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Caring for fine bone china

With the launch of our beautiful new fine bone china mugs using designs from the Kew Gardens archive, I really do think that fine bone china needs to be given that little bit extra care and attention.

I had some friends around for dinner on Saturday night and as usual, the fine bone china dinner set we were given for our wedding came out of hibernation.  The design is called “India” really pretty, with lots of dainty decoration around the rim, peppered with hints of gold leaf.  It’s a bit special, which is why I nearly had a heart attack when my nearest and dearest started loading up the dishwasher!    I immediately ran into the kitchen and started un-stacking all the plates, he rolled his eyes at my friend, as if to say, here she goes again!

I do think that when it comes to your very best fine bone china, it should be treated with the upmost respect.  Dishwasher detergents though great for everyday dinnerware, can actually be quite damaging to fine decals, especially plates with beautiful gold edging.  I therefore always wash my fine bone china by hand, carefully stacking them in my cupboard for another outing. As for storage, my mother always wraps her very best bone china in soft muslin or cloth napkins and stores really precious pieces in china storage container.

Fine bone china mugs – William Chambers Collection

Fine bone china dinnerware – V&A

Tagged ceramics, dinner plates, fine bone china, gifts, Kew, Kew Gardens, mugs, V&A