Dinnerware Sets: Elevate Your Table

Dinnerware sets the stage for memorable meals and offers an opportunity to express your personal style. A great set will bring a touch of class to any dinner table and remain in fashion for years, all while withstanding the rigors of daily use.

There are a few key factors to consider when choosing the best dinnerware set for you. Firstly, what is it made of? Dinnerware comes in a variety of materials, ranging in heft and durability. Ceramic dinnerware is an excellent material across the board: it's durable, easy to clean, and has some weight but isn't overly heavy. Stoneware tends to be thicker, resistant to heat, and dishwasher-friendly, but it is substantial. Those with mobility issues or young children may prefer more lightweight materials, like vitrified glass.

Secondly, what sizes or specific shapes should you look for? For a typical place setting, you'll want a dinner plate, salad plate, and some type of bowl. A dinner plate is about 10 inches in diameter, a salad or appetizer plate ranges from 7 to 8.5 inches, while a bowl can vary in size depending on its shape. If you serve a lot of pasta, you may opt for shallow and wide pasta bowls, whereas if you tend to serve more soup or only use bowls at breakfast, a narrower and taller cereal bowl may be more your speed.

Finally, any tips on how to decide on a style? Everyone has their own preference when it comes to style, so you may want to start by considering what your design aesthetic might be. If you prefer sleek lines and pastel or neutral colours, you may want a more modern or contemporary dinnerware set. Homes that have more stately dining rooms might do better with traditionally styled, formal tableware.

- Fable Ceramic Dinnerware Set: This is a durable, versatile, and easy-to-care-for set. It has a minimalist, organic aesthetic: white stoneware with little dark speckles that add an artisanal feel.

- Mainstays Glazed White Stoneware Dinnerware Set: This is a great budget option, offering excellent value per piece. It's lightweight and easy to maintain, but you can't add individual pieces.

- Corelle Winter Frost White 16-piece Mugless Dinnerware Set: This is a good option for large families. It's lightweight, goes with everything, and is easy to maintain and affordable. However, the design may be too plain for some.

- Sango Siterra Mixed Speckled 16-Piece Dinnerware Set: This stoneware set offers a cute, colourful, handmade, rustic aesthetic. It features a grooved surface and speckled glaze. It's also microwave and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

- Gibson Home Everyday Round Dinnerware Set: This is a good option for entertaining. It feels more expensive than it is and it's easy to clean and durable. However, it might be too plain for some.

- Fortessa Los Cabos Textured Glass Dinnerware: This glass dinnerware set offers a beautiful array of colours and a nice weight and thickness. It's also dishwasher-safe, but it's not microwave or oven-safe.

- West Elm Organic Porcelain Dinner Plate Sets: These porcelain plates have interestingly asymmetrical shapes and the flexibility to build the set to your needs. However, they don't come as an entire place setting and hand washing is recommended.

- Pillivuyt Plisse Porcelain 16-Piece Dinnerware Set: This is a traditional, elegant, and durable set. It's made of high-fired porcelain and is meant to last for generations. However, it is expensive and you'll need to buy more bowls.

- The Pioneer Woman Cowgirl Lace 12-Piece Dinnerware Set: This is a good option for the holidays. It has a festive, but not overly kitschy, look. It's made of stoneware and comes in light blue, linen, plum, red, or teal.

Porcelain vs. Stoneware

Porcelain and stoneware are two types of ceramics that have been used for making dinnerware for centuries. Both are made from clay and are fired at extremely high temperatures, but there are some key differences between the two materials. Here are four to six paragraphs comparing porcelain and stoneware in terms of their composition, aesthetics, manufacturing process, durability, and typical use.

Composition:

Porcelain is made from an extremely fine, special type of clay called kaolin, which is a primary clay mined directly from the site of decomposed granite. It has a low amount of iron and titanium, giving it a creamy white colour and a glossy finish. Stoneware, on the other hand, is typically made from secondary clays like ball clay, fire clay, or other secondary clays that have travelled some distance from their parent rock, picking up contaminants like iron along the way. This gives stoneware a grey or earthy colour.

Aesthetics:

One of the most obvious differences between porcelain and stoneware is their physical appearance. Porcelain is known for its smooth, creamy finish and milky white colour, while stoneware tends to have a more rustic, earthy look with colours like grey, brown, or beige. Porcelain often has a degree of translucency, while stoneware is usually opaque. The aesthetic qualities of both materials depend on the quality of the clay, manufacturing techniques, and craftsmanship.

Manufacturing:

Both porcelain and stoneware are fired at very high temperatures, typically around 2200°F. They also undergo vitrification, a process that converts them into a glass-like substance with zero water absorption. However, stoneware sometimes undergoes only partial vitrification and requires glazing to prevent porosity. Porcelain, on the other hand, is always completely vitrified and is often exposed to high temperatures multiple times, resulting in its glossy, hard texture. Glazing is usually added to porcelain for decorative purposes rather than functionality.

Durability:

Despite their differences, both porcelain and stoneware are very durable materials due to the heat-intensive conditions in which they are made. The extreme temperatures cause the clay particles to crowd together, making it more difficult for the finished product to break apart. However, porcelain undergoes the process of vitrification more consistently than stoneware, making the latter slightly more susceptible to breakage. Both materials can be damaged by nicking or chipping, and sudden temperature changes can also cause cracks or breakage.

Typical Use:

Porcelain is typically considered a more formal or special occasion dinnerware due to its elegant, refined appearance. It is often passed down through generations as a family heirloom and is a popular choice for gifts for newlyweds, holidays, and anniversaries. Stoneware, with its rustic and understated appearance, is often used for more casual gatherings or everyday occasions. It is seen as a functional, durable option for daily use.

Dinnerware Materials

Dinnerware is made from a variety of materials, each with its own qualities, features, price points, and drawbacks. Here is an overview of some of the most common materials used in dinnerware:

Earthenware

Earthenware is a type of ceramic that has been glazed and fired. It tends to have a thick, heavy, and rustic look and feel. It is often less expensive than other types of dinnerware, but it is also less durable and more prone to chipping. Hand-painted designs are typically found on earthenware. This material is porous and can stain or absorb liquid, so it should not be left submerged in water. Most glazed earthenware is dishwasher and microwave safe, but it is always good to check with the manufacturer first.

Stoneware

Stoneware is another type of fired ceramic dinnerware. The clay is fired at a higher temperature and usually contains vitreous (glass) material, making it more durable than earthenware. Stoneware has a thicker and more opaque body than finer materials like porcelain and china, and it can be finished with a variety of glaze textures such as shiny, satin, or matte. Stoneware is commonly used in casual, everyday place settings and is typically safe for use in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer. However, it should not be exposed to sudden or extreme temperature changes. Examples of stoneware brands include Pfaltzgraff, Dansk (Lenox), and Fiesta (Homer Laughlin).

Porcelain and China

Porcelain and china are made from a fine-particle clay that is fired at a high temperature, resulting in extremely durable and nonporous dinnerware. This process allows the body to be thinner and more delicately constructed, giving it a translucent appearance and allowing for shaped details. Most fine china and porcelain are dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer. However, china with gold, silver, or platinum borders should not be microwaved, and lemon or citrus-scented detergent can damage metal accents. Many people choose to hand-wash their metal-accented porcelain dishes. Porcelain often has an upscale look, making it suitable for formal dining occasions, but it can also be used daily. Examples of porcelain and china brands include Lenox, Noritake, Villeroy & Boch, Royal Doulton, Wedgewood, and Mikasa.

Bone China

Bone ash, made from animal bones, is combined with porcelain clay and fired at a slightly lower temperature to produce bone china. This material is very lightweight, delicate, and translucent, with a milky appearance. Despite its fragile appearance, bone china is the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware. It is typically 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 occasions. Examples of bone china brands include Royal Doulton, Wedgewood, and Mikasa.

Melamine

Melamine is a plastic material that is lightweight, sturdy, inflexible, and has a glossy finish. It is virtually indestructible, making it ideal for children and outdoor use. 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. This material is BPA-free. Zak! Designs is a popular brand for melamine dinnerware.

Vitrified Glass

Vitrified glass, such as Corelle, is glass that has been fired at an ultra-high temperature to make it nonporous and extremely durable. It is safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave and is virtually indestructible—it will not break or chip even when dropped onto a hard floor.

Dinnerware Sets for Large Families

When it comes to dinnerware sets for large families, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want a set that is durable and can withstand everyday use. Look for dinnerware that is scratch-resistant and made from materials such as porcelain, stoneware, or bone china. You may also want to opt for a set that is dishwasher- and microwave-safe for added convenience.

Secondly, consider the size of the set. For a large family, you'll likely need a set that serves more than the standard four people. Look for sets that include multiple place settings, or opt for open-stock dinnerware so you can purchase additional pieces as needed.

• Gibson Home Zen Buffet Porcelain Chip and Scratch Resistant Dinnerware Set, Service for 4 (16pcs), White: This set is made of durable porcelain and is chip and scratch-resistant. It includes service for four, with dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, and mugs.
• Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Service for 6 Dinnerware Set, Triple Layer Glass and Chip Resistant, Lightweight Round Plates and Bowls Set, Winter Frost White: This set is made of triple-layer glass, which is durable and chip-resistant. It includes service for six, with dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls.
• Gibson Elite Matisse 16 Piece Double Bowl Dinnerware Set, Cobalt Blue, Service for 4 (16pcs): This set features a beautiful cobalt blue design and is made of durable materials. It includes service for four, with dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, and mugs.
• Williams Sonoma Apilco Porcelain Dinnerware Set: This set is made of durable porcelain and is scratch- and stain-resistant. It is available in different configurations, including sets of 5, 16, and 20 pieces.
• Fable Base Dinnerware Set: This set is made of stoneware, which is a durable material. It includes service for four, with dinner plates, salad plates, large pasta bowls, and small breakfast bowls.
• Lenox Blue Bay 12-Piece Dinnerware Set: This set features a beautiful organic, wavy design and is made of durable porcelain. It includes service for four, with dinner plates, dessert plates, and bowls.

Dinnerware Styles

Stoneware

Stoneware is a popular choice for dinnerware due to its durability and earthy aesthetic. Stoneware is made from clay fired at high temperatures, resulting in a dense and sturdy material. It often has a glazed finish, which can add a glossy or matte sheen to the pieces. Stoneware is generally dishwasher and microwave safe, making it a convenient option for everyday use. Some popular stoneware dinnerware sets include the Heath Ceramics Rim Line, East Fork Pottery, and Bennington Potters Classic Dinnerware.

Porcelain

Porcelain dinnerware offers a more elegant and refined look to your table. It is made from a type of ceramic that is fired at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a strong and non-porous material. Porcelain dinnerware is known for its smooth, glossy surface and translucent appearance. It is often white or cream-colored, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Porcelain dinnerware sets to consider include the Fable Ceramic Dinnerware Set, Williams Sonoma Open Kitchen 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, and West Elm Organic Porcelain Dinner Plate Sets.

Glass

Glass dinnerware is a lightweight and durable option that can add a modern touch to your table. It is made from tempered glass, which is strong and resistant to chipping and cracking. Glass dinnerware is usually clear or translucent, allowing your food to take center stage. It is also a budget-friendly option, making it perfect for those who are looking for an affordable yet stylish set. Some popular glass dinnerware sets include the Corelle Winter Frost White 16-piece Mugless Dinnerware Set and Fortessa Los Cabos Textured Glass Dinnerware.

Bone China

Bone china is a type of porcelain that is made with bone ash, giving it a unique translucent appearance and an incredibly strong and durable finish. It is known for its thin, lightweight construction, making it a elegant choice for formal dining. Bone china dinnerware sets are often white or cream-colored, but they can also be found in a variety of colors and patterns. Some popular bone china dinnerware sets include the Mikasa Delray Collection, Wedgwood White Collection, and Villeroy & Boch Artesano 4-Piece Place Setting.

Traditional Styles

Traditional dinnerware styles often feature ornate details such as scalloped rims, beading, or basketweave patterns. These sets usually have a classic or vintage look, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or formal dinners. Traditional dinnerware sets can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, bone china, or stoneware. Some popular traditional dinnerware sets include the Pillivuyt Plisse Porcelain 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, The Pioneer Woman Cowgirl Lace 12-Piece Dinnerware Set, and Williams Sonoma Brasserie Porcelain 16-Piece Dinnerware Set.

Modern Styles

Modern dinnerware sets often feature clean lines, simple designs, and solid colors. They are perfect for those who want a sleek and contemporary look for their table. Modern dinnerware can be made from a variety of materials, but porcelain and stoneware are popular choices. Some modern dinnerware sets to consider include the Fable Ceramic Dinnerware Set, Hawkins New York Essential Stoneware Dinnerware, and Gibson Home Everyday Round Dinnerware Set.

Dinnerware Maintenance

• Washing: Most dinnerware sets are dishwasher-safe, but always check the manufacturer's instructions. If handwashing is required, use mild dish soap, warm water, and a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid harsh scrub brushes and abrasive cleaners.
• Storing: Store your dinnerware safely to prevent chipping and scratching. Use dividers or soft padding to separate pieces and avoid stacking too many items on top of each other.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Don't subject your dinnerware to sudden temperature changes. Use trivets or heat-resistant mats when placing hot dishes on the table. Don't put cold dinnerware into a hot oven or microwave.
• Handle with Care: Be gentle when handling your dinnerware to avoid unnecessary force or impact. Use non-abrasive utensils made of wood, silicone, or plastic to prevent scratches.
• Stain Prevention: Rinse your dinnerware immediately after use to remove food residue. For stubborn stains, soak the affected pieces in warm water with a gentle dishwashing detergent before washing.
• Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your dinnerware for chips, cracks, or glaze imperfections. Discontinue use of any damaged pieces to prevent further issues.

Frequently asked questions