EBay Your Way to a Perfect China Collection

China patterns are as old as we can remember, and some now as new and trendy as they can be. Several are classic, with the now-contemporary knocking on your kitchen door. Should it all match? Should it be mix-and-match? What's your style? Streamlined, floral, hand-painted, etched, classical, presidential, wedding, and holiday china are all out there waiting for discovery!

We all know that EBay offers great deals. Here are a few pieces to consider.

• Earthenware - ceramic. Ceramics allows for moldings and intricate designs. Some is hand-wash only, some is dishwasher safe. Check with manufacturer's instructions. Earthenware seems sturdier than it is, treat it with care. Extreme temperature changes or rough handling will chip/crack it.
• Stoneware - very durable, will withstand most dishwashers and microwaving.
• Bone China - hand-wash only. Bone china is quite delicate.
• Pewter - hand-wash only. Pewter doesn't tolerate high temperatures well.
• Glass - unless it's made by Pyrex, it's probably hand-wash only. If it has hand-painted designs, it's definitely hand-wash.

Casual dining ware can mean that the pattern is simple, or that the plates are super-durable. What you typically won't find in casual dining ware is metallic edges, intricate designs, or bone china. What you will find is that brands like Lenox, Mikasa and Corelle offer some wonderful options for day-to-day serving that are dishwasher and microwave safe.

From bone china to metallic-rimmed, here are some excellent choices for your formal dining table! Fine china often cannot be placed in a dishwasher or microwave, and usually requires delicate handwashing. Metallic trim is easily scrubbed off, so be careful not to rub too hard.

From fall and Thanksgiving, to Christmas, to Easter, to whatever your favorite holiday might be, there is a china pattern that will accommodate your tabletop decor! These are some fun and classy patterns that will make any holiday table a hit.

Wow, what a throw-back, right? Milk glass, carnival glass, glass of all colors making up tabletops everywhere. It's a returning trend, and EBay is an easy place to find amazing collections! Depression glass can be added to mix-and-match collections as interesting accent pieces.

No table is complete without the cordinating napkin-holders, candlesticks, cake plates, teapots, napkin rings, coasters, pitchers, and flatware/stemware! Check out these exciting pieces!