The Art Of Mismatched Dinnerware: Creating Unique Table Settings

Dinnerware is something you'll use every day, so it's important to choose a set that suits your lifestyle and eating habits. Whether you're looking for a casual set for everyday use or something more formal for special occasions, there are a few things to consider when choosing a dinnerware set.

First, think about the material. Porcelain, stoneware, and glass are all popular options that are durable and easy to care for. Porcelain is the most common type of dinnerware, while stoneware has a more rustic charm. Glass, such as the well-known Corelle brand, is almost indestructible and a great choice for families with children.

Next, consider the size and shape of the pieces. Wide rims give you a place to grab onto, while straight walls provide more usable plate space. Also, think about whether you prefer smaller or larger bowls. Some sets even include two different-sized bowls, which can be useful for cereal, soup, or pasta.

Finally, choose a colour and pattern that you love and that complements your home decor. You can go for a classic all-white set or add a pop of colour with patterned or coloured pieces.

Whatever your style, there's a dinnerware set out there that's perfect for you!

Dinnerware is a big decision, used daily and for special occasions

Material

Stoneware, porcelain, bone china, earthenware, glass, plastic, and metal are some of the materials used to make dinnerware. Stoneware, porcelain, and bone china are durable and suitable for everyday use. They are also microwave and dishwasher-safe. Melamine, a type of plastic, is lightweight and break-resistant but not microwavable. Glass, especially vitrified glass like Corelle, is durable and nonporous. China or porcelain looks delicate but is durable and has a glaze that makes it nonporous. Bone china is lighter and more expensive and is usually reserved for formal dinnerware. Earthenware has a rustic look but is delicate and easily chipped.

Shape and size

Consider the shapes and sizes of the pieces in the set. Plates with rims give an elegant look but provide less room for food. Small, deep bowls are suitable for cereal and desserts, while wider bowls are better for pasta or salads. If mugs are included, consider their size and whether the handles are comfortable to grip.

Colour and pattern

Choose a colour and pattern that matches your taste and home decor. White sets are classic and timeless, while colourful and patterned sets can add a festive touch to your table. You can also mix and match solid colours with patterned pieces.

Number of place settings

Determine how many place settings you need based on the size of your household and how often you entertain. A set with four to six place settings is usually sufficient for a small family, while a larger household may require eight to twelve settings.

Brand and quality

Purchase dinnerware from well-known and reputable brands to ensure quality and durability. Check reviews and look for sets that are scratch-resistant and stain-resistant. Inspect the pieces for any imperfections, such as uneven rims, drippy glaze, or scratches.

Factors to consider: weight, durability, pattern, material, and price

When buying dinnerware, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you find the best purchase for your needs.

Weight

The weight of dinnerware is an important consideration as it affects how cumbersome the plates and bowls will be when retrieving them from a cupboard. Bone china, for example, is lightweight and slightly translucent, while porcelain and stoneware are generally heavier.

Durability

Durability is key, especially for restaurant dinnerware, as it will be used multiple times a day, every day. The most durable dinnerware will reduce replacement costs, but it's important to keep your guests' expectations in mind. For instance, fine dining guests will expect high-end dinner plates, whereas casual restaurant guests might not mind if their food is served on durable dishes made of melamine or a similar material.

Pattern

The pattern of your dinnerware can add to the dining experience and give guests something to talk about. Bright, colourful plates indicate a fun and casual meal, while fine white china is the hallmark of a fancy meal. Dinnerware selected for special occasions is usually ornamented with precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum, creating an elegant ambiance.

Material

The material of your dinnerware will often determine its durability. Popular materials include porcelain, bone china, earthenware, stoneware and glass. Porcelain and bone china are the most durable forms of dinnerware, while stoneware and earthenware are more prone to chipping. Melamine is a lightweight, shatterproof option.

Price

Before making any purchase, it's important to know exactly how much you can afford to spend. Dinnerware ranges in price and can be extremely expensive. It's also worth noting that high-quality dinnerware is a lasting investment.

Porcelain, bone china, stoneware, and glass are common materials

Porcelain

Porcelain is a type of ceramic dinnerware made from fine-particle clay that is fired at a high temperature. This process makes porcelain extremely durable, nonporous, and translucent. It also allows for thinner construction, giving it an elegant appearance. Porcelain is typically dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, making it suitable for both everyday use and formal dining occasions. Some brands that offer porcelain dinnerware include Lenox, Noritake, and Villeroy & Boch.

Bone China

Bone china is a type of porcelain that includes bone ash, usually made from animal bones, in its composition. It is fired at a slightly lower temperature than porcelain, resulting in a lightweight, delicate, and translucent material with a milky appearance. Despite its fragile presentation, bone china is the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware. It is typically dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, unless it has metallic banding. Bone china is suitable for both everyday use and formal dining. Popular brands for bone china include Royal Doulton, Wedgewood, and Mikasa.

Stoneware

Stoneware is a type of ceramic dinnerware that is fired at a lower temperature than porcelain. It is made from clay that contains feldspar, quartz, and sometimes kaolin. Stoneware is durable, affordable, and generally safe for use in the dishwasher and microwave. It often has a natural, rustic look and comes in various colours and patterns. Stoneware is commonly used for casual, everyday place settings. Some brands that offer stoneware dinnerware include Pfaltzgraff, Dansk (Lenox), and Fiesta (Homer Laughlin).

Glass

Glass dinnerware, such as the well-known brand Corelle, is made through a process of vitrification, where the glass is fired at an ultra-high temperature, making it nonporous and extremely durable. Glass dinnerware is safe for use in the dishwasher and microwave. It is a good option for those seeking durable and inexpensive dinnerware.

Dinnerware can be sold piece-by-piece, as sets, or both

Dinnerware can be purchased in a variety of ways, depending on your needs and preferences. Some retailers offer dinnerware sold individually, allowing you to curate your own set or purchase additional pieces to supplement an existing set. This approach provides flexibility and the ability to replace individual items as needed.

Alternatively, dinnerware is commonly sold as a set, typically including dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and sometimes mugs. These sets offer convenience and ensure a cohesive look for your table setting. Sets can range from four to six place settings for smaller households or those who entertain occasionally, to eight to twelve settings for larger families or those who host larger gatherings.

When deciding between purchasing dinnerware individually or as a set, consider your lifestyle, entertaining needs, and storage space. Individual pieces may be ideal if you want to mix and match styles or colours, or if you prefer to expand your collection gradually. On the other hand, sets provide a complete solution and often offer a better value for the number of pieces included.

Additionally, some dinnerware collections offer the best of both worlds, providing the option to purchase individual pieces as well as sets, allowing you to customise your dinnerware collection as you see fit.

Sets vary in size, from 4 to 24 pieces

Dinnerware sets come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 4 to 24 pieces. A typical 4-piece place setting consists of a dinner plate, a salad or dessert plate, and a cup with a saucer. However, modern sets often exclude bread and butter plates and cups with saucers. Instead, they may include mugs or bowls of various sizes.

For instance, the Gibson Home Rockaway 12-Piece Dinnerware Set includes four 10.5" dinner plates, four 8" dessert plates, and four 6" bowls. The Gibson Soho Lounge 18-Piece Dinnerware Set, on the other hand, provides service for six people, with six dinner plates, dessert plates, and bowls each.

Some dinnerware sets offer more pieces for a complete dining experience. The Lenox Butterfly Meadow 18 Piece Dinnerware Set, for instance, includes six dinner plates, salad plates, and mugs, while the Stone Lain 16-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set adds mugs to the usual dinner and salad plates and bowls.

If you're looking for a more extensive set, the Bungalow Rose Magline Stoneware Dinnerware Set offers service for six with 24 pieces, including dinner plates, salad plates, pasta bowls, and cereal bowls. Similarly, the Fable Basic Dinnerware Set provides four place settings with four pieces each: a dinner plate, a salad plate, a pasta bowl, and a breakfast bowl.

Frequently asked questions