“Grandma bought her dinnerware set one cup at a time from her limited means”—why do Finns love tableware?
Grandma’s old coffee set, wedding gift plates, and practical everyday dinnerware—these items are more than just cups and plates because they hold memories of dear people and important moments. Experts discuss their significance, and readers share their dishware stories.
Must get the newest Moomin mug! Or maybe some Ruska from the flea market—those were the mugs we used for hot chocolate a kid. Finns love dishware. We collect it, admire it, treasure it, use it every day, and squirrel it away for festive occasions.
Professional organizer and nonfiction author Ilana Aalto has encountered “dishware homes,” where collections can balloon like rising dough.
“Maybe it’s tied to the Finnish dowry tradition, where a proper woman is expected to have a dinner set with at least six of everything,” Aalto reflects.
Some people hoard dishware because it may have resale value—but, above all, it seems they hold strong emotional significance.
“Dishware can hold memories. They are more than just cups and plates,” Aalto says.
“I moved to Portugal and brought my dishes in carry-on luggage, a few pieces at a time.”Dishware memory from one of our readers
Memories likely explain especially the popularity of vintage dishware. Finnish tableware store Astialiisa’s shop owner Tiina Westerlund says that when someone recognizes a dish from childhood, it triggers an emotional response before the mind even registers it.
“Dishware connects us to our own history and the people in it. Life’s turning points and the most important celebrations often revolve around food and coffee tables.”
The significance of memories is also highlighted by the chief curator of the Museum of Architecture and Design Susanna Thiel. Many receive dishware as gifts at confirmation, graduation, or wedding celebrations. Sometimes dishware also becomes linked with loss and sorrow, if they were inherited or divided up after a separation.
“Back in high school in the ’80s, my friends and I decided which series each of us would collect. We would then buy pieces of that series for each other as gifts.”Dishware memory from one of our readers
But not just any dish will do: nearly every Finnish home’s dish cabinet includes Iittala, Arabia, or Pentik.
Aalto sees Finnish dishware and its designers as a source of national pride. Behind it all is skillful branding and marketing.
“Finland has had a unified culture, even when it comes to dishware. My grandmother, who came from humble circumstances and wasn’t otherwise into design, still used white Teema for everyday dishes and Myrna on special occasions.”
But we’re not alone. According to Stockmann department store’s category director for home, the world has its own “Arabia equivalents,” Anna Seppälä. In Sweden, there’s Rörstrand and Kosta Boda; in Denmark, Royal Copenhagen; in Great Britain, Royal Doulton and Wedgwood; in Germany, Villeroy & Boch.
Favorite cups bought with tax refunds—Finnish Kotona readers share their dishware memories
- “I started collecting Pentik’s Tapio series when I moved out at 17. I always got pieces as gifts. At 24, I moved to Portugal and carried the dishes in my hand luggage, a few pieces at a time. I was disappointed when production ended. I still use that set every day.” - Hannele
- “In the ’90s, I found five Otso series espresso cups from Arabia at a flea market for 35 Finnish mark. They seemed affordable for a student budget, so I had to buy them. That sparked my passion for browsing flea markets and collecting a nearly complete Otso set.” - Outi
- “I cherish Grandma Ida’s—my grandmother’s mother’s—Myrna coffee set. She bought it one cup and saucer at a time from her limited means in the 1930s. Some pieces are second quality, but that doesn’t lessen their sentimental value.” - Kristiina
- “I got my tax refund and fulfilled my dream of owning the Uhtua series. At first, I bought plates and coffee cups with saucers for four people. For more than 30 years, I’ve kept adding to the set, and it still serves me well in both everyday life and on special occasions.” - Merja
- “I believe my godmother started collecting Pentik’s Aino series for me in elementary school. I still use it. For our wedding, we asked for olive-green Iittala Teema dishes. I’ve since tired of green, so I’ve added Teema in different colors. They’re very durable. Recently, I began collecting Marimekko’s Sukat Makkaralla glasses.” - Eeva-Maria
“I gave the dinnerware set to my daughter’s family as a wedding present. Along with it, I expressed my hope that one day it would be passed on to my granddaughter.”
- “The first thing I collected was Pentik’s two-handled cups. They’re the most impractical dishes in the world! It’s easy to get a finger stuck, and they’re tricky in the dishwasher. But I still have them.” - Marja
- “I started collecting Arabia’s Harlekin series in white sometime in the ’90s. Back then there weren’t really many other white series besides Arctica and Harlekin. I felt everyone had Arctica, so I wanted Harlekin instead. I still use all of it today.” - Merja
- “Back in high school in the ’80s, my friends and I agreed on which series each of us would start collecting. Then we’d buy each other pieces as gifts. I’m still using pieces from Arabia’s Airisto set.” - Sari
- “I collected both coffee and dinner services from Pentik’s Vanilja series. I received some as gifts and souvenirs. I fell in love with it in 1996. Everything is still in use, and I haven’t grown tired of it. It has beautiful form, color, and pattern.” - Teija
- “For our wedding in 1984, we received gift certificates and bought Arabia’s Koralli set—coffee cups, teacups, and dinner plates. It’s such a beautiful series.” - Marita
- “I spent ages collecting Pentik’s Viinimarja series. I had enough for 12 people, plus serving platters and bowls. I bought some myself, got some as gifts, and found others at flea markets. At the time I had a large family and many dinner guests. I gave the set to my daughter’s family as a wedding present—they also have a big family. Along with it, I shared my wish that one day it would go to my granddaughter.” - Aila
Do you remember the hit dishware of decades past?
1950s
Kilta. Kaj Franck’s Kilta was entirely new: a stackable, multiuse series that could be bought piece by piece.
Do you also remember?
- Kaj Franck’s B-model by Kaarina Aho & Ulla Procopé, decorated in many variations.
1960s
Ruska. Those who grew up in Finland in the 1960s and ’70s recall the scraping sound of a spoon rubbing the rough surface of a Ruska plate. The series was designed by Ulla Procopé.
Do you also remember?
- Göran Bäck’s Kesti.
1970s
Paratiisi. The lush Paratiisi was one of star designer Birger Kaipiainen’s few industrially produced works, and it has captivated generation after generation.
Do you also remember?
- Hiisi by Peter Winquist and Risto Paatero.
- EH/Faenza by Peter Winquist. For instance, Esteri Tomula’s Krokus decoration was designed for this dishware.
1980s
Arctica. Inkeri Leivo’s series had a white, delicate look that was a surprise after the era of colorful dishware.
Do you also remember?
- Teema by Kaj Franck.
- Halla and Riekko by Peter Winquist.
- Tuuli by Heljä Liukko-Sundström.
- Forte by Jussi Ahola.
- Festivo by Heikki Orvola.
1990s
Aino. The rustic floral pattern of Anu Pentik’s Aino created a cozy vibe during the 1990s recession.
Do you also remember?
- 24h by Heikki Orvola.
- Savoie by Camilla Moberg.
- Moreeni Be Bop by Heikki Orvola.
2000s
KoKo. The vibrant collection by Kristina Riska and Kati Tuominen-Niittylä reflected a change: instead of a single large plate, people began serving food in multiple dishes, for instance sushi with sides.
Do you also remember?
- Vanilja by Anu Pentik.
- Taika by Klaus Haapaniemi and Heikki Orvola.
- Oma by Harri Koskinen.
Sources: Hit dishware of decades past—Susanna Thiel of the Museum of Architecture and Design, Pentik, Iittala, and the Kotona website. / Readers’ dishware memories—Kotivinkki and Kotona Facebook survey.
