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A few days ago, I posted an article about what I'll admit I thought was an interesting topic: White House china. How pleased I was that so many slashfoodies turned out to agree with me. Thanks to all of the slashfoodies who read, forwarded and commented on the article. Below, please find some follow-up points in response to your conversations about this topic.
Cost. Anyone who's planned a registry for themselves knows how complex a china service can get, and anyone who's contributed to filling a registry for someone else knows that china service is costly. The new Bush china is no exception. The tally for the two new Bush services is reported to be approximately $493,000. Before you faint -- perhaps justly -- remember that the china was paid for from historical trust funds which are privately raised and maintained for the purpose of acquiring objects for the White House. Also remember that Presidential china is a tradition -- leaders during earlier tough times also had patterns, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Those things said, use the comments section to let us know your thoughts on both the tradition and the cost of Presidential china.
Purchasing. If you are on the side that supports White House china and would like to demonstrate that by including it in your own service, there is good news and bad news for you. The good news is that a few places sell replicas of previous Presidential patterns. Woodmere is dedicated to the reproduction and sale of American diplomatic china, and offers many items in addition to reproductions of historical Presidential patterns (perhaps you'd like to treat yourself, as I would, to a set of Martha Jefferson's lily of the valley dessert plates). For large purchases, consider contacting The Decatur House Musuem gift shop directly. Many pieces from these collections are also available through the gift shops from various Presidential libararies and musuems. And several collections by Anna Weatherley, the designer of the informal Bush service, are available at Michael C. Fina.
The bad news is that, if the pattern you'd like to purchase in replica is either of the Bush services, these are not available as yet. According to Mrs. Bush, there are no current plans to make it so. That makes sense in the context of protocol, as the Bush services are new enough to the White House to still be in State service (the other two patterns actively in State service are the Reagan and Clinton services, red and cream yellow respectively). Use the comments section to let us know which of the Presidential patterns, past to current, you'd like for use in your own home.
Change. Many are interested in the Obama china service. It is very early for this decision to be made or announced, but I will continue to follow the story and post as information becomes available. First Ladies have been known as everything from style-makers to diplomats, and numerous roles in between Let us know what you think about the historic and evolving role of the First Lady, your hopes for Mrs. Obama -- and your suggestions for her table!
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1-19-2009 @9:06PM LizAndrsn said... I'd probably go Red, if I had to pick. I can't find pictures of the Clinton's china, and don't know if the "creamy yellows" is a good match with food.
The GW Bush China is exactly what I would expect Mrs. Bush to pick: elegant but not pretentious.
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1-20-2009 @9:22AM lisa said... No matter where the funds came from almost a half a million dollars is crazy for china when it could be used somewhere else like the National debt that was't there before he got in office. It's a shame and greedy in my opinion.
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1-20-2009 @12:33PM Eric Diesel said... Thank you both for reading and commenting. To view a small picture of the Clinton service, visit http://www.hailtothechiefs.com/About%20White%20House%20China.htm
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1-20-2009 @5:32PM Bo3b said... God I hate it when people say "Wah...use the money to pay down the national debt." Yeah..that 493,000 would pay for about 2 minutes worth of debt.
In the meantime, when visiting heads of state come to eat at the White House, do you really want them eating off plates purchased at Target?
Stupid.
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1-25-2009 @3:31AM Star said... Half a mill is a bit much for a set of china (even if it's needed), especially since the Bushes didn't entertain that much during their eight years in office. And it took so long to make that the Bushes never got to use it! I was expecially surprised by the fact that the Magnolia Residence Service contains 75 place settings. Who needs that much for casual dining?! I can't see Michelle Obama buying new State China because there is no need (regardless of whether she likes what's there or not), but I can see her buying new residence china - something more kid friendly and indestructable.
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3-13-2009 @9:48AM Virginia Nelsen said... I was so interested to hear that the new formal china resembled Dolley's. I was priviledged to see four pieces of that china during a reception at the State Department. I also understand that it resembles or is even the very same that was used by the Powell family in Philadelphia. I have seen White House china sold by the piece and as place settings at two presidential libraries. Just wish there was a simple website to purchase (even at the given prices).
I enjoyed both your articles and your opinions and tidbits about these first ladies (of course Dolley is my favorite).
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