Though initially introduced in 1952, Family Village is a winter pattern as delightful as a family heirloom discovered long-hidden in the attic. Traditionally shaped, each piece shows a detailed scene of bygone village life with such titles as Covered Bridge, Stone Wall, and Sugar Maples. The images look like black-and-white engravings that have been hand-tinted with soft colors, yet instead of being delicate, the earthenware stands up to rigorous daily use in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Still made in the English tradition, with scalloped rims and leafy borders, Spode's Friendly Village continues to charm with its old-fashioned appeal. Included in this 28-piece set with service for four, are a number of unusual pieces. The 7-3/4-inch square salad plates, for instance, nicely accent the round 8-inch salad plates and 10-inch dinner plates. Small but versatile, the 5-inch fruit dishes come in handy for everything from fresh fruit at breakfast to afternoon snacks to a scoop of after-dinner sorbet, accompanied by coffee in the 9-ounce mug. Two sizes of bowls round out the set: a 6-inch cereal bowl and 8-1/2-inch rimmed soup bowl that also works well for pasta. This set differs from the other 28-piece Friendly Village set that features teacups and saucers. A full range of matching serving pieces, as well as enameled steel bakeware, is available separately for use throughout the holiday season. --Ann Bieri
What's in the Box
4 place settings. Each place setting consists of: 10-inch dinner plate; 8-inch round salad plate; 7-3/4-inch square accent plate; 6-inch cereal bowl; 8-1/2-inch rimmed soup bowl; 5-inch fruit dish; 9-ounce mug. 28 pieces total.
