Al Fresco Ambiance: Elevating Your Deck Dining Experience With Dinnerware

Dinnerware is the first thing that catches your eye when you sit down at the table. Whether you're looking to create a simple table setting or a more formal one, here's an introduction to help you get started.

When setting a basic table, the setup should include a fork, knife, spoon, and napkin beside the plate. This is suitable for an informal meal or potluck. For a casual table setting, you can add a dinner plate on a wicker charger, wine and water glasses, and flatware. If you're serving soup and salad, add a salad plate and soup bowl, along with the appropriate cutlery.

If you're aiming for a more formal dinner setting, you'll want to include everything from the basic and casual settings, plus any additional items needed for a multi-course meal. The tableware should be perfectly coordinated and lined up. You can add a tablecloth, charger, or placemat for each setting. A formal setting also calls for a dessert spoon and a personal salt and pepper shaker for each guest.

When choosing dinnerware, consider how it will be used. Daily use dinnerware should be durable and chip-resistant, with porcelain being the hardest ceramic, followed by bone china and stoneware. For special occasions, you may opt for dinnerware adorned with precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum, which create an elegant ambiance but require handwashing.

To create a mix-and-match pattern for your table setting, start with the dinner plate and work your way out, coordinating colours and patterns to create a harmonious look.

With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to setting a stunning deck with dinnerware!

Basic table setting: napkin, fork, knife, spoon, water glass

A basic table setting is what you would use for a casual dinner at home. It's not fussy and is pretty simple. Here is a step-by-step guide to setting a basic table:

Place a placemat on the table. If you don't want to use a placemat, you can opt for a charger plate or simply use your dinnerware.

Put the dinner plate in the middle of the placemat.

Lay the napkin to the left of the plate. If you prefer, you can place the napkin on top of the plate, though some think this can create a more formal feeling.

Place the fork on the napkin or to the left of the napkin.

To the right of the plate, place the knife closest to the plate, with the blade pointing in. Place the spoon to the right of the knife. Note that the bottoms of the utensils and the plate should all be level.

Place the water glass slightly above the plate, between the plate and the utensils, about where 1 p.m. would be on a clock face. Alternatively, you can place the water glass directly above the knife or at a 45-degree angle to the right of the knife.

If you're serving wine, include a wine glass to the right of the water glass.

There you have it! A simple and casual table setting for a relaxed dinner at home.

Casual setting: basic setting, plus wine glass, wicker charger

A casual table setting is a great way to elevate your dining experience and make your guests feel special. Here's a guide to help you create a beautiful and functional casual table setting with a basic setting, a wine glass, and a wicker charger.

The Basic Setting:

• Place a dinner plate in the center.
• Put a napkin to the left of the plate or on top of it for a mix-up.
• Add a fork to the right of the napkin and a knife and spoon to the right of the plate.
• Place a drinking glass, such as a water glass, directly above the knife.

Adding a Wine Glass and a Wicker Charger:

• Include a wine glass to the right of the water glass.
• Use a wicker charger as a decorative, oversized plate under the dinner plate. It adds texture and a natural touch to your table setting.

You can also add a salad plate and a soup bowl on top of the dinner plate if serving soup and salad. Place the salad fork to the left of the dinner fork and the soup spoon to the right of the teaspoon.

Enjoy creating a beautiful and inviting casual table setting with these simple tips!

Formal setting: casual setting, plus dessert spoon, place card

A formal table setting is used for meals with more than three courses, such as a dinner party or a holiday meal. It includes everything from the basic and casual table settings, plus a dessert spoon and place card.

Tablecloth or Placemat:

Start with a white or coloured tablecloth or placemat. Ensure it is wrinkle-free and allow for a minimum of 24 inches for each place setting.

Charger and Plates:

Place a charger, a decorative plate that defines the place setting, about an inch from the edge of the table. Then, set the dinner plate on top, followed by the salad plate.

Silverware:

The silverware is arranged based on the Outside-In & Top to Bottom concept, meaning you use the utensils from the outside in, in the order they will be used. The dinner fork goes an inch from the left of the charger, followed by the salad fork. The dinner knife goes an inch from the right of the charger, and the soup spoon, if serving soup, goes to its right.

Bread Plate and Butter Knife:

Place the bread plate at the upper left, with the butter knife laid diagonally on top, blade facing left, and handle pointing right.

Glassware:

Arrange the water glass just above the knife. Angle the red wine glass to the right of the water glass, and the white wine glass to its right. If serving another beverage, like champagne, place it behind the other glasses.

Napkin:

Traditionally, the napkin is folded into a flat rectangle and placed to the left of the forks. However, it can also be placed under the forks, on top of the plates, or in the water glass.

Place Card:

Place the place card above the plate, facing the guest. If desired, place it on both sides if guests don't know each other.

For a truly formal setting, you can bring in the dessert spoon and fork with the dessert course. However, if you wish to set them on the table, place them above the plate, with the spoon handle pointing right and the fork handle left.

Decorate the table with candles and flowers or a centerpiece to complete the formal setting.

Dinnerware for daily use: plain white, porcelain, stoneware

Dinnerware is an essential part of our daily lives, and choosing the right set can elevate your dining experience. When selecting dinnerware for everyday use, durability, versatility, and ease of maintenance are crucial factors to consider. Here are some options for plain white, porcelain, and stoneware dinnerware to suit your needs:

Plain White Dinnerware:

Plain white dinnerware offers a timeless and versatile canvas for your culinary creations. It complements any table setting and effortlessly adapts to both casual and formal occasions. Here are some recommendations:

• Crate and Barrel Aspen Rimmed Dinnerware: This classic white porcelain dinnerware set features wide rims for a secure grip. It performed well in durability tests, resisting scratches and stains. Pieces are sold individually or in sets, making it easy to customize your collection.
• Gibson Home Oslo Porcelain Dinnerware Set: This chip and scratch-resistant porcelain dinnerware set from Gibson Home is an excellent choice for those seeking durability. The set includes dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, and mugs, providing a complete dining solution.
• MALACASA Ivory White Dinnerware Set: For a modern and elegant option, consider the MALACASA 30-piece dinnerware set. This square-shaped porcelain set features a sleek ivory white finish and includes plates, bowls, cups, and saucers for six people.
• Amazon Basics 16-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set: If you're looking for a simple and affordable option, the Amazon Basics set offers service for four and includes plates, bowls, and mugs. It's microwave and dishwasher-safe, making it convenient for everyday use.

Porcelain Dinnerware:

Porcelain dinnerware combines durability and elegance, making it a popular choice for both daily use and formal occasions. Here are some recommendations:

• Our Place Classic Stacking Set: This unique dinnerware set from Our Place features an off-white color with tan rims, adding a touch of warmth to your table. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, dinner bowls, and dessert plates, and the pieces stack neatly for convenient storage.
• Fortessa Modern Coupe Porcelain 16-Piece Dinnerware Set: For a sleek and modern option, consider the Fortessa Modern Coupe set. This porcelain dinnerware features a simple yet elegant design and includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls. It's microwave and dishwasher-safe for added convenience.
• Crate and Barrel Maison Dinnerware: While this set from Crate and Barrel features a classic design, it adds a modern twist with its mug, which has a stable, flat bottom and straight sides. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, pasta bowls, cereal bowls, mugs, cups, and saucers, providing a comprehensive dining solution.

Stoneware Dinnerware:

Stoneware is known for its durability and rustic aesthetic. It offers a more textured and organic look compared to porcelain. Here are some recommendations:

• Heath Ceramics Rim Line: This handcrafted stoneware set from Heath Ceramics is an enduring classic, featuring a timeless design that was introduced in 1960. The set includes dinner plates, bowls, and mugs, and its unglazed stoneware rims contribute to its earthy signature look.
• East Fork Dinnerware: If you're looking for a similar option to Heath Ceramics but at a slightly lower price point, consider East Fork. Their handmade stoneware dishes feature a dark clay body with exposed rims, creating a unique and earthy aesthetic. The set includes plates, bowls, and mugs, and you can purchase additional pieces separately.
• Jars Cantine Collection: The Jars Cantine Collection offers a unique take on stoneware, as it has the elegance and glossy finish typically associated with porcelain. This set features soft, muted colors and a white clay body, adding a touch of sophistication to your table. It includes dinner plates, bowls, mugs, and additional serving pieces.
• Fable Base Dinnerware Set: For a modern yet earthy option, the Fable Base Dinnerware Set is an excellent choice. This stoneware set features a smooth, matte finish and comes in a range of muted colors and a speckled pattern. The bottom of the dinnerware has a rough texture for a secure grip.

Dinnerware for special occasions: gold, silver, platinum rims

Gold, silver, and platinum-rimmed dinnerware can elevate the look of your table setting for special occasions. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing and styling such dinnerware:

Gold-Rimmed Dinnerware

Gold-rimmed dinnerware adds a decorative and artistic touch to your table setting. The metallic sheen and classic charm of gold rims make any meal memorable, whether it's an intimate gathering or a formal dinner party. To style your table with gold-rimmed dinnerware, consider the following:

• Use crisp white tablecloths and linens as a backdrop to let the gold rims shine.
• Complement the gold dinnerware with candlelights to create a luxe and calming ambiance.
• Create a visually striking setting by pairing gold-rimmed dinnerware with delicate crystal glassware and contemporary plates and bowls for an aesthetically balanced tabletop.
• For a rustic vibe, choose cups and saucers, or opt for ornate designs for a vintage-inspired look.
• Gold-rimmed dinnerware is available in a range of materials, from porcelain to disposable plastic options, suitable for different occasions and budgets.

Silver-Rimmed Dinnerware

Silver-rimmed dinnerware offers a more understated elegance to your table setting. While silver rims are subtle, they can still make a statement and elevate the dining experience. Consider the following when styling silver-rimmed dinnerware:

• Silver rims often pair well with white or light-coloured tableware, creating a crisp and elegant look.
• For a more dramatic effect, contrast silver rims with dark-coloured table linens or tableware, such as black or navy.
• Complement silver-rimmed dinnerware with metallic accents in your table setting, such as silver candle holders or napkin rings.
• Like gold-rimmed options, silver-rimmed dinnerware is available in a range of materials, including disposable options for convenient entertaining.

Platinum-Rimmed Dinnerware

Platinum-rimmed dinnerware exudes sophistication and refinement. Platinum rims add a subtle touch of luxury to your table setting, making them ideal for special occasions. When styling platinum-rimmed dinnerware, consider these suggestions:

• Platinum rims often have a more understated sheen compared to gold or silver, so consider pairing them with elegant, simple tableware and linens to let the platinum detailing shine.
• For a modern look, opt for platinum-rimmed dinnerware with clean, sleek lines. For a more traditional or ornate setting, choose dinnerware with intricate patterns or details.
• Complement platinum-rimmed dinnerware with other metallic accents, such as gold or silver, for a cohesive and luxurious table setting.
• Platinum-rimmed dinnerware is available from various retailers, offering different designs and price points to suit your needs.

Frequently asked questions