Fiesta Dinnerware has been produced by the Homer Laughlin China Company, of Newell, West Virginia, since 1936. Discontinued briefly from 1973 to 1985, the popularly called Fiestaware has become both bold statement in dining and a hotly sought after collector’s item. Utilizing it can bring color to any meal and décor.
Fiestaware Colors
Fiesta Dinnerware was one of the first mass-produced solid color china products to be brought to market in the United States. The china is characterized by concentric rings on the surface, which allows the semi-opaque glaze to lighten and pool giving additional depth to the color.
Fiesta colors have been added and discontinued over the years to include a wide variety and pallet of colors. Fiestaware was first introduced with a range of five colors, all of which have since been discontinued, and now contains a range of approximately 39 colors including those discontinued over the years.
One of the reasons for Fiestaware’s collectible status is the scarcity of older colors. Many of the colors which the Homer Laughlin China Company produces are influenced by cultural and popular trends of the time. These colors will be discontinued when they are no longer in vogue. Other colors, such as the recent addition of the color “Chocolate” are limited edition items, and sold for only a short amount of time. This places a great deal of demand on the china, and can drive prices for limited edition and discontinued colors well into hundreds of dollars.
Fiestaware Dishes and Shapes
The original shapes and designs of Fiesta Dinnerware were made by the company’s art director at the time, Frederick Hurten Rhead. The shapes were made to reflect the popular art deco style of the times, and are available in a wide range of dinnerware sizes and utility. Round handles on the mugs and teapots, and generously sized, durable plates and platters characterize the line. Platters, teacups, mugs, teapots, plates and bowls are just general categories for the Fiesta line.
Because Fiesta Dinnerware is sold as “open stock”, meaning that each piece is labeled and sold individually, it is possible to put together a full service of the dinnerware in the complete range of colors.
More recent trends have brought the square shape to the Fiesta line. This new, angular shape compliments and mixes and matches well with the original round dinnerware.
Decorating with Fiestaware
With such a wide color pallet available, it is easy to incorporate the beauty and art deco style of Fiestaware into any home. Open cabinets and shelves in kitchens are great places to show off Fiestaware that is being put to frequent use, while smaller items, such as teacups can be scattered throughout the house for small pops of color.
While true collectors have been known to fill cabinets and tables full of Fiestaware, their bright colors can often mean that, in some households, less is more. Homes with a very neutral wall and furniture color pallet can be easily brightened by displaying vintage Fiestaware teapots or platters on bookshelves and in china cabinets. Homes that already have a great deal of color, can often find complimentary colors in the Fiestaware line, to help complete a look.
Whether collecting vintage or antique Fiestaware, or just looking to brighten the dinner table, Fiesta Dinnerware brings a unique style and a bright finish to any home. Items can be purchased at most department stores, online at various retailers, or found in antique shops around the globe. Look for the Homer Laughlin stamp, and start brightening the home today.
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