It has been a delight to see so many of the things I grew up loving brought back into the limelight, thanks in large part to the Grandmillennial movement. Recently, I have noticed a classic pattern that I had not seen in years beginning to pop up in fresh and chic new ways… Desert Rose by Franciscan. The Desert Rose pattern was first manufactured in the early 1940s, and it is the best-selling American dinnerware pattern in history. Chances are someone in your family had this lovely pattern at one point or another. My Nana and Mother both have had this pattern, and it brings back such fond memories. Originally produced in California, you can learn more about how the dishes and production location have changed over time here, and this website will help you identify the back-stamp if you are interested in beginning a collection.
Today we will enjoy some lovely tablescapes featuring Desert Rose. If you have this pattern, we would love to see how you use it, please tag #desertrosechallenge on Instagram… This hashtag was created by @simplysoutherncottage, a brilliant idea!
Prices on Desert Rose are currently quite low, so now is the time to scoop up some of this pretty earthenware. With Easter and Mother’s Day just around the corner, it is perfect for the spring and summer months!
Yes… my mother had Desert Rose as her everyday dishes and my mother-in-law had the Apple pattern which I have now…. love it
Oh Andrea, THANK YOU for bringing back happy memories and fabulous meals with Franciscan Desert Rose! Two of my friends chose this pattern when getting married in the early 60’s and we added pieces frequently from their “outlet store” on Route 22 in Somerville, NJ.
How lovely! I did not have any family members having this pattern growing up. I saw it and fell in love with it before my husband and I were married. I was going to register for this pattern as my “china” pattern but my husband and his mother surprised me with these dishes a year before we were married. An entire set with 4 extra place settings as we had a large family! I have added pieces along the way that I have found in swap meets and thrift stores. Amazing how the pieces have changed over the years! Thank you for this spring time pick me up on a snowy spring day!
GORGEOUS SHOTS!
Desert Rose has been my everyday dishes for close to 20 years. I love mixing them with green and pink depression glass. It was fun hunting for the various pieces because I could build the collection a few pieces at a time. I still see pieces here and there and you’re correct….it’s reasonably priced. Thanks for the beautiful tablescapes.
I loved the photos so springy. I’m a dish hound. I usually go toward English dishes. I do not have relatives that had this growing up. But I have often been curious about it . Read about, and decided life is short I am going to start my collection today. I bought some today. American made, not English made, that came later.
Love your blog! The gal that does the beautiful napkins is booked up and is no longer taking orders . But they are on my bucket list, too.
I was brought up on Desert Rose dishes and am now using my mother’s enormous collection for our everyday dishes. There is quite a difference between the American and English version. Personally, I feel the American made is finer looking, Have a mixture of both, however. Beautiful dishes…
‘
So excited to see this! I just inherited a full set of all the dishes and serving pieces that belonged to my great grandmother. Love seeing these styled so beautifully!
Wasn’t this Jackie O’s set on air force one also!? GORGEOUS!
Oh I don’t know?! But if that is true, I love it even more!! I will have to look into this for sure… Thank you so much for letting me know!
Xx,
Andrea
The Glam Pad