I bought my own china when I started doing some of the holidays. It was cheap and has not held up that well. The reason you can't put it in the dishwasher is that the metallic (if you have that) comes off. I do put mine in the dishwasher, but I probably shouldn't. And yes, use it!
I finally bought myself sterling silver about 5 years ago. I love it! I got nothing like that for my wedding, but I do have many of my mom's large silver pieces that no one could afford today.