China's Finest: Top Dinnerware Brands

Fine china dinnerware is a staple in households for special occasions, holidays, and family dinners. It is typically made from white clay, making it hard, durable, and heavier than regular dinnerware. There are many well-known brands that offer a range of fine china sets, including Macy's, Mikasa, Wedgwood, Lorenzo Import Victoria, Royal Albert, Lenox, and Royal Copenhagen. These brands offer a variety of styles, from Bohemian to modern, and different patterns and prints, such as floral, geometric, and solid colours. With their durability and handcrafted designs, these brands ensure you can create a stylish and elegant dining experience.

Bone China vs Fine China

When it comes to dinnerware, bone china and fine china are two of the most well-known types. While they may appear similar at first glance, there are several differences between the two.

History

Fine China was introduced in BC 11, while Bone China dates back to the 1800s.

Manufacturing Process and Composition

Fine China is made from a mixture of kaolin, quartz, clays, and feldspar. It is produced from a blend of China stone and China white clay. The manufacturing process is straightforward: clay is combined with additives, formed, and burned in a kiln. Fine China usually undergoes a single firing process at temperatures of about 1,200° (2,200° F).

On the other hand, Bone China is made by mixing cow bone ash into the ceramic ingredient. The bone is crushed into bone ash, which is then combined with ball clay, feldspar, kaolin, and quartz. The amount of bone in the mixture determines the quality of the end product; high-grade Bone China should have at least 30% bone and can go as high as 40% to 45%. Bone China usually undergoes two firing processes, and the firing temperature is lower compared to that of Fine China due to the bone ash ingredient.

Appearance and Texture

Fine China has a bright white appearance, while Bone China has a softer, creamier colour due to the bone ash content. Bone China is also lighter in weight and has a smoother enamel. Despite being lighter and thinner, Bone China is considered more durable than Fine China.

Sound

When banged together, Fine China produces a strong, deep "ding" sound with no echo, while Bone China makes a "clang" sound similar to a bell, with an echo.

Price and Popularity

Bone China is generally more expensive than Fine China. However, Fine China is often the preferred choice for premium tableware due to its rich, buttery finish. Antique collectors also tend to favour Fine China due to its earlier introduction and the fact that it is considered a collectible.

Luxury brands

When it comes to luxury brands in the world of fine china dinnerware, there are several renowned names that stand out for their exquisite craftsmanship, elegant designs, and rich history. Here are some of the top luxury brands in this realm:

Royal Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen, a Danish company with a long history dating back to 1775, is celebrated for its meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship. They offer a versatile range of designs, seamlessly blending traditional and modern aesthetics. Their iconic Blue Fluted pattern has become synonymous with the brand, widely recognised and often replicated but never truly duplicated.

Wedgwood

Wedgwood, an English company founded in 1759, has built an enduring reputation for its elegant Jasperware and bone china. Their designs effortlessly span the classic and the contemporary, gracing the tables of homes and palaces alike. The pale blue and white hues of their creations have become a timeless hallmark of refined taste.

Meissen

Meissen is the oldest European porcelain manufacturer, established in Germany in 1710. The brand carries a legacy of artistic and technical excellence, with its crossed swords logo serving as an iconic symbol of luxury. Meissen is known for its hand-painted porcelain figurines and dishes, elevating dining experiences into artistic encounters.

Limoges

The Limoges region in France is renowned for its kaolin-rich soil, a crucial component in the creation of fine porcelain. The factories in this region have been crafting exceptional porcelain since the late 18th century. Limoges porcelain is distinguished by its intricate paintings and gold gilding, making the name synonymous with French luxury and refined craftsmanship.

Lenox

Lenox is an American fine china brand that has adorned the tables of U.S. Presidents and countless households across the nation. Their designs are unique, blending elegance with a distinct American twist. Lenox offers a range of styles, from casual everyday dinnerware to luxurious fine china, ensuring that every dining experience is elevated.

Noritake

Noritake, a brand with a rich history since 1904, seamlessly combines Japanese craftsmanship with Western design sensibilities. Their pieces often showcase ornate gold edges and intricate patterns, adding a touch of exotic elegance to any table setting. Noritake is a favourite among those who appreciate a fusion of cultures on their dining tables.

Bernardaud

Based in the Limoges region of France, Bernardaud is a fine china brand that strikes a perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary designs. The brand collaborates with artists and designers to create unique, avant-garde collections that push the boundaries of tableware design while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

Villeroy & Boch

Villeroy & Boch, a fine china brand with roots in Luxembourg and Germany, has been a stalwart in the industry since 1748. Their collections showcase a versatile European flair, ranging from rustic to refined styles. Villeroy & Boch's tableware effortlessly transitions from everyday use to special occasions, ensuring that every meal is a luxurious experience.

These luxury brands in the realm of fine china dinnerware offer not just tableware but a blend of art, history, and culture on every plate, bowl, and saucer they craft. They have endured the test of time, becoming synonymous with elegance, refinement, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

Dishwasher- and microwave-safe options

When choosing fine china dinnerware, it's important to consider not only the design and colour but also the material, durability, and safety features. Here are some dishwasher- and microwave-safe options for you:

Gibson Home Oslo 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

This dinnerware set offers a perfect balance between modern elegance and practicality. The set includes four dinner plates, salad plates, dinner bowls, and cereal bowls. Made of AB-grade porcelain, this set is durable and practical for any occasion, from your morning breakfast to a dinner party. The beautiful shape and lipped design add a touch of elegance to your dining experience. The best part? It's dishwasher and microwave safe!

Crate and Barrel Bone China

Crate and Barrel's bone china is an excellent choice if you're looking for something that combines modern spirit with classic flair. Their bone china is fired at high temperatures, resulting in incredible strength and an almost luminescent glow. It is fine to the touch, lightweight, and chip-resistant. You can safely use it in the dishwasher, but avoid sudden temperature changes to increase its longevity.

Crate and Barrel Porcelain

If you're looking for something with a contemporary design, Crate and Barrel's porcelain dinnerware collection might be the right choice. Their porcelain is fired at extremely high temperatures, giving it a solid feel yet remaining fine to the touch. Most of their porcelain patterns are dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe. To increase longevity, avoid sudden temperature changes, and use a mild abrasive cleaner to minimise deposit marks.

Lenox Butterfly Meadow 18-Piece Dinnerware Set

The Lenox Butterfly Meadow dinnerware set is an artistic collection with images of butterflies and flowers on each piece. Made from porcelain, this set is built to last. It includes six dinner plates, six salad plates, and six mugs, making it perfect for serving six people. This set can add a touch of elegance and nature to your dining experience and is safe to use in the microwave.

Amazon Basics 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

This dinnerware set from Amazon Basics offers a timeless and contemporary appeal with its classic white colour. The set includes dinner plates, bowls, dessert plates, and mugs. The porcelain material is lightweight yet sturdy and safe to use in the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher. It's a great budget-friendly option that won't break the bank.

Fiesta Four-Piece Dinnerware Place Setting

Fiesta's dinnerware set is a classic and festive choice that has been manufactured in the United States for decades. The four-piece place setting includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, and mug, and you can also find a variety of matching pieces. The dishes are extremely durable and come with a five-year chip-resistance warranty. They are safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, and even the oven.

Dinnerware sets

Materials and Durability

When it comes to materials, fine china dinnerware is typically made from white clay, also known as kaolin, which gives it a rich, buttery finish. Bone china, on the other hand, is made from cow bone ash and is known for its durability and translucent quality. Porcelain is another classic option that offers a timeless look. If you're looking for something more durable, consider stoneware or melamine, which is perfect for outdoor dining as it resists shattering.

Styles and Designs

The beauty of dinnerware sets lies in their versatility. You can find sets in various styles, including Bohemian, classic, farmhouse, mid-century modern, and modern. Whether you prefer solid colours, floral prints, geometric patterns, or gold/platinum rims, there is something to match any aesthetic. For a modern look, consider darker colours like black or charcoal grey. If you want to add a subtle touch of colour, opt for dinnerware with colourful rims or a reactive glaze.

Trusted Brands

When investing in fine china dinnerware, it's essential to choose trusted brands that offer quality and style. Some popular options include Mikasa, with their wide range of dinnerware sets like the Parchment and Platinum Crown collections. Wedgwood is another renowned brand, offering bone china dinnerware in bold and beautiful styles, including the Vera Wang Lace Platinum collection. Macy's also offers a selection of fine china dinnerware sets from reputed brands, featuring microwave- and dishwasher-safe options.

Place Settings and Combinations

Consider the number of place settings you require, as dinnerware sets can range from service for four to service for twelve. Target's dinnerware range, for example, offers various styles, sizes, and combinations to match your needs. They also provide trusted brands like Corelle, Elama, and Fortessa.

Care and Maintenance

When investing in fine china dinnerware, it's important to consider the care and maintenance required. Bone china, for example, may require more delicate handling and care compared to other materials. Be sure to refer to the brand's guide on how to choose and care for your bone china tableware.

In conclusion, when choosing a dinnerware set, consider the material, style, brand, place settings, and care instructions. Fine china dinnerware sets offer a range of options to elevate your dining experience and create lasting memories with family and friends.

Plates, bowls, and serveware

Fine china dinnerware is a popular choice for special occasions, family dinners, and holidays. It is typically made from white clay, making it durable and heavier than regular dinnerware.

When it comes to plates, bowls, and serveware, there are several options available from different brands. Here are some examples:

Macy's offers a range of fine china dinnerware sets, including options from well-known brands such as Vera Wang Wedgwood, Noritake, and Lenox. Their collection features various styles, from Bohemian to modern, and different patterns, colours, and prints, such as floral prints, geometric patterns, and gold or platinum-rimmed designs.

Mikasa offers a variety of fine china dinnerware sets, including the Parchment 40-piece set, the Platinum Crown 40-piece set, and the Kalina Gold 24-piece set. They also offer individual pieces like the Love Story Vegetable Serve Bowl and the Parchment 14-inch Oval Platter.

Wedgwood offers a range of bone china dinnerware, including the Vera Wang Lace Platinum collection. Their tableware collection features bold and beautiful styles, with neutral to floral statement pieces that can be mixed and matched.

Bloomingdale's carries fine china dinnerware from brands like Michael Aram, Philippe Deshoulieres, Mottahedeh, and Bernardaud. They offer modern dinnerware sets with bold hues, classic shades, and fresh patterns for everyday use.

These are just a few examples of the many brands that offer fine china plates, bowls, and serveware. Each brand has its unique styles, patterns, and features, so you can choose the ones that best suit your taste and preferences.

Frequently asked questions