The Art Of Dinnerware Table Setting: A Guide To Elegant Entertaining

A well-set dinner table is a beautiful sight, and with the right dinnerware, you can easily elevate your dining experience. Whether it's a special occasion or a typical family meal, choosing the right dinnerware set is essential to creating a cohesive and stylish table setting. From classic designs to modern prints, there is a wide range of dinnerware sets to choose from that will suit any home décor and dining needs. Basic sets typically include dinner plates, salad plates, and soup bowls, while larger sets may also include coffee mugs for a nice cup of coffee after a meal. With options ranging from durable melamine to elegant porcelain, you can find the perfect dinnerware set that is both functional and fashionable. So, whether you're hosting a fancy dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home, the right dinnerware table set-up can truly make your dining experience memorable.

Choosing a dinnerware set

Number of Place Settings

First, consider how many people you typically host for meals. Basic dinnerware sets typically come with four or six place settings, including dinner plates, salad plates, and soup bowls. If you regularly entertain guests or have a larger household, you may want a larger set with eight or more place settings.

Materials

The material of your dinnerware set is an important consideration, impacting both aesthetics and durability. Porcelain and stoneware are classic choices, offering a sleek and elegant look. They are known for their durability and ability to withstand everyday use. Melamine is another popular option, especially for outdoor dining, as it is scratch- and shatter-resistant, making it ideal for families with children or for use in alfresco settings.

Design and Colour

The design and colour of your dinnerware set can enhance the overall ambiance of your table setting. Consider your personal style and the decor of your dining space. If you prefer a more traditional or rustic aesthetic, consider earthy tones or classic white dinnerware. For a modern twist, opt for a splash of colour or interesting prints and patterns that will make your table setting pop.

Additional Pieces

Basic dinnerware sets typically include essential pieces like dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls. However, if you enjoy drinking coffee or tea after your meals, consider opting for a larger set that includes mugs or cups with saucers. You may also want to add some chargers, which are larger decorative plates that sit underneath your dinnerware, adding a touch of elegance to your table setting.

Brand and Price

Lastly, consider your budget and preferred brands when choosing a dinnerware set. There are various options available at different price points, from well-known brands like Staub, Chez Nous, Fortessa, and Emile Henry, to more affordable in-house brands.

Dinnerware materials

When shopping for dinnerware, there are various materials to choose from, each with its own qualities, features, price points, and drawbacks. Here is an overview of some common dinnerware materials to help you make an informed decision:

Earthenware

Earthenware is a type of ceramic that has been glazed and fired at a lower temperature compared to other ceramics. It is often less expensive and has a thick, heavy, and rustic look and feel. However, it is not as durable as other types of dinnerware and is prone to chipping. Hand-painted dishware is typically made of earthenware. Earthenware is often porous, so it should not be left submerged in water to avoid staining or absorbing liquid. While most glazed earthenware is dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe, it is always good to check with the manufacturer.

Stoneware

Stoneware is another type of fired ceramic dinnerware. It is slightly more durable than earthenware as it is fired at a higher temperature and often includes vitreous (glass) material for added strength. The body of stoneware is thicker and more opaque than finer materials like porcelain and china. It is commonly used in casual, everyday place settings and is versatile and easy to maintain. Stoneware can generally be used in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer, but it should not be exposed to sudden or extreme temperature changes. Some brands that offer stoneware include Pfaltzgraff, Dansk (Lenox), and Fiesta (Homer Laughlin).

Porcelain and China

Porcelain and china are terms for dinnerware made from fine-particle clay fired at high temperatures, making them extremely durable and nonporous. This process allows for a thinner construction, giving the dinnerware a translucent appearance and enabling shaped details in the design. Porcelain often has an upscale look, making it suitable for formal dining occasions, but it can also be used daily to add elegance to any meal. Some brands to consider for porcelain dinnerware include Lenox, Noritake, and Villeroy & Boch.

Bone China

Bone china is made by combining bone ash (from animal bones) with porcelain clay and firing it at a slightly lower temperature than porcelain. This results in a lightweight, delicate, and translucent material with a milky appearance. Despite its fragile appearance, bone china is the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware. It is generally dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and oven-safe, unless it has metallic banding. Bone china can be used daily or reserved for formal dining occasions. Popular brands for bone china include Royal Doulton, Wedgewood, and Mikasa.

Melamine

If you are looking for unbreakable plates, melamine is an excellent choice. This plastic material is lightweight, sturdy, inflexible, and has a glossy finish. It is ideal for children and outdoor use as it is virtually indestructible. Melamine is usually dishwasher-safe on the top rack but should not be heated, so it is not suitable for microwave or oven use. A good brand for melamine dinnerware is Zak! Designs.

Vitrified Glass

Vitrified glass is opaque glass fired at ultra-high temperatures to make it nonporous and extremely durable. Corelle is the best-known vitrified glass dinnerware, known for its indestructibility—it will not break or chip, even when dropped. Vitrified glass is safe for use in the dishwasher and microwave.

Table setting essentials

A well-set table is a key component of any dining experience, whether it's a casual weeknight meal or a formal dinner party. Here are the essentials for setting your table with elegance and style:

Dinnerware

The foundation of any table setting is the dinnerware. Choose a set that includes dinner plates, salad plates, and soup bowls. Consider your needs and opt for a larger set if you require additional pieces such as coffee mugs or serving dishes. Select a style that complements your taste and the occasion, ranging from classic designs to colourful prints.

Placement

The placement of your dinnerware is essential for a well-set table. Traditionally, the dinner plate is placed in the centre, with the salad plate on top or to the left. The soup bowl can be placed on top of the dinner plate or served separately. If serving bread, a bread plate is placed above and to the left of the dinner plate, with a butter knife resting horizontally across it.

Glassware and Flatware

Arrange the glassware and flatware neatly to the left and right of the dinner plate. Place water glasses and any other beverage glasses slightly above and to the right of the dinner plate. The flatware is arranged according to the order of use, with the outermost pieces used first. For a basic setting, a dinner fork is placed to the left of the dinner plate, followed by a salad fork if needed. The dinner knife is placed to the right of the plate, with the blade facing the plate. A soup spoon can be added to the right of the knife, or placed in the bowl if already served.

Centrepiece and Decorations

Enhance your table setting with a centrepiece and decorations that reflect your style and the occasion. A simple floral arrangement or candle display can add elegance and charm to your table. Consider the colour scheme and overall aesthetic to create a cohesive and inviting dining atmosphere.

Remember, the essentials of table setting are just a starting point. Feel free to add your personal touches and adjustments to make your dining experience unique and memorable.

Outdoor dinnerware

When the sun is shining, it's a great idea to take your meals outdoors. But if you're going to do that, you'll need some outdoor dinnerware.

Materials

Patterns and Colours

Sets

Care

Melamine dinnerware is easy to clean and can be hand-washed or put in the dishwasher. However, it is not microwave-safe. Enamelware is dishwasher-safe and oven-safe, but it should not be used in the microwave. Bamboo dinnerware is dishwasher-safe but not microwave-safe, and it should not be left to soak.

Chargers

Charger plates, also known as service plates, underplates, or chop plates, are large decorative plates that act as a base for other dinnerware. They are purely ornamental and not intended for direct food contact. Charger plates elevate the dining experience by adding elegance and enhancing table decor. They also serve a practical purpose by protecting the table and tablecloth from spills and stains.

Charger plates are typically larger than standard dinner plates and come in a variety of materials, including china, metal, wood, glass, plastic, and pearl. They can be decorated with various substances, but it's important to note that these decorations may not be safe for food contact.

When setting a table with charger plates, follow these steps:

• Place the charger plate on top of a tablecloth or placemat. Charger plates can be used without a placemat as they already have decorative elements that add a touch of formality and colour to the table.
• Set a charger plate at each guest's place setting, ensuring they are at least two feet apart to provide ample elbow room.
• Place the charger plate between the arranged flatware and below the beverage glasses.
• Align menu cards, napkins with napkin rings, or name cards in the middle of the charger plate before guests arrive.
• When serving each course, place soup bowls, salad plates, and dinner entrees directly on top of the charger plate.
• After each course, wipe the charger plate clean or replace it to maintain a neat and pure table setting.
• Charger plates are typically removed from the table after the main course and before serving dessert. Desserts should never be served on charger plates.

Charger plates can also be used for other purposes, such as:

• Creating elegant centrepieces by grouping pillar candles or using them as a colour base for floral arrangements.
• Serving small appetizers or desserts, but always place a doily or linen napkin on top of the charger plate to prevent direct food contact.
• Covering up flaws or imperfections in your tablecloth by strategically placing a charger plate.
• Weighing down the dining tablecloth to keep it in place, providing a stable foundation for other decorations.

When choosing charger plates, consider the overall atmosphere of your event. Select charger plates that complement your table linens, glassware, silverware, and the level of formality of the gathering. Charger plates come in various materials, including acrylic, wood, glass, chrome, stainless steel, porcelain, and plastic, each offering unique advantages and aesthetics.

Frequently asked questions