The Earthenware Ensemble: A Guide To Clay's Classic Tableware

Earthenware dinnerware sets are a great way to elevate your dining experience. They are perfect for everyday meals or special occasions, and come in a variety of styles, sizes, and combos. You can choose from classy stoneware plates, timeless white ceramic plates, or bone china dinnerware for a formal look. Earthenware sets are also available in a range of colours and decorative rims to suit your taste. These sets are usually microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and chip-resistant, making them a convenient and durable option for your dining needs.

Dinnerware sets

Earthenware dinnerware sets are a great way to bring artisanal flair to your kitchen table. They are suitable for everyday dining and formal occasions, and most sets are dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe, making them a convenient and attractive option.

Types of Dinnerware Sets

Styles and Colours

Earthenware dinnerware sets come in a variety of styles and colours to suit different tastes and occasions. You can opt for a simple, elegant look with a white glaze or coloured trim, or choose something more eye-catching with colourful glazes and decorative rims. For a rustic or farmhouse feel, you can find sets with antique-inspired details, floral motifs, or mosaic patterns. There are also modern matte stoneware sets with sleek and sophisticated designs.

Brands and Retailers

Earthenware dinnerware sets are available from various brands and retailers, including Birch Lane, Joss & Main, Macy's, Crate & Barrel, Target, and The Home Depot.

Examples of Dinnerware Sets

• The Edick 16-piece set features a simple trellis and medallion pattern with a neutral finish, blending well with your existing tableware.
• The Yemina 20-piece set has a glossy white glaze and antique-inspired details, perfect for a traditional dining room.
• The Celina 16-piece set is made of modern matte stoneware with a simple and sophisticated design, elevating your dining experience.
• The Gibson Soho Lounge Matte 18-piece set has a rustic yet modern look and is scratch-resistant and chip-resistant.
• The Siterra Artist's Blend Stoneware 16-piece set features delicate speckles on each piece for a warm and cosy feel.
• The Certified International Sweet Bunny 16-piece set is a seasonal, multicoloured earthenware set with a festive feel.

Place settings

Earthenware dinnerware sets are a great way to elevate your dining experience and bring a cozy and warm feel to your dinner table. Place settings typically include dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, with some sets also offering additional pieces such as dessert plates, soup bowls, and saucers.

The Franciscan Floral Earthenware Dinner Set, for example, offers a vibrant and colourful floral pattern, with a set of 4 place settings including dinner plates, salad/bread plates, soup/cereal bowls, cups, and saucers. This particular design was one of Franciscan's most popular earthenware lines in the 1970s, embodying the "flower power" spirit of the era.

When it comes to modern earthenware place settings, you can find a variety of elegant and sophisticated designs. The Resona Stoneware 16-piece dinnerware set, for instance, offers a simple and clean look with light-coloured plates and bowls. Other sets, like the Kubiak 16-piece dinnerware set, feature antique-style designs with scrollwork and fluted surfaces, adding a touch of classic charm to your dining experience.

If you're looking for something more rustic and charming, the Siterra Artist's Blend Stoneware 16-piece dinnerware set might be a perfect choice. This set features delicate speckles on each piece, adding a rustic touch to your table. Similarly, the Doud Mosaic 16-piece stoneware dinnerware set offers a relaxed coastal vibe with its blue-and-white mosaic pattern.

Whether you're looking for vintage floral patterns or modern rustic designs, earthenware dinnerware sets offer a wide range of place setting options to elevate your dining experience and make it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Microwave-safe earthenware

Clayware has become a common alternative to plastic kitchenware, with numerous health benefits and an eco-friendly design. Most clayware is safe to use in the microwave, and will not harm food. However, there are some precautions to be aware of. Clayware has been treated with heat before use, but it can still crack due to sudden shifts in temperature. It is therefore advised that you do not preheat the oven, and only switch on the microwave when food is inside.

To test if your clayware is microwave-safe, fill one-third of the cookware with water and place it in the microwave on high for a minute. After heating, use an oven mitt to remove the dish. If the dish feels warm and the water remains cold, the cookware has absorbed heat and is not safe for the microwave. If the dish is cool and the water is warm, the dish is safe to use.

When using clayware in the microwave, do not put an empty dish inside—make sure it is at least half-filled with liquid or food. Only use gentle heating, especially if the dish is filled with food or liquid. Clayware gets hot quickly and will warm the contents faster than other materials. If you are heating water or milk, microwave the clayware for 2-3 minutes, and never heat for more than 6 minutes. Do not stack plates, bowls or mugs inside the microwave to warm them.

Some earthenware may be microwave-safe, but this is less common. If the clay has been specially designed for low absorption at lower temperatures, it may be suitable. However, it is important to ensure the glaze is suitable for daily use, non-toxic, and dishwasher-resistant. In addition, do not use any clayware with metal lustre decoration, such as a gold-coloured border, as this may cause sparks in the microwave.

Dishwasher-safe earthenware

Earthenware is a great material for dinnerware, offering a simple and sophisticated look. It is also a popular choice for its low price point. However, earthenware is not always dishwasher-safe. In fact, it is usually recommended that earthenware be hand-washed. This is because earthenware is fired at lower temperatures than other types of clay, such as stoneware or porcelain, and is therefore more porous.

When earthenware is heated in the kiln, the clay particles bond together and become more rigid, but at a microscopic level, there are still open pores between the clay particles. This means that earthenware can absorb water, and when exposed to the very hot temperatures of a dishwasher, the absorbed water expands, putting the pottery under stress.

That being said, there are some types of earthenware that are dishwasher-safe. For example, the Yemina 20-Piece Full Set for four from Birch Lane is crafted from lead-free, BPA-free earthenware ceramic and is described as dishwasher-safe. Another option is the Edick 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, also from Birch Lane, which is made from earthenware and is safe for the dishwasher and microwave.

If you are unsure whether your earthenware is dishwasher-safe, check with the manufacturer. If you are buying new earthenware, it may be a better option to choose stoneware or porcelain, which are generally safer for the dishwasher.

Chip-resistant earthenware

Durability and Safety:

Earthenware is a type of ceramic that is fired at high temperatures, making it durable and chip-resistant. This manufacturing process gives earthenware its signature artisanal look and feel. While it is stronger than standard ceramic, it is still more prone to chipping and cracking than other materials like stoneware or porcelain. To ensure the longevity of your earthenware, it is recommended to hand wash these items promptly after use without soaking. If using a dishwasher, use a gentle cycle with mild, non-abrasive, and non-citrus detergent. Avoid using citrus-based cleaners, as they can dull the glossy finish of earthenware.

Microwave and Dishwasher Safety:

Brand Options:

When it comes to chip-resistant earthenware, there are a few brands that stand out. Mason Cash offers a range of chip-resistant earthenware mixing bowls in various colours, including cream and red. These bowls are perfect for baking and are often featured on popular baking shows. Corelle is another well-known brand that offers break and chip-resistant dinnerware. Their products are thin and stackable, making them ideal for space-saving in the kitchen. However, it is important to note that while Corelle dinnerware is long-lasting, if it does break, it shatters into many small pieces, which can be difficult to clean up.

Comparison with Other Materials:

While chip-resistant earthenware is a durable option, it is essential to compare it with other materials like stoneware, porcelain, and fine china. Stoneware is a type of ceramic dinnerware that is highly durable, scratch-resistant, and budget-friendly. It offers a similar artisanal look to earthenware but is more suitable for daily use. Porcelain and fine china are also durable and chip-resistant, with a glossy, translucent finish. They can tolerate extreme temperature changes and are usually dishwasher and microwave safe. However, they are generally more expensive than earthenware and stoneware.

In conclusion, chip-resistant earthenware is a stylish and durable option for dinnerware. By understanding its characteristics, care instructions, and how it compares to other materials, you can make an informed decision about whether it is the right choice for your needs.

Frequently asked questions