RunCarla, my "good china" is the same as yours: Sarabande by Royal Doulton, but in the light blue. (My everyday stuff is some Corelle picked by my husband in a colourway I can't even remember.)
We use it every Sunday and special day. I NEVER put it in the dishwasher, because of the silver trim. A dishwasher is the same as a giant battery or electroplating machine: heat (=energy) + ionic liquid = transferring one kind of metal onto another. That is why aluminum or other non stainless steel items come out feeling icky to the touch--the metal has been electroplated with something else. (Because it isn't every day, I don't mind the hand washing, it is part of the specialness, and a reflective time for me.)
During our years in South Africa, the china was in storage back home. We used a set that was white, sort of octagonal and embossed in design. I loved it: it was great for everyday but could also be dressed up for any occasion by changing out the table linens. (Whereas blue and silver on my usual Christmas red, green or gold is A Lot Going On.)
