Spring Savings: The Strategic Time To Buy Dinnerware Sets

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best time to buy dinnerware sets. Firstly, it is important to assess your needs and budget. If you are looking for an everyday set, durability and microwave and dishwasher safety are key factors to consider. Stoneware and ceramic are popular choices for their strength and affordability. However, if you are seeking a fancier option for special occasions, porcelain or bone china offer a more elegant and delicate appearance.

Additionally, the size and weight of the dinnerware set should align with your storage space and personal preferences. It is advisable to measure your cupboards, dishwasher, and microwave to ensure the chosen set fits comfortably. The weight of the dinnerware is also worth considering, especially if you plan to wash dishes by hand.

The design and pattern of the dinnerware set are other crucial aspects. A classic, neutral-coloured set can provide a versatile canvas for any meal and be easily dressed up or down. On the other hand, a colourful or patterned set can add a unique touch to your table.

When purchasing dinnerware, it is beneficial to buy open-stock sets, which allow for customisation and easy replacement of individual pieces. Furthermore, opting for well-known brands with a long-standing reputation can increase the likelihood of finding replacement pieces in the future.

Lastly, reading reviews and inspecting the dinnerware set for any flaws, such as uneven rims or drippy glaze, can help ensure you are getting a quality product.

Size: Choose dinnerware that fits your cupboard, shelves, and dishwasher

When shopping for dinnerware, it is important to consider the size of the dishes. You should ensure that the dinnerware you choose fits comfortably in your cupboards, shelves, and dishwasher. If the dishes are too big, you may not be able to close your cabinet doors. Additionally, if the dishes are too large for your dishwasher, it may be difficult to clean them properly. Therefore, it is important to measure your storage space and dishwasher before purchasing dinnerware to ensure that the dishes will fit comfortably.

Open stock: Opt for dinnerware that can be customised to your needs

Open stock dinnerware is a purchasing option that allows you to buy individual pieces instead of a prearranged dinnerware set. This gives you the flexibility to choose your favourite dishes, the ones you will use the most. For example, if you're particularly fond of deep bowls and large mugs, you can select these in open stock, where there are usually several styles to choose from.

Open stock is also a budget-friendly option, as you can buy place settings one by one and add all the pieces and serving dishes you desire when you have the money to do so. It also allows you to mix and match the dishes to create your perfect dinnerware set. This is beneficial for dinnerware brands like Fiesta dinnerware, which offers a great option for accenting home décor with a variety of solid-coloured dinnerware with complementary or contrasting colours.

Many dinnerware manufacturers and brands make open stock options available, including exclusive shops like Pier 1 Imports, Macy's and J.C. Penney. Most fine china patterns are sold in place settings and open stock so that you can take advantage of the many benefits of picking and choosing exactly what you want, need, will use, and can afford.

Colour: White is classic, but colourful dinnerware can make a statement

White dinnerware is a classic choice, but colourful dinnerware can make a statement. Here are some tips for choosing the right colour for your dinnerware set:

• Consider your style: White dinnerware is a safe choice if you're not sure what colour to choose. It's classic, elegant, and versatile, and can be easily dressed up or down with colourful linens, tableware, or serving pieces. White dinnerware also provides a blank canvas for your food, allowing it to take centre stage.
• Think about functionality: White dinnerware can be more prone to staining than coloured dinnerware, especially if it has unglazed rims. Coloured dinnerware, on the other hand, may be more likely to show scratches or metal markings from flatware. Keep in mind that darker colours may make food portions look smaller, while lighter colours can make them appear larger.
• Mix and match: You don't have to choose just one colour for your dinnerware set. Mixing and matching colours can add interest and personality to your table. You can also create a cohesive look by choosing dinnerware with similar patterns or textures in different colours.
• Go with your gut: Ultimately, choose a colour that you personally like and that suits your lifestyle. If you're not sure, consider starting with a basic white set and adding colourful pieces later.

Quantity: Buy enough dinnerware to host a big dinner party

When buying dinnerware, it is important to consider the number of people you will be serving. For a two-person household, it is recommended to have four to six place settings, while a family of four or five may require eight to twelve settings. If you are planning a formal dinner, each guest will need three different plates: a bread plate, a salad plate, and a dinner plate, as well as a charger plate. In addition, depending on the menu, your guests may need a bowl for soup or pasta and a dessert plate and fork.

It is also a good idea to have some extra place settings on hand in case of unexpected guests or broken dishes. For a formal dinner, it is recommended to have ten extra place settings, or 10 to 20% extra if your guest list exceeds 100 people.

If you are hosting a cocktail party or another event serving only finger food, you will likely only need drinkware and small plates, with three appetizer plates per person recommended.

When choosing dinnerware, it is also important to consider the material. Stoneware, porcelain, and bone china are all popular options, with stoneware being a good choice for an all-around set that can go from breakfast to dinner. Porcelain is the most common material and offers a good balance of practicality and elegance. Bone china, a type of porcelain, is known for its durability and lightweight feel.

When it comes to the number of pieces in a set, a 20-piece set is typically enough for four place settings. However, if you entertain frequently or have a large family, you may want to consider a larger set or purchase additional pieces separately.

In addition to the number of place settings, it is also worth considering the types of pieces included in the set. A setting commonly includes a dinner plate, a salad plate or bowl, and a mug or teacup and saucer. Some sets may also include bread-and-butter plates, soup bowls, or dessert plates and forks.

When deciding how much dinnerware to buy, it is always better to err on the side of having too much rather than too little. This will ensure that you always have enough plates, bowls, and mugs to serve your guests, even if some pieces get broken or chipped.

Versatility: Choose one set for both everyday and formal dining

Dinnerware is an extension of your style and helps create the ambiance for any occasion. You can choose a set that is versatile and can be used for both everyday dining and formal dining. Here are some tips to help you choose the right dinnerware set:

• Number of settings: If you live alone or with just one person, a four to six-serve dinnerware set might be sufficient. Larger households may require six to eight-serve sets.
• Type of dishes included: The most comprehensive dinnerware sets include two types of plates, two types of bowls, and a mug. If you just need to expand your collection, opt for sets that include fewer pieces.
• Dish shape: The shape of the dish can affect its functionality. Plates with wide, flat rims provide a large space to grab but leave less room for food. Dishes with straight-walled rims provide ample space to maneuver and cut food. Sloped rims give an elegant look and are a good medium between wide flat rims and straight-walled rims. Low bowls, or "blates", are a cross between a bowl and a plate and are versatile for different types of meals.
• Dish size: Small plates are easy to carry and store but hold less food. Large plates are great for loading up a plate but may not fit well in smaller dishwashers.
• Care instructions: Not all dinnerware sets are microwave and dishwasher-safe. Some may include metallic banding that cannot go in the microwave, while others may be made of delicate materials that require hand washing.
• Durability: If you're looking for durability, consider materials such as laminated glass, bone china, porcelain, or stoneware. Melamine is a lightweight and break-resistant plastic that is great for outdoor dining and households with children.
• Manufacturer: Buy dinnerware sets from well-known and reputable companies to ensure quality and longevity.

Frequently asked questions