
siblings. I have seen several families fall apart from fights over their
parents' estates. It's a damned shame. Even the most seemingly fair minded
people sometimes have distorted versions of fairness.

My wife and sister were executors of their father's will. The father had cut the
brother out of his will after an argument with him, but he later relented and
gave him a 20% share with 405 going to each of the other two. When they split
things up they gave him an equal share. They figured that he would have been
upset if he had been short changed and that family harmony was more important
than the money.

A friend of mine was executor of his father's will and one of the assets was a
building that had housed a donut shop which happened to be in his city. His
brother and two sisters are scattered across the country. He had the property
evaluated and arranged the financing to buy it off the estate. The day before the
deal went through his sister called and said that she and the other brother had
discussed it and thought the offer was to low. He told them it wasn't an offer,
that is it. Take it or leave it. Now they are going to have to wait for the
property to be sold, perhaps at a lower price. He is very comfortably retired at
48. He doesn't need the money, but the rest of them do.

Dave Smith wrote:
>
> Bummer. There is nothing quite like an inheritance to bring out the worst
in
> siblings. I have seen several families fall apart from fights over their
> parents' estates. It's a damned shame. Even the most seemingly fair minded
> people sometimes have distorted versions of fairness.
>
> My wife and sister were executors of their father's will. The father had cut
the
> brother out of his will after an argument with him, but he later relented
and
> gave him a 20% share with 405 going to each of the other two. When they
split
> things up they gave him an equal share. They figured that he would have been
> upset if he had been short changed and that family harmony was more
important
> than the money.
>
> A friend of mine was executor of his father's will and one of the assets was
a
> building that had housed a donut shop which happened to be in his city. His
> brother and two sisters are scattered across the country. He had the
property
> evaluated and arranged the financing to buy it off the estate. The day
before the
> deal went through his sister called and said that she and the other brother
had
> discussed it and thought the offer was to low. He told them it wasn't an
offer,
> that is it. Take it or leave it. Now they are going to have to wait for the
> property to be sold, perhaps at a lower price. He is very comfortably
retired at
> 48. He doesn't need the money, but the rest of them do.
>
>
>

Oh, I don't want to give the wrong impression, the 'battle for the china' was
immensely good natured. Also, my mom is very much (thankfully) alive! A few
years after my parents divorced my mom moved to Iowa and then Texas and wanted
to unload excess items, i got the furniture, my sister got the Saab and the
china.

Years later, my sister, realizing she does not really cook or entertain or
anything like that, gave me the china!

--
..:Heather:.
www.velvet-c.com
Step off, beyotches, I'm the roflpimp!

In article >,
The Bubbo > wrote:

> Years later, my sister, realizing she does not really cook or entertain or
> anything like that, gave me the china!

Ask David to replace the broken plate for your New Year's gift. "-)
--
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com, updated 12-22-05

"Dave Smith" > wrote in message
...
> The Bubbo wrote:
>
>> After much finagling and sibling rivalry I managed to inherit my mother's
>> Wedgwood china (I think my argument that my mom gave my sister the Saab
>> was
>> pretty much the end of the debate). I've had this china since May and
>> Friday
>> night was the first time I'd really gotten to use it.
>>
>> I had a complete set of Wedgwood before, but my ex got that in the Great
>> Division of Property (I also lost my KA food processor, but I got the
>> buffet
>> crammed full of serving dishes).
>>
>> After the night of the first real use, David accidentally drops a bread
>> plate
>> and shatters it. I'm not mad, i know it was an accident, but that damned
>> thing, that small 6 inch plate, costs $23 plus shipping.
>
You can be thankful that your set was complete; I know you are. I inherited
a set of china from my in-laws after m-i-l died. When DH was cleaning out
the house and adjoining structures, he found in a garage under an oil-soaked
rag with a heavy tool on top of it, belonging to the set, a soup Tureen with
Lid which I can replace at Replacements.com for $429.95. Of course, I will
never replace it. I'm not down grading your loss; I know the feeling,
having dropped and broken in a blink-of-an-eye, a cup to a 8-piece set of
china; the cup costing around $50 if it is the correct one.
But if you are going to replace it, do it now, or it will be lost forever.
I'm glad you were able to use your lovely set with a holiday dinner. What
happiness!

Afterthought:
My ex-husband 40 years ago got in the property settlement a solid cherry
buffet that I had chosen. His next (3rd) wife used it, I saw it and still
coveted it. He died while he was married to his 4th wife. I was so crass as
to call her and ask her if I could have it/buy it, whatever. She told me to
get lost -- tee hee -- ha ha! I'm still thinking about that beautiful
buffet - there'll never be another one like it. Maybe when I get to the
pearly gates, it'll be there in my furnished apartment.
Dee Dee

> My wife and sister were executors of their father's will. The father had cut the
> brother out of his will after an argument with him, but he later relented and
> gave him a 20% share with 405 going to each of the other two. When they split
> things up they gave him an equal share. They figured that he would have been
> upset if he had been short changed and that family harmony was more important
> than the money.

Dave,

I would love to shake your wife's hand, and I certainly hope you know
what a lucky guy you are. Count your lucky stars, time and time again.

Ken

Ken wrote:

> > My wife and sister were executors of their father's will. The father had cut the
> > brother out of his will after an argument with him, but he later relented and
> > gave him a 20% share with 405 going to each of the other two. When they split
> > things up they gave him an equal share. They figured that he would have been
> > upset if he had been short changed and that family harmony was more important
> > than the money.
>
> Dave,
>
> I would love to shake your wife's hand, and I certainly hope you know
> what a lucky guy you are. Count your lucky stars, time and time again.

She is a dear woman, as is her sister, who certainly could have used the extra money.

In article >,
The Bubbo > wrote:

> After much finagling and sibling rivalry I managed to inherit my mother's
> Wedgwood china (I think my argument that my mom gave my sister the Saab was
> pretty much the end of the debate). I've had this china since May and Friday
> night was the first time I'd really gotten to use it.
>
> I had a complete set of Wedgwood before, but my ex got that in the Great
> Division of Property (I also lost my KA food processor, but I got the buffet
> crammed full of serving dishes).
>
> After the night of the first real use, David accidentally drops a bread plate
> and shatters it. I'm not mad, i know it was an accident, but that damned
> thing, that small 6 inch plate, costs $23 plus shipping.
>
> Dammit.

Right. The bum. Accidents happen,
But, frankly, that seems reasonably priced to me.
--
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com, updated 12-22-05

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> In article >,
> The Bubbo > wrote:
>
>> After much finagling and sibling rivalry I managed to inherit my mother's
>> Wedgwood china (I think my argument that my mom gave my sister the Saab was
>> pretty much the end of the debate). I've had this china since May and
Friday
>> night was the first time I'd really gotten to use it.
>>
>> I had a complete set of Wedgwood before, but my ex got that in the Great
>> Division of Property (I also lost my KA food processor, but I got the
buffet
>> crammed full of serving dishes).
>>
>> After the night of the first real use, David accidentally drops a bread
plate
>> and shatters it. I'm not mad, i know it was an accident, but that damned
>> thing, that small 6 inch plate, costs $23 plus shipping.
>>
>> Dammit.
>
> Right. The bum. Accidents happen,
> But, frankly, that seems reasonably priced to me.

It's the price to pay to have it. More researched turned out that Marshall
Fields has it for $16.50. They also have soup plates which might be worth
investing in since i have none.

--
..:Heather:.
www.velvet-c.com
Step off, beyotches, I'm the roflpimp!

The Bubbo wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
>>In article >,
>> The Bubbo > wrote:
>>
>>
>>>After much finagling and sibling rivalry I managed to inherit my mother's
>>>Wedgwood china (I think my argument that my mom gave my sister the Saab was
>>>pretty much the end of the debate). I've had this china since May and
>
> Friday
>
>>>night was the first time I'd really gotten to use it.
>>>
>>>I had a complete set of Wedgwood before, but my ex got that in the Great
>>>Division of Property (I also lost my KA food processor, but I got the
>
> buffet
>
>>>crammed full of serving dishes).
>>>
>>>After the night of the first real use, David accidentally drops a bread
>
> plate
>
>>>and shatters it. I'm not mad, i know it was an accident, but that damned
>>>thing, that small 6 inch plate, costs $23 plus shipping.
>>>
>>>Dammit.
>>
>>Right. The bum. Accidents happen,
>>But, frankly, that seems reasonably priced to me.
>
>
> It's the price to pay to have it. More researched turned out that Marshall
> Fields has it for $16.50. They also have soup plates which might be worth
> investing in since i have none.
>

It sounds like this china is nothing but a source of worry for you. Why
bother - to impress people? It is meant to be used, and therefore will
get broken. Enjoy it and accept the inevitable breakage - or put it on
display where it is safe.

Peter

P.Aitken wrote:

> It sounds like this china is nothing but a source of worry for you. Why
> bother - to impress people? It is meant to be used, and therefore will
> get broken. Enjoy it and accept the inevitable breakage - or put it on
> display where it is safe.
>
> Peter
>

welcome to the wonderful world that is me where I worry about everything and
everything is a source of anxiety.

I like the china, I like to eat off it and I like servinbg on it. I think it's
pretty. I know things will break but I'd like to keep the 8 place settings
that I have complete.

--
..:Heather:.
www.velvet-c.com
Step off, beyotches, I'm the roflpimp!

"The Bubbo" > wrote in message
...
> P.Aitken wrote:
>
>> It sounds like this china is nothing but a source of worry for you. Why
>> bother - to impress people? It is meant to be used, and therefore will
>> get broken. Enjoy it and accept the inevitable breakage - or put it on
>> display where it is safe.
>>
>> Peter
>>
>
> welcome to the wonderful world that is me where I worry about everything
> and
> everything is a source of anxiety.
>
> I like the china, I like to eat off it and I like servinbg on it. I think
> it's
> pretty. I know things will break but I'd like to keep the 8 place settings
> that I have complete.

Back in the dark ages when I was a student, I did a stint as au pair for a
family in Switzerland, who had Wedgwood plates for everyday use. They also
had two small children, as well as a dishwasher apparently constructed to
take a bite out of everything it washed. Accidents waiting to happen,
basically

Use your china, if you don't want it to be display-only, but don't get too
wound up when you lose a piece. Replacements exist, and it was meant to be
used, not put in a museum, after all

Personally, I gave up trying to keep a complete set of *anything* years ago.
I went for colour-coded instead, and now I pick up half-sets, individual
plates, serving dishes and so on from all sorts of places (charity shops are
a treasure-trove, especially for antiques) - nothing actually matches, but
because it's all in the same shades (blue, blue and green, or blue and
yellow) it .. harmonises, I suppose you'd say. And since they're not full
sets in the first place, breakages are not so agonising.

Jani

On Mon, 26 Dec 2005 00:16:36 GMT, The Bubbo wrote:

>
> welcome to the wonderful world that is me where I worry about everything and
> everything is a source of anxiety.
>
> I like the china, I like to eat off it and I like servinbg on it. I think it's
> pretty. I know things will break but I'd like to keep the 8 place settings
> that I have complete.

If it can be easily replaced at Marshall Fields, then it's not a
problem. Real problems arise when the pattern is no longer
manufactured. Accidents happen and that's why I buy 12 instead of 8.
--

Practice safe eating. Always use condiments.

In article >,
The Bubbo > wrote:

> P.Aitken wrote:
>
> > It sounds like this china is nothing but a source of worry for you. Why
> > bother - to impress people? It is meant to be used, and therefore will
> > get broken. Enjoy it and accept the inevitable breakage - or put it on
> > display where it is safe.
> >
> > Peter
> >
>
> welcome to the wonderful world that is me where I worry about everything and
> everything is a source of anxiety.
>
> I like the china, I like to eat off it and I like servinbg on it. I think it's
> pretty. I know things will break but I'd like to keep the 8 place settings
> that I have complete.

And don't let anyone try to convince you that there's anything wrong
with that plan, Kiddo. Sure, they break if not handled carefully. And
those "special occasion only" things are often what 'make' the memory.
Nice to recall when you're older. A friend has her mom's Haviland china
- it is very, very beautiful - and she uses it for Christmas, I think.
And she washes it by hand - alone. Puts a towel at the bottom of the
sink. And you can bet that she remembers her mom and those special
times when she does. A person could do worse.

While you're at it (buying the replacement), get two and save on the
shipping and you'll be even next time one breaks. I have Block
Poinsettia, <http://tinyurl.com/8uymx> service for 12 or 16 (I can't
remember) and a spare cup and saucer and dinner plate for just such an
occurrence and for when the stuff is tough to find and acquire without a
loan.

And may all your memories of its use be joyous ones.
--
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com, updated 12-22-05

The Bubbo wrote:
> P.Aitken wrote:
>
> > It sounds like this china is nothing but a source of worry for you. Why
> > bother - to impress people? It is meant to be used, and therefore will
> > get broken. Enjoy it and accept the inevitable breakage - or put it on
> > display where it is safe.
> >
> > Peter
> >
>
> welcome to the wonderful world that is me where I worry about everything and
> everything is a source of anxiety.
>
> I like the china, I like to eat off it and I like servinbg on it. I think it's
> pretty. I know things will break but I'd like to keep the 8 place settings
> that I have complete.
>
> --
> .:Heather:.

Well, still, logic says you have a choice: Use it and risk breaking,
or keep it safe by not using it. Life is tough.


> www.velvet-c.com
> Step off, beyotches, I'm the roflpimp!

On Mon, 26 Dec 2005 00:11:47 GMT, "P.Aitken" > wrote:

>It sounds like this china is nothing but a source of worry for you. Why
>bother - to impress people? It is meant to be used, and therefore will
>get broken. Enjoy it and accept the inevitable breakage - or put it on
>display where it is safe.

My thought exactly.

I used my Noritake (white-on-white, trimmed in 24K gold) as an
everyday plate, because (a) things break, and that's part of their
beauty, and (b) I'm worth my finest china.

serene

"serene" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 26 Dec 2005 00:11:47 GMT, "P.Aitken" > wrote:
>
>>It sounds like this china is nothing but a source of worry for you. Why
>>bother - to impress people? It is meant to be used, and therefore will
>>get broken. Enjoy it and accept the inevitable breakage - or put it on
>>display where it is safe.
>
> My thought exactly.
>
> I used my Noritake (white-on-white, trimmed in 24K gold) as an
> everyday plate, because (a) things break, and that's part of their
> beauty, and (b) I'm worth my finest china.
>
> serene

I believe this is the classic Noritake one sees and is quite elegant. Does
it ever go in the dishwasher -- that is, if one is at your home? I have a
few plates that are even too large for my dishwasher, so washing plates is
not my favorite pasttime. Not that I don't do it often though; just
wondering about these particular plates.
My own china has gold rims and I don't put it in the dishwasher, so I don't
use it much; I'd like to, but I don't like the looks of faded gold on plates
because it reminds me of used restaurant china (which I don't care for).
Funny, though I have a small set of Chinese plates and bowls (made in Japan)
I bought from a restaurant outlet (you know, with the dragons, etc.) and
I've used them for years in the dishwasher and the gold rim is still there,
pretty darned good after many years in the dishwasher.
Yes, you are indeed worth the very finest of china; that's a given.
Dee Dee

On Sun, 25 Dec 2005 16:18:40 -0800, serene wrote:

> On Mon, 26 Dec 2005 00:11:47 GMT, "P.Aitken" > wrote:
>
> >It sounds like this china is nothing but a source of worry for you. Why
> >bother - to impress people? It is meant to be used, and therefore will
> >get broken. Enjoy it and accept the inevitable breakage - or put it on
> >display where it is safe.
>
> My thought exactly.
>
> I used my Noritake (white-on-white, trimmed in 24K gold) as an
> everyday plate, because (a) things break, and that's part of their
> beauty, and (b) I'm worth my finest china.
>
I have everyday china and special occasion china. The every day is
stuff I can replace easily if a piece is broken. Replacing my special
occasion china requires research and plenty of $$, so I'm very careful
with it now, especially after replacing a piece with another one that
was the right pattern, but didn't have the right feel, weight,
thickness... it was noticeably "different".

Oh, well. Life went on anyway.
--

Practice safe eating. Always use condiments.

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> In article >,
> The Bubbo > wrote:
>
> > After much finagling and sibling rivalry I managed to inherit my mother's
> > Wedgwood china (I think my argument that my mom gave my sister the Saab was
> > pretty much the end of the debate). I've had this china since May and Friday
> > night was the first time I'd really gotten to use it.
> >
> > I had a complete set of Wedgwood before, but my ex got that in the Great
> > Division of Property (I also lost my KA food processor, but I got the buffet
> > crammed full of serving dishes).
> >
> > After the night of the first real use, David accidentally drops a bread plate
> > and shatters it. I'm not mad, i know it was an accident, but that damned
> > thing, that small 6 inch plate, costs $23 plus shipping.
> >
> > Dammit.
>
> Right. The bum. Accidents happen,
> But, frankly, that seems reasonably priced to me.
> --

My philosophy: If you have something you don't want to risk being
broken by guests, and don't want t have to hover over it worrying about
it while entertaining -- then don't use it! Pu tit on display behind
locked glass doors. Leave it in sight to impress people, but not
worry. But then, I think it's crass to have displays just to
"impress," so I don't do that. I think entertaining is a time to
relax, even if it is slightly formal. I don't buy anything I would
worry about breaking.

I once loaned some crystal wine glasses to a friend for an event. They
were returned packed badly in a box with two broken. I didn't say a
word. Would never. However, I won't loan him anything again.

wrote:
> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> > The Bubbo wrote:
> >
> > > After much finagling and sibling rivalry I managed to inherit my mother's
> > > Wedgwood china (I think my argument that my mom gave my sister the Saab was
> > > pretty much the end of the debate). I've had this china since May and Friday
> > > night was the first time I'd really gotten to use it.
> > >
> > > I had a complete set of Wedgwood before, but my ex got that in the Great
> > > Division of Property (I also lost my KA food processor, but I got the buffet
> > > crammed full of serving dishes).
> > >
> > > After the night of the first real use, David accidentally drops a bread plate
> > > and shatters it. I'm not mad, i know it was an accident, but that damned
> > > thing, that small 6 inch plate, costs $23 plus shipping.
> > >
> > > Dammit.
> >
> > Right. The bum. Accidents happen,
> > But, frankly, that seems reasonably priced to me.
> > --
>
> My philosophy: If you have something you don't want to risk being
> broken by guests, and don't want t have to hover over it worrying about
> it while entertaining -- then don't use it! Pu tit on display behind
> locked glass doors. Leave it in sight to impress people, but not
> worry. But then, I think it's crass to have displays just to
> "impress," so I don't do that. I think entertaining is a time to
> relax, even if it is slightly formal. I don't buy anything I would
> worry about breaking.
>
> I once loaned some crystal wine glasses to a friend for an event. They
> were returned packed badly in a box with two broken. I didn't say a
> word. Would never. However, I won't loan him anything again.

Then considering your opening premise you're being hipocritical.
Anyway, wine glasses are cheap, a box of eight everyday
stemware/barware costs like $10-$15... if a neighbor came to me and
asked to borrow stemware (it's probably last minute and the stores are
closed) I'd gift them a box of Luminarc, I have plenty extra. Normal
people neither borrow or lend expensive crystal... which is why I don't
believe your story.

Normal people who entertain own tableware of various caliber cost...
it's perfectly normal to choose which service to use by occasion and
for which guests. Normal people don't use their best service for all
occasions/all guests, not unless your best service is melmac. I don't
use anywhere near my best service for sandwiches, potato salad, and jug
wine. And yes, I have sets of crystal I keep displayed behind glass,
and under lock and key, but on occasion it does get used, typically for
small intimate gatherings consisting of civilized folk who also have
similar priorities and so appreciate and respect others valuable
property... like when my brother visits we'll sip $200 brandy, he can
choose whichever glassware he likes, usually the ones he gifted me that
he purchased from Tiffany that cost $50 per, or those that belonged to
our parents, which are priceless. Do you really think I should feel
obligated to lend a set of valuable crystal stemware, r u nutz.

Learn: http://www.luminarc.us/info/aboutUs.php

Sheldon wrote:

> Then considering your opening premise you're being hipocritical.
> Anyway, wine glasses are cheap, a box of eight everyday
> stemware/barware costs like $10-$15... if a neighbor came to me and
> asked to borrow stemware (it's probably last minute and the stores are
> closed) I'd gift them a box of Luminarc, I have plenty extra. Normal
> people neither borrow or lend expensive crystal... which is why I don't
> believe your story.
>

Holy shit. I agree with Sheldon. Wine glasses have a short live expectancy in this
house. I look for sets of nice glasses in stores where they have a running supply of
them and stock up. Occasionally I buy several sets of them on sale, take one out and
put the rest away for replacements. If/when I break a few, I have immediate
replacements.

Around here, wine stores have glasses for rent for people having large parties. In some
of them, they loan you the glasses for free if you buy a certain amount of wine from
them.... enough to need a lot of extra glasses. You don't even have to wash them. Just
put them back in the case and take them back.

I broke a nice crystal glass as a party a few years ago. I don't think it was my fault.
I had to go to a party for my wife's church choir. I can't stand the hostess. She is a
royal bitch. She is a self righteous snob who I have almost collided with on the road a
few times when she pulled out in front of me. She is the reason some people have quit
the choir. I got coerced into going to this party, but I arrived late because I had
had a riding lesson. Her husband gave me a nice crystal wine glass. I opened my wine,
poured myself a glass of wine. I set it down on the "bar" which turned out to be two
card tables of slightly different heights with a cloth over it. I didn't realize that
it was uneven. I set it down on the edge of the two tables, not realizing the surface
was crooked. My bottle tipped over and caused a domino reaction. It fell over, hit
another bottle, which then hit a third bottle, which in turn fell it hit the edge of
the glass and broke it.

Naturally I was upset about having broken a nice crystal glass and apologized to the
host and offered to replace it. Then his wife gave over and started berating him for
having me let me use the good crystal. It was her mother's and cannot be replaced.

Well damn it. If you are going to bitch and whine about glasses being broken, don't put
them out. If you are going to put up a bar, make sure the surface is flat. If there is
an uneven surface, don't put an protective mat on top to disguise it and then another
cloth on top of that. It is an accident looking for a place to hide it.

On Tue, 27 Dec 2005 11:41:00 -0500, Dave Smith wrote:

> Naturally I was upset about having broken a nice crystal glass and apologized to the
> host and offered to replace it. Then his wife gave over and started berating him for
> having me let me use the good crystal. It was her mother's and cannot be replaced.
>
> Well damn it. If you are going to bitch and whine about glasses being broken, don't put
> them out. If you are going to put up a bar, make sure the surface is flat. If there is
> an uneven surface, don't put an protective mat on top to disguise it and then another
> cloth on top of that. It is an accident looking for a place to hide it.

To put it into perspective, that poor guy has to live with her. You
got to go home!
--

Practice safe eating. Always use condiments.

Dave Smith wrote:
> Sheldon wrote:
>
> > Then considering your opening premise you're being hipocritical.
> > Anyway, wine glasses are cheap, a box of eight everyday
> > stemware/barware costs like $10-$15... if a neighbor came to me and
> > asked to borrow stemware (it's probably last minute and the stores are
> > closed) I'd gift them a box of Luminarc, I have plenty extra. Normal
> > people neither borrow or lend expensive crystal... which is why I don't
> > believe your story.
> >
>
> Holy shit. I agree with Sheldon. Wine glasses have a short live expectancy in this
> house. I look for sets of nice glasses in stores where they have a running supply of
> them and stock up. Occasionally I buy several sets of them on sale, take one out and
> put the rest away for replacements. If/when I break a few, I have immediate
> replacements.
>
> Around here, wine stores have glasses for rent for people having large parties. In some
> of them, they loan you the glasses for free if you buy a certain amount of wine from
> them.... enough to need a lot of extra glasses. You don't even have to wash them. Just
> put them back in the case and take them back.
>
> I broke a nice crystal glass as a party a few years ago. I don't think itwas my fault.
> I had to go to a party for my wife's church choir. I can't stand the hostess. She is a
> royal bitch. She is a self righteous snob who I have almost collided withon the road a
> few times when she pulled out in front of me. She is the reason some people have quit
> the choir. I got coerced into going to this party, but I arrived late because I had
> had a riding lesson. Her husband gave me a nice crystal wine glass. I opened my wine,
> poured myself a glass of wine. I set it down on the "bar" which turned out to be two
> card tables of slightly different heights with a cloth over it. I didn't realize that
> it was uneven. I set it down on the edge of the two tables, not realizingthe surface
> was crooked. My bottle tipped over and caused a domino reaction. It fell over, hit
> another bottle, which then hit a third bottle, which in turn fell it hit the edge of
> the glass and broke it.
>
> Naturally I was upset about having broken a nice crystal glass and apologized to the
> host and offered to replace it. Then his wife gave over and started berating him for
> having me let me use the good crystal. It was her mother's and cannot be replaced.
>
> Well damn it. If you are going to bitch and whine about glasses being broken, don't put
> them out. If you are going to put up a bar, make sure the surface is flat. If there is
> an uneven surface, don't put an protective mat on top to disguise it and then another
> cloth on top of that. It is an accident looking for a place to hide it.

Obviously she's a no class selfish bitch... if you can't afford a
proper bar then use plastic... what if you had hurt yourself, cut
yourself badly... but all the bitch was concerned with is her stinkin'
glass, probably was nothing so special anyway.

My next door neighbor is a scotch drinker. He works hard and drinks
hard. When Mark stops by for whatever reason, if only to bring some of
his veggies, I'll offer him his Johnny Walker Black (I don't drink it
but keep it special for him), I'll pour him a high ball glass full
except for the space three ice cubes occupy, that's his drink... high
ball glass fits his tractor's cup holder better than stemware.
Sometimes he'll stay long enough for a second or even a thrid, but then
his wife comes looking for him... he's gotta run (Goddess has spoken)
but not without his unfinished drink... heck, by now he must own a
couple dozen of my $1.50 barware, but what do I care when the scotch I
poured into one glass is worth like four glasses. I know one day he
will walk in with like a gross of my cheapo glasses, and I'll continue
to fill them again... Mark is the greatest neighbor I ever had, if I
had a son I'd want him to be like Mark.

People who entertain never put out family heirloom tableware, not for
the plebian hordes... people who entertain regularly buy cheapo
glassware by the case. I don't even use my fancy-schmancy glassware
when it's just me... yes, it's for show! Like who needs a $50 goblet
for $2 worth of gin.

I have a lot of possessions that are just for show. I collect fountain
pens, I have many worth into the thousands of dollars, some into the
tens of thousands of dollars... I actually on occasion use them, but
essentially they are for show, in fact they are so for show that I am
the only one who ever sees them. Anyone wants to borrow a pen I have
19¢ BICs.

Sheldon wrote:

> Then considering your opening premise you're being hipocritical.
> Anyway, wine glasses are cheap, a box of eight everyday
> stemware/barware costs like $10-$15... if a neighbor came to me and
> asked to borrow stemware (it's probably last minute and the stores are
> closed) I'd gift them a box of Luminarc, I have plenty extra. Normal
> people neither borrow or lend expensive crystal... which is why I don't
> believe your story.
>
> Normal people who entertain own tableware of various caliber cost...
> it's perfectly normal to choose which service to use by occasion and
> for which guests. Normal people don't use their best service for all
> occasions/all guests, not unless your best service is melmac. I don't
> use anywhere near my best service for sandwiches, potato salad, and jug
> wine. And yes, I have sets of crystal I keep displayed behind glass,
> and under lock and key, but on occasion it does get used, typically for
> small intimate gatherings consisting of civilized folk who also have
> similar priorities and so appreciate and respect others valuable
> property... like when my brother visits we'll sip $200 brandy, he can
> choose whichever glassware he likes, usually the ones he gifted me that
> he purchased from Tiffany that cost $50 per, or those that belonged to
> our parents, which are priceless. Do you really think I should feel
> obligated to lend a set of valuable crystal stemware, r u nutz.
>
> Learn: http://www.luminarc.us/info/aboutUs.php
>

I have a propensity to break stemware and so I stopped battling it. It's
cheap, but I buy mine at IKEA. It's cheap so I don't mind if it breaks (which
it does) and it is extremely plain and simple which is my taste in dishes and
glassware.

The funny thing about the bread plate breaking was that it was the next
morning, the dishes were stacked in the kitched waiting to be washed and David
just accidentally knocked it down. I'm even less upset about it now, it's a
Wedgwood pattern (Amherst) that won't be discontinued any time soon (with
luck), so i'll be able to get the plate easily. I do take care of this china,
it means a great deal to me. I store everything in the special containers
seperated with foam and I keep them stored away in a cabinet until I need
them. My big concern is my mother getting upset that I broke one of her plates
(logically, I know she won't, but you know how things go with mothers)

At one point I had 6 sets of dishes. When I sold the house I brought it down
to 3 just to conserve space.

--
..:Heather:.
www.velvet-c.com
Step off, beyotches, I'm the roflpimp!

I just talked to my mom and she insisted that I not replace it until it goes
on sale. She says what you all said, it's meant to be used and as such, in
danger of being broken. She occasionally laments that her Christmas china is
cracked and chipped but knows that every crack and chip is earned because she
uses them.

So I'll wait until I can find it for cheap.

On 27 Dec 2005 08:23:31 -0800, Sheldon wrote:

> Then considering your opening premise you're being hipocritical.
> Anyway, wine glasses are cheap, a box of eight everyday
> stemware/barware costs like $10-$15... if a neighbor came to me and
> asked to borrow stemware (it's probably last minute and the stores are
> closed) I'd gift them a box of Luminarc, I have plenty extra. Normal
> people neither borrow or lend expensive crystal... which is why I don't
> believe your story.
>
> Normal people who entertain own tableware of various caliber cost...
> it's perfectly normal to choose which service to use by occasion and
> for which guests. Normal people don't use their best service for all
> occasions/all guests, not unless your best service is melmac. I don't
> use anywhere near my best service for sandwiches, potato salad, and jug
> wine.

I go down to the local restaurant supply house for mine and get it as
inexpensively as possible. If I can buy a case of nice looking
stemware at $1 or $2 each, I feel like I've hit the jackpot.
http://www.galasource.com

--

Practice safe eating. Always use condiments.

> wrote

> My philosophy: If you have something you don't want to risk being
> broken by guests, and don't want t have to hover over it worrying about
> it while entertaining -- then don't use it!

I agree with that ...

> Put it on display behind
> locked glass doors. Leave it in sight to impress people, but not
> worry. But then, I think it's crass to have displays just to
> "impress," so I don't do that.

.... but I disagree here ... if it's something I feel strongly about,
sentimental
value, whatever, I would rather not use them with kids around or
whatever. I don't own a damn thing to impress anyone, but I have
had things that would upset me if they were broken.

> I once loaned some crystal wine glasses to a friend for an event. They
> were returned packed badly in a box with two broken. I didn't say a
> word. Would never. However, I won't loan him anything again.

Once you loaned it, you had to really accept that it was out of your
hands, so to speak. Usually no one will be as careful with your
stuff as you are. Doesn't mean I wouldn't have been ****ed off.
As Sheldon and someone else said, they can just go buy halfway
decent stuff or rent it, then no one has any worries.

I don't see anything wrong with keeping special stuff for special
occasions. Or with having a matched set of dishes, for that matter.
Doesn't mean your every day stuff is schlock, just that it is sturdier.
What's wrong with that.

nancy

> I don't see anything wrong with keeping special stuff for special
> occasions. Or with having a matched set of dishes, for that matter.
> Doesn't mean your every day stuff is schlock, just that it is sturdier.
> What's wrong with that.
>
> nancy

Nope, nothing wrong. It's like having Sunday-go-to-meetin' clothes. And
there are times we like to honor others with what we consider the loveliest
we can present.
Dee Dee

> After the night of the first real use, David accidentally drops a bread
> plate
> and shatters it. I'm not mad, i know it was an accident, but that damned
> thing, that small 6 inch plate, costs $23 plus shipping.
>

All the dishes I use are antiques and give me a great pleasure to use them.
Yes, they get broken on occasion. I've found ebay and Replacements.com
great sources to pick things up. If it's a piece you can wait until
Replacements has a sale or find an auction on ebay that no one seems
interested in you can replace some things cheaper.

Lynne

The Bubbo wrote:
> After much finagling and sibling rivalry I managed to inherit my mother's
> Wedgwood china (I think my argument that my mom gave my sister the Saab was
> pretty much the end of the debate). I've had this china since May and Friday
> night was the first time I'd really gotten to use it.
>
> I had a complete set of Wedgwood before, but my ex got that in the Great
> Division of Property (I also lost my KA food processor, but I got the buffet
> crammed full of serving dishes).
>
> After the night of the first real use, David accidentally drops a bread plate
> and shatters it. I'm not mad, i know it was an accident, but that damned
> thing, that small 6 inch plate, costs $23 plus shipping.
>
> Dammit.
>
>

Think of it as a nice legacy and replace the plate. Be thankful that
it's still available.

gloria p

The Bubbo wrote:
> After much finagling and sibling rivalry I managed to inherit my mother's
> Wedgwood china (I think my argument that my mom gave my sister the Saab was
> pretty much the end of the debate). I've had this china since May and Friday
> night was the first time I'd really gotten to use it.
>
> I had a complete set of Wedgwood before, but my ex got that in the Great
> Division of Property (I also lost my KA food processor, but I got the buffet
> crammed full of serving dishes).
>
> After the night of the first real use, David accidentally drops a bread plate
> and shatters it. I'm not mad, i know it was an accident, but that damned
> thing, that small 6 inch plate, costs $23 plus shipping.

My Mom's china was an obscure 1950's Royal Doulton pattern that (even
in my years as an antiques dealer) I've never seen anywhere else. When
she died, my Dad remarried & I saw precious little of the china, but
always remembered it fondly. After my Dad & Stepmother died a few
years ago their daughters divided their estate. I was delighted to walk
away with the remnants of Mom's Royal Doulton service for 8. Over the
years there'd been significant breakage and I was down to a complete
service for 5. After suffering severe sticker shock at the
Replacements website, I tried ebay & w/in a month scored every piece I
needed to restore the service to its full glory...for a tenth of the
cost at Replacements. If I were you I'd give ebay a whirl.

Nancy T

In article . com>,
"ntantiques" > wrote:

> Over the years there'd been significant breakage and I was down to a
> complete service for 5. After suffering severe sticker shock at the
> Replacements website, I tried ebay & w/in a month scored every piece
> I needed to restore the service to its full glory...for a tenth of
> the cost at Replacements.
>
> Nancy T

Yeay, Nancy!! I've never met a dish I didn't like. "-)
--
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com, updated 12-22-05

ntantiques wrote:
> The Bubbo wrote:
> > After much finagling and sibling rivalry I managed to inherit my mother's
> > Wedgwood china (I think my argument that my mom gave my sister the Saab was
> > pretty much the end of the debate). I've had this china since May and Friday
> > night was the first time I'd really gotten to use it.
> >
> > I had a complete set of Wedgwood before, but my ex got that in the Great
> > Division of Property (I also lost my KA food processor, but I got the buffet
> > crammed full of serving dishes).
> >
> > After the night of the first real use, David accidentally drops a bread plate
> > and shatters it. I'm not mad, i know it was an accident, but that damned
> > thing, that small 6 inch plate, costs $23 plus shipping.
>
> My Mom's china was an obscure 1950's Royal Doulton pattern that (even
> in my years as an antiques dealer) I've never seen anywhere else. When
> she died, my Dad remarried & I saw precious little of the china, but
> always remembered it fondly. After my Dad & Stepmother died a few
> years ago their daughters divided their estate. I was delighted to walk
> away with the remnants of Mom's Royal Doulton service for 8. Over the
> years there'd been significant breakage and I was down to a complete
> service for 5. After suffering severe sticker shock at the
> Replacements website, I tried ebay & w/in a month scored every piece I
> needed to restore the service to its full glory...for a tenth of the
> cost at Replacements. If I were you I'd give ebay a whirl.
>
> Nancy T

Being in the trade doesn't make it any easier to find the stuff
sometimes does it? I've been searching for the past four years for the
pieces I need to fill in what was once service for 24.
Gr.-Grandmother-in-Law bought the set around 1910 at Gumps in San Fran
and had it shipped back to Boston. Adams Titian Ware in the Alcazar
pattern seems next to non-existant on the east coast, Ebay has been
kind to me on uncommon pieces but oatmeal bowls seem near impossible to
locate. None of my dinnerware patterns are still active but this is
the hardest to find, filling in her missing Rose Medalion pieces was
exponentially easier.

Jessica

In article >,
The Bubbo > wrote:


> After the night of the first real use, David accidentally drops a bread plate
> and shatters it. I'm not mad, i know it was an accident, but that damned
> thing, that small 6 inch plate, costs $23 plus shipping.

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.

--
Dan Abel

Petaluma, California, USA

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

"Leila" > wrote in message
oups.com...

[]
> 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.

*chuckle* I once lived in a student house where "mismatched china" was a
total understatement, since we'd all contributed whatever bits and pieces
parents and relatives had passed on to us. One of the girls went out to make
coffee one time, and called back from the kitchen, "Which cup would you
like - Aynsley, Royal Doulton, Denby or Chipped Anonymous?"

Jani

The Bubbo wrote:
> After much finagling and sibling rivalry I managed to inherit my mother's
> Wedgwood china (I think my argument that my mom gave my sister the Saab was
> pretty much the end of the debate). I've had this china since May and Friday
> night was the first time I'd really gotten to use it.
>
> I had a complete set of Wedgwood before, but my ex got that in the Great
> Division of Property (I also lost my KA food processor, but I got the buffet
> crammed full of serving dishes).
>
> After the night of the first real use, David accidentally drops a bread plate
> and shatters it. I'm not mad, i know it was an accident, but that damned
> thing, that small 6 inch plate, costs $23 plus shipping.
>
> Dammit.

Check Ebay periodically or make a "favorite search" item so you'll be
notified when that particular pattern is offered. Most of the time,
it's quite inexpensive compared with a regular retailer.

N.