Dinnerware is the focal point of any dining table. Why? Because it's more than just tableware to serve your meal. Beautiful tableware not only enhances your dining experience, it can also set the tone for your family's dining experience and express your own style.
Dinnerware Materials and Types
No matter what you call it – plates, platters or crockery – your tableware is likely the focal point of your dining table. But before you start thinking about patterns and colors, it's best to focus on the materials you really like. The most common tableware materials are bone china, earthenware, porcelain and stoneware.
These ceramic tablewares have unique benefits that can help you make a decision:
Bone China
Due to its resistance to chipping, bone china is a strong, lightweight and beautiful choice for everyday and special occasion tableware. It's the most durable porcelain, but unlike fine porcelain, it's usually microwave and dishwasher safe.
Pottery
Pottery exudes value, sturdiness and casual charm. As one of the oldest industrial materials, it lends your tableware tremendous heft. To keep this tableware looking its best, avoid sudden temperature fluctuations, such as those in the oven or on high microwave settings.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a pliable material with a nonporous surface that offers excellent durability due to the high firing temperatures. Porcelain is often dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe.
Stoneware
Stoneware dinnerware sets are finished with a specific glaze that provides the material with a smooth appearance and an impermeable finish, making it excellent for everyday use and family-friendly. Stoneware sets last longer than earthenware, but it still needs to be cared for and kept at regular temperatures. If you choose Stoneware, avoid exposing it to excessive heat or cold conditions. Also, keep in mind that hand-painted motifs may necessitate hand cleaning.
The Many Styles of Dinnerware
Dinnerware sets come in a variety of styles, ranging from casual to sophisticated. Most formal dinnerware sets are made from porcelain, china, or stoneware, while casual dinnerware sets are made from stoneware.
Now that we know what types of dinnerware there are, it's time to look beyond formal and informal designs. Ceramic dinnerware comes in four styles: hand-painted, patterned, solid, and banded.
Choosing a dinnerware set
Once you've chosen what you want, it's time to weigh your possibilities. Should you buy dinnerware, a dinnerware set, or a soup pot? The answer depends on a lot of factors, including your unique needs. So before you make a decision, consider the following:
Formal dinnerware is sometimes offered in dinnerware sets that include all the tableware one would need for the dinner table. Most dinnerware sets come in five pieces: dinner plates, salad or dessert plates, bread plates, tea cups, and saucers.
Dinnerware sets provide enough dinnerware to cover the entire dining table. The most popular set is a 20-piece set that serves four people. Each dinnerware set typically includes dinner plates, salad plates, tea cups, and saucers.
Dinnerware that is sold piece by piece is called open stock. It is a great option for people who only need a few items or want to mix and match in their collection.
To ensure you have enough dinnerware for both everyday use and entertaining, most experts recommend buying eight to twelve five-piece dinnerware sets. If you buy two dinnerware sets, one for everyday use and one for special occasions, you can choose between four to six informal dinnerware sets and up to twelve formal dinnerware sets. It really depends on the size of your family, how often you entertain, and how much extra space you have.
Another option is to choose white dinnerware, which can be accessorized with accessories such as tablecloths, chargers, and linens. For example, napkins can add color and personality to a bland table. Or, these items can be used to soften brightly colored or richly patterned tableware.
