I think that it’s time for a confession. Maybe some of you have a similar obsession, or maybe you think I’m crazy. Or, maybe you gravitate towards shoes or clothes or furniture. Well I am crazy for dishes. Especially beautifully colored ones. Blues, reds, yellows… I love them all! So it’s of no surprise that I am especially obsessed with Fiesta Ware. Most of the colors are so vivid and fresh, you could almost eat them. Plus they’re super fun to serve and cook with.
My sweet husband is pretty understanding about this dish thing, and after many years together, he knows what to expect. From our over-stuffed cabinets packed with beautifully colored bowls and plates, to the super-exuberant “oh my god I’ve got to have that dish” expression that comes over my face as I hurriedly skip into a store, he’s usually a really good sport. On occasion he’ll shoot me that look of “and where are you planning to put it in our overly-crowded kitchen?” but usually he’ll say something cute like “is that going to make you happy?” or “I bet that’s a great size for soup”.
So last week we were visiting my daughter at school, and we just happened to walk by one of my favorite stores. This store also happens to have one of the greatest selections of Fiesta Ware too, and all at discounted prices. I might have even squealed as we entered the store. As I strolled past all of the delicious colors, my eyes quickly fixed on something. It was destiny. I had to have that turquoise pie plate. And you know what? I bought it. And I made my son a beautiful chocolate cream marshmallow pie in that pie plate, for his 18th birthday this weekend. He loved it, and it started a new tradition in our house. Birthday Pies. So from now on in our house, we’ll be enjoying birthday pies, in a very beautiful turquoise pie plate.
Jojo
I LOVE brightly coloured dishes! My husband is pretty understanding too especially given that I keep donating the Ikea plates we bought when we first moved in together so that I can spend money on new ones! I’ve never heard of Fiesta Ware but I think it’d be dangerous if we could get it here.
Julie Hasson
Jojo, I cracked up when I read your comment! I love that you’re slowly donating the Ikea plates.
I go crazy for all of the kitchen stuff in the UK. It always looks so much cooler than what we can get here.
kittee
Just another couple of things we have in common, Julie Bub! That pie really was a thing of beauty, just more glamorous in turquoise.
xo
kittee
Julie Hasson
Awww, thanks Kittee. If only I had your turquoise walls to match my pie plate; )
Amanda
I am coveting that pie plate! I’ve always thought that pie is so much better for birthdays than cake.
Julie Hasson
Amanda, you should have seen me carefully washing the pie plate. I was so afraid I was going to drop it. It might just be my favorite piece: )
Cadry
Birthday pie is a much better idea than birthday cake! I heartily approve! I have similar reactions to colorful plates and bowls. There’s a store that sells Le Creuset that I like to visit and admire their wares with longing.
Julie Hasson
Thanks Cadry! I go crazy for Le Creuset too. Have you seen the turquoise/Caribbean color? it’s pretty fantastic!
Sarah
When I was younger, I fell in love with Fiestaware. So every time I’d help my mom around the house (clean for her, wrap presents if she had to work late, mow the lawn, shovel our (big!) driveway), she’d pay me in Fiestaware. She’d give me one placesetting for each larger task. Then, on birthdays and holidays, I’d get another placesetting, in a different color. I now have 12 placesettings, each one in a different color, and have been collecting servingware, pitchers, pie plates, etc. She has 12 placesettings of her own, all in the Cobalt Blue, since it matches the colors in her kitchen. We’ve used those for years, and she still loves them.
Julie Hasson
Hi Sarah,
Your mom is too cool! I love the idea of building a set of dishes like that. And how cool that you now have a full set. That would certainly motivate me to do more work around the house. If only my mom had tried that approach; )
Caroline Turner
Fiesta Ware is rare in the UK but occasionally an old piece crops up in a second hand store and I snap it up for my friend who collects it. I was lucky enough to find 2 large serving platters one year just weeks apart. The turquoise is my favourite.
Julie Hasson
Caroline, How fantastic that you can find old pieces. Those are the best! I love the turquoise too.
Kristen
I have a similar problem, but with cake stands.
Julie Hasson
I love cake stands to Kristen!