Regency Green by Denby. I have nothing but good things to say about Denby.

Also, you need to see Denby in person. The glazes are really lovely (translucent and layered) and don't translate well over the web. They have many, many beautiful patterns.

I have two suggestions:

1 - Get fine china (porcelain) rather than stoneware, because it's much more durable.

2 - Choose a pattern where the very outside edge is white or off-white, because that's where the majority of little chips happen. If your rims are not white, some matching dishwasher-safe 'tile paint' can extend the useful life of your china set by several years.

Thanks bumblebeez & sweeby. Sweeby, regarding your comment on durability, I was amazed, not having ever owned fine china, at how well my VB set has held up to all the use it gets at the lakehouse. In 2 yrs. I haven't had a break or chip, even w/ all the entertaining we do.

I had not thought about looking for white on the outside edge. Good thing to keep in mind.

Bumblebeez, I confess I am not familiar w/ Denby, but will look it up ASAP.

Still hoping for more pattern suggestions........

Amck,
I recently purchased a set of Mikasa Antique White China to replace my upteenth set of Corelle. I know you said you were looking for a pattern and this is white - but you might wish to look. It is certainly a far cry from Denby, but I love that it is relatively light-weight. I have the place settings, cereal bowls and fruit bowls. My plan is to look for additional pieces (dessert plates, b/b plates, serving, etc.) to complement the white. So far I have had no luck, but haven't really looked too hard either.
I find that I use this set even for more formal dinners. My "good" china is antique and needs hand-washing. My kitchen is painted Saybrook Sage and I am looking for colors to complement the sage. You might want to take a look at his.

I love china, and have had dozens (yes, really!) over the years. I'm currently using Emile Henry for everyday, and I'm pretty happy with it. I've had Waechterbach, which comes in great colors, but shows knife marks.

I also really like Arabia, but the mid-century modern lovers have bought it all up.

Life is too short to eat dinner off boring plates.

I don't have experience with either Denby and Mikasa, but Overstock carries both those lines. The prices seem pretty good.

no-green-thumb, I searched the Antique White Mikasa set and it looks lovely. The detail in the rim adds interest but isn't too fussy.

It wouldn't take much for me to be persuaded to stick with white. But ideefixe's comment that "Life is too short to eat dinner off boring plates" got to me.

I've always played it so safe in my home decor choices, so I'm really torn.

Amck, Ideefixe's comment got to me as well. I don't think they are boring. I just love the detail. Of course, they are not nearly a Lenox or Denby quality, but very, very nice. I did browse "O" for a moment, found some really cut dessert plates - polka dot - I really need to get going to get some more pieces that are fun!
My kitchen table is a quarter-sawn oak antique pedestal table. I love it bare, but put a paisley sort of "Christmasy" tablecloth on for the holidays. I found a terracotta one in my stash and just put that on. I have sagey green placemats - and the Mikassa looks beautiful with that as a backdrop.
Macy's usually has the Antique White - as well as many online places. I have 8 place settings. I really want to get more, but without the cups and saucers. Buying individually is more expensive than buying the whole set, though.
I have my antique china and have a set of 16 I use when my kids are over - but the set of 16 I have isn't nearly as nice as the Mikasa. I don't have nearly the collection of dinnerware that some on this site have. I am always in "dinnerware envy" when I see some of the table settings here!

That's a really great price for the Denby on overstock. It normally runs in department stores 80-90 a place setting.
Mine was my wedding china and 14 years ago my pattern was 89 a place setting at Dillards, Macys, etc.
And it doesn't go on sale much either.
I haven't chipped a piece in 14 years of use out of 12 place settings.
Not all stoneware is the same, Denby is high fired, vitrified stoneware.

bumblebeez, I looked first on the Denby site and found the prices higher than I had hoped. But then saw the deals on Overstock, and I am tempted.

I am drawn to the Linen and the Caramel Stripe. The Green Regency is beautiful, too, but I think it might clash with the shade of green in my DR rug & curtains. It seems more of a blue-based green, and I have more of a taupey/golden sage in my home.

Have you - or anyone else here - seen either the Linen or the Caramel Stripe in person?

Is Denby stoneware heavy? Say, as heavy as Fiestaware?

Have you looked at the many patterns on the V&B website? I have V&B also, and just love it. It's the perfect weight too, and it's nice enough to use formally or informally.

If you want a lot of patterns to choose from and you know V&B is good quality, I'd buy another set!

Here is a link that might be useful: Villeroy-boch

It's not as heavy as Fiestaware or Mikasa French Countryside but it's not thin like Corelle either.
I find it casually graceful, particularly the cups and saucers and serving pieces.

Here's the Denby website, it has some nice pictures. I really like Linen.

Here is a link that might be useful: Linen

Denby is so nice. Simple, but elegant. Beautiful glazes, colors, such quality.

The V-B site is beautiful! Love almot every pattern under Country and Classic.

Have fun picking out your new dishes!

Yes, I should not have browsed the VB site. Now I want My Winter Forest!

oakleyok, I love all the characteristics of my VB, but there isn't one of their patterns that works with my DR colors that really calls to me - except for Audun. And as much as I'm drawn to that pattern, I'm afraid I might tire of it in years to come.

It's a pattern that seems perfect for fall and winter, but might seem too "heavy" with summer foods, IMO.

Wish I could afford multiple sets for different seasons...bumblebeez, I am crazy for My Winter Forest! Would love that at the lakehouse for Christmas & the winter season.

Even if I could afford and justify the cost of seasonal sets, I don't have room to store them. So I'm looking for something that will serve me well year-round.

Ooh! I get to play, too! We got V&B Anmut china this past spring/summer (the pieces arrived in dribs and drabs!). It's plain white bone china but it'll lend itself to many different looks, I think (formal, casual, fun...!). I'd been wanting all white "good" dishes for awhile now (our everyday dishes are Mikasa High Spirits), and looked at a number of different sets this past spring. I fell in love with the mugs and the soup tureen from the Anmut set and I was sold!

cat_mom, glad you chimed in. Another person happy with white! I am so torn.

I received an unexpected check for an overpayment that is going to finance this purchase, if I can make up my mind. I feel the need to make a decision soon, otherwise I will end up losing it to monthly bill payments...sigh..

The following link is the wedding china that my daughter registered for. her new sister-in-law has had it for 4 years and never had a ship.

Here is a link that might be useful: Juliska ~ Berry & Thread

I think I must be drunk. :) That's suppose to say "never had a chip." I also forgot to capitalize HER.

I just went thru the same decision quandry you're in. I had patterned dishes which are still fine, but I wanted a solid. Thought white was too predictable, but bought some & it's not!!

I got Crate & Barrel White Pearl. It's a bone china & so far so good. I love the way it feels & looks, and use it for entertaining as well as like tonight when we had delivered pizza!!

I also chose it because I didn't need to get a set, so for now just have the dinner plates. Really do love it & glad I decided to do the white. Leaves lots of options for placemats, napkins, etc. which is half the fun!

Let us know which way you go...

Too funny...DH is upstairs watching the Rose Bowl. Every time he comes down for a snack or drink I make him look at another dinnerware pattern. He couldn't be less interested, and I am possessed.

Showed him the VB "Audun" and I'm pretty sure he thinks I've lost my mind. He just doesn't get the country toile thing, LOL

Appears I will be making this choice alone, but I really do appreciate all the input and opinions from you.

Decision made. Dinnerware ordered.

Thanks to everyone who helped me think through an expensive purchase on something I will live with for years. For someone like me who processes best by writing out my thoughts to weigh pros/cons, this forum is an invaluable resource.

I re-read all the posts before I went to bed and slept on it. When I woke up this morning, although I was still drawn to the Denby Linen & Antique White Mikasa, I knew the VB Audun was going to be it.

I collected my lakehouse Switch 3 pieces over a couple years' time and got many pieces at a nearby VB outlet. Every time I went in I "visited" the Audun display. I was just charmed by it.

When re-reading my posts I realized I was concerned about the busy-ness of some of the Ferme & Chasse pieces. So, I ended up choosing my larger pieces in the Promenade pattern, which is a more subtle black/white trellis pattern. I accented the set w/ Ferme teacups and cereal bowls, which I know will make me smile every morning.

Eventually we plan to retire to the lakehouse and I think the black in it will look really nice w/ my soapstone island & countertops. My dining set there has a rubbed black finish. It will be a nice fall/winter pattern in the wooded setting up there.

I know I like the feel, look and durability of the VB. Yes, I'll miss the flexibility of plain white, but since many of my other decorating choices are so "neutral" this pattern will add some punch and personality to my home.

Probably more than you wanted to know..but when I've contributed to helping someone on GW, I always like to hear what choice they went with. Knowing why they chose one thing over another sometimes helps me w/ my own decorating decisions down the line.

I did a lot of searching, and DinnerwareEtc.com had the best prices on VB, hands down - plus free shipping. My local outlet store didn't even come close, and they beat out all the offerings on Ebay, as well.

Since it's just DH & me day-to-day, I decided to start with 4 sets w/ 6 peices, rather than 8 settings w/ just a plate/bowl/mug. I will collect additional settings over time as my budget allows.

Thanks again, everybody!

I am so happy you made a decision --- and in just a few short hours!! I had been tired of my Corelle for years before I finally got around to doing something about it - and still have not purchased all of the pieces I want.
DH had the TV on this morning and I listened for a moment to a woman who wrote a book called "The Happiness Project". If I recall correctly, basically, she took a year dedicated to being happy. Things like read the book she has been meaning to, clean a closet, etc. I need to delve into this further, but I think the crux of it was akin to Ideefixe's comment --- life is too short to eat with boring china. Do it now. I have so many projects that are waiting to get done. I need more pieces for m Mikasa set - just need to do it.
That's just what you did here Amck - focused on something and got it done and I am sure you will be anxiously awaiting the FedEx truck! Please post pictures when you get your dishes.
This has been such a good thread. There are so many great dinnerware choices, such beautiful pieces.
What I need to do is get my act in gear to first get this cataract off so I can see colors - then redo my family family as I have been talking about for a year.
I am so happy for you, Amck --- so sorry for the rambling, but the little bit of the "Happiness Project" I saw this morning really has gotten me thinking. Take care.

no-green-thumb, I heard of "The Happiness Project" but haven't read it or seen/heard the woman interviewed. Your post prompts me to look into it.

My decision might seem quick, but it's been "perc-ing" for some years now. I'm no snob when it comes to Corelle - it served me well for decades - but I've moved to another place in my life. Cooking has become less a chore and more of a passion in recent years. I enjoy nothing more than trying out something new and sharing a meal with my husband/grown children & their significant others/close friends. It just seems fitting now to elevate my dinnerware to match the food and setting.

Since I was born in '55, and turn 55 this year, I have proclaimed 2010 my "special year" - the year I plan to push myself to take action on things that have been tugging at me, like the dinnerware purchase.

Another example - After years of wearing my hair in a shoulder-length bob that was a pain to maintain, especially at the lake in summertime, I found the courage to get a cute short haircut. I am amazed at how liberating that small change has been. I no longer spend all that time blow-drying and working to keep frizziness at bay - and I'm more inclined to swim and take a walk in the snow, etc. I held off for a long time, afraid I would look dowdy, and instead I feel and look (from what I'm told..) younger and more energetic.

What I'm trying to express, as you alluded to, is that while these small changes in our lives may seem frivolous, they are often symbolic and lead to shifts in the way we live, ultimately making us happier and more satified with our lives.

Thanks for your note. Learning how to post pictures here is on my list of "to do's" again this year. If/when I learn, I will post my new dinnerware!

Amck,
I could have written your post as well!! (You are a much better writer than I am!!)
I know exactly what you mean. Just turned the big 62, and it is freaking me out. I do not work much over the holidays and was so very tired from a very busy fall season - and for a few of the days during the holidays I spent time doing some of the projects I had been wanting to accomplish.
Example: I was looking and looking for new dining room tablecloths. I always buy two sizes - for one leaf or two - could not find what I wanted - until I found two beautiful tablecloths, but couldn't find napkins. Searched and searched - then bought another tablecloth with the intent to make them. Very, very boring job. Wanted them done for Christmas - didn't do it. The day after Christmas I just tackled it - and now I am excited to use them.
Just like you, I spent years and years with dependable Corelle. Loved it when the kids were around. It served its purpose so very well. Then, like you, I began cooking not to just "feed" the brood, but to enjoy it. I replaced my 30 year old Farberware cookware with Circulon. Not that there was anything wrong with it. It served well and will continue to do so for someone, I just needed a change. It's nice to meet a kindred spirit!! Posting pictures was another thing I put off and off -- it is so easy - willing to walk you through it.

I wasn't trying to start a revolution! (And I didn't mean to imply that white china is boring--I've had white myself.)

But I think that those things that we spend a lot of time with should please us.

No, no, no, you didn't start a revolution, Ideefixe. On the contrary, I so loved your comment about life's too short to eat off of boring china. I in no way thought you meant white!! Some of the most beautiful china I have seen is white. I just kick myself in the rump for not doing some of the small things that can be so pleasing, like new dishes. I love my Mikasa Antique White. My lament is that once I decided to scrap the Corelle (which served me very well in its time) - it took me forever to do it. I could have been enjoying new china long before I started to!! I need more pieces and accessories, but I love the white. It is a change from the Corelle fruit pattern! Maybe next time it will be Toile. I don't know what will be next. I loved this thread because every time someone chimed in, I looked up the pattern. There are so many, many beautiful dishes out there. In general, life is too short ---- and how does the saying go --- "Life's not a journey to arrive at the grave safely -- but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting - Wow, what a ride". Little things like a new set of dishes can bring so much joy!! And now onto trying to figure out what to do with my family room!! Can't wait to see a change there.

Congratulations on your decision and your new dinnerware-to-be, Amck! I bought Audun china several years ago. I wanted something that would work both for every day and for more formal dinners. I'd been using Mikasa English Countryside, and it chipped like crazy. I absolutely love the Audun. Like you, I considered the toile pieces (Ferme and Chasse) too busy, so I don't have many of them. My dinner plates and bread/butter plates are Fleur (yellow rims with just a little black detailing, white centers), my salad plates are Promenade (black cross-hatching), my rimmed soup bowls and mugs are Chasse (yellow rim with black/white country motif in center - my German husband loves the hunter in the soup bowls, who reminds him of his grandfather), and only the small fruit bowls, the rice bowls(good for cereal)and the mugs are Ferme. This china does NOT chip. We have broken some pieces, but I have 16- and 11-year-old boys, and an unforgiving tile floor in the kitchen. My only complaint is that, for some reason, there are gray marks on the yellow rims of the dinner plates.

It's a beautiful, lively pattern - use it in good health!

Great choice! And for very sound reasons. I know you'll enjoy it for many years.