Tableware Blog

Produced for more than two decades, Noritake Blue Hill 2482 became one of the company’s most recognisable discontinued patterns in Britain. We look at its blue floral border, platinum trim, extensive range and why it remains such a replacement china favourite.

How did the pattern actually get onto the plate? We look behind the finished tableware at hand painting, transfer printing, lithography, resist decoration and the firing processes that turned a designer's artwork into thousands of familiar pieces.

Royal Worcester Worcester Herbs turned the kitchen garden into an extensive tableware collection, with named herbs, green borders and everything from everyday plates to casseroles, serving dishes and egg coddlers. We look at the design, its many variations and what to check when replacing pieces.

Dinner plates, breakfast plates, tea plates, side plates, salad plates... older dinner services could contain a bewildering number of sizes. We look at what they were for, why the names vary, and how today's larger side plates may be creating a new everyday standard.

For generations, many British homes had an everyday dinner service and another set kept strictly for Sundays, visitors and special occasions. We look at the tradition of “best china”, why so much survives in remarkable condition, and make the case for actually using it.

Introduced in the mid 1980s, Johnson Brothers Summerfields paired delicate pink flowers and grey foliage with crisp black detailing on a clean white ground. We look at its distinctly contemporary style, extensive range and enduring appeal.

Another varied batch of pre-loved china has arrived at MrPottery, with strong additions to Wedgwood Angela, Poole Fresco, Hornsea Contrast and Springtime, plus several completely new catalogue pieces.

Christmas presents do not always have to be something new. From festive tableware and useful stocking fillers to the missing piece from a much-loved dinner service, pre-loved china can make a surprisingly thoughtful gift.