Dinnerware brings beauty and personality to all types of settings, from casual family meals to formal dinner parties. Learn about the different dinnerware materials available, as well as a few helpful tips for choosing the perfect set.
Materials for Dinnerware Sets
Dinnerware sets come in a wide range of materials. Each type offers distinct benefits. Here are some options:
•Melamine: Melamine dish sets are perfect for outdoor use because they’re shatterproof and break-resistant. While melamine plate sets are dishwasher-safe, they’re not microwave- or
oven-safe dishes.
• Porcelain: Porcelain provides a non-porous, glassy surface that brings elegance to a variety of occasions. These dish sets are durable and typically safe for dishwashers, microwaves and ovens. If your porcelain dinner plates have metallic accents, avoid putting them in the microwave.
• Bone China: Bone china is similar to porcelain, but it offers a more translucent appearance. Despite its delicate appearance, bone china is one of the strongest materials available. It’s chip-resistant and usually dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
• Earthenware: Earthenware is one of the oldest materials used for dinnerware. It provides substantial weight, value and a casual, rustic look.
A gray dinnerware set made of earthenware is a neutral choice that works in multiple decors. Earthenware plate sets are more prone to chipping than other materials.
• Stoneware: Stoneware is more durable than earthenware because it includes glass material for extra strength and chip resistance. Like earthenware, stoneware dish sets are ideal for everyday use. A
teal dinnerware set made of stoneware can help boost the casual appeal of a meal.
Tips for Dinnerware Sets• There are hundreds of styles available for dinnerware sets. Think about your decor and the occasions you’ll use your kitchen dinnerware set for. Neutral colors such as white and ivory are always timeless. For a bolder option, shop for
patterned dinnerware sets.
• Dinnerware sets are sold either as boxed sets or individual place settings. Boxed sets, particularly 16- and 20-piece sets, are ideal if you’re looking for value. Dinnerware sold in place settings features all the pieces one person needs at a dinner table. The most common variety is a 5-piece place setting, which includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bread plate, teacup and saucer.
• If you use dinnerware infrequently, consider getting china protector storage containers to ensure they don’t get dusty or damaged.
Whether you use them every day or only on special occasions, dinnerware sets help bring personal style and functionality to any dining experience.
