Growing up, our family owned a set of plain, white plates. They were beautiful, yes, but even as a 7-year old, I realized the entire collection was — dare I say it — boring. Every time I walked through the “home” department at Macy’s or JCPenney, I’d gaze at the Fiestaware and wonder why my parents weren’t interested in a set of these “fun” plates and bowls. I even vowed out loud that the minute I was out on my own, I’d treat myself to some bright and festive Fiestaware.
Guess what? I did just that. Today, I’m just as obsessed with the Fiesta brand as I was decades ago. My latest Fiesta purchase, my biggest one yet, included eight sets of the Fiesta four-piece place setting with java mug.
Why the Fiesta four-piece place setting, you ask? Let’s break down the entire set so you can see for yourself.
What’s Included?
Fiesta offers three different place settings: three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece. I chose the Fiesta four-piece place setting because it included everything our family needed for an average, everyday meal.
These are the items included in the traditional Fiesta four-piece set:
- A 10 ½” dinner plate
- A 7 ¼” salad plate
- A shallow 19-ounce bowl
- A 10 ⅕ ounce java mug
The dinner and salad plates are both standard-sized and have a good weight. For the most part, I use the salad plate as a bread dish or saucer. However, I found that the shallow 19-ounce bowl is ideal for side salads. I prefer to use a different bowl (the Fiesta Medium Bistro Bowl) for soups and cereal since it’s deeper. All the Fiestaware items in the Fiesta four-piece set have a good weight to them.
For reference, the 3-piece set doesn’t include the mug and a 22-ounce bistro bowl (it’s smaller in diameter but deeper than the bowl in the four-piece set) substitutes the 19-ounce one. The 5-piece set includes everything in the four-piece, but the mug is a smaller cup and it includes an additional saucer.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Fiestaware is manufactured in Newell, West Virginia.
All Fiestaware is created from a combination of clay, feldspar, silica, and alumina and then coated with a chip-resistant glaze in a variety of colors. The end product is durable, dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven-safe up to 500 degrees.
Fiestaware Observations
Colors are Varied, Vibrant, and Fun
Fiesta drew me in with their wide variety of color options, and the one feature I appreciate above all else is that Fiestaware colors mix and match remarkably well. You can choose to go monochrome or get multiple sets in a variety of hues (16 are currently available.) It’s all up to you!
Like other Fiesta-fans, I started with a single Fiesta color, but quickly expanded my collection to many different colors. Do you have exposed shelves or open cabinets? If so, then don’t forget to display your Fiesta-goodies! The colors are sure to add life to your dining room or kitchen.
Keep in mind: Fiesta is known to retire colors. Once you find a color you like, make sure you purchase all the pieces you want in case it’s discontinued.
Supplemental Items are Readily Available
Speaking of mixing and matching, that’s what the Fiesta collection is all about.
This four-piece place setting may include everything you need to hold your dinner, but once you’ve tried one (or more) of Fiesta’s products, you’re going to want more. Shop the serving bowls and trays, canisters, teapots, and more to complete your look.
Reasonable Cost
I budgeted $50 for each place setting — a fairly average price for this type of kitchenware. The MSRP of a four-piece set is $56. However, there are a number of Fiestaware sale and clearance options out there.
For example, I chose a now discontinued color (Paprika) for my four-piece setting, which was on clearance at a national department store. Then, I tacked on a coupon and a shipping promotion and I was able to purchase each set for $25. What a steal!
If you don’t mind eating from a discontinued color such as “Plum” or “Flamingo,” perform an online search for “Fiesta dinnerware clearance” or “Fiesta four-piece place setting sale.” Otherwise, do your homework and shop around to find the best deal before you make the purchase.
Where to Buy?
The Fiesta brand retails at various stores, including major department stores like Macy’s and Belk, and home stores such as Bed, Bath & Beyond. Online shoppers can find Fiestaware on their official website and at retailers such as Wayfair and Amazon.
If you live in and around West Virginia, then you’re in luck. The Homer Laughlin company, the parent company of the Fiesta brand, hosts frequent outlet tent sales from their headquarters and manufacturing facility in Newell, West Virginia.
I don’t just like, I LOVE Fiestaware. If you’re looking for the perfect, casual dinnerware set that’s festive, trendy, and absolutely affordable, I wholeheartedly recommend Fiesta’s four-piece place setting.
