Ann Arbor is always on those lists of “Best Places to Live,” but when I went a few years ago I wasn’t that impressed. But now I have a reason to go back because I just found out the college town has a Dinnerware Museum. Started a few years ago by ceramics historian Margaret Carney, its 1000-piece collection covers just about every aspect of table culture from cake stands and pearlware bowls and baby cups to a variety of dinnerware sets like a 54-piece set from 1968 as well as an Art Deco coffee set. There’s also a plastic Chow Chow train, Glidden Pottery poodle dishes, “I like Ike” paper cups, and Roy Lichtenstein dishes. So basically every possible thing you would use while eating at the dinner table from kitschy to elegant. And the museum also has special exhibits that focus on things like cake, three course meals and “the art of high chair dining.” So if you’re actually one of those rare people who still sets the table, then this is the place for you.
Dinnerware Museum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
