I think it's time that I reveal one of my guiltiest pleasures (#1 probably being Bath and Body Works products... which i have a stupid ridiculous surplus of)...
FIESTAWARE.
My mother and I are both huge collectors of the colorful dinnerware made in West Virginia. The Homer Laughlin China Company has been around for decades, producing the most beautiful shades of the funnest dishes I have ever seen/used. She and I simply CANNOT get enough! We love ALL of the colors - our collections are a mixture of blues, reds, yellows, greens... oranges, purples, pinks, browns, ivory... I do love how some of my friends have chosen a select combination of their favorite colors, which always looks so classy and beautiful on a dining table. I can't bring myself to choose just a few - I MUST have at least one piece of the newest colors when they're released!
Above Photo: Where it all began - my bridal shower in 2006
Mom and I typically hit up the Fiestaware Outlet, "Everything Fiesta", located in Flatwoods, WV, twice per year. (If we went more often than that, we would surely have to file bankruptcy. Or sell ourselves on the streets of Flatwoods so we can go back and get the set of mixing bowls in the newest color, "Paprika". If it comes to that... ya know... i might be willing.) One of the greatest things about the outlet is the "seconds" room - full of Fiestaware that was slightly damaged at the factory. It's 90% off, and honestly, it's super easy to find perfect pieces in the mix - the Fiesta logo might be slightly off center on the bottom of a plate, or there may be a teeny tiny nick that you can feel but not see, but it's the best place on earth to pick up a few extra place settings, or get started on your collection if you're a Fiesta newbie.
Collecting Fiestaware is a passion for both my mother and I, and something I'm so glad we get to share with each other. No matter the physical distance between us, we will always shop together and collect together.
Currently, my mom is storing away the special NCAA Marshall University Fiestaware for me, until my husband and I relocate to a bigger place and settle down next year. I have tumblers, dinner and luncheon plates, serving dishes, and coffee mugs, ready to place in the perfect china cabinet - which I have yet to find. We're also looking forward to picking up a couple pieces of Paprika to add to our collections later this summer!
Ahh... Fiestaware.. One of my favorite things, ever. Add a batch of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies to a Shamrock green Fiestaware platter, and I'm one happy girl!
