Do you have an Old Time Pottery store near you?

Consider renting the dishes while you shop for items you really like. I work part time at Dillards and at Christmas time we had a rental place rep come in to demonstrate how to set tables. For not too much money you can rent chairs, tables, dishes, tablecolths, etc.

Plus we have box sets of dishes on sale many times. Or either of these sets are good.

http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&langId=-1&storeId=301&productId=501166986&view=20&No=20&N=1624833&searchUrl=%2Fendeca%2FEndecaStartServlet%3Fview%3D20%26No%3D20%26N%3D1624833&R=02211285

http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&langId=-1&storeId=301&productId=501462971&view=20&No=20&N=1624833&searchUrl=%2Fendeca%2FEndecaStartServlet%3Fview%3D20%26No%3D20%26N%3D1624833&R=02649082

And lots more.

If you have a Tuesday Morning near you go there.

I like Mikasa as they have a lot to choose from and seem to be durable, Don't chip easily.

Have you checked your CL?

JC Penney has some nice value-priced sets (BIG sets - like 12 place settings) that are pretty hefty and nice. If I didn't already have dishes I loved, I saw some there a year or so ago that I would have snapped up in a heartbeat. They're having a sale too!

Here is a link that might be useful: JC Penney dinnerware

Lkplatow beat me to it - I was also going to suggest Penney's. If you check there might even be free shipping coupons or other deals around. I got a great set of 12 place settings of white stoneware from them about a year ago (called Stacks - but they aren't carrying it now) for $99.00 with free shipping. It was originally $199.00, and would have been worth that.

Thank you all for the great suggestions!

PB has their caterer's plates. They are a boxed set of 12. $49.99 Also, try Sam's Club. They have 12 for $20.48!! You can pick what diameter plate you want!
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=367431&pCatg=7737

Here is a link that might be useful: caterer's plates

If you want to replace some of your Pfalzgraff pieces look at Replacements Ltd. They have everything. If you are ever around the warehouse go and have a tour. It is amazing and a lot of fun!

Here is a link that might be useful: replacements ltd

I had Pfalzgraff years ago and found they just didn't wear well at all so I wouldn't waste money replacing at Replacements, although if you have a good quality set that's the way to go.

I echo what threedgrad suggested. After Xmas the sales on dishes is phenomenal. I got great bargains at CB2 which is a company owned by Crate and Barrel on very sturdy and beautiful porcelain dishes on clearance. All the stores have sales so you can pick and choose the style that you love. Can you borrow dishes to fill in what you need and wait till the sales to buy a new set?

sky

Here is a link that might be useful: cb2.com

Wow, my Pfaltzgraff stoneware is holding up beautifully. In the 12 years we've had it I think we've broken two plates, and I have even managed to break Corelle (I think I have a talent for dropping them at the exact angle to make them explode into a bazillion tiny shards). None of the pieces have chips or cracks. I have the Acadia pattern, plain white with a basketweave border; I stocked up when they discontinued it a few years ago and pick up pieces on eBay from time to time, since I'm too cheap to pay Replacements' prices. :-) Yes, they get some gray marks on them from knives - any white stoneware does - but if you get really upset about it they can be removed with some Soft Scrub or Barkeeper's Friend or something like that.

If you have an Ikea around, I have heard good things about their dishes, and you can't beat the price with a stick.

I have a large supply of plain white Corelle that I picked up a discount outlet. They are our picnic and party overflow dishes (so we never have to use paper). I love that they are so thin that a stack of 25 takes up hardly any room in the pantry.

If you get a nice set of basic white for your family for everyday and a stack of Corelle for overflow, you'll be all set for not a ton of $$.

I use and love Corelle by Corning for everyday, and they carry it at Walmart and you can add to it anytime..nice designs too.

Another satisfied Penney's customer. Les pointed me in the direction of a sale there last fall and I got service for 12 (plus serving pieces), Elegant Pearl white porcelain. Great dishes and you sure can't beat the price.

Williams-Sonoma has some really nice stuff.

Here is a link that might be useful: Williams-Sonoma

So many wonderful options! Thank you all!

Hi, I second johnmari's suggestion -- check out IKEA. There are a couple of choices in plain white dishes, very reasonably priced.

After looking for quite a while for a certain shade of green for everyday dishes, I found them at IKEA, Dinera "Light Green" (open stock only). Very simple and love the color, in person it's a muted I guess celery green.

Good luck!

Michelle

Here is a link that might be useful: IKEA dishes

Those with IKEA dishes, how are they holding up? I am an IKEA fan (just redid a kitchen with IKEA cabinets, sink and counter top and love it) but was just wondering if the dishes have chipped or show grey marks badly, etc.

Thanks!
Catherine