TheSnackHound

As reported earlier, the new “kid” on the block in the world of Fiestaware is Ivory.   The Homer Laughlin China Company made the decision to discontinue Persimmon to make room in their line.

I always wondered if discontinuing a color was because of needng production space to not mix the different colors in the firing process, or was it because store shelves only held a set many and stores wouldn’t want to carry an unlimited number of colors. One of the verified reasons is that with every new color, the overall palatte is adjusted so that more colors compliment eachother and can be mixed in a table setting.

My personal style is to have one piece of some colors just as representative.

Right now, it is a good time to purchase any pieces of Persimmon that you might have been wanting.  Some retailers are sure to be offering it as a discount while supplies last.   Sites like Replacements.com may have the color for years to come, but you will be paying a premium for them based on demand.

Ivory is the new color released by the Homer Laughlin Company for the popular Fiesta Ware line. Basics like the place setting (including coffee mugs), vegetable dishes, and disc pitchers are among the current offerings. Just in time for Christmas, there will be other pieces that have a fall release. I am curious to see what the offerings will be.

Since I have yet to see the new color in person, I am wondering how much of a yellow base it has. That thought did cross my mind. If the base is yellow rather than cream, I wonder how close it is to the original Ivory, introduced in 1936, which had a pale slightly “pastel side walk chalk” yellow with a cream tint to it. Vintage Ivory tends to photograph as white or off white if the aperture and flash are not just right, but in person it definitely is a nice, soft color.

Bealls and JCPenney are not yet offering the color for sale on their sites, so check live and in person in the store, or try one of the smaller shops on the web that seem to be getting the color in. Just FYI, right now, four piece placesettings at JCPenney in other colors are $26.99, while they are in the $40 range at other retailers.

There seems to be a split between themes for new Fiesta colors. There are many that are not even remotely similar to the original lineup and with others, such as turquoise, they are confusing to newer collectors. Of course, modern Fiesta pieces have much more “heft” to them, even if subtle to some, there are some that are more or less modern updates of classic hues.

Recently, I reported on the semi-annual Fiestaware / Homer Laughlin China Company tent/factory sale. I put out the request to readers to send in their bargain hunting tips.

Janet Means recommends the outlet store sale. Thanks for the great tip!

Check out the spring sale dates at the outlet in Flatwoods, WV. I’ve not been to one of these, but I hear they are crazy. I do know the seconds room at Flatwoods is not huge, and it gets packed on regular weekends, so I can’t imagine what it will be like during a sale.
http://www.everythingfiesta.com/

Elaine E. gave some wonderful tips!:

I go to both the factory tent sales, and went to the first sale last fall at Everything Fiesta. Keep an eye on the HLC website, I talked to the folks at the outlet yesterday and they say that the date will be announced in May. The last couple of years the summer date has been in June.

HLC is quite organized… they post their rules and are quite strict about sticking to the rules. They don’t allow children under 16 or so inside the tent. The first tickets are given out at 7 am. Then you can leave, as long as you’re back in line (ticket number order) by 9:45. Sale begins at 10, and they begin giving out tickets for the rest of the day at that time. Seems like they only allow about fifty people inside the tent at a time, so as people begin to check out, they allow others to enter. They will give you FOUR milk crates, and that’s your limit for that trip through the tent.( After you check out, you can get a new number and get back in line as many times as you like, though.) If you’re smart, you’ll bring a dolly and bungee cords so that you don’t have to heft and wiggle your wares to the check out line. Prices are good, and generally speaking the people in line are very nice. The check out area is organized, and the workers are fantastic about wrapping and boxing your purchases. Believe it or not, I’ve never arrived home with any broken fiestaware.

HLC runs a shuttle van from the tent area back to the parking area after sale hours begin, which is quite helpful in getting your wares back to your vehicle, or they’ll let you bring your car down just long enough to load. Usually the factory outlet has some specials on first quality items, too.

If you don’t like getting dusty or waiting in line… don’t go. I’ve been when it was really cold, and I’ve been when it was REALLY hot… and had a terrific time regardless.

Oh…and they didn’t do tours during the sale, so you might want to plan an extra day there if you want to do that. Usually the tent sale runs from Thurs- Sat, but I’m sure the HLC folks will get us up to date on that as soon as they can.

Thanks ladies for the great advice!

Did you know you can tour and even purchase directly from the Fiesta Ware factory? The Homer Laughlin Company offers tours of the facility if you make an advanced reservation. They recommend planning at least two weeks in advance, and being understanding of cancellations due to weather. Tours are conducted on Mondays and Fridays, and includes a visit to the Homer Laughlin China museum, where you can view over 130 years of their offerings.

There is a tent sale twice a year. One is typically in October at the factory that people far and wide rush to. There are online rumors that the first one of the year will be in July. I do not know if this is at the outlet store, or at the factory itself. I will return with updates as soon as I find out. There are no rumblings on the Fiesta Event Page.Tips if you go to the sale:

• Items are not neatly stacked, so expect to do some sorting and hunting.
• Many shoppers recommend bringing thick socks or rags. You can put the socks on your hands to protect them from any chips. Also, they are good for getting rid of dust when you claim your treasure.
• Condition of the items are firsts and factory seconds. Many people buy factory seconds because a little bubble in the glaze does not inhibit the use of an item.
• If you cannot do any lifting, bring a friend who can. I remember that there is a several case limit per person, and most people are eager to buy their limit. There are no wagons to use, as far as I know, so be prepared!

I don’t know about you, but as I bruise easily, I am taking all the advice to heart!

Have you pushed and shoved your way through the West Virginia Sale before, or are you planning to go? Write me at info (at) thesnackhound.com and tell me your story!