If you have had your current tableware for a while, then you may be wondering if it is time to replace it. Of Course, if you are rather attached to the plates and bowls that you have, and for some reason this is something that a lot of people feel, then you may be daunted by the task.
Here, we asked the experts at First Ireland to create a list of some of the reasons why you may need to consider updating your tableware.
Missing or chipped dishes
If your dishes are no longer looking their best, then this is a clear indication that it is time for an upgrade. Any dishes that are discoloured, chipped, cracked or faded have had their day and deserve to be replaced. Likewise, if your cupboard is a mismatched collection of dishes because you have broken some, it is time to buy a whole new set. Remember, over time, washing in a dishwasher, whilst timesaving, can result in faded and on occasion chipped tableware.
You don’t like the dishes you have
Perhaps you purchased the dishes you had when you first set up house and they were cheap and practical. Perhaps they were bought for you or given to you and are really not to your taste. Whatever the reason you don’t like the dishes that you do have you should replace them with something that you do like. If every time you set the table, you find yourself disliking the plates that you have, then you need to look for something that will make you happy.
If your current plates have a pattern, perhaps you need something with solid colour, or perhaps the pattern is outdated and you need something more modern. Don’t settle for plates that you do not like.
Your dishes are not being used
Sometimes it isn’t overuse that is an issue with the dishes that you have but rather underuse. If you are not using the dishes that you do have then this might be an indication that you need to replace them or try to use them more. If you have several sets of dishes and you don’t reach for a particular set, then you need to ask yourself why. If you are not fond of the colour or pattern, then you need to replace them. If they are hand washed only and cannot be popped in your dishwasher to save time, or they are very fragile and really only for entertaining or very special occasions, then perhaps you should buy some new special occasion plates that are more practical, and you could use a bit more often.
Your dishes don’t match
Let’s face it, Uni days are long gone and so should the mismatched crockery. The eclectic collection of crockery that probably saw you through University and well into your time in your first home, whilst sentimental, deserves to be replaced.
The longer you hold onto a collection of mismatched tableware the more likely you are to add a cup here, a plate there and keep building up your collection that does match, doesn’t stack well and is probably a little the worse for wear. If this is your tableware, then it is time to declutter and replace everything with something that matches. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive thing in the shop, but it is certainly time for something that matches. A quality, practical, everyday tableware set is a fantastic investment and one that is cared for properly will last you a long time.