You already know how much I love collecting vintage place setting pieces. I *might* have a stash of various patterns that is large enough to decorate 30 big tables for events. I am a little in love with the sweetness that vintage china has and I do often fall in love with those pieces- whether it is a set or just a handful of charming plates or teacups. But do you know what is even more special? The pieces that have sentimental value and nostalgia attached to them. Like these pieces that were once in my great-grandmother’s cabinet and have been handed down. Like this set of vintage Franciscan Desert Rose.
Vintage Franciscan Desert Rose
I can remember this set of dishes as far back as I remember paying attention to pretty things like dishes with dainty details. My mother has had these in her cupboard for many, many years and I always thought they were so pretty with the blooming pattern they had. Recently she was going through cupboards and sideboards and asked if I wanted several old collections of things – and the set of Franciscan Rose dishes was one of them. Of course, I am so excited to have such special family treasures from my mom and her grandmother -and can you just image all the beautiful tables they will create? They are soo pretty!
We chatted about the dishes and her memories of them and how she ended up with them back. in. the. day. They were her grandmothers originally and she loved them from way back and all the dishes have been in her cupboards for awhile now. She always thought they would be perfect for a lovely garden party with the ladies- and so we dreamed up a couple of ideas to set a table and create a lovely moment with them.
Plates, Platters, Teacups and more
There are plates, platters, teacups, saucers and even glasses, serving bowls, cream & sugar pot and salt and pepper shakers and more among the pretty pieces in her collection. I thought there might some of you who have a similar set or who have wondered about this pattern as it is quite a popular set to collect – so I thought I would share a few of the pieces and some info about it today.
The History
According to google juice:
‘Franciscan Desert Rose china is a popular and collectible dinnerware pattern featuring a hand-painted design of pink rose blossoms, olive green stems, and brown branches on a cream background. It was first introduced by Franciscan in 1941 and became a highly successful pattern, known for its rustic California aesthetic. The pattern was produced in various locations, including the USA, England, and China, during different periods. Franciscan Desert Rose china was produced in the USA (1941-1984), England (1985-2002), and China (2003-present). The pattern was a significant success and one of the largest-selling casual tableware patterns in dinnerware history, becoming a beloved and collectible item.’
Being that our family has been in California for many, many years- it makes sense that my great-grandmother would have been drawn to something inspired by all our blooming California beauty.
Where can you find pieces
You can shop those vintage shops, thrift stores and online marketplaces to look for pieces of this pattern. And according to Google- they are manufactured as recently as 2004 so you can find reproductions as well. I have seen some of the newer pieces at thrift stores over the years and have noticed some do have a little bit of a different look in the finish or color to the 1940’s vintage- but they are all so beautiful and would be lovely mixed and mingled with different production years. There are different back stamps that let you know the age and country of manufacture- so if you are trying to collect only a certain one- pay attention to the stamps.
How to Enjoy
These dishes are perfect all on their own of course- a beautiful blooming table for spring and summer. I love the idea of layering them on a simple cloth to let them shine. And I also think if you have just a few pieces- they would be lovely to mingle with other patterns. A dainty rose dish layered on the plate or the teacups and saucers mingled with another blush floral place setting would create such a lovely look. Stay tuned for a setting coming your way soon.
What do you think of charming Franciscan Desert Rose?
Get the Look
I found a few pieces and even some sets for sale below- you can click the photo to take a look at them. *affiliate links
oh my gosh. I have my grandmother’s full set of those dishes! I love them and use them often. my granddaughter has already requested that I leave those to her. so I love that they’ll continue in the family. I love using them at Easter on a green and white checked tablecloth. then of course, adding the other Easter decorations. I have done mixing & MATCHing like you suggested. you are right, they blend well with other patterns
Ihave a huge set with all
Serving pieces x 2 and mugs, cups etc. also habe tea pot etc. excellent condition. Not using and would like to part with it. Not sure what to do with it. Any sugestions welcome.
Oh I love this. My aunts had it. But I have not one plate….wish I did. SO lovely, Beth
Beautiful dishes that you can hardly find. I love them and these look in perfect condition, What a wonderful collection to have.
Courttney what a treat. Ido the online sales for Assistance League in omaha and a couple of different donors gave us desert rose. it was quite the education for me with all the different marks. our collection at the moment is vast with all the pieces you mentioned above. I mailed out a jam jar yesterday. We have both california and english. as I was pricing a different set of dishes yesterday i was thinking of you. these were j&g meakin pattern long branch. made in england 19th century with green floral border https://assistance-league-omaha.myshopify.com/products/j-g-meakin-long-branch-10-dinner-plate-set-of-6
It seems that at least once a year im putting out a display of FRANCISCAN rose at spirals in pacific grove where i volunteer! It sells quickly!
I mix my desert rose with green cabbageware. I love the contrast and adding the green works better with my decor!
how sweet for your mom give these dishes to you because you love dishes and table settings. I had a friend that had complete set of the older ones and I think her sister got them at her death.
i too am a lover of vintage dishes, especially the ones with pink on them. these were my mother’s wedding dishes. My sister inherited them…ughhhhh…lol
I have a large set of franciscan apple for my everyday dishes. Love all their lines.
They are beautiful, one of my very favorite patterns! It is so special to have treasured family dishes to share and enjoy with family.
You are speaking my language when you talk about collecting vintage china. I recently aquired a taste for vintage dishes, teacups and saucers and quickly became obsessed. Being from England I mostly look for English Bone China. I have been lucky enough to receive some cups, saucers, cake plates, milk jug and sugar bowl from Royal Albert Lavender Rose. Mum was at the Thrift Store in UK and video called me from there, I spied the set in the background. It was a steal and she brought it all the way to Florida for me a month later. Now I’m looking for a matching teapot along with anything else I don’t currently own.
Your china is pretty and unique. Enjoy!
Where can i sell my desert rose Service for 12 from 1940’s and get what they are worth?