Ceramic Tableware: Elevate Your Dining Experience

Ceramic tableware is an elegant and practical option for any home. From dinner plates and salad bowls to pasta bowls and breakfast bowls, ceramic tableware offers a diverse range of products to suit every meal. With classic silhouettes, sophisticated semi-matte finishes, and a wide range of colours, ceramic tableware can be mixed and matched to set a table you'll love. It is also a sustainable option, with some companies offering tableware made from recycled clay and shipped in recyclable packaging. Whether you're looking for a simple set or something more unique, ceramic tableware provides a chic and durable solution for your dining needs.

Dinnerware sets

Basic Dinnerware Sets

Basic dinnerware sets typically include essential items such as a dinner plate, a salad plate, and a cereal bowl. Some examples include:

• Heath's 3-piece Basic Ceramic Dinnerware Set, which comes in various glazes like Yuzu Fawn and Indigo Slate.
• Gibson Home's 16-piece Zen Buffet Porcelain Dinnerware Set in classic white, featuring square plates and bowls.
• MALACASA's 12-piece Plates and Bowls Sets, a chip-resistant ceramic dish set in white, including dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls for four people.

Full Dinnerware Sets

Full dinnerware sets offer a more comprehensive option, often including drinkware and additional bowls. Examples include:

• Heath's 5-piece Full Dinnerware Set, which includes a dinner plate, a salad plate, a cereal bowl, a large mug, and a dessert bowl.
• Euro Ceramica's 16-piece Duomo Dinnerware Set, a service for four people that includes dinner plates, salad plates, cereal bowls, and mugs.
• Gibson Elite's 16-piece Tequesta Square Reactive Glaze Stoneware Dinnerware Set in taupe, featuring dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs.

Luxury Dinnerware Sets

For a touch of luxury, consider handcrafted or artist-designed dinnerware sets:

• East Fork's 5-piece Shallow Dinner Set, featuring a two-tone gloss finish over a matte base and including a breakfast bowl, dinner plate, side plate, and cake plate.
• Jono Pandolfi's Coupe 4-piece Place Setting, crafted for restaurants and including an entrée plate, a salad plate, a cereal bowl, and the Alaska bowl.
• Haand's 5-piece Skali Coupe Dinner Setting, a quirky set featuring three sizes of coupes, a breakfast bowl, and a Chemist Cup.

Casual Dinnerware Sets

For everyday use, consider casual dinnerware sets that are both durable and stylish:

• Famiware's 12-piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, featuring a minimalist design with a handmade speckled pattern and including dinner plates, salad plates, and cereal bowls for four people.
• Mikasa's 16-piece Trellis Dinnerware Set, made of high-quality bone china and including dinner plates, salad plates, cereal bowls, and mugs.
• Sur La Table Kitchen Essentials' 12-piece Dinnerware Set, a stackable and space-saving option made of glossy porcelain, including dinner plates, dessert plates, dinner bowls, and cereal bowls for four people.

Whether you're looking for a basic set, a comprehensive collection, or something handcrafted and unique, there are plenty of ceramic dinnerware sets to choose from to elevate your dining experience.

Bowls

Size and Capacity:

Ceramic bowls come in various sizes, from small dipping sauce bowls to large serving bowls. Consider the intended use of the bowls and choose sizes accordingly. Capacity is an important factor to ensure the bowls can accommodate the desired portion sizes.

Design and Colour:

Ceramic bowls can be found in a multitude of designs, ranging from sleek and modern to rustic and handmade-looking. Some popular design features include free-form edges, matte or semi-matte glazes, and muted pastel colours. For a classic look, opt for timeless white ceramic bowls, or add a pop of colour with options like blush pink, turquoise, or sky blue.

Functionality and Convenience:

Look for ceramic bowls that are microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe, making them convenient for everyday use and easy to maintain. Chip-resistant bowls are also a good investment, especially if you plan to use them frequently.

Sets and Combinations:

Ceramic bowls are often sold in sets, offering a cohesive look for your tableware. Consider purchasing a set that includes different sizes, such as a cereal bowl, salad bowl, and serving bowl. This will give you versatility in serving various dishes.

Brand Options:

When choosing ceramic bowls, you have a variety of brands to choose from. Some popular options include Corelle, Gibson Home, Certified International, and East Fork. Consider your personal style and budget when making your selection.

In conclusion, ceramic bowls offer a stylish and functional addition to your tableware. With a range of designs, colours, and sizes available, you can find the perfect set to suit your needs and elevate your dining experience. Remember to consider factors like capacity, functionality, and brand reputation when making your choice.

Plates

When it comes to ceramic tableware, plates are an essential component, providing the foundation for any meal. Here are some options for those seeking to elevate their dining experience with ceramic plates:

Beau Rush Ceramics

For a raw, handmade look, Beau Rush Ceramics offers unique pieces with pockmarks and uneven edges. Their dinner plates are dipped in glaze, resulting in a slightly different drip pattern on each plate. These plates are priced at $54 each and are sure to add a cool, individual touch to your table setting.

Jono Pandolfi Designs

If you're seeking something more polished, Jono Pandolfi's ceramic designs are a great choice. His pieces are used in renowned restaurants such as Eleven Madison Park and Lilia. The Coupe 7-Piece Place Setting includes an entrée plate, a salad plate, a cereal bowl, and the Alaska bowl, originally designed for Eleven Madison Park's dessert course. This set is handmade in the USA and retails for $195.

East Fork Pottery

East Fork Pottery offers sturdy stoneware plates in dusty colours such as burnt rose. Their pieces are handmade in Asheville, North Carolina, and have gained popularity, even being recommended by Strategist senior editor Margaret Rhodes. Their plates are priced at $42 each.

Fable Home

Fable Home's ceramic dinnerware sets are simple and elegant, providing the perfect canvas for any meal, whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Each piece is hand-finished in Portugal and made from locally sourced and recycled clay. The dinner plates have a diameter of 10.75 inches and a height of 0.75 inches, with a weight of 1.6 lbs each. They are dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe up to 450°F. You can purchase a set of four dinner plates for your collection.

Pottery Barn

For a timeless and classic look, Pottery Barn's Nico dinnerware set is an excellent option. Their stoneware collection features a slight lip on the salad and dinner plates, preventing spills. The white glaze has hints of grey and brown, making it versatile and easy to pair with other pieces. This set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four soup bowls, and is both dishwasher and microwave safe.

Whether you're seeking a unique handmade look or a timeless classic style, these ceramic plate options are sure to enhance your dining experience and impress your guests.

Mugs

When it comes to choosing the right ceramic mug, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, size is important. Mugs come in various sizes, from standard 8 oz cups to larger options like the 13 oz stoneware cafe bowl, perfect for a generous serving of latte. If you're a fan of espresso, a small 3 oz cup will be ideal, while tea drinkers might prefer a classic 12 oz mug. Handles are also an important feature, ensuring your comfort while holding the mug. Some mugs even come with lids, making them perfect for enjoying your drink on the go without worrying about spills.

Ceramic mugs also offer a wide range of designs and styles to suit any taste. You can find simple, timeless designs or more artistic, handmade pottery mugs with unique glazes and colours. Etsy, for example, offers a variety of handmade and personalised ceramic mugs, including sets of mix-and-match mugs that complement each other perfectly. You can also find mugs with fun and quirky designs, such as their "Anti-Hero | At Tea Time Everybody Agrees| Swifties Ceramic Mug". Amazon offers a range of ceramic mugs in various colours and styles, such as the Mora Ceramic Large Latte Mug Set, perfect for a modern kitchen.

Finally, when caring for your ceramic mugs, it's important to note that while they are generally dishwasher and microwave safe, you should use gentle detergents and light cycles in the dishwasher to prevent damage to the glaze. It's also recommended to avoid sudden temperature changes, as this can crack the ceramic.

Dishwasher- and microwave-safe tableware

When it comes to ceramic tableware, there are a variety of options available that are both dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Here are some things to consider and keep in mind when making your choice:

Materials and Craftsmanship:

Ceramic tableware can be made from different types of ceramic materials, such as stoneware or porcelain. Stoneware, for example, often has natural flecks that can show through lighter glazes, giving each piece a unique character. On the other hand, porcelain is known for its durability and high firing temperatures, resulting in a sleek, glossy finish. Some companies also focus on sustainable and ethical practices, using recycled materials and striving for zero-waste production.

Sets and Pieces:

You can find ceramic tableware in sets or individual pieces. A basic set typically includes dinner plates, salad or side plates, and bowls, with some sets also offering mugs or additional bowl sizes. Consider your needs and how you plan to use the tableware. If you entertain frequently, you may want a larger set or additional pieces. You can also mix and match colours and styles to create a unique, personalised set.

Design and Aesthetics:

Ceramic tableware offers a range of designs, from classic silhouettes and minimalist styles to more unique, handcrafted pieces with organic shapes and uneven edges. Colours vary widely, from neutral hues to vibrant options like emerald green and peacock green. You can also find tableware with different glazes, such as semi-matte or glossy finishes, adding a touch of elegance to your table setting.

Care and Maintenance:

While ceramic tableware is generally durable, it's important to note that some pieces may be more prone to superficial marks from flatware. These marks can usually be removed with scouring powder and a soft brush. Always check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure your tableware lasts for years to come.

Examples:

• Fable Home offers a stoneware set that includes dinner plates, salad plates, pasta bowls, and breakfast bowls. This set is sustainably crafted in Portugal, dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and oven-safe up to 450°F.
• East Fork's 5-piece Shallow Dinner Set, which includes a breakfast bowl, dinner plate, side plate, and cake plate, is both dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
• Euro Ceramica's Duomo and Fez 16-piece dinnerware sets, which include dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls, are suitable for dishwashers and microwaves.

Frequently asked questions