There’s something about the Royal Doulton 1815 Bright Colours collection of tableware. The range was created to commemorate the year in which the company was founded. And there’s something about the strikingly simple design that really appeals to me. Especially these gorgeous Royal Doulton 1815 Bright Colours Dinner Plates.

The dipped glazing effect on 28cm porcelain just looks cool. And manages to be modern and timeless at the same time. Which is impressive considering it’s commemorating the original patterns and hand-thrown shapes from the start of the company. As modern tableware the plates are also dishwasher and microwave safe, which is always handy.

Originally known as Jones, Watts & Doulton when it was founded, it was almost 100 years later when the company acquired the Royal Warrant to have the current name. More recently the brand became part of Waterford Wedgewood, which itself was  brought into the Finnish Fiskars Corporation after going into administration.

The Royal Doulton 1815 Bright Colours collection covers a wide range of tableware, including side plates, cereal bowls, noodle and pasta bowls, and even serving spoons. Plus a whole range of Tapas plates, dishes, trays and bowls with the same design. So it’s easy to co-ordinate your porcelain for any occasion.

But probably the most surprising thing is that despite the regal name, the collection is actually reasonably affordable. Especially if you build it up over time.

The gorgeous Royal Doulton 1815 Bright Colours Dinner Plates are £50 for a set of four. And matching side plates will set you back £40. Not inexpensive, but not too over the top, and a worthwhile investment or Christmas present request.

And if you do want to get a complete collection whilst saving a little money, then there’s the 1815 Aqua 16-Piece Dinner Set.

While you do compromise by only have the one accent colour across your porcelain, you do end up with four dinner plates, four side plates, four cereal bowls and four mugs for a reasonable £155.

Tableware can seem like an unnecessary expense. And generally I’ve always gone for something at the bottom of the price range. But I’m coming to realise that some nice plates and cutlery really can make even simple meals feel more extravagant and enjoyable. And with plates like these, even spaghetti hoops on toast gets a bit classier!