Dinnerware Sets: Elevating Your Dining Experience With Bx And Px Collections

Dinnerware sets are an essential part of any household, offering a wide range of styles, colours, and materials to suit different tastes and occasions. From elegant white ceramic plates to vibrant, eclectic designs, there is a dinnerware set to elevate every dining experience and suit every aesthetic. Whether you're after a casual dinnerware set for everyday use or a luxurious fine china set for special occasions, there is something for everyone.

Dinnerware sets also make for thoughtful gifts, especially for weddings and housewarmings, with options ranging from space-saving casual sets to extravagant 50-piece luxury sets. With trusted brands like Corelle, Elama, and Fortessa, you can be sure to find a set that suits your needs and makes every meal a feast for the eyes.

Stoneware and porcelain are durable, dishwasher-safe, and versatile

Stoneware and porcelain are two types of ceramic dinnerware. They are created by firing clay at high temperatures, with porcelain being the option fired at the highest temperature. This gives both stoneware and porcelain durability, making them suitable for everyday use.

Stoneware

Stoneware is a type of ceramic dinnerware made from stoneware clay fired at temperatures between 2150 and 2330 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a relatively high firing temperature, which, along with the thickness of the material and the mix of clay with vitreous ceramic materials, makes stoneware a durable option. Stoneware is thicker and more opaque than porcelain and china, giving it a rustic, earthy appearance.

Stoneware is suitable for daily use and can be used in the freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. However, it should not be exposed to sudden or extreme temperature changes. For example, you should not remove a plate from the refrigerator or freezer and place it directly into the oven. While stoneware is dishwasher-safe, it is recommended to wash it by hand to better preserve the material.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a type of dinnerware made from fine-particle clay, typically comprised of feldspar, kaolin, and quartz. It is fired at a higher temperature than stoneware, which makes it extremely durable and nonporous. This allows porcelain to have a thinner and more delicate construction, giving it an almost translucent appearance.

Porcelain is also suitable for daily use and can be used in the freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. However, as with stoneware, it should not be exposed to sudden or extreme temperature changes. While porcelain is dishwasher-safe, it is recommended to hand-wash dishes with metal accents.

Stoneware vs. Porcelain

Both stoneware and porcelain are durable, dishwasher-safe, and versatile options for dinnerware. The key differences between the two are that porcelain is fired at a higher temperature, has a thinner construction, and is generally used for more formal dining occasions, while stoneware is thicker and more suitable for casual, everyday use.

Melamine is lightweight, shatterproof, and ideal for outdoor dining

Melamine dinnerware is a fantastic option for outdoor dining. It is shatterproof, so it's safe for all ages and worry-free for the host. Melamine is also lightweight, making it easy to carry in a picnic basket or rucksack.

Melamine is a synthetic compound and thermosetting plastic that can be easily moulded into shatterproof utensils and tableware. It is food-safe, according to the FDA, as long as nothing is heated above 160°F. It is also BPA-free.

Melamine dinnerware has come a long way in terms of design. You often can't tell that the bowls and plates aren't ceramic until you pick them up. So, if you're after a classy set of tableware, you can still achieve that elegant look without the risk of breakages.

Melamine is washable and reusable, making it a more environmentally-friendly choice than single-use disposable plates. It is also affordable, with sets available from $10 to $150, depending on the number of pieces included and the brand.

So, if you're looking for worry-free, stylish, and affordable dinnerware for your outdoor dining needs, melamine is a great choice.

Fine china is elegant and perfect for special occasions

Fine china is a timeless addition to any dining table, bringing unmatched elegance to any dining experience. It is perfect for those looking for a sprinkle of exoticism or a dash of luxury.

Bone china, in particular, is considered the most refined and luxurious of tableware materials, adding a sophisticated touch to any table. Its lightweight, durable, and elegant nature makes it suitable for everyday use, not just special occasions. Its creamy, soft colour and elegant, lightweight feel make it stand out from other ceramics.

Brands such as Royal Copenhagen, Meissen, Lenox, and Royal Doulton offer a range of designs, from traditional to contemporary, that are sure to elevate your dining experience and make every meal a special occasion.

So, whether you're a collector, a couple starting out, or simply looking to elevate your dining experience, investing in fine china is a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your table.

Bone china is strong, romantic, and often features floral prints

Bone china is a type of porcelain with added bone ash, which gives it a unique milky white colour. It is known for its high level of whiteness and translucency, and is surprisingly chip-resistant. It is also lightweight, strong, and durable. These features make bone china a popular choice for high-end hotels and dining establishments.

The first bone china was developed in Stoke-on-Trent, England, over 220 years ago. The basic formula, created by Josiah Spode the Second, includes bone ash, china stone, and china clay. The bone ash in bone china is made from animal bones, usually those of a cow. The percentage of bone ash in bone china affects its characteristics; the higher the percentage of bone ash, the brighter and harder the bone china. The traditional formulation for bone china is about 25% kaolin, 25% Cornish stone, and 50% bone ash. The industry minimum for bone content is 30% or higher.

Bone china is often used for tableware and teaware such as plates, bowls, mugs, and teacups. It is considered to be the most refined and luxurious of tableware materials, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any table. Bone china is also lightweight and durable, making it perfect for everyday use. It is microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and oven-safe.

Bone china is typically more expensive than fine china due to the use of cow bone ash, which creates unique shades of colour and hues. Bone china has a softer, creamier colour compared to fine china, which is a brighter white. Bone china is also thinner and smoother than fine china. When held up to the light, bone china appears translucent, with a warm tone, while fine china blocks the light.

Dinnerware sets come in a variety of colours, patterns, and shapes

Dinnerware sets are no longer confined to plain white plates and bowls. They now come in a variety of colours, patterns, shapes, and materials. The days of dull dinnerware are over, as designers embrace bold and innovative styles, offering endless options to consumers.

Colours

Dinnerware sets are available in a wide range of colours, from vibrant reds, sunny yellows, and blues to neutral shades like white, grey, and black. These colours can create a fun, cheerful, and playful atmosphere or a more modern and elegant look. Some sets also feature multicoloured designs, such as colourful spirals, dots, and stripes, adding a unique touch to your dining table.

Patterns and Shapes

In addition to colours, dinnerware sets also offer various patterns and shapes. You can find sets with floral patterns, abstract designs, rustic or farmhouse styles, and even hand-painted details. The shapes have also evolved, with unique options like hexagonal or asymmetrical designs, adding a modern twist to your table setting.

Materials

When it comes to materials, dinnerware sets are not just limited to ceramics. You can find sets made from stoneware, porcelain, bone china, glass, wood, and even recycled materials like bamboo and recycled clay. Each material offers a different look and feel, such as the warm and natural touch of wood or the luxurious and elegant feel of stone.

With so many options available, choosing the right dinnerware set can be exciting yet challenging. It's essential to consider your personal style, the occasion for which you'll be using the set, and the maintenance required for different materials. Whether you're looking for a pop of colour, a unique pattern, or a specific shape, there is a dinnerware set out there that will perfectly suit your needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions