Why I Cherish My Wedgwood Florentine Dinnerware

You know the line: "No one actually uses fine china anymore."

People say it like it’s gospel. Like all those carefully packed boxes in family attics are just waiting for the next trip to the thrift store. Maybe you’ve heard the same arguments I have—china is impractical, too delicate, not worth the trouble, and definitely not dishwasher safe. We treat heirloom dinnerware like it’s a burden, not a blessing.

But here’s the thing: that’s not the whole story.

I used to believe all the hype. That fancy dinnerware was for people who didn’t actually cook, or for weddings and funerals, not Tuesday night pasta. It felt like a relic—something my grandmother clung to, then my mother, and now, apparently, me. And yes, I’ll admit it: I was the person who thought, "Do we really just take it to a thrift store when the time comes?"

That question haunted me every time I opened my own sideboard. I’d inherited a beautiful set of dishes, and for years, I let them collect dust, convinced I was just the next link in a chain of guilty storage.

"My dear mother has been moving her full set of fine china from house to apartment and now to her assisted living closet."

Sound familiar?

Rethinking the Value of Fine Dinnerware

There’s this persistent myth that heirloom dinnerware is only for special occasions—or worse, that it’s too fragile and outdated to bother with. But after a decade of hosting everything from awkward holiday dinners to spontaneous Sunday brunches, I’ve learned that the right dinnerware can actually change the way you experience food, family, and even those so-called "ordinary" days.

First, let’s get one thing straight: not all fine china is created equal. Some pieces, like the Wedgwood Florentine dark green set, are built to be used. I picked up a Wedgwood Florentine 5 piece place setting for about $75 after years of eyeing it online. The first time I unpacked it, I noticed how solid the plates felt—substantial, but not heavy. The pattern wasn’t just painted on; it was part of the porcelain, vivid and intricate.

I’ve seen people dismiss these sets as impractical, but I’ve used mine for everything from roast chicken to takeout sushi. The plates hold up. The cup feels balanced. The saucer actually fits under the cup without that weird wobble you get from cheaper sets. And yes, if you’re careful, they can survive a gentle dishwasher cycle (though I usually hand-wash out of habit).

But the real surprise was how much it changed the mood at the table. Suddenly, dinner felt intentional. Even leftovers looked elevated. Friends started asking about the pattern, and every meal felt a little more like an event—even if it was just me, reheating soup.

I get it: "I’m sure it’s not worth anything and not dishwasher safe." That’s the story we’ve been told, but it’s not the full picture. Fine dinnerware isn’t about dollar value or convenience. It’s about making the everyday feel special—and honestly, after the last few years, don’t we all need more of that?

Challenging the "Just Store It" Mindset

Here’s where the real tension comes in. For a long time, I was paralyzed by the idea that I was just the next person to store a set nobody wanted. Every move, I’d wrap the plates in newspaper, feeling guilty and slightly ridiculous. When I finally asked others, the responses hit too close: "No one in the family wants it."

I started to wonder: what’s the point? Why keep something nobody uses?

But then two things happened. First, I broke one of my everyday plates in a spectacularly clumsy moment—think slippery hands, a pile of groceries, and a very loud crash. Second, I realized I was tired of treating nice things like they were too precious for real life. What was I saving them for?

So, I started using the Wedgwood set for real meals. Not just holidays. Not just when guests came over. Tuesday night, Friday lunch, whenever. And something shifted. Meals became more intentional. I slowed down. I cared more about what I was eating. Even my notoriously picky nephew commented that "the food looks fancy today."

"My dear mother has been moving her full set of fine china from house to apartment and now to her assisted living closet."

That line kept coming back to me. I didn’t want to be the next person storing memories instead of making them.

The Hidden Benefits (and the Real Challenges)

Let’s be honest: there are challenges. Fine dinnerware takes up space. It needs a bit more care. You can’t exactly stack it like your Ikea plates. But there’s something to be said for making room—physically and emotionally—for things that matter.

Here’s what I learned after a year of using my Wedgwood set regularly:

Meals feel more intentional, even if it’s just cereal.
The pattern sparks conversation and nostalgia.
I actually enjoy hand-washing these pieces.
Guests notice, and it changes the energy at the table.
I stopped worrying about "saving" things for later.

Not every piece has to be precious, but a little ceremony never hurt anyone.

Alternatives: What If You’re Still Not Sold?

Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, "I just want something I can toss in the dishwasher." That’s fair. There are plenty of durable, everyday dinnerware sets out there. Brands like Corelle and Fiesta offer chip-resistant, microwave-safe options that can take a beating. If you’re outfitting a first apartment or you have kids who treat plates like frisbees, those sets make sense.

But if you want something that feels special—something with history and presence—the Wedgwood Florentine is hard to beat. I paid about $75 for my set, and it feels like an investment in experiences, not just objects. You can find this exact set in mint condition, which is honestly rare for vintage china.

If you’re still on the fence, consider this: you don’t have to use fine dinnerware every day. But don’t let it gather dust out of guilt, either. Pull it out for Sunday dinner, or just for yourself on a slow morning. Life’s too short to save the good plates for "someday."

The Bottom Line

I know the temptation: box up the china, pass it down, hope someone else figures out what to do with it. But after actually using my Wedgwood set, I wouldn’t go back. It’s not just about plates—it’s about how you want to experience daily life. Whether you go for this Wedgwood Florentine set, a modern alternative, or something in between, just make a choice that feels right for you. Stop letting nostalgia—or guilt—decide for you.

Try something new this week, or pull out the pieces you already own tonight. Whether it’s this set or another, just use what you have. You’ll be surprised how much it changes things.

Why I Cherish My Wedgwood Florentine Dinnerware