After reading some of the lesser reviews, I bought knowing there was a good chance I would be disappointed. However, the opposite was true. I really like these dishes. I would not say they are ideal for all meals, but they sure make a dessert, a soup or salad look extra special. The detailing can make washing a little more work. Also, it would be more practical if the cups were shaped like mugs. They make a nice add-on to my plain off white stoneware.