How To Choose Dinnerware For Your Table

Have you ever wondered about how to choose dinnerware for your table? Dinnerware is easily the main attraction of a dining table. It’s so much more than just plates and bowls. It showcases your meals and all your hard work preparing culinary creations in the kitchen.  A well-set table will also set the mood for your entertaining experiences and present your personal style.

There are certainly a great deal of selections and choices you will need to make. Understanding the differences between different types of settings is essential. You might be setting for a formal event or a more casual family birthday celebration. We’ve put together a few tips to get you started on your table styling journey.

What should your dinnerware be made of

There’s no doubt that the type of dinnerware you choose will be the focal point of your table. Before worrying about patterns and colours, have a good think about what material will work best for you. The most common choices here are bone china, melamine, stoneware and porcelain. Ranging from light and durable through to microwave safe and versatile, your choice needs to reflect your lifestyle.

Will your dinnerware be used by children and will you want to clean your plates in a dishwasher? Or would you prefer to handwash and display your best dinnerware in your cabinet in a formal dining room. There are benefits and limitations to all types of dinnerware so consider carefully how you plan to use it.

Styles of dinnerware suited to you

Everyone likes the idea of their table setting being unique and individual. Dinnerware generally comes in such a huge range of styles you’re likely to find something you adore. More formal dinnerware sets are typically made from porcelain or fine bona china. These are the most durable forms of dinnerware available.

Stoneware and melamine are terrific for bringing a more casual vibe to the tabletop. Find a shatter resistant set that best suits your household needs, particularly if you plan to dine outdoors or have young children around.

In terms of actual design, choosing a dinnerware set with a patterned border or rim will add a personalised statement as well as showcasing your spread of food. For more informal dinner gatherings, why not consider a splash of colour to complement your home décor and express your personality. While white is always a classic and no-fail colour, some people love to bring their own piece of individuality to the table.

Of course the more traditional or classic look can be achieved simply by using solid or banded white pieces of dinnerware. They are much more timeless and will amplify the colours of the food you’re serving.

Selecting a set of dinnerware

Once you have decided what material and style is the best fit for you, it’s time to go shopping. Most retailers will stock individual pieces or sets. Individual plates, bowls and cups make it easy to mix and match colours or styles. Buying a complete ready-to-go dinner set can often be a cheaper option although you may need more than one set to cater for all your guests.

Have a think about what pieces you actually want and need. Do you need soup bowls? Do you need entrée plates? Will you need tea cups and saucers? Sometimes buying a ready-made set limits what you can actually take home.

Formal dinnerware is often sold in sets which would include all the pieces you will need for a formal dining experience. You can often buy extra or spare pieces too, in case something breaks. Most place setting sets will include five pieces per person: a dinner plate, salad or dessert plate, bread plate, teacup and saucer. Some sets may include soup bowls too.

Open stock is dinnerware sold as individual pieces. This is super ideal for anyone who only needs a few pieces or wants to mix-and-match. Generally speaking, having an 8-12 place setting dinner set is great way to keep yourself covered for all types of events.

Assessing space considerations

An important consideration before rushing out to buy a stack of plates is the amount of actual space you have available. This isn’t limited to the dining table – what about storage and dishwasher space? You should think about whether you want one set of dinnerware to cater for formal and informal functions or whether you want two different types for different events.

Caring for your new dinnerware

This may be the most important issue when buying new dinnerware. Some dinner set materials required special care which should be well thought out before making your decision. Not all plates are created equal and some cannot go in the dishwasher. Some are not break or chip resistant and will not last around children or outdoors. Microwave proof dishes will also mean you can reheat leftovers without involving more dishes.

Handy tips for keeping dinnerware looking fab

• To remove hard water spots on dinnerware or glasses, you can try soaking pieces in white vinegar for three minutes before rinsing and towel-drying.
• You can easily remove coffee stains from mugs as well as fork marks from plates by rubbing a baking soda and water paste over the area before rinsing and drying.
• Stacking the more frequently-used plates and bowls is okay but if you want to prevent scratching and chipping your fine bone china dinnerware, put it in a padded storage case or with fabric between each piece to keep it safe.

Remember, House & Garden stocks a huge range of dinnerware including ready-made sets and individual pieces. Whether you want classic and formal or modern and blended, we can help if you’re not sure how to choose dinnerware for your table.