Fiesta Ware Dishes

I enjoy kitchen decor and admit having a weakness for purchasing lots of dishes. I’m attracted to serving bowls, platters, appetizer plates, and I indulge my passion with Fiesta Ware by the Homer Laughlin China Company. My dinnerware is one of my beloved collections which started with the interest in my mom’s personal set.

Since 1936, the patternless dishes have been introduced in 52 solid colors. Each year a new color is revealed making it appealing for collectors wanting to incorporate a new look to their table, and there is always excitement in anticipation of the new color.  Some collectors may prefer to choose one or two colors to match their kitchen decor, but my mom, who always had a knack for an original style, ventured out and chose a rainbow.  

The Homer Laughlin China Company, located in Newell, West Virginia is a relatively short drive from my home in northeastern Ohio. I recall taking trips with mom on hot summer mornings, driving over the Ohio River on a rickety, old toll bridge, with dust kicking up in the unpaved parking lot of the factory. It’s certainly an enjoyable day trip if you live near this vicinity. 

Not only does the factory have a store with new products to purchase but they have an outlet for hundreds of faulty pieces to hunt for in old, brown, wooden bins. We would spend hours looking to find the most perfect, imperfect dishes. In my mind, I can hear the soothing sound of the pinging and clinking of the dishes as people shopped for their hidden gems. It was like being on a treasure hunt!  That was, most likely, the reason mom ended up with her eclectic collection of colors because you rarely find a whole place setting of dishes in one hue. Of course, when it came time to purchase my own set, I mimicked my mom’s design and I now have about 18 different colors in my collection.

To date, I’m not sure how many pieces of Fiesta Ware I own. Who’s counting anyway? I love the way the contrasting colors add a unique flair to my kitchen and when I set the table for a meal, it looks different each time. When I use my dishes they, of course, remind me of my sweet mom. She brought color to my kitchen through my collection and color to my life from all the little adventures we had together.