We started watching through the classic TV show Little House on the Prairie as a family a few weeks ago and we’re enjoying it so much! It was already a few seasons in when I was born, so I watched a lot of it as reruns when I was older. I liked the show, but I have an entirely new perspective watching it as an adult. It’s so refreshing to watch a TV show that, while it’s a little corny and too perfect at times, it champions things like hard work, strong character, being truthful and having faith. We’ve had some great conversations because of it and I’ve even been reminded of some things along the way. (And I have noticed some ironstone milk pitchers, too!)
In one episode, Charles works in exchange for a set of blue & white dishes for Caroline. At the end, Laura shares that those “fancy dishes” became their everyday dishes. “Ma said special dishes are for special people, not special occasions.”
Now, I don’t have caution cones and red tape around my nice dishes, but only the adults use them and the boys are stuck with these…
We recently had our boys start setting the table and getting drinks for everyone, so they are more involved in preparing for dinner. Instead of grabbing plastic cups for themselves, they started getting the glass water goblets from the very top shelf of the cabinet that houses the glasses. “We want to use the fancy glasses.”
I realized that, on their own, they were making our everyday family dinners a special occasion. And they are right! It should be a special thing, because we’re all special. When it’s looked at from that perspective, who cares if a plate or a glass gets broken now and then? What’s the use of having enough ironstone china and pretty flatware to feed an army, which we do, if only Jeff and I use them?
So, I told the boys yesterday that we’re pitching (or passing on) all of their plastic dishes and cups.
They were delighted.
And I’m happy, too, to see the things I have collected over the years used by those I love.
78 Responses
Oh, yes! I agree with using special dishes for everyday! The family is special, dinner together is special and kids are a part of it all! I have found that in allowing them to use the real dishes, it teaches them at a young age how to care for real things too.
Your dishes are lovely!
Deanna
It is always so refreshing to read your posts and catch a glimpse of the kind of person you really are. Thanks for sharing your thoughts as well as your talents!
Sincerely,
Carol
Yes! I completely agree. My boys are now 16 and 20. Unless it is pizza and movie night, we set the table for supper – porcelain or stoneware, correct flatware for the meal, serving dishes, real glassware or crystal. There have been very few broken things, and most of those have been my fault not theirs. Either of the boys are comfortable in casual or formal dinner company because of this. They can go to any restaurant, any event, or anyone’s home and function with ease. They also know that there isn’t anyone more “special” to come to our table than those who belong there every night.
On a practical note, experience tells me glassware is less likely to spill than plastic ware. The weight of a glass makes a big difference in stability, and a glass with a stem is easier for small hands to grasp.
Most of our special dinner ware hasn’t been broken by the kids while they were using it, but by clumsy dishwashers. I can’t tell you how many wine glasses I’ve broken by moving too quickly while putting them away. I just broke two plates because I stacked them up precariously while drying them. My husband hates plastic anything (for health, aesthetic and political reasons), so we’ve tried to minimize its use in our home.
great perspective!!!
I had to smile because who knew the special touches I create for the most special people in my life everyday somehow made it into a tv show. It is just something my grandmother and mother did.
WOW a reply from Laura Ingalls Gunn about her ancestors that we all have come to know and love……you can’t get any better than that!
Great advice from the Little House on the Prairie and MMS !
What wonderful memories you are making for your family. I remember when my kids were tiny, an older neighbor woman told me to take “mental snapshots” at the supper table once in awhile. She said, “As you’re all gathered around the table laughing and talking, be intentional on making a mental note that this is now and it is wonderful. Then, when you are my age, you can play those memories over and over without any fancy equipment.” She was so right.
I also love The Little House series, but have you read the books? I love them even more! 🙂
I totally agree. I recently got my parents’ wedding china which I never remember using as a child, not even for holidays. My mother passed away never using her wedding china and crystal because she was keeping it for special occasions. Very sad!
I love to set a pretty table and I’m determined to rotate their dishes in the mix. 60 years is long enough to sit in a dark closet!
Yes! We use our beautiful plates everyday. My boys are 5, 4, 20 months and 4 months. They have broken one ironstone salad plate but no big deal! It’s totally worth the risk to me.
Great story and you are making nemories. Thete is no point having it if you can not use it.
Great story and you are making memories. Thete is no point having it if you can not use it.
You won’t be sorry!
Years ago, I realized that, unless my children had memories attached to our special things, then those things did not have any meaning for them. Heirlooms are nothing unless they’re used and loved…even if it is just “now and then.”
Yes! It took me a lot of years to figure that out, but our Middles and Littles love using the “special” glasses. One of my little girls only wants to use the “new” spoons for her breakfast. Those new spoons are vintage silver plate, and she thinks they’re fit for a princess. She’s right. 🙂
I loved Little House, my kids on the other hand not so much lol. We always set the table and my girls always loved using crystal and nice dishes. A lot of things got broken along the way, by me and them but we enjoyed it and my kids remember it fondly. Now they complain that I have too much stuff! Your pics are so beautiful, they go well with your lovely post.
Yes, we are family who uses our “special plates” and glasses every day! I love pretty dishes and things and i want to share them with our family and others. We own three sets of different style plates and use them all 🙂 I love transferware dishes. Practically, i have had friends comment that they felt special since i had brought out our nice china for them. If not for my friends and family, who am i saving it for? 🙂
We ditched the plastic a little over a year ago. We got vintage juice glasses for cheap at the monthly antique markets. They’re the perfect kid size, and if they break, they weren’t expensive! The kids have broken a couple, and they’ve also broken some of my blue and white casual china (not that expensive from Neiman Marcus), but I like that everyone gets to enjoy a little formality. We pull the silver out for Sunday breakfasts, too!
As silly as this sounds…THIS is on the top of my list as favorite blogs yet!! So true, who are we holding out for, we should be enjoying all our beautiful things. Everyday should be treated SPECIAL, I mean, we are NOT promised tomorrow, right?! I ditched our plastic ware few years ago when my daughter was around 8, she should be using the good stuff too…
When I was in college and engaged, a lovely, gracious older lady from church attended my bridal shower and gave me two sets of crystal glasses. She said, “Always use your good stuff for your family, because they’re the most special.” I love that!
Oh, I couldn’t agree more. I used to belong to an online tablescape group where we make pretty tablescapes every week. It was a lot of fun. But the take away was making beautiful tablescapes all the time. I also always make a point to have a pretty tablescape for every holiday, even if no one is coming over. There is no point in saving pretty things for “someday” or even “once a year”. Pretty things make us feel good and add to the ambiance of the moment. I especially love eating by candlelight. The conversation is always different and more relaxed.
Oh, also, look up the book Little Britches by Ralph Moody. It’s like Little House, but the boy version- the story of Ralph’s family starting a farm in Colorado in early 1900’s. The character lessons are incredible. It’s a wonderful read aloud or you yourself will devour it in a couple evenings. So inspiring and honest. My 7yo, 5yo and even 3yo enjoyed it.
You have such sweet boys. Around here things tend to get misplaced and weeks later we will find a drinking glass, cup, or plate lying around somewhere in the yard. Who knows what it was being used for or what was so important that the cup was left there before putting it away. We’ll never know. I swear my kids juggle with the plates as they are putting the dishes in the dish washer. Every once in a while you will hear strange remarks coming from the kitchen such as “whew! I caught it.”
Although I have been reading your blog for more than a year this is my first time to comment. I don’t always take time to read the comments and rarely pay any attention to who writes them. Tonight one caught my attention. I was so pleasantly surprised to read the one written by Laura Ingalls Gunn, cousin of Laura Ingalls. I too believe there isn’t anyone more special than our children to use what we have together as a family. Most things can be replaced. Miriam, I appreciate what you are doing. Keep the faith and keep sharing what you love!
Erma Bombeck recounted when she found out she was dying she would have burnt the candles sooner she was saving for a special occasion. How true.
L O V E the dishes you have on your table there! I have a collection of hard plastic eating ware that my children use, but honestly, I prefer my thick ironstone for everyone to use, it holds up so much more and that it totally fine with me =)
In the last two days my youngest (who’s three) has broken two glasses and a plate. I was grumpy… and then this evening I found your post! Perfect timing 🙂
We have been watching the Little House series for several months now. Each month we buy the next season. I love that the kids(7 yr old triplets) are enjoying it with me and that we have had lots of great conversations. I especially love that they are realising that we have more than enough. Before they were more caught up with what there friends had and they wanted e.g. iPad, cell phones etc. They now realise that the stuff isn’t what is important.
Our kids have also been setting the table and loving it. We had a pizza night and they loved helping me make them. They were the waiters and set the table, with plates, napkins, glasses, candles and a table cloth. They now know where the proper place for the knife, fork, side plate, water glass and dessert spoon and fork are. They are proud of that. When i need the table set i just ask who wants to be my waiter tonight. I love that they like to make dinner with me too. Making memories that they will carry on with their family one day is priceless.
Growing up in a small village, our local grocer had as a promotion “The Friendly Village” stoneware piece available each week for purchase. My Mom had collected just about the whole set that way & I thought everyone used these dishes everyday. Years later….when it became collectible…people thought we were pretty special using such fancy dinnerware daily. Mom had her “good dishes” for use at Christmas & Easter dinner….
I think my love of stoneware came from those everyday dishes…as I collect Mason’s Pink Vista.
LOVE this! We recently inherited all my Mother-in-love’s special dishes and glassware and silverware. Half of them where her mother before her special dishes, glasses and flatware. I remember seeing them in grandmother’s china hutch then mom’s china hutch so rather than store them in our china hutch and then pass them along to our daughter we are using them! A couple have been broken and some paint washed off in the dishwasher but la de da…they are used and loved. Having a bridal tea today and all the silver is polished and stemware lined up and china tea cups are out and I can’t wait for these “special people” to use the “special dishes”.
My grandmother was an orphan. Nonetheless, during her lifetime, she built a gorgeous collection of mahogany furniture, art, crystal and Limoges china. When she passed away in 1985, all the Limoges went into a box. Fast forward to 2006; as a newlywed (at 50!) with a remodeled kitchen, I FINALLY un-boxed it and happily placed the Limoges in the kitchen. Of course it comes out for Thanksgiving and Easter dinners. But it also comes out ANYTIME we have anyone over for dinner. On Memorial Day weekend, my DSS and his GF came for a bbq dinner, and I trotted the Limoges out to the backyard! Add my voice to the chorus–if you have it, use it! I so enjoy reading your blog – I start every morning with coffee and your blog!
Good for you! I’ve always felt that children can handle more responsibility than they get credit for. Mine have learned from age three to use regular dishes, worth very few mishaps. I have a 60yr. old brother in law who is so afraid of breaking anything, that he will only use unbreakable dishes and glasses. I have a set that we use outdoors, and he will always use them when he come here. Makes us crazy, because we have to hand wash them. My hubs has even tried hiding them, but somehow he always finds them! 🙂 We’re tempted to throw them out so he will be forced to use the everyday stuff – we don’t even own any “good ” China, just plain white and cheap glasses!
Lovely post! In our family we always let the “Birthday person” have the best china for every meal that day. What is the name of the pattern in your blue dishes?
I bought them on clearance from Anthropologie, so I’m afraid they aren’t available any more.
I don’t. Think I have anything in my home that can’t be replaced. I love it all and enjoy. Just the other day I encouraged a friend to use her Mothers sterling. What good is it in a box if you can’t enjoy it.
I totally agree, we never used plastic only when my kids were tiny, always ceramic and glass. And with my grandchildren the same we didnt ever have much breakage. A good way to appreciate and respect. Plus a meal with your family IS special! Thanks for the wonderful blogs..
Growing up, our main meal was at lunchtime and the regular everyday settings were linen napkins, linen tablecloth, silver utensils, glassware and matching plates. This was also done at breakfast. Us children, from a very early age, were taught how to set the table for meals. My grandmother also served meals this way. Because the napkins were 100% linen, we used the same ones for several meals in a row. Before we were excused from the table, we had to refold our napkin for the next meal. If we forgot to refold, our mother would say “are you not coming for the next meal”! This was not our daily life because we were fancy and lived in a city. We lived all my growing up years in a rental house in a very small town in rural southern New Mexico. I have worked all over the world and been totally comfortable in any setting because I grew up this way. And as a side note, we kids were charged with ironing all the linen napkins!
Your blog this week reminded me of how grateful most of your readers (and myself) should be that we are blessed with such richness in our lives. There are many in the world who would love to have such simple things as plastic dishes and “the good stuff”.
Little House on the Prairie is one of our favorites! My 12 year old daughter also loves watching The Waltons. Great life lessons in every episode. And I agree – every day should be a celebration!
I have to agree, I love both of these shows. May I add Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman to the list? My daughter used to love to watch it at about that age!
I too grew up in a home were the dishes were the dishes. They had been my grandmothers and were a beautiful old Noritake pattern. They were however in autumn colors and I prefer pastels. My next door neighbor loved them so I gave them to her and started collecting my beloved pastels. 2 years ago when I downsized into a vintage camper and had little storage, I took a place setting from the different patterns I had collected. Most people use paper plates when “camping”, me I have my pink china.
For most of us in the USA, any day we wake up above ground is a special day. None of us know when the last day will arrive; it’s best to use special for today.
Paper plates are excellent for packing between china dishes…not much else -smile-.
Marian … Thank you for sharing your sweet thoughts. They touched me, and I know that our “Littles” are the happiest when they are trusted to be mature enough to handle the really “special things” and the “big jobs!” ~ making them feel so grown up!
And something else I’ve found ~ the more you use that sterling, for example, the less you need to polish ~ we have my MIL’s and it seems to just sparkle with repeated use and, of course, hand washing!
When our children were growing up, I always used our good china for our Sabbath lunch and holiday dinners. (my MIL bought them in Japan when they were stationed there when my husband was 10 y.o.) and silver flatware (also from her). Used our wedding crystal iced tea glasses as well. They loved the specialness of the meal and of being together as a family. My kids were never spillers and never broke a single item. LOL
I, too, loved the Little House series of books, as well as the TV programs when they started. Pretty soon I’m going to have a grandchild that’s old enough to read the books to!
I so enjoy your posts and how you share your life with us. Thank you!
Marian what a sweet, tender story. America’s real story is about hard work, strong character, being truthful and having faith and I pray we never loose what we’re all about. Viva America.
Cute post! We used to live in a house with a pull out cabinet for the garbage. For her chore my daughter would scrape the plates over the trash and stack them on the counter. I realized after we ran low on silverware that she had been throwing it away with the food scraps!
A very sweet post! Years ago when I homeschooled, we did a Little House on the Prairie unit study, which was so much fun and provided many happy memories! The kids actually did some of the very things described in the books, although it was challenging to make snow on the mountain, living in Florida! I’m like you — we use the good stuff everyday.
I absorbed Little House On The Prairie throughout my childhood, first the books and then the TV. I loved it so much and am delighted that you have received a message from the author. I related with Laura so much, I was on a small farm and read both the original and second series of books. It’s such a grounding in faith and common sense. Thank you for bringing back such precious memories.
That’s why I get all my dishes and glassware at Goodwill (or the side of the road, if I’m lucky!!!). Who cares if it gets broken. I don’t even like matching anything for that reason. No anxiety in my house.
Oh I am so glad that I am not the only one who loves L.H.O.T.P…what a sweet story..thanks for sharing.
Oh how I loved Little House when I was a child: the books and the series. They’re what started my love of old houses and antiques that’s never abated (said as I write this in our 1840s home).
As for special occasion pieces, I always tell DH that there is no occasion more special than simply being alive. Get out that silver!
I love using vintage china, flatware, and glasses all the time. Everything tastes better when eaten with a silver spoon, whether it’s cereal or ice cream. 🙂
Serving fresh fruit in a pink depression sherbet glass is one of life’s simple pleasures, I think. And something my mother taught me well is to always arrange food attractively on a plate, even if it is just a sandwich. Sometimes the littlest things can bring joy to our days!
We just started watching the series with the family as well! I loved the show and the books growing up. 🙂
The Little House Series was one of my favorites. It painted a strong message about family and neighbors that could be applied to modern life. I use my good dishes and glasses for my family dinners as well. The only times my good stemware was broken was by adults. They will appreciate these times when they are grown and on their own as my son who is 24 now likes to have his own table set and no tv during dinner.
I love your blue and white especially the small fork with the blue handle!
While I have my great- great grandmothers china which I save for big family dinners, for everyday I have several small collections of pretty china and glassware. I’ve always felt that I might as well use the things I love and teach my children and grandchildren to appreciate them as well.( except for the baby who likes to throw things-she gets vintage melamine) My oldest grand-daughter has started her own collection of china and I often find her using my limoges teacups and depression glass bowls for snacks on the porch with her friends. When a set of china or glassware gets broken I mix and match patterns for a while, then eventually they become saucers for crafts or plants and I have an excuse to look for something new.
Just look at the number of responses, and from Laura Ingalls Gunn~ Today starts a new day for me. I love my everyday dinnerware but my fine china rarely gets used~ I believe it stems from it being so “fine” and working so hard to have lovely things that they are only for special times. Truth be told we don’t entertain that way like we once did so they are seldom used at all. I now have a new perspective…if I own them, I must give credence to them and use them lovingly~ tomorrow I will. Thank you LIttle Miss Mustard Seed!! Fondly, Cynthia
This post put a smile on my face during my late nite blog reading sessions. Kids will learn to care for things, especially when they know they are part of the specialness. There is something to be said about washing your hands, setting the table, saying grace and eating as a family. The ritual says it is important we take time out to be grateful for what we have and who we share it with. God bless vintage shows and pretty plates!
What a wonderful reminder. I think it’s time to get rid of the plastic as well. :). Question: how do you know if it’s safe to use old ironstone? Are there any concerns to be aware of as many pieces have crazing which I love but it has made me hesitant to use it.
Thanks!
Marion….what a wonderful post. I grew up watching the Little House series from the beginning and always loved it! Still catch reruns on occasion.
Our little grand-daughter just turned 3 and I have started using my real dishes for her when she comes over and spends time with us. She still likes her Sat. am cereal in some old plastic Kellogg’s cereal bowls that her daddy used when he was little though. 🙂
Good luck with the sale of your home.
Blessing!
Vanessa
I
Loved your post and it gave me a whole new perspective on using my special dishes. I have a service for 12 of Blue Danube and a service for 6 of mixed red (pink) antique dishes that I guard with my life. I think it’s time to actually put some food on them! :0)
Well said! I remember that episode. It’s so true that if we give our little guys or gals a chance they can totally learn to enjoy the “special” dishes right along with us. Why not? And dishes are meant to be used. My mom and I are dish hounds and we totally don’t use them but once a year. Time to break free, right? I’d hate to look back in regret at those dusty plates and think, I should have had tea with my boys every day if they wanted to. The memories you make are priceless in comparison to that chipped cup! Thanks for that post. 🙂
When my children were very little and still throwing things, plastic was the way to go. Once they were at the table, they had something very special. I had found depression glass divided plates so that the food wouldn’t touch, something very important to some children! Once they didn’t mind their food touching, regular dishes, etc. I also have many odd pieces that I use and love for snacks, etc. and don’t care if they don’t match. If I like them, they are welcome at my table.
It makes me sad to see sets of old dishes that were never used and are at the flea markets. I read Erma Bombeck’s admonition to use your things with your family and not save them and I knew her advice was spot on!
I don’t usually comment on many postings, but I want to let you know that I believe this is my favorite post so far. Made me smile, thanks
My mom was a child of the depression. When mom died and I was cleaning out her home, there were many beautiful desert gobblets, cut glass serving bowls & platters. She had 15 (at least) sets of dishes. We always ate using the not so nice things . She saved the best for company. She had new dresses and pretty gowns with the price tags still attached. That was my lesson that life is short. Every day is special and worthy of celebrating by using the nice things. We kept a few things and sold or donated the rest.
I too was blessed with sons, one who is ADHD. We always had a special dinner night where we used good dishes and lit candles. We had the best meal time for conversation and learning proper manners! My active son sat quietly watching the candle light and how the glasses and dishes sparkled. It gave him skills to “quiet ” down and listening skills which end helped as he grew older. While working in retail I had one customer that was wanting just one set of dishes. She told me that though she was widowed God our Heavenly Father was always present at her table and she made sure it was always well set !
Good for you! I have to admit we got rid of our “fine” china a number of years ago. Not because we didn’t love using it but because we were moving and didn’t know how much space we would have. HOwever it prompted me to bring out the antique cloth napkins and the found silver flatware/vintage flatware. Our boys loved it! and still do! At 18 our middle son has said it made him feel loved to know that I was willing to share our best with them! It warms a mother’s heart!
The picture with milk, cereal, and yogurt, in your dishes, is beautifully priceless. Totally worth any risk of a broken dish, to gather with such caring. Thank u for sharing!
When I moved out of the house my mother gave me the set of Wedgwood china that was her second set of good dishes and the set I had admired for years. It came along with matching silver. She said – you may as well take it now as inherit it later and I know you’ll use it. That’s better than having it sit in a cupboard for the next 30 years.
And she was right. I used it a lot in the first few years after moving out. Now it gets used less, but that’s because that set was the beginning of my dish obsession. I’m not hooked on ironstone but I am hooked on dishware of all manner and description. I just divested myself of an “everyday” set that my ex and I had purchased together to make room for one of the sets of Wedgwood I own to move into the everyday category and out of the china cabinet.
I remember being at an auction years ago and seeing an entire set of flow blue dish ware for 12 complete with all the bells and whistles like butter pats, coffee and tea service, covered tureen, platters – you name it, that set had it. It was amazing – in five years of constant auction trawling I had never seen anything like it.
It had obviously never been used since it was complete and in immaculate condition. What a shame – and what a bargain for the person that purchased it. Sadly, it wasn’t me.
Great post! And it’s not healthy to eat off plastic. Plastic is always outgassing.
When my children were young and all home I moved my dishes around….I put dishes in the bottom cabinets, not in the upper. They were able to unload 90% of dishwasher and set table much easier..a win win…I always used my auction finds ironstone or depression glass.. It is very durable and made to be used..as teenagers I had purchased some reproduction graniteware sets, at the time a 16 piece set was under 15.00….now some 18 years later I still have the graniteware. we used it daily, but not microwave safe..my grandsons love the metal bowls and cups. I do not believe it “saving” things, but that is me..
Awwww… great story. I’m sure the boys will feel extra special that they are eating on the good stuff! It’s fun too that “Little House on the Prairie” has sparked those kind of conversations. Isn’t it interesting that an old show like that can have such an impact. Integrity and love, and life lessons will never really get old …
Cindy
Good decision on all accounts. Your guys feel that vote of confidence in them,
and you won’t regret it.
It was so liberating to get rid of all the plastic plates and such last summer! Well, most of them anyway. I love my huge plastic tumblers, so we still have those, and camping dishes, but, my cabinets are no longer overrun with straw cups and sippys and character plates.
My boys love a good superhero show, or a war-type movie, but they still love to sit and watch things with me that are quiet, show morals and values similar to our own, and teach a good lesson besides. I love those times all the more as they are more frequently eclipsed by movies like Lone Survivor and Blackhawk Down (daddy is former military, explains a ton). Cherish it!
Quite a while ago, I bought and read the book, “Living A Beautiful Life” by Alexandra Stoddard. (you can still get it on Amazon). The book changed my life. It really did. In it she talked about the importance of having beauty in your everyday life. I took her thoughts to heart. At the time I first read it, I was single, didn’t have 2 dimes to rub together, was working for a ministry. I went to Big Lots and bought some cloth napkins for 25 cents a piece and haven’t used anything but cloth ever since. Back then I used my beloved Fiestaware even when I dined alone. I lit a candle and if it’s all I could afford, a single fresh flower in a vase. To this day, I think about the value of making each day a special occasion. We wake each day, and that is cause for celebration. They are many young people who remember being a kid and coming to my house for dinner. “No paper napkins!” They remember.
What an inspiring post ;-). Everyone is special… Beautiful words.
Everybody likes to be treated special! Love how your guys are making your table special. I love a beautiful table too. Doesn’t it make meals together more pleasant!
I have come to the conclusion that food tastes better on pretty plates!!!…So I serve on pretty plates!!
I love your beautiful blue and white dishes and I am sure your boys feel very special!!!
What a sweet story! I love the idea of NOT saving “special” things for certain occasions.
Living “on the Prairie” myself, I find watching the show still very touching. I wish we had more good quality tv like this that we could embrace at night time with our families. With that all said, your post reminded me of how important it is to not put so much importance on “things” that we deem so valuable because really, how fabulous are they if we don’t share them or use them? They are just things and it’s the memories we create with our things in sharing them or giving them to others that makes them hold the most value really from generation to generation.