Customer Reviews

Franciscan Apple 5-Piece Place Setting

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My mother had a set of Franciscan Apple dinnerware as I was growing up, though I never thought too much about what I was eating off of at the time. Later, as a wife and mother myself, I was looking for a theme around which to decorate my kitchen. We had just moved to Appleton, WI (16 years ago) so I decided to use an "apple" theme, w/o even connecting the idea with my mom's dishes. I was frankly surprised to visit my parents and become reacquainted with the Franciscan dishes. Over the years I've collected innumerable apple items, but my goal is to have a set of Franciscan apple dishes of my own! They do chip, but they last forever and retain their color beautifully.

I've had a full set of Franciscan apple-pattern dishes for 20 years. I've also added some serving pieces in this pattern--a large oval flat dish, serving bowl, 2-compartment oblong serving bowl, and even a Franciscan Apple salt and pepper set shaped like apples. I still like the bright, beautiful apple pattern, which has not faded a bit in 20 years--particularly in the fall when it looks most in season.

However, over time, about 25% of the dishes and bowls have developed cracks or chips. This doesn't come from dropping or mishandling the dishes in any way, just from normal wear and tear. In addition to actual cracks in some dishes, some of the paint has developed "crinkles." Also, the bowls tend to be on the small side compared to other dish sets I've seen such as the Fiestaware. I rarely use the teacups, which are too small to be of practical use to me.

When deciding whether or not to buy these (or any other dishes), I suggest taking a good look at the pattern, preferably in person. Is it something you can live with for a long time? Is the bowl large enough for your cereal, soup, or salad, or do you feel like you'll be getting endless refills? And when deciding on Franciscan-ware, I would definitely factor in the fact that these dishes crack and chip over time.

P.S. Franciscan dishes made after 1984, including mine, were made in England. Prior to that they were made in the USA.

We inherited a collection of vintage Franciscan Apple that have decorated our china hutch for almost 20 years. Recently I searched for an everyday dinnerware for my family of 5. After weeks of searching, I chose the "still available after 65 years" Apple pattern. In addition to the microwave, dishwasher safe, freezer safe attributes, I love the fact that these dishes are NORMAL size. My service for 12 actually fits in the cabinet and in the dishwasher. The dishes are smaller and lighter weight than most patterns available today. Hurray! Who needs a coffee cup that is so large you can't drink it before it gets cold or a cereal bowl that looks like a mixing bowl. The lighter weight is easier for children to handle so we have few accidents. And, I love the variety of open stock accessories still available. After 20 years, we still love MeMa's old Apple Dishes...

My husband chose Franciscan Apple Dinnerware for our casual china when we were married in 1962 (now collectors items, made in USA). Our children always enjoyed choosing different sets of dinnerware and glasses to set the table each night. However, they are now grown and married, and we just set the table with the kitchen tableware.
With the great anniversary sales that are now in progress, we have added an additional service for 8 and various other pieces. Our daughter-in-law and grandchildren in a state far away have helped me find in-stock pieces so we can all eat from "Granddad's Dishes" when they come home for Father's Day.
Why do my husband and I both love this pattern? He loves the pattern and luscious colors. I love the dishes because they can go from refrigerator to microwave or oven. I love the pattern because it reminds me of the Blue Ridge Apple Pottery dishes that my Mother used when she served the farm hands seated at the handmade table on the back porch. Daddy had made the table for her with a drawer to hold the dishes so she wouldn't need to walk back to the big country kitchen. When we use these dishes, they bring back memories of Mama in a printed cotton dress and apron, bustling around with trays of home cooked food for everyone, and of Daddy in his khaki shirt and faded overalls, smelling of new-mown hay.

When I was a young woman, my next door neighbors were a large family. The mother, an artist, was very beautiful, gracious, and gentle. I was often invited to share the family meals that were served on this Franciscan Apple Dinnerware. When it came time for me to purchase my everyday china, I had no hesitation in choosing this nostalgic pattern. I have a service for 16 now, with all the extra pieces. You can wash all of the Franciscanware in the dishwasher, but be sure to not use too much detergent. Highly Recommended for those who like handpainted china and Apples!

My single place setting of Franciscan "Apple" arrived today in good condition from Amazon. I was disappointed to see that they had little similarity to the older Apple dishes in my kitchen cabinet. There is no manufacturer indicated anywhere on the box or dishes except that they are made in Thailand. The dinner plate is slightly larger than the traditional size and it is very deep bearing some slight resemblance to a large soup bowl. They are slightly embossed, but without the detail of the originals. The paint is darker and more intense and , in general, does not match my existing set in most ways...and they cannot be stacked with the older dishes. I will probably use them as serving pieces since they are "unique" shall we say.

I inherited a vintage set of these. They are beautiful, and I was very excited to have an extensive set of special dishes for entertaining. Then I remembered something I had read about antique, hand-painted dishes. I bought a kit, then a different kit to double-check and, sure enough - the paint contains lead! If you have an old, hand-painted set, be sure to test it before putting it to use. My lovely, complete set is just for display.