When I first started writing this post, I was swooning over beautiful, but expensive dinnerware sets. I relentlessly searched for something classic and whimsical, yet modern. I wanted a splash of color that could remain timeless and sophisticated. I read up on the differences between bone china and porcelain. I contemplated shapes, sizes, textures, and sheen.
Then I took a break. Searching online was a start, but I needed to feel the weight of a dish in my hands and explore the colors in person. I put the project aside, figuring that when summer break rolled around, I could resume my hunt for the perfect dishes.
As luck would have it, I was able to get into the IKEA Oak Creek Sneak Preview on May 12th. Dishes were a maybe on my list, although nothing on IKEA's website made my heart sing. As I wandered through the depths of IKEA with DH and my sister, we inevitably entered the kitchen and tableware domain. I asked DH, who usually avoids design and decor choices, if he liked anything. He liked some of the more modern designs, but I wasn't into the
square dishes. I liked the shape of the
365+ bowls, but he didn't want all white. Online, the DINERA and KRUSTAD sets didn't impress me, but, somehow, we came to look at the two together. The matte grey-blue of the
DINERA plates with the light, patterned
KRUSTAD bowls was pretty and unique while feeling sophisticated in a simple way.
The bowls are $4.99 each and the plates came out to $2.50-$3.00 each. A 24-piece set adds up to $85.88. It's not the cheapest set, especially when you can pick up the
18-piece FLITIGHET for $19.99, but the gradient of the medium matte blue, light blue, and, white teacups is a look I couldn't pass up.
I'm glad I didn't purchase my dishes online. Even looking at my pictures now, I'm not as impressed as I am with the dishes in person. Seeing and feeling the weight, texture, and finish is what sold me on the set we created. If you're searching for a dish set, do your due diligence and stop by a few stores. Seeing the dishes in person may change the way you think about them.