GET INTO THAT CHINA CABINET

Use the good plates

Don't wait for the Queen to visit, to bring out the good stuff!  Use them NOW.  Make girlfriends brunch just a bit more luxurious with place card holders and gold flatware.  Making a place setting special shouldn't require expensive glassware and fine china.  Use what you got, by making use of all the things in your china cabinet, if you have one.  

Most of the things I own are a combination of concentrated shopping and pure luck.  I like buying things I know I will get the most use out of.  White plates, whether patterned or plain, should be a staple in everyone's kitchen cabinets.  They match everything and tend to be very durable/dishwasher safe.  

If you want to venture on the side of super fancy, go for salad plates!  Being a lot smaller than the dinner plates they allow you to layer on top off your current larger plates for a beautiful effect. Or you can use them alone for smaller courses and desserts.

There's nothing basic about glassware, pick what makes you happy inside.  I like using glassware that can be multipurpose.  Meaning I can serve water, wine, cocktails and desserts in the same cup.