The Elegance Of Epoch Dinnerware Sets: Elevating The Dining Experience

Epoch Dinnerware is a collection of decorative dinnerware made by Noritake. The collection offers a casual line of dinnerware, including solid-coloured dinnerware, two-tone versions, floral dinnerware, fruit patterns, embossed dinnerware, country patterns, abstract designs, tropical dinnerware, and Tuscany-style dinnerware. The collection is known for its durability, with plates, bowls, and teacups that are highly attractive and beautifully crafted. The pieces are designed to be used for years without losing their charming good looks, and each set can be personalised with decorative touches. The Epoch Dinnerware collection is perfect for anyone looking to showcase their unique style and impress their dinner guests.

Vintage Epoch Dinnerware

Other vintage Epoch dinnerware sets available on Etsy include the Epoch 'Sonja' E834 Dinnerware small plate, the Epoch Berry Grove stoneware vegetable dish with a red berries and blue stem design, and the Epoch Collection Floral Bay Pattern Salad Plate with flowers. There is also the Epoch Dinnerware Market Day 7.60-inch Salad Plate, made in Indonesia and featuring a fruit border and green trim.

On Replacements.com, you can find various patterns from the Epoch Collection offered by Noritake, including 'Le Restaurant Christmas', 'Twas The Night Before Christmas', and 'Apple Blossom'.

Epoch Dinnerware Patterns

Epoch Dinnerware, made by Noritake, offers a wide range of decorative patterns that fit various decor themes, from vintage to contemporary. The collection includes solid colours, two-tone versions, florals, fruit patterns, embossed designs, country patterns, abstracts, tropical prints, and Tuscany-style dinnerware, among others. Here is a closer look at some of the Epoch Dinnerware patterns:

Le Restaurant

The Le Restaurant pattern features a comic-like setting of French bistros, perfect for a modern and fun-filled kitchen. This pattern includes pieces like dinner plates, salad plates, and coffee mugs, with designs such as a man with a fish and two chefs.

Twas The Night Before Christmas

A festive pattern to bring cheer to your dinner table during the holidays.

New Apple Blossom (Scalloped Edge)

A pattern featuring apple blossoms with a scalloped edge detail.

Spice Pavilion (English)

A spice-themed pattern with an English influence.

Market Day

The Market Day pattern features a fruit border and a green trim on a Baroque-shaped plate. This pattern includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, cups, and saucers.

Oakbrook

The Oakbrook pattern features a blue rim with a scalloped floral design. It includes dinner plates and salad plates.

Red Rooster

The Red Rooster pattern features a vibrant red colour with a rooster design. It is available as dinner plates, salad plates, or soup and cereal bowls.

Berry Grove

The Berry Grove pattern features red berries and a blue stem. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, and a vegetable bowl with a lid.

Symmetry Blue Chintz

A vintage floral pattern with blue chintz and stripes. This pattern includes dinner plates, salad plates, and cereal bowls.

Wholesome

The Wholesome pattern features a fruit and leaves design. It is available as a dinner plate or a cereal bowl.

Spice Blossoms

The Spice Blossoms pattern features herbs and florals, including sage, yarrow, and chicory. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, saucers, sugar bowls, creamers, and a gravy boat.

These are just a few examples of the many patterns available in the Epoch Dinnerware collection, each offering a unique and elegant touch to your dining experience.

Dinnerware Materials

When shopping for dinnerware, there are several materials to choose from, each with its own qualities, price points, and drawbacks. Here is a guide to some of the most common dinnerware materials, including those used in Epoch dinnerware sets:

Earthenware

Earthenware is a type of ceramic that has been glazed and fired at a lower temperature than other ceramics. It typically has a thick, heavy, and rustic look and feel. Earthenware is often less expensive than other types of dinnerware, but it is also more fragile and prone to chipping. Hand-painted dishware is usually made of earthenware. It is often porous, so it should not be left submerged in water and is not suitable for the microwave or dishwasher.

Stoneware

Stoneware is a ceramic fired at a high temperature, making it more durable than earthenware. The clay used in stoneware is coarse-grained and usually has vitreous (glass) material added for strength. Stoneware has a thicker and more opaque body than finer materials like porcelain and china. It is typically used in casual, everyday place settings and can be finished with various glaze textures such as shiny, satin, or matte. Most stoneware is safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer, but it should not be exposed to sudden or extreme temperature changes. Stoneware dinnerware is usually brown or grey.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a fine-particle clay fired at very high temperatures, making it extremely durable and nonporous. This process allows porcelain dinnerware to be thinner and more delicately constructed, giving it a translucent appearance. It often has an upscale look, lending itself to more formal dining occasions, but it can also be used every day. Most porcelain dinnerware is dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe unless it has metal accents. Brands that sell 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 produces a lightweight, delicate, and translucent material with a milky appearance. Despite its fragile presentation, bone china is the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware. It is also usually dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, unless it has metallic banding. Brands that sell bone china include Royal Doulton, Wedgewood, and Mikasa.

Melamine

Melamine is a plastic material that is lightweight, sturdy, inflexible, and glossy. It is virtually indestructible, making it ideal for children and outdoor use. Melamine dinnerware is usually dishwasher-safe on the top rack but should not be heated or used in the microwave or oven.

Vitrified Glass

Vitrified glass is glass fired at an ultra-high temperature, making it nonporous and extremely durable. Corelle is a well-known brand of vitrified glass dinnerware that is virtually indestructible. Vitrified glass is safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave.

Epoch dinnerware is made by Noritake and offers a casual line of dinnerware featuring decorative patterns that fit various decor themes, from vintage to contemporary. The collection includes solid-colored dinnerware, two-tone versions, floral dinnerware, fruit patterns, embossed dinnerware, country patterns, abstract designs, tropical dinnerware, and Tuscany-style dinnerware. While the materials used in Epoch dinnerware sets are not always specified, stoneware and porcelain are commonly used for casual dinnerware, and many of the patterns and styles of Epoch dinnerware align with these materials. For example, Epoch dinnerware is often described as having a rustic look, which is a characteristic of earthenware and stoneware. Additionally, porcelain and stoneware are both known for their durability, which aligns with Epoch's promise of resilient materials that won't easily chip or crack.

Dinnerware Sets

Epoch sets typically include plates, cups, bowls and mugs in a variety of sizes, perfect for entertaining guests or everyday use. You can opt for a traditional four or five-piece china set or mix and match your pieces with open stock options.

If you're looking for vintage Epoch patterns, sites like Etsy and Replacements.com offer a variety of options. For example, Etsy has the Epoch Market Day Set, which includes four cereal/soup bowls with a green rim and fruit blossom design, made in Indonesia. You can also find the Epoch Promenade E811 dinnerware collection on Etsy, which is sold per set and offers free shipping in the USA.

For a more modern look, the Epoch Collection offered by Noritake includes patterns like Le Restaurant, which features a comic-like setting of French bistros, and Twas The Night Before Christmas, which offers a variety of designs to fit any kitchen decor. Epoch pieces are also known for their ability to retain heat and cold, ensuring your food stays at the optimum temperature for longer.

With Epoch Dinnerware, you can expect durability and resilience, as their products are made with materials that won't easily chip or crack. So, whether you're looking for a vintage or contemporary style, Epoch Dinnerware sets are a great choice for both beauty and performance.

Dinnerware Maintenance

Dinnerware is an important part of our daily lives, and proper care is essential to keep it in good condition and ensure its longevity. Here are some tips for maintaining your Epoch dinnerware:

Proper Handling of Dinnerware

• Avoid stacking and overcrowding: Stacking plates can lead to cracking, chipping, and scratching. Store plates separately to avoid accidental knocks and breaks.
• Use suitable storage space: Store dinnerware in a cool, dry area with minimal sunlight exposure. A well-ventilated cupboard or pantry is ideal.
• Use protective dividers: Place dividers made of felt, foam, or cardboard between plates to prevent scratches and distribute weight evenly.
• Practice proper stacking techniques: When stacking plates, place larger plates at the bottom and smaller plates on top. Avoid stacking too many plates together to prevent pressure and weight damage.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Choose the right cleaning products: Use mild dish soap and warm water for cleaning. Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals, which can scratch and damage the surface. Natural products like vinegar or baking soda are ideal for removing tough stains and odours.
• Safe dishwasher practices: Read the user manual before loading the dishwasher. Avoid overloading, as it can cause plates to bang against each other. Also, be mindful of the operation temperature and strong detergents, which can discolour or warp plates.
• Periodic inspection for damage: Regularly check for chips, cracks, or scratches, as these can weaken the structure and make the plates more susceptible to damage. Discontinue use if any damage is noticed.

Additional Tips

• Avoid sudden temperature changes: Do not place cold dinnerware in warm water or vice versa, as it can cause cracking.
• Handle with care: Avoid using metal utensils, which can scratch delicate surfaces. Opt for non-abrasive utensils made of wood, silicone, or plastic.
• Prevent stains: Rinse dinnerware immediately after use to remove food residue. For stubborn stains, soak in warm water with a gentle detergent before washing.

Frequently asked questions