I needed to replace my every day dishes. I was tired of my heavy stoneware I was given as a present about 10 years ago and I wanted something that was lighter, more versatile and pretty. I also wanted to buy made in USA. I love these dishes and while they are a little pricy for everyday, they are worth every penny as they can go into the dishwasher, microwave and freezer, and look beautiful too! Since they are lighter than stoneware, and my hands and shoulder have old injuries, these dishes are not too heavy to stack and carry, reach into the cupboard to take out or put away. The pattern is versatile too. I originally wanted the scarlet dinner dishes but they weren't available so I went with the turquoise which are just as pretty, and I got the desert plates in red, and everything goes together very nicely. They also go nicely with my French White baking dishes so when I want to use them for a special occasion I don't have to worry my bakeware doesn't match. Lenox customer service is fantastic, and arrival of my shipments (as I bought them in separate orders) were all very timely.