Place Settings - Too Expensive?

futurekeach · October 2014

This might be a common sense question for a lot of you, but I was raised on paper plates. So, I have no idea what I'm doing. FI and I registered this weekend. I fell in love with a dish at BBB. The brand is Lennox. We're not getting fine china because we'll never use it, but I think this setting is nice enough for casual or formal occasions. The setting comes with one dinner plate, one small plate, one mug, and one bowl Each place setting is around $60, and we're registering for 8. So eight dinner plates, eight small plates, eight mugs, and eight bowls will ultimately cost $480. I thought this was pretty standard (again I have no clue what I'm doing), but my sister made it seem like this was an outrageous amount of money. She said she went to Walmart or Target and could get all of the dishes she would ever need for less than $100. Am I being too high maintenance, or is this an average amount of money to spend on dishes?

Maggie0829 · October 2014

Think of it this way. Each item in that place setting costs $15. Which to me is pretty average for a non-plastic, dinnerware setting.

As for what your sister said, yes some dinnerware, when you buy it all together meaning you can buy a place setting for 4 and all the items come in one box can be bought for less then 100. But when you are choosing from certain items separately, then it tends to cost a bit more since you can pick and choose what you want rather then getting a box of dishes where you will never use the cup and saucer that is included. KWIM?

But personally, I don't think that price is crazy expensive. And really, these are your dishes and if you and your FI like them then who cares what your sister thinks. At least you know that she won't be buying you a place setting.

futurekeach · October 2014

Maggie0829 said:

Think of it this way. Each item in that place setting costs $15. Which to me is pretty average for a non-plastic, dinnerware setting.

As for what your sister said, yes some dinnerware, when you buy it all together meaning you can buy a place setting for 4 and all the items come in one box can be bought for less then 100. But when you are choosing from certain items separately, then it tends to cost a bit more since you can pick and choose what you want rather then getting a box of dishes where you will never use the cup and saucer that is included. KWIM?

At least you know that she won't be buying you a place setting.

That's what I said! A little less than $15 isn't that bad! Plus, it's so pretty! I just couldn't find anything I liked at Target. You're right. Not her wedding. She probably won't buy it. But most people spend about $60 on a wedding gift. If eight people bring me a setting, we'll be good! She also had something to say about the $50 crystal cake holder I registered for. It can also be used as a chip bowl and a punch bowl. Plus, it's one of the few really pretty things I added to the registry.

chibiyui · October 2014

I think you're fine. Lennox is a good brand and fine china is very durable. That price per place setting is very reasonable.

Also, unless your sister is buying Corelle, her plates are going to be significantly heavier than yours and more fragile. Most sets under 100 bucks are stoneware, which is more likely to break.

lyndausvi · October 2014

If your sister thinks it's outrageous then she doesn't have to buy them for you. Pretty simple.

IMO, the price is reasonable. My parents everyday dishes are lennox. They have had them for 20+years.

plainjane0415 · October 2014

I think that is very reasonable. I always like when people register for place settings of everyday dishes, because it's an easy, yet practical gift that I know they will use. I'm more comfortable spending $60 on a place setting of dishes than I am a $60 kitchen gadget they may hardly use.

futurekeach · October 2014

plainjane0415 said:

I think that is very reasonable. I always like when people register for place settings of everyday dishes, because it's an easy, yet practical gift that I know they will use. I'm more comfortable spending $60 on a place setting of dishes than I am a $60 kitchen gadget they may hardly use.

Bingo! Thank you. Girls, you're awesome. I appreciate it.

Here are the dishes I have fallen in love with, btw.

lmcooper86 · October 2014

lacensparkle15 said:

This might be a common sense question for a lot of you, but I was raised on paper plates. So, I have no idea what I'm doing. FI and I registered this weekend. I fell in love with a dish at BBB. The brand is Lennox. We're not getting fine china because we'll never use it, but I think this setting is nice enough for casual or formal occasions. The setting comes with one dinner plate, one small plate, one mug, and one bowl Each place setting is around $60, and we're registering for 8. So eight dinner plates, eight small plates, eight mugs, and eight bowls will ultimately cost $480. I thought this was pretty standard (again I have no clue what I'm doing), but my sister made it seem like this was an outrageous amount of money. She said she went to Walmart or Target and could get all of the dishes she would ever need for less than $100. Am I being too high maintenance, or is this an average amount of money to spend on dishes?

Is your sister assuming that you expect one person/couple to purchase all 8 place settings?? Under that mentality sure, it's an expensive gift, but who's likely to buy all 8 place settings for you? It's not like BBB isn't going to let people buy just 1 set. I think the dishes you've picked are completely reasonable; $60 for a place setting is fine!

futurekeach · October 2014

Thanks! I don't know what she thinks. Maybe that as a whole, that's expensive? Like, that's money that we could spend on something else? 'm trying to follow her thought process. We were raised on paper plates, so I guess that's her thought process.

esstee33 · October 2014

Keep in mind, also, there are sales and coupons constantly at BBB.

Lenox is a great brand and those dishes are awesome. Go for it.

[Deleted User] · October 2014

I'm going to be your sister's advocate for a moment. I'm going to guess that she thinks it's a ridiculous price for a set of dishes because they're not her style. She doesn't like them. So spending even $1 per item would be ridiculously expensive to her. That's my guess because I don't like those dishes. If I saw them at my friend's house, I wouldn't even think about it if they went with the rest of friend's personal style and decor. But they are definitely not for me.

So, no, I don't think they're expensive. And I think you should register for them and people will purchase them for you. But your sister and I will be purchasing other items off your list instead as is our prerogative. Enjoy!

photokitty · October 2014

I always buy a place setting as a wedding gift if it is an option. I love buying a 5ppl setting bc i know it will be used and appreciated and will likely last a long, long time. If I was your guest, I'd use my coupons and buy you a set or two from Macy's when it went on sale though, instead of at BB&B

Maggie0829 · October 2014

adk19 said:

I'm going to be your sister's advocate for a moment. I'm going to guess that she thinks it's a ridiculous price for a set of dishes because they're not her style. She doesn't like them. So spending even $1 per item would be ridiculously expensive to her. That's my guess because I don't like those dishes. If I saw them at my friend's house, I wouldn't even think about it if they went with the rest of friend's personal style and decor. But they are definitely not for me.

So, no, I don't think they're expensive. And I think you should register for them and people will purchase them for you. But your sister and I will be purchasing other items off your list instead as is our prerogative. Enjoy!

So you wouldn't buy a place setting off of someone's registry because it isn't your style? That is odd.

esstee33 · October 2014

Maggie0829 said:

adk19 said:

I'm going to be your sister's advocate for a moment. I'm going to guess that she thinks it's a ridiculous price for a set of dishes because they're not her style. She doesn't like them. So spending even $1 per item would be ridiculously expensive to her. That's my guess because I don't like those dishes. If I saw them at my friend's house, I wouldn't even think about it if they went with the rest of friend's personal style and decor. But they are definitely not for me.

So, no, I don't think they're expensive. And I think you should register for them and people will purchase them for you. But your sister and I will be purchasing other items off your list instead as is our prerogative. Enjoy!

So you wouldn't buy a place setting off of someone's registry because it isn't your style? That is odd.

I think phrasing it that way makes it sound way more odd than it actually is. Think of it in reverse: if you're debating between two items that are identical in price, many people will get the one THEY like better, nevermind that the couple obviously wants both.

People like to get gifts that also say something about themselves, too. I can't tell you how many customers I had coming in to shop from registries who said something like "I don't want to be that person who got them sheets (as though sheets were SUCH an awful gift). I want to get them something they'll remember me fondly for."

It's silly, but it happens all the time.

Maggie0829 · October 2014

esstee33 said:

Maggie0829 said:

adk19 said:

I'm going to be your sister's advocate for a moment. I'm going to guess that she thinks it's a ridiculous price for a set of dishes because they're not her style. She doesn't like them. So spending even $1 per item would be ridiculously expensive to her. That's my guess because I don't like those dishes. If I saw them at my friend's house, I wouldn't even think about it if they went with the rest of friend's personal style and decor. But they are definitely not for me.

So, no, I don't think they're expensive. And I think you should register for them and people will purchase them for you. But your sister and I will be purchasing other items off your list instead as is our prerogative. Enjoy!

So you wouldn't buy a place setting off of someone's registry because it isn't your style? That is odd.

I think phrasing it that way makes it sound way more odd than it actually is. Think of it in reverse: if you're debating between two items that are identical in price, many people will get the one THEY like better, nevermind that the couple obviously wants both.

People like to get gifts that also say something about themselves, too. I can't tell you how many customers I had coming in to shop from registries who said something like "I don't want to be that person who got them sheets (as though sheets were SUCH an awful gift). I want to get them something they'll remember me fondly for."

It's silly, but it happens all the time.

Yeah, that is ridiculous. There is very rarely a time on someone's registry where they have something that is super interesting or unique. I get them something within my price range because I know they will like it, not because it represents me or suits my tastes. That is silly.

plainjane0415 · October 2014

Maggie0829 said:

esstee33 said:

Maggie0829 said:

adk19 said:

I'm going to be your sister's advocate for a moment. I'm going to guess that she thinks it's a ridiculous price for a set of dishes because they're not her style. She doesn't like them. So spending even $1 per item would be ridiculously expensive to her. That's my guess because I don't like those dishes. If I saw them at my friend's house, I wouldn't even think about it if they went with the rest of friend's personal style and decor. But they are definitely not for me.

So, no, I don't think they're expensive. And I think you should register for them and people will purchase them for you. But your sister and I will be purchasing other items off your list instead as is our prerogative. Enjoy!

So you wouldn't buy a place setting off of someone's registry because it isn't your style? That is odd.

I think phrasing it that way makes it sound way more odd than it actually is. Think of it in reverse: if you're debating between two items that are identical in price, many people will get the one THEY like better, nevermind that the couple obviously wants both.

People like to get gifts that also say something about themselves, too. I can't tell you how many customers I had coming in to shop from registries who said something like "I don't want to be that person who got them sheets (as though sheets were SUCH an awful gift). I want to get them something they'll remember me fondly for."

It's silly, but it happens all the time.

Yeah, that is ridiculous. There is very rarely a time on someone's registry where they have something that is super interesting or unique. I get them something within my price range because I know they will like it, not because it represents me or suits my tastes. That is silly.

Ditto @Maggie0829, that's the point of having a registry. You have stuff on there that you like, so people can use that as a guide to get something you really want.

photokitty · October 2014

plainjane0415 said:

Maggie0829 said:

esstee33 said:

Maggie0829 said:

adk19 said:

I'm going to be your sister's advocate for a moment. I'm going to guess that she thinks it's a ridiculous price for a set of dishes because they're not her style. She doesn't like them. So spending even $1 per item would be ridiculously expensive to her. That's my guess because I don't like those dishes. If I saw them at my friend's house, I wouldn't even think about it if they went with the rest of friend's personal style and decor. But they are definitely not for me.

So, no, I don't think they're expensive. And I think you should register for them and people will purchase them for you. But your sister and I will be purchasing other items off your list instead as is our prerogative. Enjoy!

So you wouldn't buy a place setting off of someone's registry because it isn't your style? That is odd.

I think phrasing it that way makes it sound way more odd than it actually is. Think of it in reverse: if you're debating between two items that are identical in price, many people will get the one THEY like better, nevermind that the couple obviously wants both.

People like to get gifts that also say something about themselves, too. I can't tell you how many customers I had coming in to shop from registries who said something like "I don't want to be that person who got them sheets (as though sheets were SUCH an awful gift). I want to get them something they'll remember me fondly for."

It's silly, but it happens all the time.

Yeah, that is ridiculous. There is very rarely a time on someone's registry where they have something that is super interesting or unique. I get them something within my price range because I know they will like it, not because it represents me or suits my tastes. That is silly.

Ditto @Maggie0829, that's the point of having a registry. You have stuff on there that you like, so people can use that as a guide to get something you really want.

See and I'm that person that refuses to buy sheets or towels. I don't want the couple to think of me lying on sheets or drying off after a shower. I pick an item in my price point that I believe will hold up and last a long time, unless it's something I know they really want - other than bedding or bath towels.

Maggie0829 · October 2014

photokitty said:

plainjane0415 said:

Maggie0829 said:

esstee33 said:

Maggie0829 said:

adk19 said:

I'm going to be your sister's advocate for a moment. I'm going to guess that she thinks it's a ridiculous price for a set of dishes because they're not her style. She doesn't like them. So spending even $1 per item would be ridiculously expensive to her. That's my guess because I don't like those dishes. If I saw them at my friend's house, I wouldn't even think about it if they went with the rest of friend's personal style and decor. But they are definitely not for me.

So, no, I don't think they're expensive. And I think you should register for them and people will purchase them for you. But your sister and I will be purchasing other items off your list instead as is our prerogative. Enjoy!

So you wouldn't buy a place setting off of someone's registry because it isn't your style? That is odd.

I think phrasing it that way makes it sound way more odd than it actually is. Think of it in reverse: if you're debating between two items that are identical in price, many people will get the one THEY like better, nevermind that the couple obviously wants both.

People like to get gifts that also say something about themselves, too. I can't tell you how many customers I had coming in to shop from registries who said something like "I don't want to be that person who got them sheets (as though sheets were SUCH an awful gift). I want to get them something they'll remember me fondly for."

It's silly, but it happens all the time.

Yeah, that is ridiculous. There is very rarely a time on someone's registry where they have something that is super interesting or unique. I get them something within my price range because I know they will like it, not because it represents me or suits my tastes. That is silly.

Ditto @Maggie0829, that's the point of having a registry. You have stuff on there that you like, so people can use that as a guide to get something you really want.

See and I'm that person that refuses to buy sheets or towels. I don't want the couple to think of me lying on sheets or drying off after a shower. I pick an item in my price point that I believe will hold up and last a long time, unless it's something I know they really want - other than bedding or bath towels.

As someone who was given sheets and towels at their bridal shower I very rarely lie in bed and think "oh so and so gave these sheets to me." Or when I am drying myself off with my fluffy towel I don't think "oh so and so gave these to me." Am I grateful that they bought me gifts? Sure but I don't think of the giver of that gift every time I use something that I received. I do think about how happy I am to have a fluffy towel to dry off with and pretty sheets to sleep in, but the actual person who gave them to me, not so much.

And sheets and towels are always needed and even though they may seem like a boring gift to give, trust that they will be used and used a lot unlike that pretty crystal vase that sits in a cabinet collecting dust because the couple very rarely buys flowers to put in it. So I guess I would prefer to buy the couple something that I know they will use and use a lot.

photokitty · October 2014

Maggie0829 said:

photokitty said:

plainjane0415 said:

Maggie0829 said:

esstee33 said:

Maggie0829 said:

adk19 said:

I'm going to be your sister's advocate for a moment. I'm going to guess that she thinks it's a ridiculous price for a set of dishes because they're not her style. She doesn't like them. So spending even $1 per item would be ridiculously expensive to her. That's my guess because I don't like those dishes. If I saw them at my friend's house, I wouldn't even think about it if they went with the rest of friend's personal style and decor. But they are definitely not for me.

So, no, I don't think they're expensive. And I think you should register for them and people will purchase them for you. But your sister and I will be purchasing other items off your list instead as is our prerogative. Enjoy!

So you wouldn't buy a place setting off of someone's registry because it isn't your style? That is odd.

I think phrasing it that way makes it sound way more odd than it actually is. Think of it in reverse: if you're debating between two items that are identical in price, many people will get the one THEY like better, nevermind that the couple obviously wants both.

People like to get gifts that also say something about themselves, too. I can't tell you how many customers I had coming in to shop from registries who said something like "I don't want to be that person who got them sheets (as though sheets were SUCH an awful gift). I want to get them something they'll remember me fondly for."

It's silly, but it happens all the time.

Yeah, that is ridiculous. There is very rarely a time on someone's registry where they have something that is super interesting or unique. I get them something within my price range because I know they will like it, not because it represents me or suits my tastes. That is silly.

Ditto @Maggie0829, that's the point of having a registry. You have stuff on there that you like, so people can use that as a guide to get something you really want.

See and I'm that person that refuses to buy sheets or towels. I don't want the couple to think of me lying on sheets or drying off after a shower. I pick an item in my price point that I believe will hold up and last a long time, unless it's something I know they really want - other than bedding or bath towels.

As someone who was given sheets and towels at their bridal shower I very rarely lie in bed and think "oh so and so gave these sheets to me." Or when I am drying myself off with my fluffy towel I don't think "oh so and so gave these to me." Am I grateful that they bought me gifts? Sure but I don't think of the giver of that gift every time I use something that I received. I do think about how happy I am to have a fluffy towel to dry off with and pretty sheets to sleep in, but the actual person who gave them to me, not so much.

And sheets and towels are always needed and even though they may seem like a boring gift to give, trust that they will be used and used a lot unlike that pretty crystal vase that sits in a cabinet collecting dust because the couple very rarely buys flowers to put in it. So I guess I would prefer to buy the couple something that I know they will use and use a lot.

That's why registries are great - they give everyone the option to buy something for whatever crazy reason they want. Since I collect Waterford and have it on display I can honestly say while I don't "use" it daily, I look at it and it makes me smile. Either way, I'm in no way suggestion towels and sheets aren't good gifts - just that I don't choose to buy them.

China and crystal are used at holidays and on special occasions in my family. Those are cherished times and important memories. I prefer to buy items that may be used infrequently, but may also hold special memories for the couple and future generations. For me china and a vase can do that, towels can not.

[Deleted User] · October 2014

Maggie0829 said:

esstee33 said:

Maggie0829 said:

adk19 said:

I'm going to be your sister's advocate for a moment. I'm going to guess that she thinks it's a ridiculous price for a set of dishes because they're not her style. She doesn't like them. So spending even $1 per item would be ridiculously expensive to her. That's my guess because I don't like those dishes. If I saw them at my friend's house, I wouldn't even think about it if they went with the rest of friend's personal style and decor. But they are definitely not for me.

So, no, I don't think they're expensive. And I think you should register for them and people will purchase them for you. But your sister and I will be purchasing other items off your list instead as is our prerogative. Enjoy!

So you wouldn't buy a place setting off of someone's registry because it isn't your style? That is odd.

I think phrasing it that way makes it sound way more odd than it actually is. Think of it in reverse: if you're debating between two items that are identical in price, many people will get the one THEY like better, nevermind that the couple obviously wants both.

People like to get gifts that also say something about themselves, too. I can't tell you how many customers I had coming in to shop from registries who said something like "I don't want to be that person who got them sheets (as though sheets were SUCH an awful gift). I want to get them something they'll remember me fondly for."

It's silly, but it happens all the time.

Yeah, that is ridiculous. There is very rarely a time on someone's registry where they have something that is super interesting or unique. I get them something within my price range because I know they will like it, not because it represents me or suits my tastes. That is silly.

Silly or not, it's how I decide. If the electric griddle and the waffle iron are both in my price range and both on the registry, I'm buying the couple the electric griddle because I LOVE mine. And I might even throw in my favorite pancake recipe. Or if the giant fluffy bath sheets and a couple ugly (in my opinion) place settings are both in my price range and both on the registry, I'm buying them the giant bath sheets because I can't imagine anything more amazing than that fluffy goodness after a hot shower.

I could just decide an amount I want to spend and purchase the first item on the registry that fulfills that amount, but I prefer to show a bit of my personality by at least choosing my preference of the items on their list.

Aray82 · October 2014

In my circle, people like to get place settings and othe parts of china sets as nice wedding gifts. We got nearly all of the place settings we registered for, plus the teapot with sugar and creamer, the salt and pepper shakers, and the serving platter. Each place setting was $105 for 5 pieces, plus at Macy's there was a buy one place setting get one free sale which is when people ordered most of them, it seems. It's also nice as a guest to be able to gift a place setting, whether casual or formal, because the couple will use them for many years and remember who gave it to them. We also registered for a less pricey everyday set of $30 per setting which frequetly went on sale for $20 at Macys and MIL bought all of them for the shower. IMO, in spite of what your sister thinks, many guests do not find it extravagant (especially a set priced as reasonably as yours!) because they are meant to last several years and be used over and over.

Aray82 · October 2014

adk19 said:

Maggie0829 said:

esstee33 said:

Maggie0829 said:

adk19 said:

I'm going to be your sister's advocate for a moment. I'm going to guess that she thinks it's a ridiculous price for a set of dishes because they're not her style. She doesn't like them. So spending even $1 per item would be ridiculously expensive to her. That's my guess because I don't like those dishes. If I saw them at my friend's house, I wouldn't even think about it if they went with the rest of friend's personal style and decor. But they are definitely not for me.

So, no, I don't think they're expensive. And I think you should register for them and people will purchase them for you. But your sister and I will be purchasing other items off your list instead as is our prerogative. Enjoy!

So you wouldn't buy a place setting off of someone's registry because it isn't your style? That is odd.

I think phrasing it that way makes it sound way more odd than it actually is. Think of it in reverse: if you're debating between two items that are identical in price, many people will get the one THEY like better, nevermind that the couple obviously wants both.

People like to get gifts that also say something about themselves, too. I can't tell you how many customers I had coming in to shop from registries who said something like "I don't want to be that person who got them sheets (as though sheets were SUCH an awful gift). I want to get them something they'll remember me fondly for."

It's silly, but it happens all the time.

Yeah, that is ridiculous. There is very rarely a time on someone's registry where they have something that is super interesting or unique. I get them something within my price range because I know they will like it, not because it represents me or suits my tastes. That is silly.

Silly or not, it's how I decide. If the electric griddle and the waffle iron are both in my price range and both on the registry, I'm buying the couple the electric griddle because I LOVE mine. And I might even throw in my favorite pancake recipe. Or if the giant fluffy bath sheets and a couple ugly (in my opinion) place settings are both in my price range and both on the registry, I'm buying them the giant bath sheets because I can't imagine anything more amazing than that fluffy goodness after a hot shower.

I could just decide an amount I want to spend and purchase the first item on the registry that fulfills that amount, but I prefer to show a bit of my personality by at least choosing my preference of the items on their list.

Hah--that's true! We got a new water filter/pitcher (I registered for a Camelback because I was tired of our Brita lid constantly flying off the top) and DH's cousin bought it because "we are practical and we believe this gift will contribute to a long life". Indeed, and I was thrilled to see it! I also got a bake and carry set and a cake decorating set from a cousin's wife whose mom apparently has two of each.

happybridetobe1987 · January 2015

I echo what all the PPs say about not worrying about your sister's criticism!! $60/place setting is incredibly reasonable and if that is what you like, and what your FI likes, then go for it! To be honest, it shows how caring you are that you would worry about that. So you dream about those plates and I hope you get all you wish for!

Place Settings - Too Expensive?

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