Dinnerware? Cookware?
 

I am looking for new dishes to match the colors in the house since we remodeled everything and my dishes no longer match. I've had Corelle for so many years now that I'm not sure what else is out there. I'm used to the way Corelle holds up and stays nice looking, (I buy a new set to match everytime we remodel!) but I'm thinking I'd like something else this time. I don't want something heavy or that will chip easily and of course it has to be dishwasher safe. I did find a pattern by Noritake that I like called Panama. I've never bought Noritake. Does anyone know if this is a good brand? Any ideas or advice? What do you use and is it durable?

Also, I have every piece of the Calphalon Commercial non-stick cookware line. I got a little tired of that line so I started buying their Stainless Steel Tri-Ply and mixed it in since the CNS has stainless steel lids it still matched. (Yes, I'm anal about matching things!) Anyway, I would like to switch over to all stainless but their stainless line doesn't include all the specialty pans I use so often. Does anyone know of another brand of good stainless cookware that has an open stock line of specialty pans too?

I use Fiestaware and love it. Lots of different colors to choose from or you can mix and match..... I display alot of my vintage pieces and use the new contemporary pieces to eat off of. Its made by Homer Laughlin, may be too heavy for you if you are used to something like Corelle but it is very durable.

Thanks. They do make nice stuff and I love all the little things they make to match. I actually looked at some in Bergner's yesterday but they don't have a color to match my house and I think you're right, they are a bit too heavy for me.

I was just looking at the Al-Clad line. Do they have a lifetime warranty? What about the handles...are they the stay-cool kind?

that's my guess but have yet to check :)

As for the handles, I am not sure. I am guessing it will get hot eventually since it is made of stainless steel :) I habitually use a pot holder anyway so never quite know how long before it does get hot :p

That's one thing I love about the Calphalon handles...you don't need hot pads unless you use them in the oven or you have the handle over another burner that's on. When you use a pan on the stove you can just pick it up and it's not hot.

I LOVE my Fiestaware - I have all of my aunt's and mom's (they are in their 80's) plus some more old pieces that I have added to my collection (I don't have any new). It is on display in a corner cabinet and a plate holder on the wall. It is absolutely gorgeous - the colors are grand! I do use it though, but only for special occasions.

I think Noritake is a really good brand. I really don't care anymore as long as they are white. Can't go wrong with just plain ol white.

I must say too - that I love my Corelle - they stack so nicely in my cabinets (I don't have much cabinet space) and they don't take up too much room. They also stack nicely in the dishwasher. I've had them since 1974 and only broken a handful of pieces.

That said, my mom had Noritake and they were really nice!

When we moved into our new home I bought Mikasa "Maxima" It is a very sturdy china and I absolutely love it. It is White and you can dress it up or down with placemats, table cloths, etc.

I love Fiestaware as well. I love mixing and matching the different colors.

Martha Stewart makes really nice dishes. I have a set of hers in white and they are really nice and durable, not to mention extremely cheap (I think they were about 30-35 bucks for 4 place settings).

I use Salad Master cookware that I bought in 1978. Except for the handles which I can order, they are just as good as the day I bought them.