Beside the food dinnerware is the main attraction of any dining table. Which is why choosing the right tableware can feel like a daunting process.
Making sure you have the pieces that suit your style, the way you eat as a family or entertain, selecting the right pieces that will perform well at home and ensuring you're choosing items that are worth your investment.
To help you navigate the sea of options, we have some tips below to help you choose the best tableware set for your purposes.
Material
To ensure you make the right investment and to know what you are buying it is extremely vital to get familiar with the materials used in dinnerware.
Bone China is a lightweight, beautiful and strong tableware material. It is made from a mixture of China clay and Bone ash. It an extremely elegant and its high-quality ceramic material makes it highly durable and the perfect choice for everyday as well as a special occasion dinnerware. Bone china and fine china are typically microwave safe, dishwasher safe and oven safe.
Stoneware manufacturing process has a special finishing glaze that they add to the tableware at the end. This adds a layer sheen, shine which gives a smooth look to the material and impermeable finish. Its fully vitrified which give its strength, durability and makes it chip resistance. Stoneware is strong material however if you opt for it be careful not to expose it to high heat or freezing temperatures.
Porcelain is similar in strength to stoneware and has a more translucent body and a cool blue, white colour. It is a versatile material that has a non-porous surface and incredible durability which makes it capable of high firing temperatures dishwasher, microwave and oven-safe (however if the piece contains a metallic accent, do not use it in the microwave)
Dinnerware Setting
Purchasing the right dinnerware relies on a variety of factors, which includes what your personal needs may be. You may want to have one set for everyday use and another for special occasions and holidays. Dinnerware comes in various designs ranging from causal to formal to everything in between. Formal dinnerware sets are perfect for special occasions as they include all the pieces that one person would need at the table - a dinner plate, salad or dessert plate and bowls. Some sets may teacup and saucer. These sets are ideal for individual or couples who like to host upscale dinner parties and formal gatherings.
Choose durable dinnerware sets for everyday use, shatter-resistant options for kids and outdoor parties. Open stock dinnerware is ideal for anyone who only needs a few pieces or someone who wants to mix-and-match within a collection as these are sold piece-by-piece.
Style
Beyond formal and casual design considerations, dinnerware sets can be further divided into styles, some of which are solid, banded and patterned. Consider blending your personal style and what will suit your home when it comes to selecting your dinnerware style. When it comes to formal dinnerware you might choose a neutral such as white or ivory. Colors, patterns and mix and match style are great casual dinnerware.
Selecting the right dinnerware is open to your personal interpretation. Whether you choose formal dinnerware or casual dinnerware, choose a dinnerware you love and that gives you the ideal opportunity to brighten up a table