“People can find things in their own home,” she said. Nowak said the table settings and colors she has come up with over the years have grown into a tradition with her children. They’ll often ask her “How’d I do for color?” when setting a table for company. “I think hospitality is very important, especially around the holidays,” she said. For Goodmanson, Christmas is the one holiday she brings out a plethora of dishes and settings for, and she uses them all month long. She started collecting Waechtersbach Christmas dishes about 30 years ago, and even with the pattern being discontinued, has managed to amass quite the collection. She said as soon as December roles around, she puts away her usual dishes and uses her Christmas set. “It’s so festive, and you hope it builds some memories for your family,” she said. AL
Goodmanson started collecting Waechtersbach Christmas dishes about 30 years ago.