The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Perfect Dinnerware Set

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.

There are endless styles and patterns to choose from, so choosing the best dinnerware set for you can be overwhelming. It's important to choose a set you'll find easy to care for and enjoy eating off of, whether you're scarfing down a PB&J or indulging in a roast beef dinner.

- Material: Common dinnerware materials include bone china, porcelain, earthenware, stoneware, and melamine. Each type of dinnerware has its own benefits, such as durability, weight, and elegance.

- Formal vs. Casual: Formal dinnerware sets are typically made from china or porcelain, while stoneware, earthenware, and melamine make great casual dinnerware. You may want to have one set for everyday use and another for special occasions and holidays.

- Design: Dinnerware sets can be solid, banded, patterned, or hand-painted. Colors and patterns are a great way to express your personality and complement your home's decor. For versatility, consider choosing neutral colors like white or ivory.

- Set Type: Formal dinnerware is often sold in place settings, while dinnerware sets include multiple place settings. Open stock is dinnerware sold piece by piece, allowing you to mix and match within a collection.

- Space Considerations: Before purchasing a dinnerware set, consider the amount of storage space you have in your cabinets and cupboards.

- Care Instructions: Check the care instructions to verify if your dinnerware is dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and oven-safe. Some materials, such as melamine, are shatterproof and break-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use.

Dinnerware Materials: The different materials used for dinnerware include bone china, porcelain, earthenware, stoneware, and melamine. Each has its pros and cons, so choosing the right one is important

Dinnerware comes in a variety of materials, each with its own pros and cons. Here's a rundown of the most common types:

Bone China

Bone china is a type of ceramic dinnerware that is strong, durable, and often dishwasher- and microwave-safe. It is made from a combination of bone ash and porcelain, giving it a translucent, milky appearance. While bone china is typically the most expensive type of dinnerware, it is also one of the strongest and most durable options available.

Porcelain

Porcelain is another type of ceramic dinnerware that is known for its durability and non-porous surface. It is made from high-quality clay that is fired at high temperatures, resulting in a glossy, elegant finish. Porcelain dinnerware is typically dishwasher- and microwave-safe, but it may not be suitable for high temperatures or prolonged microwave use.

Earthenware

Earthenware is a type of ceramic dinnerware that is typically less expensive and more casual in appearance. It is made from clay that is fired at lower temperatures, resulting in a heavier, more rustic finish. Earthenware is often dishwasher-safe, but it may not be suitable for high temperatures or prolonged microwave use due to its porous nature.

Stoneware

Stoneware is a type of ceramic dinnerware that is known for its durability and affordability. It is made from refined clay that is fired at high temperatures, resulting in a smooth, opaque finish. Stoneware is typically dishwasher- and microwave-safe, but it may not be suitable for extreme temperature changes or prolonged microwave use.

Melamine

Melamine is a type of plastic dinnerware that is lightweight, shatter-resistant, and affordable. It is often used for outdoor dining or children's tableware due to its durability. Melamine dinnerware is typically dishwasher-safe, but it is not suitable for microwave or oven use.

Formal vs Casual: Formal dinnerware is usually made from china or porcelain, while casual dinnerware is often stoneware, earthenware, or melamine

Formal dinnerware is often made from china or porcelain, while casual dinnerware is typically made from stoneware, earthenware, or melamine.

China, or porcelain, is a type of ceramic that is non-porous and durable. It is typically dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe. Fine china, however, is not always dishwasher- or microwave-safe, so it's important to check the care instructions. Bone china is a type of porcelain that includes bone ash, making it the strongest variety of china. It is also lightweight and translucent.

Stoneware is another type of ceramic that is more durable than earthenware. It has a special finishing glaze that gives it a smooth appearance and an impermeable finish, making it ideal for everyday use. However, stoneware with hand-painted designs may require hand washing.

Earthenware is one of the oldest industrial materials used for dinnerware. It is durable and offers a casual appeal, but it is important to avoid sudden temperature changes and high heat to keep it looking its best.

Melamine dinnerware is made from a lightweight, non-porous plastic. It is shatterproof and break-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use and families with young children. However, melamine dinnerware is not suitable for use in the oven or microwave.

Sets vs Open Stock: You can buy dinnerware as a set, place setting, or open stock. Sets are great for families, while open stock is good for mixing and matching

When buying dinnerware, you can either purchase a set, a place setting, or open stock. Sets are great for families, while open stock is good for mixing and matching.

Dinnerware sets are a great option for families, as they include multiple place settings, typically four or six. This ensures that you have enough dinnerware for general use and entertaining. However, if you are looking to mix and match your dinnerware, open stock is the way to go. Open stock allows you to purchase individual pieces or place settings, giving you the flexibility to create your own unique set. This is also a good option if you are looking to add to an existing set or replace broken pieces.

When purchasing dinnerware, it is important to consider the number of place settings you need, the type of dishes included, the material, and the care instructions. It is also worth noting that some dinnerware sets may not be microwave or dishwasher safe, so be sure to check the care instructions before purchasing.

Space Considerations: Before buying dinnerware, consider how much storage space you have. Some materials, like stoneware, can be bulky

When buying dinnerware, it's important to consider how much storage space you have. Some materials, like stoneware, can be bulky and heavy, so you'll need to make sure you have enough room to store your dinnerware when it's not in use.

Stoneware is a popular choice for dinnerware due to its durability and rustic aesthetic. However, it tends to be heavier and more substantial than other materials such as porcelain or bone china. If you have limited storage space, it may be worth considering a lighter-weight material or investing in storage solutions designed to maximise space, such as shelf risers.

Another option is to look for dinnerware that is sold individually or in smaller sets, rather than large sets. This way, you can buy only what you need and avoid having excess dinnerware taking up space in your cabinets.

Additionally, when choosing dinnerware, it's important to consider the size of your dishwasher. Some larger plates and bowls may not fit comfortably in a standard-sized dishwasher, so it's worth measuring your dishwasher and comparing it to the dimensions of the dinnerware you're considering.

Finally, don't forget to think about how you'll be using your dinnerware. If you frequently host large dinner parties or have a big family, you'll need enough dinnerware to accommodate everyone. On the other hand, if you live alone or have a small household, a smaller set may be more suitable.

Care and Maintenance: Dinnerware should be dishwasher-safe and break-resistant, especially for families. Check care instructions before buying

Dinnerware should be easy to care for and maintain. When shopping for dinnerware, it is important to look for sets that are dishwasher-safe and break-resistant, especially for families. It is also important to check the care instructions before buying.

Dinnerware is made from a variety of materials, including bone china, porcelain, earthenware, stoneware, and melamine. Each material has unique benefits and care considerations. For example, bone china is lightweight, elegant, and durable, while melamine is shatterproof and break-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use.

When it comes to dishwasher safety, most dinnerware sets are dishwasher-safe. However, it is important to check the care instructions before purchasing, as some materials, such as melamine, are not suitable for the dishwasher.

In terms of break resistance, materials like bone china, porcelain, and stoneware are known for their durability and chip resistance. On the other hand, melamine is a lightweight and shatterproof option that is ideal for families with young children.

When choosing dinnerware, it is also important to consider the number of place settings and whether the set includes additional pieces such as mugs or serving bowls. It is also worth noting that formal dinnerware is often sold in place settings, while casual dinnerware may be sold in sets or as open stock, allowing for more customization.

Overall, when selecting dinnerware, it is crucial to consider the material, care instructions, durability, and the number of place settings to ensure that the set meets your needs and is easy to maintain.

Frequently asked questions