Elegant French Dinnerware: Setting The Perfect Table

French dinnerware is renowned for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. From luxury plates in fine earthenware to exquisite antique dinnerware, French tableware exudes elegance and sophistication. The classic French design showcases a range of styles, from vibrant and chic to simple and refined. French Classics, for example, offers sturdy and resistant porcelain pieces that are perfect for oven-to-table use, while brands like Bernardaud epitomize French porcelain craftsmanship with their world-renowned dinnerware. French Country Dinnerware brings a taste of Provençal charm to your table, with delicate designs and refined European flair. Whether it's vintage fish-shaped plates or rare antique services, French dinnerware adds a special touch to any table setting, enhancing your everyday meals and special occasions alike.

Antique French Dinnerware

When curating your own collection of antique French dinnerware, you can explore a variety of options, including plates, crockery, full dinnerware sets, and fine china. These pieces often feature intricate details, elegant designs, and a unique blend of colours. Here is a guide to help you navigate the captivating world of antique French dinnerware:

Limoges Porcelain:

Limoges, a city in central France, is renowned for its porcelain production. Antique Limoges porcelain dinnerware is highly sought after for its delicate beauty. Pieces can range from plates with hand-painted landscapes and floral motifs to ornate cabinet plates featuring intricate details.

Faience Dinnerware:

Faience, a type of glazed earthenware, was also popular in France. Antique French faience dinnerware can be found in a variety of styles and colours, such as the distinctive Niderviller dinner service coat of arms or the vibrant turquoise and green hues of some oyster plates.

Majolica Dinnerware:

Majolica is a type of earthenware with a glazed finish, often featuring vibrant colours and intricate designs. Antique French Majolica dinnerware can include plates adorned with daffodils or asparagus, adding a touch of whimsy to your table.

Vintage and Antique Plates:

Vintage and antique French plates offer a diverse range of styles. You can find anything from mix-and-match blue and white plates to sets of green and white antique plates by Gien. These plates are perfect for creating a unique tablescape.

Antique Sets:

For a cohesive table setting, consider investing in antique French dinnerware sets. These can include rare black and white seafood services, antique blue and white serving pieces in the Flora pattern by Creil and Montereau, or even a 19th-century Parisian porcelain dessert service in white and gold.

Porcelain Dinnerware

Revol's porcelain plates come in a variety of colours and shapes, including rectangular, round, and square. They are also dishwasher-safe and resistant to chipping and thermal shock, making them a practical choice for any kitchen.

Another renowned French porcelain brand is Bernardaud, which has epitomised French porcelain craftsmanship since 1863. They collaborate with artists, designers, and chefs to create world-renowned dinnerware and decorative objects that showcase the beauty and durability of porcelain.

Pillivuyt is another excellent choice for French porcelain. Since 1818, they have been producing exceptional-quality porcelain that is not only unbeatable in the kitchen but also beautiful on the table.

Whether you choose Revol, Bernardaud, or Pillivuyt, French porcelain dinnerware is sure to enhance your dining experience and add a touch of elegance to your table.

Earthenware

French earthenware dinnerware is known for its beauty and durability, with many vintage and antique pieces still in circulation today. These pieces often feature intricate designs, vibrant colours, and unique shapes, making them highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts.

Etsy is a popular online marketplace for French earthenware, offering a wide range of options, from vintage bowls and plates to antique pitchers and jugs. Some pieces may even date back to the 19th century, showcasing the longevity and timeless appeal of French earthenware.

Faïencerie de Gien is another notable brand that offers French earthenware dinnerware. Their collection includes luxury plates, serving platters, and dessert plates in fine earthenware. These pieces are crafted in France and are designed to enhance everyday meals, adding a touch of elegance to the dining experience.

French Country Dinnerware

Designs and Patterns:

Durability:

When it comes to dinnerware, durability is essential. French Country Dinnerware sets are often made from materials like stoneware, porcelain, or ceramic, which are designed to resist chips and cracks. Many sets are also microwave and dishwasher-safe, making them perfect for everyday use.

Versatility:

Quality and Price:

When investing in a dinnerware set, it is essential to consider both quality and price. Look for sets made with high-quality materials and intricate detailing that will last for years without chipping or fading. You can find reasonably priced options that offer a combination of quality, design, and durability.

Popular Options:

Some popular options for French Country Dinnerware include the Mikasa French Countryside sets, which come in 16-piece and 40-piece variations. These sets feature a simple yet elegant design with gently scalloped edges and a solid white or cream colour. Another popular choice is the Pfaltzgraff French Lace Dinnerware Set, which offers a mix of straight and scalloped edges, along with bead, medallion, and diamond designs.

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, French Country Dinnerware sets will surely elevate your dining experience.

Classic French Dinnerware

The history of Jars dinnerware began with Pierre Jars, who founded a family workshop in the Drôme region, an area renowned for its pottery. Initially creating horticultural pottery using terracotta, the brand evolved over time, incorporating more advanced technologies. In the 1980s, the great-grandchildren of Pierre Jars introduced stoneware paste while modernising production tools and venturing into tableware.

The Jars Tourron line, one of the brand's emblematic collections, showcases cracked glazes with a French touch, inspired by Japanese minimalism and the wabi-sabi philosophy. Each piece is handcrafted with meticulous precision and a passion for the earth and gesture, reflecting the brand's heritage of values.

Another classic French dinnerware option is the Lenox French Perles 4-piece place setting, featuring a luxurious pearl pattern with elegant pearl beading on the rims. Crafted from strong stoneware, this set is designed to prevent breaking, chipping, staining, and fading, ensuring durability and longevity. The set includes a dinner plate, an accent plate, a bowl, and a mug, providing an elegant and attractive dining experience.

French country dinnerware sets are also renowned for their vintage charm and intricate designs. The Northbrook 20-piece dinnerware set, for example, offers the elegance of your grandmother's fine china with the convenience of dishwasher-safe ceramic. Each piece is crafted with care, featuring scroll and bead detailing around the rims, adding a touch of vintage-inspired elegance to any table setting.

Frequently asked questions