Dinnerware Guide

The Dinnerware Guide

From light, casual brunches to full-on extended family feasts, creating the perfect mood for a meal requires the right table settings. To help take your hosting to the next level, we put together an introduction to the essential materials and styles that make a meal memorable.So, pull up a chair and get ready to dig into everything you need to know about dinnerware.

Table talk:

It Takes Two

When building your dinnerware collection, it’s best to start with one set for everyday use and a separate set for entertaining.

How to Choose the Right Dinnerware Material

  • Bone China

    Bone China

    This sophisticated material can be found on the most upscale tables around the world. It’s famous for its warm white hue that’s almost milky in appearance. Don’t let its light weight fool you, though—it’s actually the strongest type of china and is also both dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
  • Porcelain

    Porcelain

    Durable and nonporous, these refined clay pieces are ideal for both elevated and everyday occasions. They’re also typically dishwasher- and microwave-safe, although any styles that include metallic accents make the microwave off‑limits.
  • Stoneware

    Stoneware

    As one of the oldest types of traditional ceramics, this dishwasher- and microwave-safe material is often used for collections that have a slightly more casual or rustic vibe. Heftier than porcelain or bone china, it’s also chip-resistant.
  • Melamine

    Melamine

    When it comes to entertaining outdoors, opt for these low-maintenance, shatter-proof plates that mimic the look of ceramics but are actually made from resin. While they can be cleaned in the dishwasher, the high temperatures used in microwaves and conventional ovens can cause melamine pieces to warp or melt.

Table talk:

Party of Eight

Eight place settings will cover most meals, but then you should add on more based on the number of family and friends you plan to regularly host.

How to set a table

Now that you know how to pick the right dinnerware material, let’s move on to the second course: place settings. Whether you’re preparing a five-star, formal affair for guests or just looking for a way to make everyday meals extra special, these are the pieces everyone needs to perfect the presentation for every occasion.
The Traditional Standard

Your largest family gatherings, most sophisticated dinner parties, or even an elevated date night for two, all require bringing your finest to the table. That means not only your best set of dinnerware, but also all these refined styles that add an air of timeless grace to every course.

  1. Water Glass
  2. Bread Plate
  3. Soup Spoon
  4. Salad Fork
  5. Dinner Fork
  6. Dinner Plate
  7. Salad Plate
  8. Charger
  9. Dinner Knife
  10. Teaspoon
  11. Saucer
  12. Teacup
  13. White Wine Glass
  14. Red Wine Glass
The Modern Update

For occasions that call for a little less ritual, keep it simple yet stylish with these versatile pieces. Sometimes all it takes is layering your dinner plates with chargers and getting out the good glassware to give your table that extra tasteful touch.

  1. Coffee Mug
  2. Dinner Fork
  3. Dinner Plate
  4. Charger
  5. Pasta Bowl
  6. Water Glass
  7. Wine Glass
  8. Dinner Knife
  9. Tablespoon

Table talk:

Mix It Up

A collection of timeless white plates should be the center of every host’s dinnerware collection,but it’s also just the beginning. Add in colorful or patterned pieces from other sets to create visually interesting, multilayered place settings.
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