Does Anyone Buy Fine China Anymore?

For decades, the traditional practice of owning and using fine china for special occasions has declined. The ornate settings of gilt-edged plates, delicate teacups, and precious china patterns once widely embraced by young newlyweds seems like a relic of the past. Today, casual dinnerware has become mainstream and the conventional wedding registry is stocked with everyday dish sets rather than precious porcelain meant for display. Yet despite changes in lifestyle and mindset, is there still a place for fine china in modern life? This article will explore the history of fine china, reasons for its fading popularity, and whether interest is being revived for a new generation.

History and Popularity of Fine China

Fine china, or porcelain, originated in China over a thousand years ago during the Song dynasty. According to the History of Fine China on Classroom Synonym, fine porcelain production flourished during the Ming dynasty in the 14th century, which led to an export of fine china abroad along trade routes like the Silk Road.

The heyday of fine china’s popularity in Western cultures was during the 18th and 19th centuries. As explained on The Lux Authority, European porcelain manufacturers like Meissen and Royal Copenhagen mimicked the artistic style and delicate nature of Chinese porcelain. Fine china represented high social status, wealth, and refined taste during this time period.

Fine china played an integral role in culture and traditions, being used for decoration, diplomatic gifts between royal families, and formal dining. According to Everything You Need to Know About China Patterns on House Digest, having multiple place settings of fine china for occasions like weddings was customary for affluent families.

Decline in Fine China Sales

In recent decades, there has been a steady decline in the sales and interest in fine china. Between 2005 and 2016, the market for fine china in the U.S. shrunk by over 40% ¹. Industry experts attribute this decline to several key factors:

Changing lifestyles and the rise of more casual dining have reduced the need for formal dishware. With busier schedules, families do not have as many occasions to use fine china or even eat together at a dining table. The preference for casual entertaining and everyday meals has made fine china seem outdated to many younger consumers.

The high cost and impracticality of fine china also deters buyers. A full set can easily cost over $1,000 and requires careful handling and storage. Chips, cracks, and other damage can render pieces unusable over time. For most budgets, casual dinnerware is more affordable and durable for regular use.

Generational differences are also at play. Many millennials and Gen Zers did not grow up with fine china and associate it with outdated traditions. They do not have the same emotional attachment or sense of inheriting family heirlooms. Surveys show a strong disinterest among younger demographics in acquiring or even keeping passed down fine china sets.².

Changing Lifestyles

One factor in the decline of fine china sales is changing lifestyles and eating habits. As lifestyles have become more informal and casual, the need for fancy dinnerware like fine china has decreased. According to an article on emerging consumer trends, “Changing lifestyle trends can inform restaurateurs in many ways, from purchasing sustainable restaurant food and supplies to increasing healthy menu options” (https://www.chefstore.com/about/blog/knowing-these-consumer-lifestyle-trends-can-boost-restaurant-business/).

People are dining out at restaurants more, getting takeout and fast food, and eating convenience foods at home. With less formal dining, fine china is simply not used on a regular basis anymore. As lifestyles focus more on simplicity and casual comfort, dinnerware preferences have shifted to more casual and inexpensive options over fine china.

Cost and Practicality

One major factor in the decline of fine china sales is the high cost and impractical nature of these dinnerware sets. Fine china can be quite expensive, with a full 12-piece place setting easily running $100-200 for a standard brand. For top luxury brands like Wedgwood or Royal Doulton, a single place setting may cost $500 or more. This high price point simply isn’t feasible for most households for everyday use.

There’s also the delicate, high maintenance nature of fine china to consider. Fine china requires gentle hand washing or washing on the delicate cycle in a dishwasher to avoid chipping. It cannot withstand harsh scrubbing or cleaners. Chipping and cracking compromises the appearance of a set over time. Many homeowners find this labor intensive upkeep not worth the effort when cheaper and more durable dinnerware options are available.

Generational Differences

Today’s young generations, including Millennials and Gen Z, tend to have different attitudes toward fine china compared to previous generations. A key factor is that fewer families are passing down fine china sets to younger generations. As reported on CBC News, “For their parents’ generation the cornerstone of starting an adult life was getting married and setting up house… Part of the ritual was inheriting a set of china.”

However, due to changing lifestyles and family structures, many Millennials and Gen Z are not inheriting china from parents or grandparents like in prior decades. According to Reddit user discussions, some young people still appreciate the formal dining experience and beauty of fine china, but most view it as outdated, impractical and not worth the cost. Overall, fine china does not hold the same meaning, sentimental value or tradition for Millennials and Gen Z compared to past generations.

Revival of Interest

Though fine china sales overall have declined, there are some signs of renewed interest, especially among younger generations. One trend is the rise of fine china rentals for weddings and other special events. Services like Cake Plates and Vintage Chic Events allow couples to rent a gorgeous vintage china set for their reception without having to buy it. This makes fine china accessible for millennials planning one-time events.

Vintage and antique fine china collecting has also become popular. Young collectors search out rare, ornate china pieces to display as decorative objects. The hunt for unique china at antique stores or estate sales and sharing finds on social media appeals to millennials’ aesthetic tastes. Displays of collected vintage china make for lively Instagram or TikTok backdrops. Some collectors may use their vintage sets for special occasions, but china-as-decor has become a trend in itself.

While day-to-day use may be down, fine china still holds visual interest as décor. Stylists often incorporate china pieces into tablescapes, centerpieces, and other arrangements. The ornate patterns and gold rims of fine china have artistic value on their own. When displayed in modern, minimalist homes, fine china provides a touch of classic flair. Using china decoratively allows younger consumers to participate in the tradition on their own terms.

Special Occasion Use

While daily use of fine china has declined, it still maintains a place in special occasion entertaining and formal events. Holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter often see fine china brought out to decorate a formal holiday table. Likewise, many couples still include some pieces of fine china on their wedding registries for special occasion use after marriage.

According to Brides.com, including fine china on a wedding registry is a toss-up these days, with some couples opting to add it while others focus on more casual dinnerware. The appeal of fine china lies in its ability to elevate a special meal into a formal dining experience. While couples may use everyday dishes most of the time, having a set of fine china allows them to set a luxurious table when hosting family for the holidays or celebrating a significant anniversary.

Fine china requires delicate care and hand washing, so some couples may feel it’s not practical for regular use. However, its beauty and craftsmanship make it worth keeping for special events. As The Zoe Report notes, a new generation is skipping fine china in favor of casual entertaining pieces. But classic china still has a niche for bringing elegance and charm to formal dining occasions.

Options and Advice for Buyers

When purchasing fine china, there are several factors to consider:

• Quality – Examine the china for flaws in glazing, painting, or gilding. Higher quality porcelain will have a more translucent appearance. Check the bottom for markings indicating the manufacturer.
• Pattern – Choose a timeless or personally meaningful pattern that won’t feel dated after a few years. Florals and simple bands tend to stand the test of time.
• Number of place settings – Determine how many people you will regularly serve. Allow for some extras but don’t overbuy.
• Future growth – If you plan to expand your family, purchase place settings for the future rather than just what you need now.
• Style – Make sure the china matches your existing dinnerware in terms of formality, color palette, etc.
• Budget – Fine china can range dramatically in price. Set a comfortable budget and only pay more for heirloom quality pieces.

Proper care and storage will help fine china last for generations:

• Wash by hand or on a gentle, quick cycle and allow pieces to fully dry before stacking to prevent chips.
• Store china in a secure cabinet away from quick temperature changes and humidity. Wrap pieces in acid-free tissue.
• Use china racks or dividers between plates to prevent scratches and chips during storage.
• Avoid harsh detergents and don’t microwave china as this can cause cracks.
• Inspect pieces carefully before and after use and remove any with damage from the set.

Conclusion

Overall, while fine china may not be an everyday dinnerware staple like it once was, it still holds value and meaning in many households. Fine china is unlikely to disappear completely, as it will always have significance for special occasions and formal events. Its inherent elegance and beauty continue to be appreciated across generations.

Going forward, we may see fine china used in more creative ways, beyond traditional full table settings. For example, displaying a few vintage teacups and saucers can add charm to a kitchen or dining area. The collectability of certain patterns or brands also gives fine china appeal for some buyers. Though daily use has declined, the tradition and sentiment behind fine china endures.