I can't say that I use my china once a month, but there are some months that I use it more often. If I had a countertop (waiting for it to be finished) I would have pulled out the china for dinner on Saturday night after my DS won the pinewood derby. We believe that even if we're only eating in the kitchen, we should eat on Lenox plates if we have something to celebrate. We use it for birthdays, holidays, parties, report cards, promotions, etc., etc.
I have service for 16. The only things that I don't have in the charleston pattern are the coffee server, the espresso cups, and soup bowls. I have a silver tea and coffee service. I have other fancy espresso cups. I really, really want soup bowls, but I don't usually think about wanting them until I am having a party and find a cream soup that sounds wonderful, so I either don't make it or serve it in everyday bowls.
I didn't buy my china to have it sit in a cabinet and never be used. I also bought it before we were married and registered for the completer pieces.
I have 18/8 silverware from Reed & Barton and you'd never guess that I have cheaper stemware. I have a friend who tries to emulate everything that I do. She called me one day and told me that she finally had good stemware like mine. She paid $40 something per stem. I laughed at her and told her my champagne flutes and white wine glasses were from Dansk, my balloon glasses were nameless, and the only really good crystal I have had one piece break of the 6 that I originally had. She was amazed and before you knew it, she cancelled her order. I have what I have because I like it and I want it. I don't have it to impress anyone but me, AND I USE IT!
I have service for 16. The only things that I don't have in the charleston pattern are the coffee server, the espresso cups, and soup bowls. I have a silver tea and coffee service. I have other fancy espresso cups. I really, really want soup bowls, but I don't usually think about wanting them until I am having a party and find a cream soup that sounds wonderful, so I either don't make it or serve it in everyday bowls.
I didn't buy my china to have it sit in a cabinet and never be used. I also bought it before we were married and registered for the completer pieces.
I have 18/8 silverware from Reed & Barton and you'd never guess that I have cheaper stemware. I have a friend who tries to emulate everything that I do. She called me one day and told me that she finally had good stemware like mine. She paid $40 something per stem. I laughed at her and told her my champagne flutes and white wine glasses were from Dansk, my balloon glasses were nameless, and the only really good crystal I have had one piece break of the 6 that I originally had. She was amazed and before you knew it, she cancelled her order. I have what I have because I like it and I want it. I don't have it to impress anyone but me, AND I USE IT!
Me too!
Sunday sounds great - 2 days before I depart for WDW! 
