Since you live in Canada, the English China is likely a good deal for you...
How about Spode Indian Tree?
The Gien is beautiful...but may be hard to replace if you should break one piece.
But why do you say it's not "China"? Not as expensive as Wedgewood....but looks like china.
Linda C

Hi Linda -
I took a quick look at the Indian Tree online. Some of it looks bright fire-engine red, and I don't like that, but other pieces look more muted with different shade of red/rust in them. Is that just my monitor??
I said "not really china" sort off off-the-cuff I guess. From what I've read, the Gien is commonly referred to more as pottery or earthenware, not fine bone china or porcelain. The Millefleurs and the Wedgewood Oberon are actually very similar in price per place setting, so that doesn't help me much... :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Indian Tree

Rilie, I don't post often, too intimidated by the talented people and gorgeous homes here. That having been said...

The Gien is absolutely the most beautiful dinnerware I have ever seen!

Fantastic choice. (Now I want it!)

-Donna

I really like the Gien you've picked out. And the Oberon, but the Gien is really striking, I think. I, too, have "busy" china that I truly love (link below).

But, FYI, I find that for holiday dining I end up using my simple white due to all the colors already on my table: napkins, tablecloths, platters, serving dishes, centerpiece, placecards, candles, etc. (Plus I only have 8 full place settings of the Lenox and usually about 14 or so people for holiday dinners - ha!) You may want to buy a cheaper/simple white for the holidays, and then take more time to collect the china of your dreams for "regular/non-holiday" entertaining.

Here is a link that might be useful: My china - Lenox British Colonial

Rilie, that is a beautiful design. I'm partial to Quimper myself, however I have never bought any because I assume that the dishes are heavy and I was worried the glaze could chip. I hope that someone here actually has these dishes and will respond.

Dishes are very personal, but I kind of agree with last mango about starting off with white dishes that you can then use with other plates to build up a pretty place setting.

Quote from Link explaining faience which is not bone china "Long before Europeans discovered the secret of making true porcelain, they began producing wares that emulated the exquisite blue and white products imported from Japan. Majolica, delft, and faience are really names for similar ceramic products. An earthenware body is covered with an opaque in enameled glaze, usually colorfully decorated."

Here is a link that might be useful: history of faience

Thanks everyone - you're really helping to validate my choice. The Gien is so colorful & busy & different, I'd look at it once and think "I love it" then go back and look again and think "maybe I'm crazy?", lol.

I should have mentioned I already have holiday dishes, Pfaltzgraff 'Winterberry' which I really love.

I have personally seen the Gien, various patterns, including the one you're after. The quality is excellent and they are not overly heavy. You'd find them much like the Wedgewood in heft. IMO, the French style is second to none, particularly in the tabletop department.

I have a high threshold for color and pattern, however I think that special food is best enjoyed on simple plates. I would probably make sure to purchase some plain white or very simple plates from Gien that will mix into the Millefleurs. Same maker will assure a good match of whites.

You should also think about your dining room, it's colors and how the plates will look with your paints and fabrics. I assume your taste for gorgeous color and pattern runs through all your things, so this should not be a problem. Otherwise, you'd better get painting! ;-)

Btw, did you know that Isabelle de Borschgrave, the designer of your pattern, also designs a line of paper party goods for Target. Absolutely luscious! No wonder I like the Millefleurs...I can't stop myself from drooling over paper cups and napkins in the party aisle.

And, of course, you're going to need table linens from Le Jacquard Francais, non?

Here is a link that might be useful: Yummiest table linens in the world

Hi rilie -- I have a lot of dishes, including service for 18 of Gien in the Oiseau Lyre pattern. It's similar to their Oiseau Bleu, which is on your link.

We've used it almost every day for 12, going on 13 years now. Not a single plate has ever broken and I think I may have, say, 1 tiny nick on one dinner plate. It's really durable, even in our 25 y.o. dish washer that has heated drying. DH abuses it and puts it in the microwave so some of the plates have a bit of crazing on them. But it's difficult to see.

If you're going to have 1 set of china, the styles in this brand are really good. They had a lot of personality and charm and make a great table.

We use ours every day and for company. It wasn't cheap but it doesn't owe me anything and I still love the pattern as much as ever. One of the things I like about it is that it's relatively light weight but strong. I don't care for heavy dishes.

I purchased mine at Michael C Fina, which discounts. I don't know if that helps you from Canada but you could likely find a good source there.

No worries with the quality whatsoever. My only suggestion would be to purchase 1 full place setting so you can see it all together and be sure before you order.

Good luck with your decision. Sounds like you're headed for a wonderful Christmas.

Here is a link that might be useful: China source

I was looking to expand my collection of gien dinnerware and I noticed that the site www.giendinnerware.com showcases some patterns that arnt offered in the united states, does Gien not import then and would they be able to special order them into the states... I really love my gien dinnerware

Here is a link that might be useful: Gien Dinnerware