Elegant Entertaining: The Allure Of Bone China Dinnerware Sets

Bone china is a type of porcelain that is known for its strength and translucence. It has been popular for dinnerware since the late 18th century due to its durability and elegant appearance.

A good bone china dinnerware set can elevate your dining experience and make your meals feel more luxurious. Whether you're looking for a simple set for everyday use or something more ornate for special occasions, there are many options available to suit your needs.

Bone china is elegant, lightweight, and chip-resistant

Bone china is a luxurious and elegant material that adds a touch of sophistication to any table setting. It is known for its refined and delicate appearance, with a unique, creamy white colour and a translucent quality. This material is lightweight yet durable, strong, and mostly chip-resistant, making it perfect for everyday use as well as special occasions. Its light, semi-transparent nature gives it an air of fragility, but it is, in fact, the strongest type of porcelain.

Bone china is created through a meticulous process that involves mixing china clay, china stone, and bone ash, which is made from animal bones. The combination is then fired at a slightly lower temperature than porcelain, resulting in a light and delicate material. The traditional formulation consists of about 25% kaolin, 25% Cornish stone, and 50% bone ash, with an industry minimum bone content of 30% or higher. This composition gives bone china its distinctive milky, almost translucent appearance, setting it apart from other types of ceramics.

The benefits of bone china tableware are numerous. Firstly, it is the strongest material among porcelain and china ceramics, making it resistant to everyday use and accidental slips or knocks. Bone china is also luxurious and can last for decades, often becoming a cherished heirloom passed down through generations. It elevates the dining experience, bringing a sense of elegance and sophistication to the table. Additionally, bone china is microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe, making it a practical choice for modern households.

When it comes to caring for bone china, gentle handling is essential to avoid chips and cracks. It is recommended to wash bone china by hand using a mild liquid detergent and a non-abrasive cloth. Soaking the pieces in white vinegar before rinsing and towel drying can help remove hard water spots, while a paste of baking soda and water can effectively remove coffee stains and fork marks. To prevent scratches and chipping, it is advisable to store bone china in a fabric case or separate the pieces with fabric or tissue paper when stacking them.

Sets range from 12 to 60 pieces, catering to 4, 6, or 8 people

Bone china is a popular choice for dinnerware due to its durability and elegant appearance. When shopping for bone china dinnerware sets, it is essential to consider the number of place settings required and the pieces included in the set. Here is a guide to help you choose the perfect bone china dinnerware set, catering to 4, 6, or 8 people, with sets ranging from 12 to 60 pieces:

12-Piece Sets:

12-piece bone china dinnerware sets typically cater to a group of 4 people and include essential pieces like dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls. An example of this is the Manfredi 12-Piece Dinnerware Set, which features a stunning gold or platinum rim, perfect for special occasions or everyday use.

16-Piece Sets:

These sets usually cater to a group of 4 to 6 people and often include dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs or cups. The Mikasa Watercolor Forest 16-Piece Dinnerware Set is a beautiful option with a pop of colour, crafted from high-quality bone china.

32-Piece Sets:

For larger groups of 8 people, 32-piece bone china dinnerware sets are ideal. These sets typically include 8 complete place settings, each consisting of a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, and mug. The Stone Lain collection, available in various designs, is a wonderful choice, offering elegance and durability.

40-Piece Sets:

Another option for catering to 8 people is a 40-piece bone china dinnerware set. This set typically includes 8 place settings with additional pieces such as cereal bowls, fruit bowls, or mugs. The Tate 40-Piece Bone China Dinnerware Set is a sophisticated choice with a subtle woven design, perfect for everyday or formal dining.

57-Piece Sets:

For an extravagant tablescape, consider a 57-piece bone china dinnerware set, which offers a complete service for 8 people. The Lorren Home Trends collection showcases elegant designs with gold and silver borders on lightweight translucent bone china.

Some sets are microwave and dishwasher safe

When shopping for dinnerware, it's important to consider not just the aesthetic appeal but also the functionality of the set. Some sets are microwave and dishwasher-safe, making them a convenient and durable option for your dining needs. Here are some examples of microwave and dishwasher-safe dinnerware sets:

Stoneware Sets

Stoneware is a popular choice for dinnerware due to its thickness, durability, and elegant appearance. Here are some stoneware sets that are safe for both the microwave and dishwasher:

• Fotini 16-piece dinnerware set: Features a Moroccan-inspired pattern and received high ratings for quality and scratch resistance.
• Annabelle 16-piece dinnerware set: Its sophisticated construction and elegant design make it perfect for dinner parties. It is highly rated for quality and scratch resistance.
• Wickham 16-piece dinnerware set: This set offers an understated touch to your table with its solid-hued finish. It is scratch-resistant and highly rated for colour and primary material.
• Jove 16-piece dinnerware set: This set offers a stylish option for formal dinners and everyday meals. It is scratch-resistant and received high ratings for colour and primary material.

Earthenware Sets

Earthenware is the earliest type of pottery, crafted from red or white clay and fired at low temperatures. It is usually not as durable as other materials, but some sets are microwave and dishwasher-safe. Here are some examples:

• Edick 16-piece dinnerware set: Features a simple trellis and medallion pattern, providing an elegant look. It is highly rated for quality and colour.
• Chama 16-piece dinnerware set: This set sports a lovely two-tone finish that complements any tablescape. It received high ratings for colour, primary material, and number of items included.
• Blue Italian 12-piece dinnerware set: This set boasts vibrant colours and beautiful patterns. It has an average rating of 4.8 based on 335 shopper reviews.

Porcelain Sets

Porcelain is another popular choice for dinnerware due to its elegance and durability. Here are some microwave and dishwasher-safe options:

• Bistro 3-piece place setting: Features a narrow rim and deep coupe styling, providing a wider food surface. It is highly rated for colour and number of items included.
• Wayfair Basics 12-piece porcelain dinnerware set: This set offers a sophisticated and understated style with a glossy solid finish. It is scratch-resistant and received high ratings for price, primary material, and number of items included.
• Lenox Butterfly Meadow 18-piece dinnerware set: This set features beautiful images of butterflies and flowers. It is made of porcelain material, making it robust and long-lasting. It received an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Bone China Sets

Bone china is known for its strength and elegance, and some sets are also microwave and dishwasher-safe. Here are some examples:

• KOKEN 16-piece bone china dinnerware set: This set includes plates, bowls, mugs, and kitchen plates. It is microwave-safe and suitable for home use.
• Gibson Elite Embossed Bone China Double Bowl Dinnerware Set: This elegant set is safe for both the microwave and dishwasher.
• MALACASA Lightweight Bone China Dinnerware Set: This 16-piece set features a modern design with a golden rim. It is microwave-safe and perfect for dessert, salad, soup, or pasta.
• Stone Lain Madeline Formal Bone China Dinnerware Set: This 32-piece service for 8 is a beautiful white set that is microwave-safe and perfect for everyday use.

When choosing a dinnerware set, it is essential to consider your personal preferences for style, colour, and material. Additionally, reading reviews and ratings can help you make an informed decision about the quality and durability of the set.

Patterns include floral, striped, and embossed designs

Bone china dinnerware sets are available in a variety of patterns, including floral, striped, and embossed designs. Here are some examples of bone china dinnerware sets with these patterns:

Floral Patterns

• Mikasa Kiley 16-piece dinnerware set features a classic blue and white floral motif with a lattice design.
• Mikasa Lemons 16-piece dinnerware set has a beautiful lemon floral design.
• Mikasa Wildflower Garden 16-piece dinnerware set showcases a fun and colourful wildflower pattern.
• Charlton Home Varteres 16-piece dinnerware set features a timeless and classic combination of stylish roses and intricate leaves.
• Koken Art 16-piece dinnerware set showcases an abstract pattern of spring-inspired irises and watercolour-like brush strokes.

Striped Patterns

• Gibson Elite Embossed 16-piece dinnerware set in white features an embossed stripe design.
• QOUTIQUE 20-piece dinnerware set in white features an embossed stripe design.
• Gibson Elite Lana 16-piece dinnerware set features a white and gold rim design with a striped pattern.
• Mikasa Trellis 16-piece dinnerware set showcases a stylish and contemporary striped pattern.

Embossed Patterns

• Stone Lain 16-piece dinnerware set features an embossed basket-weave design.
• Stone Lain 32-piece dinnerware set features an embossed pinpoint design.
• Mikasa Ciara 16-piece dinnerware set features an embossed bead design.
• Everly Quinn 16-piece dinnerware set features an embossed gold border design.
• Mikasa Samantha 16-piece dinnerware set features an embossed square design.

Prices range from $42 to $380

Bone china dinnerware sets are available in a variety of price ranges, from $42 to $380. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the prices and what you can expect to find within this range:

For prices starting at $42, you can find individual pieces or smaller sets of bone china dinnerware. These may include items such as mugs, teacups, saucers, or plates sold separately. At this price point, you can also find simple dinnerware sets with essential pieces like dinner plates, dessert plates, and bowls. The designs are likely to be more basic and classic, without intricate patterns or luxurious finishes.

As you move towards the $100 range, you'll find a wider variety of options, including larger sets or bundles that offer greater value. These sets typically include dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and sometimes mugs or teacups. The designs may incorporate subtle patterns, embossed details, or a simple colour palette. Some sets in this price range also offer chip-resistance and microwave-safe features, making them suitable for everyday use.

If you're looking for something more elaborate and luxurious, prices ranging from $200 to $380 will present you with an array of options. These higher-priced bone china dinnerware sets often include more pieces, such as serving dishes, sugar bowls, creamers, and even cutlery. The designs become more intricate, featuring 24K gold inlays, elegant patterns, and sophisticated finishes. Some sets also come with storage or display options, adding to their overall value.

When considering a bone china dinnerware set within this price range, it's important to evaluate your needs and the purpose of the purchase. Whether you're looking for an everyday dining solution or a special occasion set, there are options available to suit your preferences and budget.

Frequently asked questions