The Elegance Of Modern White Plates: Elevating The Dining Experience

White plates are a timeless classic. They are a perfect blank canvas for any meal and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a casual meal at home, white plates will always look elegant and sophisticated.

White plates are also incredibly versatile and can be easily mixed and matched with other colours and patterns to create a unique and eclectic tablescape. They can be paired with wooden serving spoons or black cloth napkins for a modern look, or with muted neutral pottery for a more understated aesthetic.

When choosing white plates, there are a variety of styles and materials to choose from. Porcelain and stoneware are popular options, with some sets featuring handmade pieces that give a rustic, artisanal feel to your table. You can also find white plates in a range of shapes, from classic rounds to contemporary squares.

Whatever your style, white plates are a great choice for any dining occasion.

Dinnerware sets

Ebern Designs Joselynn Ceramic Dinnerware Set

This 16-piece ceramic dinner set includes four bowls, four salad plates, four dinner plates, and four mugs. It is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, making it convenient for everyday use. The glossy solid finish and understated design make it perfect for casual meals or upscale dinner parties.

Staub Ceramic Dinnerware Set

This 12-piece dinnerware set includes all the essential pieces you need, such as dinner plates, cereal bowls, mugs, and more. The stoneware is moisture-resistant and super durable, making it ideal for everyday use. The exterior enamel finish is scratch-resistant and ensures safe stacking. It is also microwave, freezer, and dishwasher-safe.

Latitude Run® Tanglewood 12 Piece Dinnerware Set

This dinnerware set features an exciting artistic effect with soft lines and a unique speckled and edge design. The set includes four 10.5" dinner plates, four 8" salad plates, and four 6" cereal bowls. It is made of durable stoneware and is scratch-resistant and stackable. It is also dishwasher- and microwave-safe, making it a perfect addition to your kitchen and dining table.

Royal Doulton Exclusively For Gordon Ramsay GR Maze Stoneware Dinnerware Set

This 16-piece dinnerware set is designed by world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay and epitomizes performance and presentation. The set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four cereal bowls, and four mugs, all rendered in a beautiful stoneware finish with embossed concentric circles. It is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, making it a great choice for everyday use.

Wazee Matte 16 Piece Dinnerware Set

This modern and minimalist dinnerware set is perfect for adding an understated touch to your dining table. Each piece is crafted from stoneware with a matte finish and is microwave- and dishwasher-safe. The set includes four 10.5" dinner plates, four 8.25" salad plates, four 7.5" dinner bowls, and four oversized mugs. It is a great option for those looking to refresh their plateware.

Wayfair Basics® Burkeville Stoneware Dinnerware Set

This 16-piece dinnerware set is perfect for casual meals and get-togethers, serving four people. It includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four cereal bowls, and four pasta bowls. The stoneware set has a sleek solid hue and a glossy finish, and it is microwave-, oven-, and dishwasher-safe. It is also stackable, making it a space-saving option for your kitchen shelves.

Dinner plate shapes

Dinner plates come in a variety of shapes, including round, square, coupe, triangular, and oblong. Each shape has its own unique characteristics and advantages, depending on the intended use and presentation style. Here is an overview of some popular dinner plate shapes:

• Round Plates: Round plates are the most common and versatile option. They typically have raised edges to prevent food from falling off and are suitable for both casual and formal dining.
• Square Plates: Square plates add a modern touch to your table and are commonly associated with Asian cuisine or contemporary dining. They offer straight, clean lines that complement various cuisines.
• Coupe Plates: Coupe plates, also known as rimless plates, have a smooth, curved edge that slopes gently upwards. This style provides a blank canvas for your food, drawing attention to the dish rather than the plate itself.
• Triangular Plates: Triangular plates offer a unique and playful twist to your table setting. They are ideal for presenting a single item, such as a slice of cake, with a larger space for complementary items on the other end.
• Oblong Plates: Oblong plates include rectangular and oval shapes. They are perfect for certain foods like fish and chips or burgers and can be used in conjunction with other plate shapes for a creative presentation.

Dinnerware materials

When shopping for dinnerware, there are a variety of materials to choose from, each with its own qualities, features, price points, and drawbacks. Here is a guide to the most common types of dinnerware materials to help you make an informed decision.

Earthenware

Earthenware is a type of ceramic that has been glazed and fired. It typically has a thick, heavy, and rustic look and feel. It is often less expensive than other types of dinnerware, but it is also more prone to chipping and not as durable. Hand-painted designs are usually found on earthenware. While most glazed earthenware is dishwasher and microwave safe, it is important to check with the manufacturer, as it is porous and can absorb liquids and stains.

Stoneware

Stoneware is another type of fired ceramic dinnerware. It is created by firing clay at a higher temperature, resulting in a more durable product than earthenware. Stoneware has a thicker and more opaque body, which can be finished with various glaze textures such as shiny, satin, or matte. It is commonly used in casual, everyday place settings and is versatile and easy to maintain. Stoneware can generally be used in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer, but sudden or extreme temperature changes should be avoided. Examples of stoneware brands include Pfaltzgraff, Dansk (Lenox), and Fiesta (Homer Laughlin).

Porcelain and China

Porcelain and China are terms used for dinnerware made from fine-particle clay, typically comprising feldspar, kaolin, and quartz. The clay is fired at a high temperature, resulting in extremely durable and nonporous dinnerware. This process allows for a thinner and more delicately constructed body, giving it an almost translucent appearance. Most fine china and porcelain are dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer. However, china with metal accents should not be microwaved, and citrus-scented detergents may damage these pieces. Porcelain often lends itself to more formal dining occasions due to its upscale look, but it can also be used daily to add elegance to any meal. Examples of porcelain brands include Lenox, Noritake, and Villeroy & Boch.

Bone China

Bone ash, made from animal bones, is combined with porcelain clay and fired at a slightly lower temperature to create bone china. This results in lightweight, delicate, and translucent dinnerware with a milky appearance. Despite its fragile presentation, bone china is the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware. It is generally dishwasher-safe and can be used in the microwave and oven unless it has metallic banding. Bone china can be used daily or reserved for formal dining occasions. Examples of bone china brands include Royal Doulton, Wedgewood, and Mikasa.

Melamine

If you're looking for unbreakable plates, melamine is an excellent option. This plastic material is lightweight, sturdy, inflexible, and has a glossy finish. It is ideal for children and outdoor use, as it is virtually indestructible. Melamine is usually dishwasher-safe on the top rack but should not be used in the microwave or oven, and it should not be heated with food in it. It is also BPA-free. Zak! Designs is a good brand to consider for melamine dinnerware.

Vitrified Glass

Vitrified glass, such as Corelle, is glass that has been fired at ultra-high temperatures to make it nonporous and extremely durable. It is safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave and is virtually indestructible, making it a popular choice for those seeking unbreakable dinnerware.

Dinnerware colours

White dinnerware is a timeless classic. White plates are a perfect base for any meal, as they always look fresh and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. They are also versatile and easy to add to or update.

However, there are endless styles and patterns to choose from when it comes to dinnerware. For example, you could opt for a set of black matte stoneware plates for a luxe look, or play with a monochromatic aesthetic by pairing black dinner dishes with white salad plates and marble serving trays. If you prefer something more eclectic, you can mix in bold colours or decorative china.

If you are looking for something more colourful, there are plenty of options to choose from. For example, the Prado Multicolour Dinnerware Set features a mix of bright colours, while the Cordelia Cobalt Blue Dinnerware Set offers a more subtle pop of colour. For those who want something in between, there are also sets with muted colours, such as the East Fork Pottery set, which comes in colours like eggshell and panna cotta.

You can also opt for dinnerware with interesting patterns and designs. For example, the Isla Indigo Stoneware Dinner Plates from Blue Pheasant feature a bold tie-dye pattern, while the Degrenne L'Econome Starck Porcelain Plates designed by Philippe Starck have a unique lid design.

Ultimately, the dinnerware you choose should reflect your personal style and be versatile enough to work for most occasions.

Dinnerware maintenance

Dinnerware is an essential part of our daily lives, and proper care and maintenance are crucial to ensure their longevity and overall condition. Here are some tips for maintaining your modern white plates:

Proper Handling of Dinner Plates

• Avoid stacking and overcrowding plates as it can lead to cracking, chipping, and scratching.
• Use the correct utensils and practice mindful washing techniques.

Safe Storage of Dinner Plates

• Store plates in a dry, cool area with minimal exposure to sunlight to prevent warping or cracking.
• Use protective dividers, such as felt or foam, between plates to prevent scratches and distribute weight evenly.
• When stacking plates, place the largest plate at the bottom and avoid stacking more than four to six plates together.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Dinner Plates

• Choose mild dish soap and warm water for cleaning. Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals.
• Natural cleaning products like vinegar or baking soda can remove tough stains.
• For dishwasher use, read the user manual, avoid overloading, and use mild detergents to prevent discolouration.
• Inspect plates regularly for chips, cracks, or scratches, and replace them if damaged.

Frequently asked questions