Elevate Your Dining Experience: The Ultimate Guide To Bone China Dinnerware Sets

Choosing the right dinnerware set can elevate your dining experience and complement your personal style. Bone china is a type of porcelain that has bone mixed in, resulting in a slightly translucent look and lighter weight compared to other ceramics. It is traditionally seen as more durable, but modern porcelain manufacturing has narrowed the differences in durability between the two.

When selecting a bone china dinnerware set, consider factors such as design, durability, quality, and value. Look for sets that offer coordinating pieces like serving platters or bowls. You can also opt for open stock dinnerware, which allows you to purchase individual pieces or customise your collection.

- Mikasa offers several bone china dinnerware sets, including the Delray, Ciara, and Macie collections.

- Macy's carries bone china dinnerware sets from brands like kate spade new york, Vera Wang Wedgwood, and Royal Copenhagen.

- Amazon has a wide range of bone china dinnerware sets, such as the Gibson Elite Embossed Bone China set and the Stone Lain Gabrielle set.

- Bloomingdale's features bone china dinnerware sets from brands like Wedgwood, Vera Wang Wedgwood, and Royal Crown Derby.

Porcelain vs bone china

Porcelain and bone china are both ceramic materials used to make various household and decorative objects. They are often associated with luxury and refinement, but there are some critical differences between the two.

Composition

Bone china is made from a combination of china clay, china stone, and bone ash, while porcelain is typically made from feldspar, quartz, and kaolin. The bone ash in bone china gives it a unique combination of strength and beauty, resulting in a highly sought-after material for fine tableware.

Firing Temperature

Porcelain is fired at a much higher temperature than bone china, which makes it harder and denser. This higher firing temperature also means that porcelain is more prone to cracking and chipping than bone china.

Appearance

Bone china is typically lighter and more delicate in appearance, while porcelain can be slightly heavier and have a more formal or traditional look. Bone china often has a creamy, soft colour, while fine porcelain is stark white.

Durability

Bone china is considered the strongest ceramic material, making it suitable for everyday use and special occasions. It is strong, durable, and mostly chip-resistant. Porcelain, on the other hand, tends to be heavier and more brittle, which can lead to chipping. However, porcelain is more resistant to wear and tear than bone china due to its harder surface.

Care and Maintenance

Both bone china and porcelain require careful handling and gentle cleaning to avoid scratches and chips. They should be washed by hand with a mild detergent and a soft sponge or cloth, and they should be dried with a soft, lint-free cloth. To prevent scratches and chipping, it is recommended to store bone china and porcelain in a fabric storage case or place fabric or tissue paper between each piece when stacking them.

Formal vs casual

When it comes to choosing between formal and casual dinnerware, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about how you will be using your dinnerware. If you plan to use it for everyday meals, durability and practicality are key. Porcelain and bone china are great options for everyday use as they are strong, chip-resistant, and often dishwasher- and microwave-safe. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more special to use on occasions, you might opt for dinnerware with precious metal ornamentation, which gives an elegant ambiance but requires handwashing.

Another thing to consider is the pattern and colour of your dinnerware. Plain white dinnerware is a versatile choice, used by most restaurants, and safe for the microwave and dishwasher. However, if you prefer something more colourful, a pattern with one or two colours is easier to coordinate and likely more affordable than multi-coloured or metallic designs.

Finally, think about the shape of your plates. Rim-shaped plates, which originated in Europe, have a well that collects juices from food, whereas coupe-shaped plates, which are more common in the East, have no rim and are about 1 inch larger in diameter to accommodate food cooked and served in bite-sized pieces.

Dinnerware sets for special occasions

Dinnerware sets the tone for any occasion, and special occasions call for something a little more elegant. Bone china is a classic choice for formal dining, and there are plenty of options to choose from.

If you're looking for a simple, classic white set, the Mikasa Delray collection is an excellent choice. This bone china set is bright and creamy, with a simple but sophisticated look. It's also surprisingly durable, so you won't have to worry about chips and cracks. For something similar, the Mikasa Ciara set is another great option, with a slightly more intricate design.

For a pop of colour, the Lenox Lowell set in ice blue is a beautiful choice. The stoneware set has a textured design on the rims, adding a unique touch to your table setting. If you're looking for something more subtle, the Lenox Westmore set is a sophisticated white option, also with a textured design.

For a truly luxurious dining experience, the Richard Brendon set from Bloomingdales is a stunning choice. This bone china set is an elegant white with gold detailing, perfect for a formal dinner party.

And, of course, you can't go wrong with a classic like Wedgwood. The Wedgwood Florentine collection is a delicate white set with gold detailing, adding a touch of opulence to your table.

Whether you're looking for a simple and sophisticated set or something with a pop of colour, there are plenty of bone china dinnerware options to choose from for your special occasions.

Dinnerware sets for everyday use

Dinnerware sets are an essential part of any kitchen, and choosing the right set can elevate your dining experience. Here are some options for bone china dinnerware sets that are perfect for everyday use:

• Mikasa Delray Collection: This collection offers refined bone china at an affordable price. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, with a simple yet sophisticated design. It is lightweight, chip-resistant, and safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and oven.
• Gibson Elite Embossed Bone China: This set offers a modern and elegant look with its embossed design. The set is chip and scratch-resistant, making it ideal for everyday use. It includes dinner plates, bowls, and mugs, service for four.
• Stone Lain Gabrielle: This 24-piece dinnerware set is made of bone china and features a solid white colour. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, service for eight. The set is chip-resistant and safe for the dishwasher and microwave.
• Mikasa Macie: This 12-piece bone china dinnerware set from Mikasa is lightweight and chip-resistant. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, service for four. The set has a simple yet elegant design and is safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and oven.
• Amazon Basics 16-Piece Dinnerware Set: If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, this set from Amazon Basics offers a classic and timeless design. The set includes dinner plates, bowls, dessert plates, and mugs, service for four. It is lightweight yet sturdy and safe for the dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer.
• Lenox French Perle: For a touch of elegance, consider this stoneware dinnerware set from Lenox. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, service for four. It features a textured design on the rims and a hand-applied finish. Lenox offers a lifetime replacement program for broken dishes.
• Our Place Dinnerware Set: This contemporary dinnerware set from Our Place has a minimalist and rustic appeal. The set includes full plates, midi plates, demi plates, midi bowls, and demi bowls, allowing for easy stacking and storage. It is made of recycled and sustainably sourced porcelain and is safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and oven.

Dinnerware sets for first apartments

Moving into your first apartment is an exciting time, and choosing a dinnerware set that suits your style and needs is an important step in making your new place feel like home. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing the perfect dinnerware set for your first apartment:

Consider Your Lifestyle and Budget

When selecting a dinnerware set for your first apartment, it's important to think about your lifestyle and budget. If you're a college student or just starting out, you may want an affordable and durable set that will last you through the early years of adulthood. Look for materials like porcelain or stoneware, which offer a good balance of style and durability. Bone china is also an option, but it tends to be more expensive.

Choose a Set That Reflects Your Personal Style

Your dinnerware set should reflect your personal style and taste. Consider the overall aesthetic of your apartment and choose a set that complements it. Do you prefer a minimalist and modern look, or something more traditional? Are you drawn to bold colours or neutral tones? Keep in mind that your dinnerware set will be a focal point when hosting meals, so choose something that makes you feel confident and excited to entertain.

Decide on the Size and Number of Place Settings

Think about the size of your household and how often you entertain guests. A good rule of thumb is to have at least one set per person in your household, plus a few extra place settings for guests. A standard dinnerware set includes a dinner plate, a salad or side plate, a bowl, and a mug. If you frequently eat meals that require larger plates or additional bowls, consider choosing a set with more pieces or purchasing additional items separately.

Recommended Dinnerware Sets for First Apartments:

Mikasa Delray Bone China Dinnerware Set:

This elegant bone china set offers excellent quality at a reasonable price. It has a bright and creamy hue, simple yet sophisticated design, and is dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe. The set includes dinner plates, salad/dessert plates, cereal bowls, and mugs, with the option to purchase additional pieces separately.

Gibson Elite Embossed Bone China Dinnerware Set:

For a more affordable option, the Gibson Elite Embossed Bone China set offers a similar level of sophistication with its white embossed design. The set includes dinner plates, bowls, and mugs, service for four, and is also dishwasher and microwave safe.

Amazon Basics 16-Piece Dinnerware Set:

If you're looking for a truly budget-friendly option, the Amazon Basics set offers a classic and timeless design. The set includes dinner plates, bowls, dessert plates, and mugs for four people, and it's safe for the dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer.

Fiesta 4-Piece Dinnerware Place Setting:

For a pop of colour, the Fiesta set is a great choice. It comes in a variety of vibrant shades, with a classic and sturdy design. The set includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, and mug, and you can easily expand your collection with matching pieces like bakeware and serving platters.

Our Place Dinnerware Set:

If you're looking for a modern and minimalistic design, the Our Place set is a popular choice. It features recycled and sustainably sourced porcelain, with a slightly rustic appeal. The set includes full plates, midi plates, demi plates, midi bowls, and demi bowls, and it's dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe.

These recommendations offer a range of styles and price points to suit your needs. Remember to consider your lifestyle, budget, and personal taste when making your decision, and don't be afraid to mix and match pieces to create a unique and personalised dinnerware set for your first apartment!

Frequently asked questions