During the 1950s, dinnerware manufactured by the Royal China Company of Sebring, Ohio, and decorated with transfer printed scenes taken from prints by Currier & Ives was offered as promotional premiums by A&P grocery stores. Although also produced in pink, green, and brown, blue was was most popular and most-produced color. The dinnerware is now very collectible and is seen here displayed on the wall of Memphis, Tennesee’s Blue Plate Cafe.

The expression “blue-plate special,” referring to a low-priced meal, was named after a different kind of blue plate featuring dividers.