I picked this pattern almost seventeen years ago. We have used it almost every single day since. The color blue is timeless, and the simple design never distracts from the food being served. The weight of the dishes is substantial and sturdy without being heavy or bulky. These dishes have served my family well--including the hundreds of times my children have loaded and unloaded them from the dishwasher! We have twelve full place settings plus most of the serving pieces.