The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Perfect Dinnerware Set In Melbourne

Dinnerware sets the table for memorable meals. They are an investment in the art of dining, transforming simple meals into culinary masterpieces and creating a warm and elegant ambiance. A well-chosen dinnerware set enhances the visual appeal of the table and adds a touch of sophistication to dining rituals. Whether you prefer simple whites or intricate designs, there is something for all tastes.

Dinnerware sets come in a variety of materials, including fine bone china, porcelain, stoneware, melamine, and bamboo. Each material offers unique benefits, such as durability, rustic charm, lightweight feel, and resistance to scratches and stains. The number of pieces in a set can vary, with basic sets including dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and cups, and larger sets featuring specialised pieces like serving bowls, platters, or teapots.

When choosing a dinnerware set, consider factors such as shape, colour, and the number of sets required. Round or square dinner sets can complement your dining space and personal style, while colour choices can range from classic white to bold and vibrant hues.

Popular dinnerware brands in Melbourne include Maxwell & Williams, Ecology, Robert Gordon, Noritake, Royal Doulton, and Wedgwood, each offering unique styles and designs to elevate your dining experience.

Melbourne offers a range of dinnerware sets for all tastes and budgets

Melbourne offers a diverse range of dinnerware sets to accommodate all tastes and budgets, ensuring you can elevate your dining experience and create memorable moments around the table. Whether you seek simplicity or intricate designs, renowned brands or local charm, the city has something for everyone.

For those with refined tastes, Noritake, Royal Doulton, and Wedgwood offer elegant craftsmanship, intricate patterns, and luxurious finishes. These brands are ideal for formal dining and special occasions, with Noritake and Royal Doulton being household names in Australia since the late 1950s. Melbourne also boasts the globally recognised Australian brand, Maxwell & Williams, known for its White Basics collection and collaborations with local artists. Their dinner sets blend contemporary aesthetics with functionality, making them versatile for everyday use or casual gatherings.

If you're seeking something unique, Ecology, a nature-inspired Australian brand, offers recyclable materials and packaging with organic shapes and earthy tones. Salt & Pepper, a Melbourne-based family-owned business, presents over 70 collections to mix and match, expressing your personality. For a touch of heritage and craftsmanship, look no further than British brand Wedgwood, producing luxury tableware since 1783.

Whether you need a simple casual set or a formal dinner set for entertaining, Melbourne's vast selection caters to various styles and occasions. Basic white sets provide timeless versatility, while vibrant colours like green and blue add personality. From stoneware's rustic charm to porcelain's timeless beauty, you can find the perfect set to match your decor and dining rituals.

With renowned brands and local gems, Melbourne's dinnerware offerings promise something for every taste and budget, transforming simple meals into culinary masterpieces.

From formal dining to casual, white dinner sets, there's something for everyone

When it comes to dinnerware, there's something for everyone. Whether you're after a formal dining set for entertaining or a casual white dinner set for everyday use, there is a range of options to suit any taste and budget.

Formal Dining Sets

Formal dining sets are typically used for special occasions, such as dinner parties or formal gatherings. They are designed to impress and exude sophistication. When choosing a formal dinner set, consider elegant and luxurious options such as fine bone china or porcelain with intricate patterns and finishes. These materials are known for their delicate appearance, durability, and heat retention properties.

Casual White Dinner Sets

Casual white dinner sets are perfect for everyday use and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. White dinnerware is timeless and versatile, allowing your food to take centre stage. When selecting a casual white dinner set, consider durable and low-maintenance materials like stoneware or porcelain. Stoneware, made from clay fired at high temperatures, offers a sturdy and chip-resistant option. Porcelain, on the other hand, is renowned for its timeless beauty and exceptional durability.

Popular Brands

There are several popular brands that offer a range of styles and designs to suit your needs:

• Noritake: Known for their elegant and sophisticated dinnerware, Noritake sets are ideal for formal dining occasions.
• Maxwell & Williams: This Australian brand offers contemporary designs and practical functionality, making them perfect for everyday use or casual gatherings. Their White Basics collection is particularly popular.
• Royal Doulton: Royal Doulton sets exude sophistication and are cherished for their classic and traditional designs.
• Wedgwood: This British brand is renowned for its heritage and craftsmanship, blending traditional and contemporary designs with iconic patterns and intricate detailing.
• Ecology: An Australian brand inspired by nature, Ecology uses recyclable materials and packaging. Their dinnerware features organic shapes and earthy tones.
• Salt & Pepper: A family-owned business based in Melbourne, Salt & Pepper offers a range of over 70 collections to mix and match, allowing you to express your personality.

Factors to Consider

When choosing a dinner set, consider the following factors:

• Shape: Decide between round, square, or other unique shapes that complement your dining space and personal style.
• Colour: White dinner sets are versatile and timeless, but you may also opt for bold colours like green or blue to add personality to your table setting.
• Number of sets: Determine the number of sets based on your household size and entertaining needs. A complete set typically includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and cups.
• Material: Fine bone china, porcelain, stoneware, and melamine are popular choices for dinnerware materials, each offering unique advantages in terms of appearance, durability, and functionality.

Stoneware, porcelain, fine bone china, and melamine sets are popular choices

Stoneware:

Stoneware is a type of ceramic made from clay containing feldspar, quartz, and sometimes kaolin. It is fired at high temperatures (around 1200°C), making it durable, chip-resistant, and suitable for daily use. Stoneware is often chosen for its rustic charm and earthy glazes, adding warmth and character to your table. It is generally safe for use in dishwashers, microwaves, ovens, and freezers, making it a versatile option.

Porcelain:

Porcelain is a type of ceramic renowned for its timeless beauty and exceptional durability. It is made from a fine mixture of clay and minerals, resulting in a smooth, non-porous surface. Porcelain dinnerware is known for its strength, scratch resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures. Its elegant appearance and glossy finish make it ideal for formal dining or adding a touch of elegance to your table.

Fine Bone China:

Fine bone china is a type of porcelain that includes bone ash, typically from cow bones, in its composition. This addition gives bone china a unique, milky translucent appearance and enhances its strength and durability. It is fired at slightly lower temperatures than porcelain, resulting in a lightweight and delicate finish. Fine bone china is prized for its hygienic properties, making it a popular choice for formal dining and special occasions.

Melamine:

Melamine dinnerware is a great choice for households with young children as it is shatterproof, lightweight, and dishwasher-safe. It has the smooth, shiny appearance of ceramics but is strong and chip-resistant. Melamine is suitable for both indoor and outdoor dining and is usually safe for use in the top rack of the dishwasher, although it should be avoided in microwaves and ovens.

When choosing between these popular options, consider your budget, intended use, and personal style. Stoneware and melamine are excellent choices for everyday use, while porcelain and fine bone china elevate formal dining experiences and special occasions.

Sets range from 12 to 30 pieces, with extra pieces available separately

Dinnerware sets are an essential component of creating a perfect table setting, and they come in a variety of materials, colours, and styles to suit any occasion. When selecting a dinnerware set, it's important to consider factors such as material, occasion, size, quantity, and design. Here are some tips to help you choose the right dinner set and enhance your dining experience:

Material:

The most common materials for dinnerware sets include fine bone china, porcelain, stoneware, and melamine. Fine bone china is known for its delicate appearance, translucency, and strength, making it ideal for formal dining. Porcelain offers a timeless beauty with its delicate appearance and exceptional durability. Stoneware is durable, chip-resistant, and known for its rustic charm. Melamine dinner sets are lightweight, shatterproof, and dishwasher-safe, making them perfect for serving children.

Occasion:

Consider whether you will be using the dinner set for daily meals or special occasions. This will influence the style and durability requirements of the set. For example, a casual white dinner set is perfect for everyday use, while a formal dinner set with intricate designs and luxurious finishes might be more suitable for entertaining guests.

Size and Quantity:

Determine the number of pieces you need based on the size of your household and how often you entertain guests. Dinner sets typically come in 12-piece, 16-piece, 18-piece, or 30-piece options. A 12-piece set usually includes dinner plates, side plates, and bowls, while larger sets may also include mugs, cups, and saucers. If you entertain frequently, consider a larger set or purchase extra pieces separately to accommodate more guests.

Design:

Choose a design that reflects your personal style and complements your dining room décor. Consider the colour, shape, and pattern of the dinnerware set. A classic white set is versatile and timeless, while bolder colours like green or blue can add personality to your table setting. Also, think about whether you prefer a coupe (rimless) or rimmed dinner set, as this can impact the overall style and formality of your table setting.

Enhancing Your Table Setting:

To elevate your table setting, coordinate your dinner set with table linens, cutlery, and glassware. Play with colour schemes and textures to create a harmonious setting that reflects the season or occasion. Proper food distribution and arrangement on the plates can also enhance the overall aesthetic of your table.

Care and Maintenance:

Most dinner sets are dishwasher-safe, but it's important to leave space between the items to avoid contact and potential damage. For handwashing, use a gentle sponge, mild detergent, and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can scratch the surface. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for specific care instructions, especially if you plan to use your dinner set in the microwave or oven, as some decorative elements may not be microwave-safe.

Customisation and Expansion:

You can often purchase individual pieces to expand your existing dinner set or replace broken items. This flexibility allows you to slowly grow your collection and customise your dinnerware to your needs. Additionally, mixing and matching dinnerware sets can add personality and create a unique, eclectic look for your table.

Storage:

When storing your dinner set, it's recommended to place a protective layer, such as a napkin or paper plate, between stacked plates to prevent scratching. For more delicate pieces, avoid stacking altogether and store them in a dry cupboard or china cabinet.

By considering these factors and customising your dinnerware set to your needs, you can create a dining experience that truly reflects your style and elevates your mealtimes, whether they are casual family dinners or formal dinner parties.

Matching side plates and servingware can enhance the visual appeal of your table setting

Matching side plates and servingware can elevate the visual appeal of your table setting, enhancing the dining experience for you and your guests. Here are some tips to achieve a beautiful and functional table setting:

Choose the Right Dinnerware Material

The material of your dinnerware sets the foundation for your table setting. Here are some popular options:

• Fine Bone China: Delicate, translucent, and strong, with superior strength and heat retention. It is lightweight and chip-resistant, making it a popular choice for formal dining.
• Porcelain: Timeless, elegant, and durable, with a smooth, non-porous surface. Porcelain is known for its strength and scratch resistance.
• Stoneware: Highly durable with a rustic charm, stoneware is chip-resistant and ideal for everyday use. It retains heat well and often features earthy glazes and textured finishes.
• Melamine: Shatterproof, lightweight, and dishwasher-safe, melamine is a great option for children.

Consider Colour and Pattern

Colour and pattern can add personality and flair to your table setting. White dinnerware sets are timeless and versatile, allowing your food to take centre stage. For a bolder statement, consider vibrant colours or interesting patterns that reflect your unique style.

Mix and Match

You don't have to stick to one colour or pattern. Mixing and matching dinnerware can create a unique and captivating table setting. Play with colours, textures, and patterns to find combinations that complement each other. You can also use chargers, napkin rings, and linens to tie everything together.

Layer with Linens

Linens, such as tablecloths, runners, and placemats, add texture and elegance to your table setting. A crisp white tablecloth can add a touch of pomp to a formal event, while a table runner can give a cohesive look to a casual meal. Don't be afraid to mix and match colours and patterns to create a unique and inviting atmosphere.

Centrepiece and Decorations

A well-chosen centrepiece can elevate your table setting. Seasonal foliage, fruits, or vegetables can add a whimsical touch, but be sure they don't block your guests' view. Candles, salt and pepper mills, flowers, and name cards are also great ways to bring personality and warmth to your table.

Set the Table for the Occasion

The type of table setting you choose depends on the occasion. For a formal event, elegance is key, with supporting pieces like chargers, napkin rings, and place cards taking centre stage. For a casual meal, focus on intimacy and experimentation. Play with cutlery placement, introduce seasonal touches, and don't be afraid to add a little whimsy.

Functionality is Key

While the visual appeal of your table setting is important, functionality should not be overlooked. Ensure you have the right number of place settings for your guests and only set out the glassware, tableware, and flatware that you'll be using. Remember, a beautifully set table should also be practical and inviting for your guests.

Frequently asked questions