If you've ever set the table with Fiesta dinnerware, you'll likely remember the colorful dishes instantly brightening up the room. Making people happy has been the brand's mission since 1936, when the mix-and-match tableware brought cheer into Depression-era homes. As part of our series From Start to Finish, TODAY’s Dylan Dreyer stopped by the original factory in Newell, West Virginia, to learn more about Fiesta's 90-year history and see how the handcrafted plates are made.
Exclusive Deal: Save 20% on Select Fiesta Tableware with Code TODAY
Colorful mugs and plates weren't always as popular as they are today: Design director David Neer tells Dreyer that American dinnerware was traditionally colorless until Fiesta came on the scene with casual, fun pieces designed for daily use. Liz McIlvain, president, CEO and fourth-generation owner of Fiesta, says her grandfather was originally inspired by colorful dishes he saw on a trip to California and tasked designers at what was then called The Homer Laughlin China Company with creating the new line to bring joy to the dinner table. Fast forward to today, and Fiesta produces 3 million of its iconic pieces a year.
Overseeing production on the factory floor is Matt Wicks, COO and fifth-generation family owner of the company. It takes about 36 hours to make a piece of Fiesta tableware, and his behind-the-scenes look at the classic dinner plate assembly line explains why. It begins underground in a tank, where raw materials are mixed with water to create slip. This slip then gets pumped through a filter to remove impurities before moisture is removed and the clay is ready to be molded. Next, each plate is carefully inspected by hand, smoothed out and sent to the glazing booth where the iconic colors get added. Once they're fired in the kiln, you're left with that glossy finish that everyone knows and loves.
To celebrate its 90th anniversary, Fiesta is introducing a brand-new color: lavender — and it's available to shop starting March 31. Eyeing another classic Fiesta hue? Score an exclusive 20% deal on select pieces from the the brand's classic, Americana and vibrant collections with code TODAY now through 4/7. Shop along below!
Fiesta Tableware seen on TODAY: Lavender Collection
Editor’s note: This pick is sold out for shipping, but we found a similar item you might like below.
Sip your favorite drink from these stackable mugs — now available in the brand's just-released lavender shade.
Not ready to commit to a full set of tableware? The brand makes it easy to shop for individual pieces — including this shallow bowl that lets you serve dinner in style.
The brand says the new lavender color will keep your kitchen feeling fresh and inviting, and we think this Bistro place setting is perfect for spring. It includes four dinner plates, four salad plates and four small bowls so that you can reset your dinnerware cabinet.
In the market for a full dishware restock? Score this classic 12-piece set with service for four people. It includes dinner plates, salad plates and cereal bowls.
Fiesta Tableware deals seen on TODAY: Americana Collection
Editor's note: This pick is sold out for shipping, but we found a similar item you might like below.
Make your tablescape pop with plates that feature charming illustrations in honor of America's 250th anniversary. This one has an adorable mason jar!
Another sweet Americana pick: this bicycle plate, which is sure to make your dinner guests smile.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this apple pie plate that’s perfect for serving up a slice or two.
Ketchup, mayo and mustard is our go-to condiment line up, but this set can hold any trio of sauces that you desire.
This retro-inspired bistro setting also comes in a lapis blue shade.
Who says mugs have to match? This colorful set will add cheer to your morning tea or coffee.
Hosting a get together? Fill this entertaining set with any snacks of your choosing and watch the treats fly off the table.
These dinnerware sets are meant to be mixed and matched, and now you can score a pre-mixed set from the brand's Americana collection for 20% off with code TODAY.
The bistro dinnerware sets have a slightly smaller bowl, perfect for if you're hosting a lunch or light dinner.
More Fiesta Tableware deals
These mini glasses can be used to enjoy a drink or two, but they also double as decoration, with some reviewers noting that they’ve repurposed them to be toothpick or egg holders (and even ice cream cone stands)! The turquoise, sky, lapis, scarlet, linen and daffodil colors are all on sale for 20% off with code TODAY.
When used as a coaster, this multipurpose accessory is able to keep your tables safe from unwanted ring stains, or it can be placed on top of your cup to keep your drink warm for long stretches of time. For a limited time, the turquoise, sky, lapis, scarlet, linen and daffodil colors are 20% off with code TODAY.
Protect your countertops in style with these classy ceramic trivets designed to hold hot pots and pans, baking dishes and more. The turquoise, sky, lapis, scarlet and linen colors are 20% off with code TODAY.
For a colorful yet timeless look, go for this classic bistro place setting in vibrant scarlet red.
If you’re currently in your sourdough era, this ceramic loaf pan is the perfect way to get sandwich-style bread without having to splurge on a Dutch oven.
With this rectangular baker, you'll never have to worry about arriving empty-handed to a party again. You'll be able to bake sweet treats like cinnamon rolls and brownies, or savory delights like lasagna and enchiladas in just one dish.
Make hosting easy with this dip platter that allows you to plate up a gorgeous appetizer in minutes. The small bowl fits perfectly into the center of the main chip bowl for easy dipping all throughout the day.
These gorgeous neutral vases are an elegant way to display colorful spring flowers.
No party is complete without some chips and dip, and this entertaining set makes it easy to put your favorite snacks on display — now 20% off with code TODAY.
How we chose Fiesta tableware
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products and sales out there. We research products, interview experts and use our own personal experiences to curate our recommendations and make shopping easier for our readers.
For paid content, the Shop TODAY editorial team independently chooses products to recommend that are sold by the retailer (in this case, Fiesta). The retailer does not review or approve the content. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
How do you add Shop TODAY as a Preferred Source on Google?
Google’s new Preferred Sources feature allows users to manually select their favorite publishers and news outlets for a more customizable experience tailored directly to the reader. Once you’ve opted to receive our content, you’ll begin seeing more of our recent and trending articles displayed within your Top Stories news feed.
The easiest way to add us as a preferred source is to click here and type in “TODAY.com.” Once the box is checked and you’ve refreshed the page, Shop TODAY content will start appearing in your feed.
