Back when I was in junior high school, my mom bought a set of white dishes. At that time I loved color and told people I was “allergic” to white. I did not like the new white dishes. My mom went on and on about how versatile white dishes are and how they go with everything. I looked at her like she had horns growing out of her head. Why was my mother bend on ruining my life, I wanted to know. Now my daughter wonders the same thing.
Featured products available in my shop – white dishes, sheep chalk boards, vintage linen table cloth, glass cloche
Ha! Years ago, she actually yelled at me,”You have RUINED my life!” This amused me to no end. She had no idea who she was dealing with; I invented the phrase! So when my daughter gets mad at me, I remember this is part of growing up and I just don’t take it personally.
In fact, when she said I ruined her life, my actual reply was, “Well good! My work here is done.” She stared at me, like I too had grown horns. I’m not a child psychologist, just a mom who was trying to navigate the turbulent waters of the teenage years.
Back to my mom’s white dishes, I was young, and loved color. I rolled my eyes, and thought ‘yuck.’
Well since then, I’ve changed my tune. White dishes give you a clean fresh look. I still love dishes with color, and have no plans to dump my Fiesta dishes, but now I appreciate white dishes. Here are some ways to use them.
1. On the table, like you use any other white dishes on your table for a fresh simple, uncomplicated look. It’s a look that works for a simple farmhouse style, and even gives a table that ‘bistro’ look.
2. On the wall. White dishes look great on the wall especially if the wall has some color on it. If you are using many dishes on the wall, then white works well, since it won’t overwhelm the wall. If you use dishes with color, then you can’t use too many or the look can become cluttered and confusing.
3. On a plate rack. I love mixing them with these farmhouse plates that are new but look vintage.
Farm animal plates available in the shop
The white plates also blend perfectly with this collection of vintage dishes.
4. You can layer dishes with color on top. The white dishes make for a nice foundation, on which you can add plates of almost any color.
Tablecloth courtesy of Heritage Lace, available directly from HERITAGE LACE.
Pie plates available in the shop
How do you use white plates?
I’ve also found the white dishes are a must for food photography. I saw your farmhouse plates in the shop the other day and thought they would be a nice Christmas present for Linsey’s farmhouse.
Anita,
Great versatile ways to use white dishes, dear friend!!!
I love using white dishes as chargers for my tablescapes. . .
their”neutral” backdrop adds dimension to my more delicate patterned dishes!!!
I adore hanging them in groupings on the wall for a pristine appearance!!!
Placing them as backdrops in glass kitchen cupboards showcases the accessories
placed in front of them for greater visual appeal, as well!!!
Stacking white dishes within my cupboards, glass fronts or closed,
adds a touch of elegance in my dark Galley Style Kitchen along with a hint of brightness!!!
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead, dear one!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Could you tell me where you got the white dust ruffle from? Gorgeous!
Love white plates – bought some cute ones at target – love how versatile they are! Adore your blog and your decorating style! Happy Sunday – Susan
My mom always had white dishes and told me “Everyone needs a set of white dishes.” Now I need to replace my set or add to what is left of our basic set. And my daughter has a set too. Plus we have other colordul ones too! Linda
My everyday dishes for more years than I want to admit are white…..There is something to say about white dishes when most professionals use white….love how you use your white dishes throughout your home!
I must confess that I, too, felt that white dishes were boring & bought set after set of colored dishes, including some Fiestaware ( a dinnerware junkie, I guess). Just the other day I was thinking maybe I should go in the white direction. I have given so many sets away that I can’t face giving any more away right now. But I like the idea of using white for grounding, although cream is more my style, I believe. Well, we shall see what we shall see!!
Harriett, many of mine are actually cream.
I enjoy the versatility of my white dishes. At Valentines Day l pair them with my Royal Ruby, at Easter my Robins Egg Blue, July 4th, my ruby, and flow blue, fall l pair them with brown transferware. Christmas, with Old County Roses, and ruby. I enjoy them everyday with everything from rustic wooden place mats, to French placemats in red,blues and yellows.
Thank for the tip with the dishes. I might just try using white dishes again, except this time I might try cream.??.. As for your daughter with teenagits, well this too shall pass, even though some days I remember it being just draining.
Have a great day!