Elegant Table Settings: Creating A Memorable Dinner For Ten

Dinnerware sets the stage for memorable meals and offers an opportunity to express your personal style. A great set will bring a touch of class to any dinner table and remain in fashion for years, all while withstanding the rigors of daily use. When shopping for a set of dinnerware, it is important to consider the material, design, weight, and price.

There are a variety of materials to choose from, each with its own unique look and feel. Stoneware, for example, has a rustic look but is also strong and durable. Porcelain, on the other hand, looks delicate but is actually very durable and has a glossy finish.

Design is also an important factor to consider. Do you want something with a classic look or more modern? Round plates or square? A set with a simple design or one with a busy pattern?

Weight is another key consideration. Heavier dinnerware can feel more sturdy and expensive, while lighter options may be easier to handle and store.

Finally, price is always a factor when making a purchase. Dinnerware sets can range from budget-friendly options to high-end investments.

With so many options available, choosing the perfect dinnerware set for your needs can be a daunting task. But by considering your personal style, lifestyle, and budget, you can find a set that will bring you joy for years to come.

Dinnerware materials: Porcelain, ceramic, bone china, and glass are popular choices, each with unique pros and cons

When shopping for dinnerware, there are several materials to choose from, each with its own qualities, features, price points, and drawbacks. Here is a rundown of the pros and cons of porcelain, ceramic, bone china, and glass dinnerware.

Porcelain Dinnerware

Porcelain is a type of ceramic dinnerware that is made from a fine-particle clay—usually a combination of feldspar, kaolin, and quartz—and fired at a high temperature. This makes porcelain extremely durable and nonporous, allowing the body to be thinner and more delicately constructed, giving it an almost translucent appearance. Most porcelain is dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe unless the manufacturer indicates otherwise. China that has a gold, silver, or platinum border should not be microwaved, and lemon or citrus-scented detergent could damage metal accents. Many people hand-wash their metal-accented porcelain dishes.

Porcelain often has an upscale look, lending itself to more formal dining occasions, but it can also be used every day to make any meal a little more elegant. However, porcelain must limit its time in the microwave as heat could cause cracks.

Ceramic Dinnerware

Ceramic is an umbrella term for the hard and durable but relatively brittle substance that all traditional pottery and dinnerware are made of. Ceramic includes earthenware, stoneware, china, porcelain, and bone china. The specific processes or combinations of ingredients used determine the type of ceramic.

Earthenware is a type of ceramic that is often less expensive than other types of dinnerware. It is a ceramic that has been glazed and fired, giving it a thick, heavy, and rustic look and feel. However, it is not as durable or strong as other types of dinnerware and is prone to chipping. Most glazed earthenware is dishwasher safe and can be used in the microwave, but it should not be left submerged in water as it is porous and could stain or absorb liquid.

Stoneware is another type of ceramic dinnerware that is a little more durable than earthenware because the clay is fired at a higher temperature and usually has vitreous (glass) material added for strength. The body of stoneware is thicker and more opaque than finer materials like porcelain and China and can be finished with a variety of glaze textures such as shiny, satin, or matte. Stoneware is typically used in casual, everyday place settings and can go in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer but should not be exposed to sudden or extreme temperature changes.

Bone China Dinnerware

Bone china is a type of porcelain that is made by combining bone ash (made from animal bones) with porcelain clay and firing it at a slightly lower temperature than porcelain. This makes bone china very lightweight, delicate in feel, and translucent with a milky appearance. Despite its fragile presentation, bone china is the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware. Most bone china is dishwasher-safe and, unless it has metallic banding, can go in the microwave and oven as well. Bone china can be used daily or reserved for more formal dining occasions.

Glass Dinnerware

Glass dinnerware, such as the well-known brand Corelle, is durable and nonporous. Vitrified glass, like Corelle, is fired at an ultra-high temperature so that it is nonporous and extremely durable. It is safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave and will not break or chip even when dropped onto a hard floor.

Place settings: A traditional setting includes a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bread plate, and cup with saucer

A traditional place setting is used for meals with more than three courses, such as a dinner party or a holiday meal. It is simply an informal place setting with additional glassware, dishes, and utensils for the extra courses.

A traditional place setting includes a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bread plate, and cup with saucer. The placement of utensils is guided by the menu, with the idea that you use utensils in an "outside-in" order. The largest fork, also called the place fork, is placed to the left of the plate, with other smaller forks for other courses arranged to the left or right of the dinner fork, depending on when they will be used. The largest knife, the dinner knife, is placed to the right of the dinner plate, with other knives placed to its left. The soup spoon or fruit spoon goes to the right of the knives if soup or fruit is served as a first course. The cup and saucer are placed above the soup spoon and slightly to the right.

The napkin can be placed on top of the charger (if one is used) or in the space for the plate. It can also go to the left of the forks or under the forks if space is tight.

Buying options: Dinnerware is available as open stock, sets, or place settings, affecting customisation and replacement ease

Dinnerware is available in three buying options: open stock, sets, or place settings. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, which can affect customisation and ease of replacement.

Open Stock

Open stock dinnerware is sold individually, allowing you to buy as many pieces as you need. This option is ideal if you want to customise your dinnerware set or replace broken items without having to purchase an entirely new set. Open stock is also a good choice if you want to mix and match different patterns or colours. However, buying dinnerware individually can be more expensive than purchasing a set.

Sets

Dinnerware sets typically include three-, four-, or five-piece place settings. Sets are usually more affordable than buying dinnerware individually and can be a good option if you need a complete set for your household. However, sets may not offer as much flexibility in terms of customisation, and it can be challenging to replace individual pieces if they break.

Place Settings

Place settings are similar to sets but offer more flexibility in terms of customisation. You can choose from a variety of pieces, such as dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, cups, and saucers, to create a place setting that suits your needs. Place settings are often available in different quantities, such as sets of four or eight, making it easy to purchase the right amount for your household.

Durability: Look for chip, crack, and shatter-resistant options, especially for everyday use and families with kids

When shopping for dinnerware, it's important to consider durability, especially if you have kids or are planning for everyday use. Here are some tips to help you choose chip, crack, and shatter-resistant options:

Material Choice:

• Opt for stoneware, a type of ceramic dinnerware that is fired at high temperatures, making it non-porous and highly durable. Stoneware is scratch and chip-resistant, microwave and dishwasher-safe, and usually more affordable than porcelain and fine china.
• Porcelain and fine china are also good choices as they are double-glazed and fired at high temperatures, resulting in a glossy, translucent finish. They can withstand extreme temperature changes and are generally dishwasher and microwave-safe. However, hand wash items with metallic banding, and avoid microwaving bone china.
• For an affordable and lightweight option, melamine, a hard plastic, is a great choice. It is shatter-resistant and perfect for families with kids or outdoor dining. However, avoid microwaving melamine as it can be unsafe.
• Vitrelle, a type of tempered glass, is another chip and scratch-resistant option. It is strong and lightweight but not completely shatterproof. Corelle is a well-known brand that uses Vitrelle.

Additional Considerations:

• Look for dinnerware sets described as "break-resistant," "shatter-resistant," or "chip-resistant." These terms indicate the product has been designed to withstand everyday use and reduce the chances of breakage.
• Thicker dinnerware often equates to increased durability. Heftier options are less likely to chip or crack compared to thinner ones.
• Some materials, like porcelain, have insulating properties that help food retain its temperature. This can be beneficial if you plan to serve meals that need to stay warm for extended periods.
• Consider the glaze used on the dinnerware. A well-glazed piece will have a smooth, shiny surface that is less likely to chip or crack.
• Reviews from other customers can provide valuable insights into a product's durability. Look for mentions of how the dinnerware has held up over time, especially in terms of chipping, cracking, or shattering.

Design and colour: Choose timeless designs over trends. Whiteware is versatile, but coloured dinnerware can make a statement

When it comes to choosing a dinnerware design, it's best to opt for timeless designs over trends. Whiteware is a versatile choice, but coloured dinnerware can also make a statement.

Whiteware

Whiteware is a classic choice for dinnerware. A simple set of white porcelain or ceramic dinnerware is a timeless option that will never go out of style. Whiteware is versatile and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. It provides a neutral canvas for your meals and allows you to add accent pieces to spice up your table setting.

Coloured Dinnerware

While whiteware is a safe and versatile choice, coloured dinnerware can add a touch of personality and make a statement. When choosing coloured dinnerware, it's important to consider something that will stand the test of time. Avoid trendy colours or patterns that may become dated. Opt for subtle colours or earthy tones that complement your style and can be easily mixed and matched.

Mixing and Matching

You can always add your own stamp and personality to your dinnerware by mixing and matching pieces. Start with a simple white set and gradually add coloured or patterned pieces to create a unique and eclectic look. This way, you can keep up with trends and change your dinnerware as your tastes evolve without committing to a lifetime of lime green toile.

Longevity

When investing in dinnerware, it's essential to consider longevity. Opt for well-made, durable pieces that will stand the test of time. Handmade stoneware or porcelain with subtle glazes or earthy tones can be a timeless choice. Additionally, consider the versatility of your dinnerware. Pieces that can be dressed up or down and used for both casual and formal occasions will ensure you get the most out of your investment.

Accessories

To add a touch of personality to your table setting, consider accessories such as linens, centrepieces, or accent pieces in complementary colours. This way, you can create a unique and stylish table setting without committing to a bold or trendy dinnerware set.

Frequently asked questions