Memories of holiday events and family traditions often involve gathering over an elaborate meal in a festive environment. This is how vintage china, such as the Royal Doulton Princeton bread and butter plate, become heirloom pieces. The Princeton china set was made by the British-based company from 1986 to 2001. The pattern is distinctive with a bold black band defining the outer edge of the rim. It is set off with eye catching gold trim glazing along the very edge of each dish. Still on the rim section, a graceful blue scroll design is the central element of the Princeton pattern. The classic scroll patterns are equidistant from each other along the rim. They are linked using a layer of very fine blue lines punctuated with a crown. There is a smaller version of the main scroll design. A delicate gold band defines the frame of the dish. The band stands in stark contrast to the white space in the canvas section of the plate. This is typical of vintage patterns made by this company. Vintage Royal Doulton dinnerware is known for simple patterns. This Princeton is a slight departure from its usual designs. Nonetheless, this pattern hews close to the minimalist appeal. It has an understated elegance of fine china made by Royal Doulton. This plate measures 6.625 inches in diameter and is intended as a bread and butter dish. It can also be used as a salad dish for antipasto for instance. These plates can be used for cheese and crackers at a tea party. Do you already have a set of Royal Doulton dinnerware in the Princeton pattern? These pieces can augment your existing collection. With the metallic trim that adds elegance to the design, these dishes are best handled as hand wash only. The beauty of vintage plates is that they complement other patterns. Similar Royal Doulton patterns can be mixed together. The result is a table setting that looks well-ordered and professionally assembled. Table settings have turned into art projects. Add in some pieces of Princeton china to complement your primary dinnerware collection. It may be enough to add a graceful touch. These plates tend to blend easily with patterns in the same color family. They also look perfect when set against a formal dining table cover or a less formal patterned cover. These dinnerware pieces are at home whether your table's theme is floral, whimsical, or nature inspired. This china is from Royal Doulton. It is made from a mixture of feldspar, ball clay, quartz, and a clay type known as kaolin. Fine china is fired at temperatures lower than that used for porcelain, so it is softer. It is also more suitable for uses such as making delicately shaped dinnerware pieces. These include a footed tea cup with saucer, a dinner plate, or a sugar bowl. Hand washing will prevent the gold design from fading. Washing manually may also minimize chipping and cracking of your Royal Doulton vintage collection. You will want to preserve your special plate, saucer, or bowl for future generations to enjoy.