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Dinnerware is a term that describes a set of dishes such as plates, bowls, platters and other tableware used to serve a meal.  However, dinnerware is actually more than just to serve meals.  The lifestyle evolution has made dining today a far cry from yesteryears. The dinnerware set plays a role in a social context in that it reflects the style, taste and confidence of the host.  So whether you are picking casual dinner plates for everyday use or planning to buy a dinner service for your trousseau to be handed down to your daughters thus becoming a family heirloom or to give as gift to your friends or children, you will want to know what are the things to consider when choosing your dinnerware or dinner set.

It can be difficult to choose dinnerware, there is so much out there. To make your choosing easier, here are the top 3 things to consider:

1.  Material

Determine how your dinnerware will be used.  Do you have large family meals or quick, simple ones taken in a hurry?  Do you entertain a lot? Are you looking for a casual dinnerware that you will use daily or a set for formal occasions? There are four dinnerware materials that you can choose from depending on your need.

Porcelain

Porcelain dinnerware is made from high-quality clay fired to 2,192 and 2,552 degrees Fahrenheit and is usually translucent. It is nonporous and vitreous, which means it has a solid, glassy surface. Porcelain gives a more delicate, formal look to a table.

Bone China

Bone china is a type of porcelain that is composed of bone ash, feldspathic material and kaolin. It is fired up to 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit. Bone China is known for its high levels of whiteness and translucency and very high mechanical strength and chip resistance; also, its high strength allows it to be produced in thinner cross-sections.

Stoneware

Stoneware is stronger clay that is fired to a high temperature of about 2185 degrees Fahrenheit and becomes vitreous. It can then be left undecorated or decorated with colored glazes with an optional clear glaze coating and re-fired. Stoneware is non-porous, chip resistant, oven safe; sturdy/durable, for long-term use.

Ceramics

Earthenware is white and porous clay that is fired at a low temperature of about 1915 degrees Fahrenheit. Earthenware is usually called “ceramics” or “ceramic ware”. It is then decorated, glazed with a clear coat and fired. Ceramic is porous, chips easily and is not oven safe.

Melamine

A white crystalline compound, C3H6N6 used to make melamine resins for the manufacture of plastic dishes. It tends to be used for casual outdoor dining rather than formal dinner parties. Probably will not break when dropped but discolors after extended use.

2.  Cost

Consider how, and how often, you will use your dinnerware before making your choice.  If you are looking to get something at an affordable price, you just need something of medium quality. If you want to buy something that you do not plan to change very soon, then you are looking for quality dinnerware.

3.  Contents

Completing a set of dinnerware can be challenging.  It is recommended to buy for 8 place settings.  Plan to purchase matching items for your fine dinnerware, including gravy boat, salt and pepper shakers and serving bowls.  Get an extra set to keep on hand as replacements for the inevitable broken items and as reserves when unexpected guests arrive for dinner.

A basic set will consist of the following:

-          Dinner plate
-          Soup bowl
-          Side plate
-          Cup and Saucer

Manufacturers usually offer dinnerware in 12-piece, 16-piece and 20-piece sets.  However, a 12-piece set will only include a mug instead of the cup and saucer set.  The soup bowl can be interchanged with a soup or deep plate.  A side plate can also come in the form of a salad or dessert plate.

If you plan on getting a really complete dinner service, there are 68-piece sets available for an 8-place setting.  The set may include the following on top of the basic pieces:

-          soup spoons
-          covered vegetable dishes
-          platters
-          salad bowl
-          salt & pepper mill
-          teapot
-          sugar bowl
-          milk jug
-          serving platter
-          appetizer serving dish

Your choice is a personal preference based on your taste and style.  But now, you have the advantage of knowing exactly what to look for when you go shopping for your dinnerware set.  You can be certain that you made the right decision.