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Sunday, August 8, 2010

Franciscan Renaissance : My History

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My relationship with Franciscan Renaissance began in the early 70’s, and it has never ended.

First I fell for Platinum Renaissance.

And because my husband could somehow see down the road of my collecting nature, and even though we were only in our 20s and did not have china in our budget (that’s an understatement), when the small gift shop in Falfurrias, Texas called to say it was being discontinued, he agreed that we should get 12 place settings.

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Notes about china to young brides, according to Laura:

*select something beautiful that you love that your family and friends can buy without hyperventilating (you can buy your own sheets and towels and other disposable items that only have a brief life anyway)

*avoid china serving pieces- cut glass and crystal serving pieces look beautiful with everything – whereas china serving pieces are wildly expensive and may even someday ‘date’ your china

*my version of a place setting in those days was more streamlined- it was the dinner plate, the salad plate, and the cup and saucer (my family was never going to eat cereal, ice cream, watermelon, chili, or vegetable soup out of a small china bowl)

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Years later I discovered Franciscan Grey Renaissance. It had a gold rim. Oh my.

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Because this discovery happened during the good old days of Ebay, when you really could treasure hunt and not spend Replacements’ prices, my quest began.

My youngest daughter discovered the third pattern in this amazing line which is Gold Renaissance.

This one was VERY HARD for me.  I collected this for her, again with Ebay’s help,  without getting it for myself.

That is a big step in china collecting growth.

(Although it is still at my house…  I am holding it hostage.)

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I linked to the wonderful Silver Sunday.

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32 comments:

  1. OH, they are all three just gorgeous. I love them. Such a beautiful pattern. Hugs, Marty

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  2. Gorgeous and GREAT words of wisdom for brides!

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  3. Beautiful china ~ and awesome advice (even for the not so new bride :-)!!

    I'll keep it in mind as I continue on my quest to collect every china pattern that catches my eye!

    Notice how I'm sitting here blogging instead of doing what I said I should be doing in my last comment ;-)

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  4. Really gorgeous china! I know when you collect something 'timeless' you will be so happy with it forever. I need to unpack some of my first china. My Dad was in Viet Nam and could order china and have it sent stateside cheap. I ordered a set and 40+ years later still love it. The best part my younger daughter who will get it one of these days loves it also!!

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  5. That is beautiful china. I got a lot of my china during that golden age of Ebay when you could get really good deals. Those were the days. Thanks for sharing and especially the good advice for purchasing china. ~~Sherry~~

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  6. Okay, we were definitely separated at birth. I hadn't seen the Franciscan Renaissance; it is so similar to the Oxford Bone China, "Filagree" that I chose as my wedding china. So glad that we both have daughters who love beautiful china! They will be so glad as the years roll on. Your advice to young brides is spot on! Cherry Kay

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  7. Really like that china pattern! What a find you all made! What a gorgeous, classic pattern that will make every dinner memorable!

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  8. You should keep that china for her for a loooong time ;)
    Happy Silver Sunday~

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  9. Great advice! Wish I had the forethought before registering..well, that was 20 years ago...so now I'll just pass this advice on to my daughter..thanks for joining in....and good luck!
    {{hugs}}
    Beth

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  10. So many young couples don't register for china at all now. We're invited to three weddings this summer and not one couple wants china. I've never regretted choosing a very old and classic porcelain pattern that is still available - love it!

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  11. What beautiful china the pattern on it is gorgeous!!! Happy SS.... Blessings~~~ Daphne

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  12. Great post, lovely photos and I LOVED the words of wisdom. You know...I think I have only really used our fancy stuff 2 or 3 times since I have been married. Mainly though because when we have company for dinner it's so many people we have to do it buffet style and use paper. :) Happy Silver Sunday

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  13. This definitely has a timeless quality and your advise to young brides is spot on!

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  14. Beautiful. Your advice is invaluable!

    xoxo
    Jane

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  15. Just gorgeous, and I also agree with your wonderful advice for collecting! I like to use silver serving pieces, although I was lucky enough to inherit several for my wedding china. I too look through ebay frequently, but then there are some times I end up at replacements. Beautiful pattern!!

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  16. Oh Laura, your Franciscan Renaissance china patterns are truly exquisite, it's no wonder you are holding one hostage! I've always known you were a very smart lady. Love the notes to young brides, perfect advice.

    Hope you staying cool these days!

    Hugs,
    Nancy

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  17. Wonderl advice. I like that you are still holding your daughter's china hostage. hugs♥olive

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  18. Love the China & Especially the Great Advise, I will pass this on to My Daughter who I have a feeling maybe heading down that aisle before too long..... Thanks for sharing
    Cheryl

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  19. beautiful china and wonderful tips! I will save them for a friend that is getting married next summer! Thank you

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  20. Oh Laura, I knew we liked similar things. Platinum Renaissance is my china pattern. I still love it after 39 years. Wish I had not worried about serving pieces because I agree with you 100% about crystal pieces working better. It doesn't look so matchy matchy.

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  21. That is so beautiful Laura. Such forth sight in buying the twelve place settings. Great advice! Patty

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  22. Oh Laura, I love this china pattern... silver and gold! You are so right about the serving pieces, there are so many that you can add at a fraction of the cost.

    Enjoy your day! HUGS!

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  23. What can I say. I am a plate addict. When I was married in 1980, we were so broke and times were rough for my family, we were not even registered anywhere. I have made up for that in the china dept. in the ensuing years. I can't say no to a pretty plate. Thanks for sharing.

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  24. What a lovely table this must set! It really is a fabulous pattern. I completely agree that other serving pieces are better to complement a pattern rather than being in said pattern.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  25. good tips Laura...beautiful china...

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  26. Wonderful advice. Your china pattern is classic and classy. It will never be out of date. Beautiful and timeless.

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  27. Laura, this pattern is so beautiful. I agree, select something that is timeless. We still use our wedding china with much joy. We added to it over the years, and like you, we didn't invest in serving pieces. Great advice for all brides, young and old alike. ~ Sarah

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  28. I found this recently and love that you have all three patterns! Hindsight being what it is, I wish I'd chosen grey instead of platinum. I find the platinum renaissance rather cold and formal, and I am not really that kind of person nor do we entertain that way. I'd love to see some of your tables when you are using your china!

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  29. I registered for the gold pattern when I married in 1969 and received a few pieces as wedding gifts. Does anyone remember S&H Green Stamps? They offered five piece settings of the pattern for a number of years. My mother, mother-in-law, and I saved the stamps and added to my collection until I had a service for twelve. I set the table with it every family dinner and use it buffet style for small parties. Just add an arrangement made of fresh flowers from the grocery store and the table is beautiful. I love using it and think guests appreciate it as well.

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