Dinner sets back on the menu as we tire of plain plates

ONCE a staple ingredient on any good wedding list, decorated dinner sets had rather fallen by the wayside in recent years.

But for the party host with money to burn, a full dining service to keep for a special occasion appears to be back in fashion.

Auctions have been exceeding expectations as buyers reject minimalism in place of lavish antique crockery.

The forthcoming sale of the Rockefeller Collection in New York – expected to be the most expensive of its kind in history – includes 67 dinner sets from the famous American philanthropist family collection, and reflects a growing demand for 18th, 19th and 20th century dining services.

A 28-piece red and gold service that was made for Napoleon in 1809 is offered at the Christie’s sale at an estimate of up to £180,000 – while a Chinese rose set that kickstarted the collection is expected to fetch as much as £40,000 when it goes under the hammer in May.

Jonathan Rendell, deputy chairman of Christie’s Americas, told The Sunday Telegraph: ‘The bland caterer’s china doesn’t do any more. People want something that expresses your view rather than ... some boring white plate.

‘It’s the end of minimalism. I think that’s a new trend…people want to express their individuality.’

Branding expert Lou Ellerton said the demand is from a ‘tiny percentage’ with the money to ‘showcase their lifestyle’ to others.