With the advent of children everything changes - I mean everything! One of the most notable changes I found in the kitchen was the subtle, yet eventual invasion of melamine. Bourne out of necessity, as I did not want tiny toddlers using our good China and glassware, I reluctantly decided to get a couple of plastic plates and bowls for sheer practical reasons.

But over a short space of time our cupboards began to overflow with a hodgepodge of plastic bowls, cups and plates. Hence, our repertoire ranged from Winnie the Pooh, Angelina Ballerina, Thomas the Tank Engine and Peter Rabbit. I distinctly remember drawing the line with - Barbie, Bratz and the Incredible Hulk as I could not stomach those garish faces staring back at my innocent children as they ate their tortellini or spaghetti of an evening.
Not to mention the absolute drama if Miss Hoovers favourite Charlie and Lola plate was in the dishwasher and unable to accompany her at breakfast. Hence, if she wanted her Lola plate then no other plate would suffice. It had to be Lola or you could kiss that cereal good bye! It was right about then when the obsessive plate tendencies began to escalate that I hit breaking point!

I had just about had enough of the 1. Subtle take over that had happened in my kitchen and 2. I had thankfully discovered Thomas Paul. Hence I am forever indebted to Thomas Paul's practical yet stylish sensibility. In one decisive swoop it was out with Winnie, Angelina, Thomas and Peter and in with Artefacts, Aviary, Baboushka folk, Sea life and a touch of Gothic. On a practical note these plates are colourful, tasteful, sturdy, dishwasher safe and are available in both dessert and dinner size.