Royal Albert Old Country Roses

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Royal Albert Old Country Roses

It's no wonder that the Royal Albert Old Country Roses bone china pattern is the most popular in the world: Few china dish sets are more beautiful, feminine, or nostalgic.

The cascading roses that grace these pieces are depicted in rich colors and fine detail. The pattern is embellished with 22-karat gold accents that are elegant without being gaudy.

Although it has a style that suggests it has been around for ages, the history of Old Country Roses only dates back officially to 1962 when it was first launched. However, you can be sure that Harold Holdcroft spent years perfecting the design. The flowering design was inspired by roses in an English country garden.

About Royal Albert China 

Royal Albert is a brand of Royal Doulton, a company that has a history dating back 200 years. Royal Albert creates the most popular bone china in all the world, and the Old Country Roses pattern is its flagship. More than 150 million pieces of Old Country Roses china has been sold around the globe.

Royal Albert china patterns all tend to feature floral designs that were inspired by roses in English country gardens. The rose, incidentally, is England's national flower.

The name "Royal Albert" comes from Prince Albert, who was crowned King George VI in 1936.

Old Country Rose 24-Dinnerware Piece Set, Service for 4 

Royal Albert Old Country Rose 24-Dinnerware Piece Set, Service for 4

Amazon Price: $424.99 (as of 01/02/2010)Buy Now

This beautiful setting for four comes complete with elegant teacups, a platter, salt & pepper shakers, bread plates, salad plates, and dinner plates.

Even TV dinners will seem fancy on these elegant gold-trimmed plates.

What is Bone China? 

Bone china is widely considered the very finest kind of porcelain you can buy. It's very strong and has a translucent quality. The reason it's called bone china is because it truly is made from bones-- calcined bone ash, to be specific.

Bone china was developed by an Englishman named Josiah Spode in the 18th century. Although Thomas Frye is credited as being the first to make ceramics from bone ash in 1748, Josiah Spode refined the process and made it popular.

How do you know if something really is made of bone china? The quickest way to find out is to hold the china piece up to a light and put your hand behind it. If you can see the shadowy form of your hand through the china piece, you can be pretty confident that you're holding genuine bone china. Bone china also has a certain ring to it when you tap it with your finger, but it takes practice to identify that sound.

Royal Albert Old Country Roses Musical Tea Pot 

Royal Albert Old Country Roses Musical Tea Pot

Amazon Price: (as of 01/02/2010)Buy Now

This teapot plays Pachelbel's "Canon in D." It's a beautiful piece to enhance the decor of your kitchen, bedroom, or any room in the house.

How to Care for Your Royal Albert China 

Although bone china is stronger than its fragile appearance suggests, you would be wise to handle it gently.

It's best to wash all your bone china by hand, even if the manufacturer says it's dishwasher safe. You don't want to risk damaging anything so fine! If, however, you decide to put it in the dishwasher, use the gentle cycle.

To protect the china pieces when you wash them by hand, cover the bottom of the sink with a rubbery or foamy mat. This will help cushion the china in case you accidentally drop it in the sink. Use only a mild cleanser-- avoid anything that's abrasive.

Please don't put any gold or silver embellished bone china in the microwave. It's not safe.

But above all, don't be afraid to use your fine bone china. Don't just bring it out on special occasions; the china will make any dinner special!

Getting Rid of Stains 

If you find yourself dealing with a particularly stubborn tea stain, don't whip out the steel wool! There's a very effective way to get rid of stains that won't damage your china:

Use baking soda and warm water. Just rub it inside the cup, and the stains will lift away like magic. If you're dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, soak your china in a mixture of baking soda and warm water for an hour.

Old Country Roses Napkin Rings 

Royal Albert Old Country Roses Napkin Rings, Set of 4

Amazon Price: $49.99 (as of 01/02/2010)Buy Now

A full set of Old Country Roses dinner plates would be elegant enough, but these napkin rings will add a finishing touch that will impress your guests.

Old Country Roses on eBay 

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Moonlight Rose on eBay 

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Which Do You Prefer? 

Which pattern do you like better: Moonlight Rose, or Old Country Roses?

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Old Country Roses, the classic.

McIntoshGiftware says:

Did you know that a flatware set is available in Old Country Roses patters?

http://www.robmcintoshchina.com/store/merchant.ihtml?pid=90254&step=4

StephanieManning says:

I never knew much about either until I just red your lens. Looking at your pics, I would have to say that I like the Old COuntry Roses. The soft variety of colors makes it more relaxing and helps to give that old victorian feel. Nice lens!

Victoria_Neely says:

Much as I think it's a shame that they retired Moonlight Rose, I slightly prefer the vibrant colors of Old Country Roses.

Moonlight Roses, because I love blue.

PirateMummy says:

Moonlight Rose! It will always remind me of my grandmother :)

The_Homeopath says:

Moonlight Roses. Only because it stands out a bit from the crowd!

 

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