I'd rather save money on what I look at, such as the plates, rather than what I handle, such as the flatware. Twisted tines and bent spoons are not a savings.

Flatware for the second setting has a wrong link

@m_j_s
Maybe it's just because I've fallen for an obscenely expensive flatware set, but I find myself buying into the idea that white dishes are a classic, blahblahblah. Well, I do actually think that most food would look best on a plain background, and it seems a bit of a waste to have a design when food will be covering it up anyway.

Huh, I actually really like the first C&B water glass. Too bad it isn't stackable....

No way I'd spend that much on wine glasses. They always break on me, and more so than regular water glasses (which, by the way, I don't spend much on either). I'd rather get some really nice steak knives and classic cutlery with a little heft. The white plates are a good idea though - just about anything will go with them and it's easy to change up the color.

i've never regretted my white plates. Have mixed it up with salad and dessert plates with designs (glass with a gold edge for dessert -- sort of freely shaped, and chocolate brown with goldish real leaves laquered on. Probably chinese, and probably full of lead). Food looks better on white plates, and I have never understood having a pretty plate that gets all covered with food muck. I lately have really enjoyed my vintage silverplate (picked up at thift stores and antique malls, unmatched for the most part. They are heavy, dont crack in the dishwasher, look gorgeous with their silvery gray luster...

So I was in charge of the Thanksgiving table at my parents' house and I had the best time "shopping" for plates, vases, linens, etc. in my Stepmom's stuff.

http://thenestinggame.com/2011/11/28/thanksgiving-2011/

For a party, it would be great to have a friend give your things a fresh eye---maybe you could see your stuff in a new way. Or, borrow some of their things to spice up your own table!

I spent money on flatware and really like the feel of a heavy utensil in my hand. But otherwise I'm totally fine with tableware from Goodwill! That's where much of mine comes from.

@lepidoptery, I have those C&B Jax water glasses and I L.O.V.E. them. Like, a LOT. They come in 2 sizes and the smaller "juice" size is stackable in pairs.

However they are being discontinued!! I registered for them and C&B sent me a notice about it. So, if you want them, now's your chance.

http://thenestinggame.com

I dont think $24 per place setting is exactly 'on a budget'. I've bought wine glasses from the dollar store (Dollar Tree) and have been very happy with them - I actually prefer them for a party because they tend to be made out of thicker tougher glass rather than very delicate thin crystal or whatever more expensive glasses tend to be.

@the nesting game
Oh, thanks for the heads up about the glasses! Maybe I am due for a visit to c&b; if I can see them in person I'd have a better idea of how to jump. Stackable in pairs could be acceptable, depending on where I put them in the cabinets anyway....