Desert Rose Dinnerware Set: A Tabletop Oasis

Franciscan's Desert Rose is a beloved and highly successful dinnerware line that was in production from 1941 to 2004. The pattern was designed by Annette Honeywell and is inspired by the beautiful pink rosa rugosa flower. Franciscan Ware was originally produced in Glendale, California by Gladding, McBean & Co. in 1934. The company produced casual dinnerware in the style of Mexican folk pottery.

The Desert Rose pattern features hand-painted clusters of vibrant pink flowers, olive green stems on a cream background, and brown branches that gracefully form the trim of each piece. The design is considered to be typical of Asian-inspired Southern California décor of the early 20th Century.

The popularity of the Desert Rose pattern can be attributed to its unique design and vintage charm. It is also known to be durable and resistant to chipping. In 1964, the sixty millionth piece was produced and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy chose Franciscan Desert Rose for use in the White House.

Today, Franciscan Desert Rose china is still popular and has become a classic. Many people continue to be drawn to its unique design and vintage charm.

Franciscan Desert Rose is the bestselling dinnerware pattern in American history

Franciscan Desert Rose dinnerware became popular for its unique design. The bright pink and green hues of the pattern gave it a vintage charm that was unlike any other dinnerware patterns in circulation at the time. The Franciscan pattern got a significant boost in popularity thanks to widescale advertising campaigns throughout the 1940s and 1950s that featured Hollywood celebrities such as Joan Crawford, Greer Garson and Dorothy Lamour. In 1964, the sixty millionth piece was produced and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy chose Franciscan Desert Rose for use in the White House.

Franciscan Desert Rose dinnerware is also known for its durability. Collectors believe that these attributes contribute to the pattern's staying power, especially among those who used it for everyday dining. The dinnerware is microwave, freezer, and dishwasher-safe.

Today, Franciscan dinnerware is produced in various countries, but the American-made pieces (pre-1984) are the most desirable and expensive. The USA dishes are the original ones and the oldest, and they have the most detailed and best-looking designs.

The Desert Rose pattern was designed by Annette Honeywell in 1941

The design features hand-painted clusters of vibrant pink flowers, olive green stems on a cream background, and brown branches that gracefully form the trim of each piece. The rosa rugosa, the flower that is central to the Desert Rose design, is native to the Midwest and northern sections of the United States. However, the pattern was named after a flower native to California to give it a West Coast cachet that was coveted at the time.

The Desert Rose pattern was a beloved and highly successful china pattern from 1941 to 2004. It is still highly sought after by collectors and remains one of the most popular china patterns in American history.

The design features pink flowers, olive green stems, and brown branches on a cream background

The Franciscan Desert Rose dinnerware set is a popular choice for those seeking a rustic California aesthetic. The design features pink flowers, olive green stems, and brown branches on a cream background. This unique combination has made the Desert Rose one of the most popular dinnerware patterns in American history.

The Desert Rose pattern was introduced in 1941 by Gladding, McBean & Company, known for its Mexican folk pottery-style dinnerware. The design was created by Los Angeles-based contract designer Annette Honeywell and is considered typical of early 20th-century Asian-inspired Southern California décor. Despite the rosa rugosa flower, which is native to the Midwest and northern United States, being central to the design, the pattern was named Desert Rose to evoke a West Coast cachet.

The bright pink and green hues of the Desert Rose pattern gave it a vintage charm that distinguished it from other dinnerware patterns of its time. Franciscan's widescale advertising campaigns featuring Hollywood celebrities such as Joan Crawford, Greer Garson, and Dorothy Lamour in the 1940s and 1950s further boosted its popularity.

The Franciscan Desert Rose dinnerware set has endured due to its durability and resistance to chipping, making it suitable for everyday dining. The set's cream-coloured background and delicate floral design add a touch of elegance to any table setting. The pink flowers and olive green stems create a vibrant and charming atmosphere, perfect for a casual or formal gathering.

The Franciscan Desert Rose dinnerware set typically includes dinner plates, salad plates, soup/cereal bowls, teacups, and saucers. Some sets may also include additional pieces such as serving bowls, platters, salt and pepper shakers, butter dishes, and sugar bowls. The set's versatility allows it to be used for everyday meals or special occasions, making it a beloved choice for many families.

The Franciscan Desert Rose pattern has undergone some changes since its introduction. Initially produced in the USA, the set was later manufactured in England and China, resulting in subtle variations in the design. The scalloped edges and pronounced relief of the flowers, leaves, and branches became less prominent in sets produced outside the USA. Despite these differences, the Franciscan Desert Rose dinnerware set remains a classic, sought-after by collectors and those wishing to add a touch of vintage charm to their table.

Desert Rose dinnerware is durable and resistant to chipping

Franciscan Desert Rose is a line of dinnerware inspired by the pink rosa rugosa flower. It was first introduced in 1941 and was produced until 2013. The pattern features hand-painted clusters of vibrant pink flowers, olive green stems, and brown branches on a cream-coloured background.

Franciscan Desert Rose dinnerware is considered durable and resistant to chipping. The dinnerware is made of earthenware and is safe for use in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. The pattern's subtly sculpted pink desert roses and green leaves are set against a pale sand-coloured background. The plates have indented centres and darker, slightly scalloped rims that depict rose vines. The cups' handles are also sculpted and coloured like vines.

The durability of Franciscan Desert Rose dinnerware has contributed to its popularity and staying power, especially among those who used it for everyday dining. The dinnerware has been in production for several decades, and original pieces from the 1940s to the 1980s are considered the most desirable due to their superior quality and craftsmanship.

While the dinnerware is durable, there have been reports of pieces arriving chipped or broken during shipping. Additionally, the quality of the dinnerware has varied over the years, with some reporting that newer pieces made outside the United States are not as well-made as the original American-made sets. Overall, however, Franciscan Desert Rose dinnerware is known for its durability and resistance to chipping.

Desert Rose dinnerware was produced in California, England, China, and Portugal

In 1962, Franciscan became part of a large ceramic company, International Pipe and Ceramics Corporation, known as Interpace. In 1979, Interpace sold Franciscan to Josiah Wedgwood & Sons, Ltd. of England. Following the sale, production of Desert Rose was moved to England. In 2000, production was moved again, this time to China.

The Desert Rose pattern is considered to be durable and resistant to chipping, and its unique design is believed to have contributed to its popularity. It is the best-selling American dinnerware pattern in history.

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