Modern Plates: Contemporary Dishes Delight

Contemporary dishes are a celebration of artistry, a fusion of modernity and sophistication. These dishes are more than just tableware; they are an expression of style and heritage. Contemporary dishes come in a variety of styles, including minimalist designs, colourful options, and elegant black-and-white combinations. They can be made from various materials, such as stoneware, porcelain, ceramic, and even gold-rimmed matte stoneware. These dishes are often dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and oven-safe, making them perfect for everyday use or special occasions. Contemporary dishes are versatile, adding vibrancy and style to any table setting, whether it's a casual dinner for two or a festive gathering.

Dinnerware Sets

Contemporary dinnerware sets are a great way to make a statement at the dining table and elevate your dining experience. They are an excellent choice for those seeking an upscale or casual place setting, offering convenience and a cohesive look. When choosing a set, consider factors such as the number of place settings, formality, shape, colour, and pattern to suit your style and needs. Here is a guide to help you navigate the world of contemporary dinnerware sets:

Contemporary dinnerware sets offer both style and functionality for your dining needs. They typically include matching dishes and serving pieces, creating a cohesive and beautiful tablescape for any occasion. These sets are available in various materials, from fine porcelain to durable stoneware, ensuring you find something that suits your aesthetic and practical requirements. The convenience of having a complete set cannot be overstated, as you won't need to worry about finding singular pieces that match. Additionally, dinnerware sets provide an opportunity to express your personality through patterns, colours, shapes, and pieces that align with your taste.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Set

When selecting a contemporary dinnerware set, there are several key factors to keep in mind:

• Number of place settings: Consider how many people you typically host and how frequently you'll use the set. For a small family, six place settings might suffice, while those who entertain often may prefer 12 to 16 settings.
• Level of formality: If you're looking for a set for casual, everyday meals, opt for stoneware designs that are typically dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly. For more formal occasions, fine bone china or porcelain designs, perhaps with gold accents, can elevate your dining experience, although these may require hand washing and drying.
• Shape, colour, and pattern: Think about the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Do you prefer a traditional or modern look? Round shapes are typical, but square and rectangular options can offer a contemporary twist. While white is a classic choice, contemporary sets also come in black, grey, and pops of colour for a unique statement. Patterns can add interest, with options like floral designs, stripes, or gold rims to suit your style.

Additional Considerations

When investing in a contemporary dinnerware set, it's essential to consider the ease of replacing pieces should they become damaged. Opting for a timeless design or a pure white set can ensure your dinnerware remains in style for years to come. Additionally, think about how the set fits into your kitchen routine and aesthetic. If you enjoy outdoor dining, look for durable melamine options, while stoneware and porcelain sets offer rustic and contemporary styles, respectively, with the convenience of being dishwasher-safe.

Flatware

Contemporary Flatware Materials and Finishes

When it comes to materials and finishes, stainless steel is a popular choice for contemporary flatware due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance. Matte and glossy finishes are also common, with matte finishes offering a more informal look and glossy finishes adding elegance and sleekness. Gold, copper, and rose gold flatware sets are perfect for those seeking a touch of luxury and glamour. These metallic options can be combined with other metals for a mixed-metal look or used as accents for a subtle touch of shine. Black flatware is another modern choice, often featuring curved or angular designs that make a bold statement.

Unique Contemporary Flatware Designs

Unique designs can truly set your dining arrangement apart. Consider the following:

• Symmetrical curves: The Alessi "eatit" flatware set by Wiel Arets prioritises tactile pleasure with its highly symmetrical curves.
• Nature-inspired: The Bloom serving spoons by Helle Damkjr for Georg Jensen are inspired by cherry blossom flowers, bringing a touch of nature to the table.
• Minimalist: The WMF Nordic 30-piece set boasts clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, complementing a modern or minimalist kitchen.
• Playful: The Cutipol Goa Set includes attractive chopsticks with a matching stand, adding a playful touch to your table.
• Coloured: The Mepra rainbow 5-piece place setting from Crate & Barrel adds a splash of colour to your table, while the Elyon Tableware 20-piece set in matte pink offers a subtle hint of colour.
• Patterned handles: The Cambridge Silversmiths Beacon set from Wayfair features a sleek, tapered handle with a stunning finish, while the Fortessa Dragonfly 20-piece set has long, slender handles.
• Mixed metals: The Mepra Stile 5-piece set from CB2 offers polished gold and black options, perfect for a mix-and-match tablescape.

Contemporary Flatware Care

When caring for your contemporary flatware, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. While some flatware is dishwasher-safe, others may require hand washing to maintain their finish. Avoid using steel wool or harsh abrasives, as these can damage the finish. For gold-plated flatware, ensure you dry the pieces immediately after washing to prevent air-drying, which can affect the finish.

With these contemporary flatware options, you can elevate your dining experience and make mealtimes a stylish affair.

Stoneware

West Elm Kanto Stoneware Dinnerware

This stoneware collection is designed in Portugal and captures the handmade appeal of a bespoke collection. The pieces feature uneven edges, a textured exterior, and delicate foot details. The reactive glazes used on this design will create unique speckles and cracks, ensuring that each piece is one of a kind. The set includes four small bowls, four pasta bowls, four dinner plates, and four salad plates. It is available in a range of colours, including classic white, moody blue, dusty black, and rich cardamom. The pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe.

Pottery Barn Dinnerware Set

The Pottery Barn Nico dinnerware set exudes a timeless, classic aesthetic with its versatile white glaze that has hints of grey and brown. This stoneware collection is durable and made to withstand daily wear and tear. The set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four soup bowls. The plates feature a slight lip, making them ideal for both casual and formal dining. The pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe.

Hawkins New York Essential Stoneware 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

This stoneware set from Hawkins New York is supremely versatile, suitable for both fine dining and casual meals. The set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four pasta bowls, and four cereal bowls. Each piece is handcrafted and features soft ripples on the surface, reminiscent of hand-thrown designs. You can choose from six stunning shades that can be mixed and matched for an eclectic tabletop scene. The set is dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe up to 450°F.

Arhaus Twilight Dinnerware

The Arhaus Twilight Dinnerware collection features a unique, galactic-inspired design with a hand-painted reactive glaze that blooms into a wide range of blues. This stoneware set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four pasta bowls, and four mugs. Each piece has a classic shape with a gentle lip to keep everything in place. The collection is dishwasher and microwave safe.

Our Place Dinnerware Set

The Our Place Dinnerware Set is a contemporary and minimalist collection that has gained popularity among home cooks. The set includes four full plates, four midi plates, four midi bowls, four demi plates, and four demi bowls. The pieces have straight edges, giving them a modern feel, and they stack neatly for convenient storage. The glazes come in a range of earthy hues, and you also have the option to mix and match the colours. The collection is dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven safe up to 350°F.

Porcelain

One option for a porcelain dinnerware set is the Villeroy & Boch Anmut Porcelain China Dinnerware Set. This set includes a dinner plate, a salad plate, a rice bowl, and a pasta bowl, all made of porcelain china. It has a matte flat finish and has received positive reviews for its usefulness and aesthetic appeal.

Another option is the Lenox Butterfly Meadow 18-Piece Dinnerware Set, which is also made of porcelain china. This set includes six dinner plates, six salad plates, and six mugs, all adorned with images of butterflies and flowers. It is designed to complement a contemporary or oriental-style dining area and has received high ratings for its durability and beauty.

The Dakota Fields Cleremont Porcelain China Dinnerware Set is another option, which includes four dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, and mugs. This set is lead-free, toxic-free, and safe for use in the oven, freezer, dishwasher, and microwave.

For those seeking a more colourful option, the MALACASA ChristmasDeer Porcelain China Dinnerware Set offers a festive and whimsical design. This set services 12 people and includes dinner plates, dessert plates, soup bowls, cups, and saucers, all featuring a reindeer motif.

Finally, the Gibson Home Oslo Porcelain China Dinnerware Set offers a balance between modern elegance and practicality. This 16-piece set includes dinner plates, salad plates, dinner bowls, and cereal bowls made of AB-grade porcelain, making it durable and practical for any dining occasion. The set features a contemporary design with a classic pearl porcelain finish and a contemporary black lip.

Tabletop Decor

When it comes to tabletop decor, there are endless ways to style and elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Centrepieces

Centrepieces are a great way to add a touch of elegance to your table. For a sleek and modern look, opt for a simple yet sophisticated design. A small gold sculpture, for instance, can add a chic flair to your table setting. If you're feeling creative, you could even cluster a few decorative objects together to make a unique and eye-catching centrepiece.

For a more natural and organic feel, fresh flowers or fruit make an excellent choice. Not only do they add a pop of colour, but they also bring a sense of warmth and personality to your dining space. If you're looking for something more low-maintenance, consider investing in a lush live plant as your centrepiece.

Candlesticks are another classic option for a tabletop centrepiece. For a minimalist aesthetic, pair light wooden tables with black candlesticks and candles. You can also experiment with mixing and matching candlesticks of different sizes and styles for a dynamic and vibrant look.

Tableware and Linens

Tableware and linens provide a great opportunity to add colour and texture to your tabletop decor. Look for vibrant colours and unique shapes in your dishes to bring an artistic flair to your dining experience. You can also play with patterns and textures by layering tablecloths and linens. For a more elegant and sophisticated look, opt for simple yet elegant white porcelain tableware.

Napkin rings are another way to elevate your tabletop decor, especially for special occasions. They add a luxurious touch to your table setting and can be used to curate a particular style or theme. For example, you could use metal napkin rings that complement the material of your flatware.

Accents and Accessories

Don't be afraid to add some smaller decorative accents to your tabletop. These could include vases, candle holders, or even books and plants. Vases, in particular, can add a lot of visual interest to your table, especially when filled with colourful flowers or cut flowers. Short, simple vases tend to work best as centrepieces, allowing your guests to converse easily without obstruction.

Candles are another great way to set the tone for a formal or intimate dinner. Opt for natural materials like wood or metal candle holders, depending on the occasion and your personal style.

Overall, when it comes to tabletop decor, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun. Try different combinations of colours, textures, and decorative objects until you find a style that suits your taste and enhances your dining experience.

Frequently asked questions