The Beauty Of Neutral Dishware: Elevating Your Dining Experience

Neutral dish sets are a versatile choice for any dining table. While they may be muted in colour, they come in a variety of unique styles. For a traditional tabletop, opt for a white dish set with clean lines or delicate details. For an organic feel, consider an off-white or pale grey set of dinner plates with free-form edges to give each piece a handmade look. If you're after a more modern appeal, square dish sets in neutral colours contrast nicely with black flatware and serveware for a clean, contemporary aesthetic.

Dinnerware Materials

When choosing a neutral dish set, there are several materials to consider. Each material has its own qualities, features, price points, and drawbacks. Here is an overview of some of the most common materials used for dinnerware:

Porcelain

Porcelain is a type of ceramic that is fired at very high temperatures, making it harder and more durable than other types of ceramics. It is made from fine particle clay, which gives it a smooth and glossy finish. Porcelain dinnerware is typically white or off-white and can be used in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer. It is known for its elegant and formal appearance, making it suitable for special occasions or everyday use.

Stoneware

Stoneware is another type of ceramic that is fired at high temperatures, but it is less delicate than porcelain due to its coarse-grain clay composition. Stoneware dinnerware usually has a thicker and more opaque body, and it can be finished with various glaze textures such as shiny, satin, or matte. It is commonly used for casual, everyday place settings and is versatile and easy to maintain. Stoneware is typically microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer-safe, but it may discolour over time.

Bone China

Bone china is a type of porcelain that includes bone ash, giving it a lightweight, delicate feel, and a translucent appearance. Despite its fragile presentation, bone china is the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware. It is also microwave, dishwasher, and oven-safe, unless it has metallic banding. Bone china is often used for formal dining occasions but can also be used daily.

Earthenware

Earthenware is a type of ceramic that is fired at lower temperatures than porcelain and stoneware. It has a rustic look and feel but is more fragile and prone to chipping and cracking. Earthenware is typically red or orange in colour and is the heaviest type of dinnerware. It should not be used in the microwave or dishwasher as it is more porous and may stain or absorb liquid.

Melamine

Melamine is a lightweight and sturdy plastic material that is virtually indestructible, making it ideal for children and outdoor use. It has a glossy finish and is usually dishwasher-safe, but it should not be used in the microwave or oven. Melamine dinnerware is a good option for those seeking an unbreakable and affordable alternative to ceramic or porcelain.

Vitrified Glass

Vitrified glass is glass that has been fired at ultra-high temperatures, making it nonporous and extremely durable. It is safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave and is a good choice for those seeking shatter-resistant dinnerware.

Dinnerware Sets

Neutral dinnerware sets are a versatile choice for your dining table, and there are many options to choose from. Here are some suggestions for neutral dinnerware sets to elevate your dining experience:

Amazon Basics 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

This classic white dinnerware set is an excellent choice for those seeking a timeless and contemporary look. The set includes dinner plates, side plates, bowls, and mugs, making it perfect for everyday use or formal gatherings. Made from durable porcelain, the dishes are lightweight yet sturdy and safe for use in the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher. While the plates are not all of the same thickness, and the finish may have minor imperfections, this set offers excellent value for money.

West Elm Textured Stoneware Dinnerware

If you're looking for neutral dinnerware with a twist, consider the West Elm Textured Stoneware collection. This set features a warm cream colour and unique textured patterns on each piece, bringing visual interest to your table. The heavyweight and delicate stoneware includes dinner plates, side plates, bowls, and mugs, and while it may be prone to chipping, it is scratch-resistant and safe for use in the dishwasher.

Fable New York Colorful Bamboo Dinnerware

For an eco-friendly and durable option, Fable's bamboo dinnerware set is an excellent choice. Made from organic bamboo fibre, non-GMO corn starch, and a touch of melamine, this set offers a modern and cheerful look. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, pasta bowls, and cereal bowls, and you have the option to mix and match colours within the set. While the finish may feel a bit papery, the dishes are scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and dishwasher-safe, making them perfect for everyday use.

Gibson Soho Lounge 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

The Gibson Soho Lounge set offers a stylish and contemporary option with its modern grey tone and slightly squared edges. The set includes plates, bowls, and mugs, all of which are microwave and dishwasher-safe. This set is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable yet elegant dinnerware collection.

Stone Lain 32-Piece Stoneware Round Dinnerware Set

This large dinnerware set from Stone Lain offers excellent value for money with its 32 pieces. The dishes feature a green and cream colour scheme with speckles, creating a balance between trendy and classic designs. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and cups, all of which are microwave, oven, and dishwasher-safe.

Crate & Barrel Collections

Crate & Barrel offers a wide range of neutral dinnerware sets to suit various styles and preferences. From matte and minimalist designs to rustic and coastal looks, you can find sets made from durable porcelain or stoneware. Their collections often include dinner plates, side plates, bowls, and mugs, and some sets are also oven-safe and chip-resistant.

These suggestions provide a range of options for neutral dinnerware sets, allowing you to choose one that best suits your needs, style, and budget.

Dinnerware Shapes

Some common shapes of dinnerware include:

• Dinner plates: Used for serving main courses, these are typically 9-11" in diameter and can have either a rimmed or rimless design.
• Salad plates: Similar to dinner plates, these are smaller, ranging from 6-8" in diameter, and can be used for salads or desserts.
• Luncheon plates: Usually 8-9" in diameter, these are perfect for breakfast, lunch, sandwiches, snacks, and desserts.
• Bread and butter plates: Resembling salad plates, these are used for serving bread, butter, and whipped butter, and sometimes desserts. They are generally 5-7" in diameter.
• Dessert/pie plates: Often similar in size to salad plates, these plates usually feature more decoration than dinner plates.
• Fruit/dessert bowls: Typically 4-6" in diameter, these bowls can be used for serving individual portions of fruit, nuts, and ice cream.
• Soup bowls: These come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including coupe and rimmed designs, and are used for serving soup, salad, or pasta.
• Mugs: Perfect for a morning cup of coffee or tea, mugs are an informal alternative to a cup and saucer set.

Dinnerware Patterns

Dinnerware is more than just vessels for holding and serving food. They are an extension of your style and help create the ambiance for any occasion. Choosing a dinnerware collection allows your choice of dish colour to make a statement about your aesthetic.

Patterns and Colours

Neutral plate collections come in a variety of unique styles. If you prefer a traditional tabletop, opt for a white dish set with clean lines or delicate details. For an organic feel, consider an off-white or pale grey set of dinner plates with free-form edges to give each piece a handmade look. For a modern appeal, square dish sets contrast nicely with black flatware and serveware for a clean, contemporary aesthetic.

Materials

The right material makes it easier to fit your choice of dinner plate sets into your typical kitchen routine and aesthetic. Stoneware plates feature naturalistic design details that go perfectly with a rustic vibe, and porcelain dinnerware is a classic pick that comes in contemporary styles perfect for everyday use. Ceramic is one of the most common dinnerware materials, but the types of ceramic and its quality can vary dramatically. Porcelain is made from clay that has been fired at high temperatures and is typically white and shiny. Bone china is a type of porcelain that has bone mixed in, giving it a slightly translucent look and making it lighter in weight. Earthenware is made from clay and has a more porous surface than stoneware, giving it a rugged, handmade feel.

Dinnerware Sets

Most dinnerware sets come in a four-piece place setting: two plates, a bowl, and a mug. Larger settings with even more plates exist but are rare, typically found in high-end sets, and can include items like teacups, bread plates, and chargers. Basic dinnerware sets include a dinner plate and bowl and at least one or two other pieces, such as a salad plate and/or a coffee mug.

Dinnerware Maintenance

Dinnerware is an investment, and proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of your dishes. Here are some tips for keeping your dinnerware in top condition:

Proper Handling of Dinnerware

Avoid stacking and overcrowding your dishes. Stacking can lead to cracking, chipping, and scratching. Instead, store your dinnerware in a way that allows for ample space and prevents pressure or weight on the plates.

Safe Storage of Dinnerware

• Suitable storage space: Store your dinnerware in a dry, cool area with minimal sunlight exposure. A cupboard or pantry is ideal, but ensure the space is well-ventilated to prevent mould or mildew growth.
• Using protective dividers: Place protective dividers, such as felt, foam, or cardboard, between each plate to prevent scratches and distribute weight evenly.
• Proper stacking techniques: When stacking plates, place the largest plate at the bottom and work your way up with smaller plates. Avoid stacking too many plates together, as it can cause pressure and damage the bottom plates. Limit stacking to four to six plates.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Dinnerware

• Choosing the right cleaning products: Opt for mild dish soap and warm water when cleaning your dinnerware. Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals, as they can scratch and damage the surface. Natural cleaning products like vinegar or baking soda are great for removing tough stains and odours.
• Safe dishwasher practices: Read the user's manual before loading your dishwasher to ensure safe operation. Avoid overloading, as it can cause dishes to bang against each other and lead to damage. Also, be mindful of the operation temperature and detergent strength, as high temperatures and strong detergents can harm your dishes.
• Periodic inspection for damage: Regularly inspect your dinnerware for chips, cracks, or scratches. If you notice any damage, stop using the affected pieces and consider replacing them.

Frequently asked questions