Pottery Dishware: Art On The Table

Pottery dishware is a popular choice for dining, with a range of options available to suit different tastes and occasions. From rustic stoneware to elegant bone china, there is a style to suit every dining table. Stoneware is a durable and affordable option, often featuring bold colours and eye-catching patterns. For a more elegant finish, bone china offers a delicate and refined look, perfect for special occasions. Porcelain dishware is similar to bone china but with a thicker, more durable construction. Melamine dishware is another popular choice, offering the smooth, shiny look of ceramics with added durability and chip resistance.

Pottery dishware sets typically include dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, with some sets offering additional pieces such as saucers or serving platters. These sets provide a coordinated and symmetrical look for the dining table, perfect for both everyday meals and formal dinner parties.

Stoneware

There are a variety of stoneware dinnerware sets available, ranging from 12 to 24 pieces. These sets typically include dinner plates, salad plates, mugs, and bowls. Some sets also include saucers, teacups, and serveware.

When choosing stoneware dinnerware, consider the silhouette. For a modern look, opt for clean lines and angles, while free-formed rims create an artisanal effect. The next step is to decide on a colour. Neutrals such as white, grey, or natural shades pair well with different table linens, while bold colours like blue, green, or red make a statement. Finally, consider the care instructions. Dishwasher-safe stoneware dinnerware sets are low-maintenance and simple to maintain.

Some popular brands offering stoneware dinnerware include Gibson, Elama, Famiware, AmorArc, and Stone Lain.

Porcelain

When choosing porcelain dinnerware, consider the size and shape of the pieces to ensure they suit your needs. For example, if you frequently eat pasta or cereal, you may prefer a set with larger bowls. Additionally, some porcelain dinnerware sets offer coordinating serving pieces, such as platters and serving bowls, which can enhance the elegance of your table setting.

When shopping for porcelain dinnerware, it is essential to read the care requirements to ensure the set suits your lifestyle. While porcelain is known for its durability, some pieces with a matte glaze may be more susceptible to scratches from flatware or serving utensils. Therefore, choosing a glossy glaze or a darker colour can help reduce the visibility of any scratches that may occur over time.

Overall, porcelain dinnerware is a beautiful and practical choice for those seeking a durable and elegant option for their table settings. With its versatility, convenience, and light-reflecting glaze, porcelain can elevate everyday meals and create a memorable dining experience for you and your guests.

Ceramic

When it comes to composition, ceramic dinnerware sets typically include dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, with some sets offering additional pieces like tea or coffee mugs and dessert bowls. These sets cater to different serving sizes, usually accommodating four to six people.

In terms of maintenance, ceramic dishware is generally dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe, making it convenient for everyday use. However, special care should be taken to avoid thermal shock when using ceramics in the microwave or oven, as sudden changes in temperature can cause cracking.

For those seeking to create a cohesive table setting, ceramic dinnerware offers the advantage of mix-and-match options. Heath Ceramics, for instance, offers curated dinnerware sets while also giving customers the freedom to mix and match different shapes, glazes, and colours to build a unique collection over time.

In conclusion, ceramic dishware offers a versatile, durable, and aesthetically pleasing option for dinnerware. With its range of styles, compositions, and maintenance features, ceramic dinnerware can elevate the dining experience and cater to various preferences and needs. Whether shopping for a special occasion or simply looking to replace old dish sets, ceramic dinnerware is a popular and reliable choice.

Dinnerware sets

Types of Dinnerware Sets

• Stoneware: Stoneware is a popular choice for everyday dishware due to its durability, affordability, and dishwasher and microwave safety. It comes in a variety of colours, from natural shades like white and grey to bold hues like red and turquoise, and often features eye-catching patterns.
• Melamine: Melamine dinnerware is made of durable plastic that resembles ceramics but is stronger and chip-resistant. It's perfect for both indoor and outdoor dining.
• Bone China: Crisp white bone china dishes add elegance to any table. While they can be used for everyday meals, they are best suited for special occasions. Their neutral colour pairs well with any coloured or patterned placemats and napkins.
• Porcelain: Porcelain dinnerware is similar in appearance to bone china but is generally thicker and more durable. The glazed finish on porcelain reflects light beautifully, creating a sophisticated tablescape.

Choosing the Right Dinnerware Set

When choosing a dinnerware set, consider the material, design, and intended use. If you're looking for everyday dishware, opt for something durable and microwave and dishwasher-safe, like stoneware or melamine. For special occasions, bone china or porcelain can add a touch of elegance to your table. Mix and match colours and patterns to create a unique tablescape that reflects your personal style.

Caring for Your Dinnerware Set

To ensure your dinnerware set lasts for years to come, proper care is essential. While most stoneware, melamine, and porcelain sets are dishwasher-safe, bone china may require hand washing with mild soap and careful drying. Some stoneware sets are also microwave and oven-safe, but it's important to avoid thermal shock by not heating them for extended periods.

Popular Brands and Collections

There are several popular brands and collections of dinnerware sets, each offering unique designs and features. Here are some notable mentions:

• Pottery Barn: Offers a diverse range of handcrafted stoneware and porcelain dinnerware sets, including the popular melamine collection known for its strength, durability, and style.
• Heath Ceramics: Specialises in stoneware dinnerware, offering a range of shapes and glazes to create a unique tablescape. Their stoneware is handcrafted, chip-resistant, and safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and oven.
• Amazon: Features a wide variety of dinnerware sets, including ceramic, porcelain, and stoneware options in different colours and designs, such as the Elanze Designs 16-piece set and the AmorArc Ceramic Dinnerware Set.
• Wayfair: Provides a range of dinnerware sets, including the Siterra Artist's Blend 16-piece set, the Tabletops Gallery Embossed Dinnerware set, and the Everly Quinn Bone China Dinnerware Set, perfect for those seeking an elegant and lightweight option.

Glaze

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides guidelines to distinguish between "Food Safe" and "Dinnerware Safe" glazes. "Food Safe" refers to the final, fired state of the glaze, specifically addressing lead and cadmium release. On the other hand, "Dinnerware Safe" indicates that the glaze meets FDA standards, is free of surface textures that could trap bacteria, and is chemically durable. Additionally, the FDA allows for a small amount of leaching of lead and cadmium, as long as it falls below the established thresholds.

When choosing a glaze for dishware pottery, it is essential to consider the type of clay used. Stoneware and porcelain clays are ideal for dishwasher safety as they have low porosity when fired at the right temperatures. However, earthenware clay is more porous and not usually dishwasher-safe, even when glazed. The bond between earthenware clay and glaze is weaker, and the glaze may flake off over time.

To ensure dishwasher safety, the clay should be mid to high-fire clay, fired at a high enough temperature to achieve vitrification. Vitrification occurs when the pottery is fired, causing some ingredients in the clay to melt and create a glass-like substance that fills the gaps between clay particles. Additionally, a good fit between the clay and the glaze is crucial. The glaze should not be under tension or shrink at a higher rate than the clay during cooling, as this can cause crazing and cracking.

While commercial ceramic ware often bears symbols indicating dishwasher safety, glaze manufacturers typically refrain from making such claims due to the variability in how their products are used. Potters and artisans should exercise caution and test their glazes for safety, especially if they intend to sell their creations for food usage.

Frequently asked questions