Collecting Fiesta Dinnerware
If you are interested in collecting vintage china, Homer Laughlin Fiesta is a great place to start. The Homer Laughlin China Company began producing Fiesta china as fun, affordable, everyday dinnerware in 1936. Fiesta dishes reflected the modern art deco style popular at the time, with vivid, eye-catching colors. Fiesta china was everything the name implied, fun and upbeat dinnerware that could showcase any culinary presentation.
Originally, Fiesta dinnerware was available in five original colors, red, ivory, cobalt blue, yellow and green. A sixth color, turquoise, was introduced in 1937. Setting a table with bright, cheery colors was just the ticket during the depression, when many folks had little to smile about. Fiesta dinnerware was affordable too, a 100-piece, service for eight ensemble set could be had for $15.00, a reasonable price even in the depression era.
Fiesta china was produced through the next several decades, although the line was modified occasionally, with the addition of new colors and the deletion of pieces that there were no longer popular with buyers. In 1969, the Homer Laughlin China Company restyled Fiesta china, introducing a line of Fiesta Ironstone dinnerware. Although Fiesta china was discontinued in 1973, the Homer Laughlin China Company re-introduced Fiesta dinnerware in 1986 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Fiesta china.
Contemporary Fiesta dishes proved just as popular as their vintage cousins. Homer Laughlin China Company has maintained the integrity of the original art deco design, making Fiesta china easily recognizable to consumers, while offering a wide array of contemporary colors.
Today, collectors can find great deals on Fiesta china. Many vintage Fiesta dishes are reasonably priced, and can be found on online auctions, flea markets and antique shops. Because the Homer Laughlin China Company produced huge quantities of Fiesta china, many pieces of Fiesta dinnerware have survived intact and are in good or better condition.
