Whether you’re moving into a house for the first time or just fancy a refresh of what you already have, it can be a tough choice in regards to what you buy. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your home, so you want to ensure what you buy is practical and also suits your style and budget. One important element to get right is your dinnerware.
Dinnerware, also known as tableware, is any dish or dishware that is used for dining. This includes things used to serve food, set the table and decorative items. Here at Luxware, we love dinnerware, so have put together this helpful guide to buying dinnerware. Read on to find out more.
What Is Dinnerware Used For?
When talking about dinnerware, people might assume this only refers to setting the table for a fancy dinner party or event. But your dinnerware can be used every single day, whether you’re dining by yourself or hosting guests. A dinnerware set is a great way to bring synergy to your dining table, with every table setting being identical or similar, presenting a united image.
Dinnerware has a vast history and often varies from culture to culture. Some cultures limit the dinnerware they use, while some actively promote a dining table with a plethora of dishes, cutlery and accessories. Special occasions are usually telegraphed by using higher quality tableware, such as finer materials or patterns than your typical dishes. This is why many people have two sets of dinnerware, one for everyday use and one for special occasions.
Dinnerware is typically made from ceramic materials such as stoneware or earthenware. Nowadays a lot more materials are used such as plastic, glass, wood and metals, but stoneware and earthenware are definitely the most popular materials. Finer materials such as bone china or porcelain are typically used for fancier dinnerware sets, as they allow for intricate patterns and a stunning finish.
A Brief History Of Dinnerware
The earliest examples of dinnerware are hard to find, as wood was the most common material used in prehistoric times, and has not survived well over time. Precious metals and porcelain were used by higher-ups in ancient times, with pewter tableware commonly used by the less well-off. The greater the wealth a person had usually reflected the quality of the dinnerware they had.
For quite some time silver was seen as the most fashionable material to have dinnerware made of, with French silver being extremely popular in all the courts of Europe until the late 1700s. Then porcelain became the norm of aristocratic dining, and the development of earthenware led to this being popular with the working class. Hot drinks actually led to a big development, with ceramic becoming a popular material for that kind of dinnerware.
In terms of cutlery, the knife was the first of these tools to be developed, as many would carry a knife on their person in their day-to-day life for other uses. Forks and spoons were seen as tools of the wealthy, as they were deemed non-essential items for much of civilization. The Romans began to use spoons frequently and this led to them becoming more common, with the fork only becoming prominent around the 16th century.
How To Choose A New Cookware Set
Now that you’ve found out a bit more about dinnerware, here are some tips to help you choose your new dishes.
Material
There has been a lot of talk already about the materials used in dinnerware and how this has changed over the years. Nowadays you can find dinnerware sets in many materials, so here is a bit more about a few of the most common.
- Earthenware - Earthenware is a weighty material that is sturdy and brings a casual vibe to your dining table.
- Fine China - Fine China is a smart and classic choice for dinnerware, evoking a sophisticated atmosphere. You have to be careful though, as fine china can break very easily if mishandled.
- Bone China - Bone china is a very elegant choice for dinnerware that is both lightweight and elegant. It is chip resistant and unlike fine China can typically be put in the microwave and the dishwasher.
- Stoneware - Stoneware is great for everyday use, being extremely durable and will commonly have a finishing glaze that will make it look great. It may require hand-washing depending on how the design has been applied.
Melamine - Melamine is great if you are concerned about your dinnerware breaking or chipping. It is also easy to clean, being typically dishwasher safe.
Style
You want to consider the style of the dinnerware you want, as this is where you can incorporate your own personal touch. Formal sets such as china and porcelain usually come in brilliant designs, so you can wow guests with a lovely print. Earthenware or melamine are more casual options, so are great for youngsters. A lot of people go for two styles of dinnerware, a fancier set and something for more casual use.
The style of dinnerware is typically divided into four style categories. These are solid, banded, patterned and hand-painted. Hand-painted designs are great for showing an individual flare, while banded designs give a pop of colour while still allowing the food to be showcased.
You want your dinnerware to last a long time, so a good rule of thumb is to go with more traditional designs rather than something that is trendy at the time. You may not want to use trendy dinnerware in a few years' time when it is no longer popular, but classic designs will stand the test of time.
Size
A big contributing factor is going to be the size of the dinnerware set. You can normally find sets for 4, 6, 8 and 12 people, but if you want a different number than this you might need to find a bespoke set. A dinnerware set will usually include a dinner plate, salad plate, teacup and a saucer, but the exact contents might change from set to set. The most common is usually a 20-piece set, which is enough dinnerware for 4 people.
Formal dinnerware is often sold in place settings, containing all that one person would need. This is an ideal option if you’re only looking to buy a certain amount of products, instead of the number that most sets come in. You can also buy open stock, which is dinnerware sold in pieces, perfect for those who want to mix and match or need to replace a single piece.
Caring For Your Dinnerware
When buying your dinnerware, you should consider if you can care for it properly, as some require special care. Some are not dishwasher safe and require careful hand washing. You also have to store materials such as china carefully, as they are very easy to chip or scratch.
Luxury Dinner Sets From Luxware Ltd
Now that you know everything you need to know about buying new dinnerware, it’s time to shop! Check out the great selection of luxury dinner sets we have available at Luxware. We stock a vast range of dinnerware sets for 4, 6 or 12 people, and you can find a perfect style to suit you. Not sure where to start? If you’re looking for a set for 6 people we love this Kutahya Moderna 24 Piece Dinnerware Set, or if you’re looking for a 12-person set check out the stylish patterns on the Massimo Cream 60 Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set.
Complete your tableware by checking out our excellent choice of table accessories, with everything from coasters and napkin holders to cake domes and bread baskets. With free shipping on orders above £50 and great sale items available, shop with Luxware today!
If you have questions about any of our products, get in touch with us today or ring us at 07384 782 020.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.