ollecting has always been a popular hobby, particularly of common household items. One of the most popular types of collectible are plates. Those commonplace staples are fascinating for their diverse patterns and uses.

Most of us are familiar with ads for commemorative plates. These celebrate cherished celebrities, like Princess Diana, Elvis or Dale Earnhart. Or they may pay tribute to favorite artists, such as Walt Disney or Norman Rockwell. They are often sold in numbered series and are available in gift shops, online or even through a collector's club. These plates may or not increase in value, depending on how many are made and sold. Find a subject you like and pick pieces you would enjoy displaying in your home. Be careful: If an item is too popular, it may "glut" the market. There will be too many available to make your piece rise in value. That's why it's important to collect what you really like.

Another popular plate collection involves antique china. Your grandmother's Havilland china can be a great base for a collection. You can collect Havilland pieces, Noritake pieces or those by another manufacturer. Or you may decide to collect pieces with pink roses or with gold edging. Look for these pieces online, in antique shops or at flea markets. There are many companies that deal in replacement pieces. If you have the name of the pattern and the manufacturer, these companies may help you round out your set.

If you find a particularly old piece, you may be surprised to find out their history: Young women used to supplement their income by painting china. Handpainted china is extremely valuable.

Another dinnerware collection to start would be to specialize. Ships and trains used to have their own unique china service. It's fun to come across a piece with the name of a vessel stamped on the bottom. Perhaps it has been to China or Europe. Perhaps it was a smuggled memento of someone's long-ago honeymoon.

Often people are satisfied just collecting their family's dinnerware. Just keeping Grandma's set clean and in good condition is a treasured task. You can evoke many wonderful memories and know that you can pass those memories on to your loved ones in . Be sure to have your set insured in case the unthinkable happens.

Even every day kitchen plates are collectible. Many people collect cobalt blue plates or unusual pieces, mainly because they simply like the style and would like to use more of them in .

Whatever type of plate you choose to collect, remember that while you should not eat of of them, take care of these plates and display them in a place where all can enjoy the beauty that you see in them. Who knows, you or your children may end up with something valuable for Antiques Roadshow.