Curating Casual Dining: Exploring The Best Dinnerware Sets For Everyday Use

Dinnerware sets the stage for memorable meals and offers an opportunity to express your personal style. A great set will bring a touch of class to any dinner table and remain in fashion for years, all while withstanding the rigors of daily use.

When shopping for dinnerware, it's important to consider the material, the number of place settings, the types of dishes included, the dish shape, colour and pattern, durability, and care instructions.

Materials such as earthenware, stoneware, china or porcelain, melamine, and glass all have their pros and cons, so it's important to choose one that aligns with your lifestyle and needs.

Dinnerware sets typically come with 16, 20, or 24 pieces to serve between four and eight people. A standard set should include four of each: dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs. Some sets may also include pasta bowls, bread and butter plates, and serving trays.

When it comes to dish shape, plates with wide, flat rims provide a large space to grab but leave less room for food. Straight-walled rims provide ample space to maneuver and cut food, while sloped rims give an elegant look and a good medium between the two. Low bowls, or blates, are a versatile option that can be used as either a bowl or a plate.

Colour and pattern are also important considerations. White dinnerware is classic and timeless, but colourful sets can make a bold statement. Mix-and-match sets are also a fun option, allowing you to create a unique and eclectic look.

Finally, durability and care instructions are key. Stoneware, porcelain, and bone china are generally durable and dishwasher-safe, but it's important to check the care instructions before purchasing. Melamine is a lightweight and break-resistant option, but it cannot be used in the microwave. Glass, such as laminated glass or Vitrelle, is incredibly durable and resistant to breaking, chipping, scratching, and staining.

Materials: Porcelain, stoneware, bone china, and glass are common materials for dinnerware. Each has pros and cons to consider

When shopping for dinnerware, you'll come across porcelain, stoneware, bone china, and glass. Each material has its pros and cons, so it's worth considering which is best for your needs.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a type of ceramic that's been popular around the world since it was first created in China. It's made from refined clay and fired at a high temperature, making it more durable than stoneware and earthenware. It's also less porous, with a shiny finish. Porcelain is great for elegant dining and can be used for special occasions or daily life. It's usually safe for use in microwaves, dishwashers, and ovens, but heat it for too long in the microwave and you might find it cracks.

Stoneware

Stoneware is another type of ceramic that's made from refined clay and fired at a high temperature. It's durable and often has a modern look. It's also affordable and comes in a variety of colours, shapes, and designs. However, it's slightly porous, so it can hold bacteria, and temperature changes may cause it to crack. It's usually safe for use in microwaves and dishwashers.

Bone China

Bone china is a type of porcelain that includes bone ash in the clay. It's fired twice, at a higher temperature than other types of dinnerware, making it the most durable, yet elegant-looking dinnerware. It's also the most expensive. It's usually safe for use in microwaves, dishwashers, and ovens, but because of the price, it's best to handle these dishes with care.

Glass

Glass dinnerware, such as Corelle, is almost indestructible. It won't break or chip, even when dropped on a hard floor. It's safe for use in microwaves and dishwashers, and it's an excellent choice for families or outdoor dining.

Number of settings: Consider how many people you'll be serving and how often you'll entertain

When shopping for a dinnerware set, it's important to consider how many people you'll be serving and how often you'll be entertaining. This will help you determine the number of place settings you need and the size of your set.

If you have a large family or entertain frequently, you may want to opt for a larger set with eight or more place settings. On the other hand, if you live alone or have a small household, a four to six-piece set may be sufficient. It's also worth considering how often you want to run your dishwasher, as having extra place settings can reduce the need to wash dishes multiple times a day.

In addition to the number of place settings, you'll also want to pay attention to the types of dishes included in the set. A traditional five-piece place setting consists of a dinner plate, salad or dessert plate, bread and butter plate, and a cup with a saucer. However, modern sets often include four pieces per place setting, such as a dinner plate, dessert or salad plate, bowl, and mug.

When choosing a dinnerware set, it's also important to consider the material. Stoneware, porcelain, and bone china are all popular options that are durable and versatile. Melamine is another option that is shatterproof and hard to chip or break, making it ideal for families with young children or outdoor dining.

Ultimately, the best dinnerware set for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the number of place settings you need, the types of dishes included, the material, and whether it fits your lifestyle and entertaining habits.

Types of dishes: Look for a set with at least a large dinner plate, a small salad plate, and a bowl that can be used for multiple types of meals

When it comes to the types of dishes, a good dinnerware set should include at least a large dinner plate, a small salad plate, and a bowl that can be used for multiple types of meals.

The dinner plate is the largest plate in the set and is used for serving the main course. It is usually placed in the centre of the table setting. The salad plate is smaller than the dinner plate and is used for serving side dishes, salads, or desserts. The bowl can be used for soups, cereals, or other meals.

Some dinnerware sets also include mugs, cups, saucers, and bread plates. These additional pieces can enhance the dining experience and make the set more versatile.

• Dinner plate: This is the largest plate in the set and is used for serving the main course.
• Salad plate: A smaller plate for side dishes, salads, or desserts.
• Bowl: Can be used for soups, cereals, or other meals.
• Mug: For hot beverages like coffee or tea.
• Cup and saucer: For serving tea or coffee.
• Bread plate: A small plate for bread or rolls.

Different types of food service styles may require different types of dishes. For example, in a formal silver service, food is served on plates and transferred to the guest's plate using a service spoon and fork. In a buffet service, food is displayed on tables and guests serve themselves.

When choosing a dinnerware set, it is important to consider the number of place settings required, the materials used, durability, and whether the set is dishwasher- and microwave-safe.

Dish shape: Plates with wide, flat rims provide a large space to grab but leave less room for food

Plates with wide, flat rims provide a large space to grab but leave less room for food. This type of plate is best for those who want to prioritise ease of carrying over food capacity.

Wide, flat rims can make plates easier to carry, but they also reduce the amount of space available for food. This trade-off is important to consider when choosing a dinnerware set, especially if you plan to use the plates for large meals or if you have a tendency to spill.

If you're looking for a set that strikes a balance between ease of carrying and food capacity, consider plates with slightly curved or sloped rims. These rims provide a bit of extra space for your food while still offering a comfortable grip.

Another option is to choose a set with straight-walled rims, which provide ample space to cut and manoeuvre food. However, keep in mind that these types of plates tend to stack taller and may not fit as well in your dishwasher or cabinets.

Ultimately, the shape of your plates depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use them. Consider your priorities and choose a set that best meets your needs.

Dish size: Smaller plates are easy to carry and store but hold less food

Smaller plates are easier to carry and store but hold less food. This makes them ideal for small meals, snacks, and desserts. They are also a good option for those with limited storage space or who prefer lightweight dinnerware. However, if you are serving large portions or multiple courses, smaller plates may not be sufficient.

When choosing dinnerware, it is important to consider the size of the plates and bowls. Smaller plates are typically used for side dishes, salads, or desserts, while larger plates are used for main courses. The size of the dinnerware can also affect the overall look of your table setting. Smaller plates can make a table appear more elegant and refined, while larger plates can give a more casual and relaxed vibe.

In addition to the size of the plates, it is also important to consider the number of pieces included in a set. A basic dinnerware set typically includes four to six place settings, with each place setting consisting of a dinner plate, a salad or side plate, a bowl, and a mug. However, some sets may include additional pieces such as serving bowls, platters, or teacups.

When choosing between smaller and larger plates, it is also important to consider the material of the dinnerware. Some materials, such as stoneware and porcelain, are known for their durability and chip-resistance, while others, such as ceramic and glass, are more fragile and prone to breaking. If you are concerned about durability, it may be better to choose a larger plate made of a more durable material rather than a smaller plate made of a fragile material.

Ultimately, the decision between smaller and larger plates depends on your personal preferences, the type of meals you typically serve, and the amount of storage space you have available. Smaller plates can be a great option for those who want a more elegant table setting or who have limited storage space, while larger plates may be more suitable for those who frequently serve large portions or multiple courses.

Frequently asked questions