I have a large collection of Fiesta dinnerware, some vintage but mostly those made after the line was reintroduced in 1986. I have two 5-piece place settings in every color, plus at least two serving or accessory pieces in each color. I've worked hard to put this collection together and to make it function smoothly with each other and with other dinnerware patterns. It has been a joy collecting, and I look forward to adding to it as the years go by.
Some of the colors that have been made after 1986 have the same name as vintage colors. Such is the case for Chartreuse. First made from 1951 to 1959, the original Chartreuse is a different shade from the brighter one introduced from 1997 to 1999. The 97 issue was for a strict 2 year run and is considered a limited edition. I purchased two 4-piece settings (dinner plate, salad plate, soup/cereal bowl and mug) from Dillard's in Helena, Montana (now out of business), and had to purchase the two cups and saucers direct from the factory, as at the time I couldn't find the traditional 5-piece place setting. I also purchased a snack tray at Dillard's, and ordered another cup to go with it (not pictured).
March is, in my home, considered Irish American Heritage Month, in addition to Women's History Month. Part of my ancestry is Irish, and I connect to it more than I do any other in my lineage. It is said there are "40 shades of green" on the Emerald Isle, so for March I like to use my green dinnerware.
Fiesta, introduced in 1936, is influenced by the Art Deco movement, but this pattern goes with anything. I've used Fiesta to round out much more elaborate sets and it does not look out of place. But it pairs best with other Art Deco and streamlined pieces. Great Grandma Mayer's Coronation silver plated flatware, also introduced in 1936, goes well with Fiesta, as does the sterling silver salt and pepper shakers by National (thrift store). The usual hemstitched Walmart white table cloth and napkins really show off the color well, and the Emily Waterford Crystal compote (Cash's of Ireland) is in the middle of the table. (You can tell I was rather tired when I put this setting together.) The disc pitcher, which was part of a set that also had 4 tumblers (J. C. Penney), serves water, while the mini disc pitcher joins a Waterford Crystal Holiday votive candle holder serving double duty as a sugar bowl (Dillard's and Cash's of Ireland, respectively). The wooden tray is a thrift store purchase.
It was breakfast for dinner that night, so I made a Christmas Breakfast Casserole, and it sure hit the spot after a long, busy, stressful week. Served with Irish Breakfast tea, it was a delicious, savory meal and oh-so-comforting.
