Shopping for dinnerware for your new home? Or perhaps you’re hosting a dinner party and your current set has seen better days, and you’re looking for something a little more stylish? Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure: choosing the right tableware isn’t easy. With so many options out there, from fine china and bone china to porcelain and ceramics, not to mention all the different styles and patterns, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
That’s exactly what this guide is there for – to walk you through the key tips and considerations that will help you choose dinnerware that balances practicality with style and fits your home and lifestyle.
Choose the Right Material
Choosing the right material is important because it affects the finesse, in other words, the elegance, smoothness and overall look of the pieces, as well as the durability, or how resistant they are to chips, cracks and everyday wear.
For example, fine china and bone china have a delicate look that’s perfect for formal occasions, but they require a bit more care. Porcelain strikes a balance between beauty and strength, so it’s a popular choice for both everyday and occasional use.
When buying this tableware, here are the most common materials you’ll find.
Fine and Bone China
Both fine china and bone china are made from clay. What makes them different is that bone china has bone ash mixed in with the clay. This makes it lighter, thinner and slightly see-through but also stronger and chip-resistant. Fine china doesn’t have bone ash, so it’s a bit heavier and less see-through with a whiter finish.
Bone china is great if you want something elegant, lightweight and timeless. Its delicate look combined with its durability makes it perfect for special occasions and everyday use. But it usually comes with a higher price tag.
Fina China is better if you want something stylish and elegant, but a little more budget-friendly. It may not have the same delicate feel as bone china, but it still brings a touch of class to your table, perfect for hosting dinners or holidays.
In short, bone china is perfect when you want something refined and long-lasting, and fine china is great for those who want elegance without the higher price tag.
Porcelain
Porcelain dinnerware is made from refined clay fired at high temperatures, which gives it a smooth look that’s good for both casual and formal dining. One of its best features is how easy it is to clean. Its non-porous surface doesn’t absorb stains and liquids, making it hygienic and low maintenance.
As for durability, porcelain sits between fine china and bone china. It’s strong and can be used daily, but a bit more prone to chipping, especially around the edges and will break if dropped more than a foot above the ground.
Despite being more fragile, porcelain is still a great option for everyday use. It can handle heat and cold, so you can use it in the microwave, dishwasher and even the oven (as long as no sudden temperature changes). So if you want dinnerware that looks refined and is practical and easy to care for, porcelain is a good choice.
Stoneware
Stoneware dinnerware has a different feel compared to fine china, bone china or porcelain, both in appearance and structure. Made from dense fired clay, stoneware is thicker, bulkier and heavier than the others. Its rustic, earthy look and slightly textured surface give it a more casual and homey vibe, making it a popular choice for everyday meals.
Stoneware is tough and resilient. It doesn’t chip or break easily and is more forgiving if dropped or knocked around. But it’s not as refined or chip-resistant as bone china, and not suitable for high or extreme temperatures. Stoneware can crack or weaken if exposed to sudden temperature changes, so it’s best not to use it in the oven, under the broiler or straight from the freezer to the microwave.
Stoneware is a good option if you want something sturdy, practical and with a more laid-back or rustic look. It’s ideal for everyday use, casual dining or family meals where durability matters more than delicate looks.
Number of Items
Most dinnerware sets are sold in place settings, which usually include a dinner plate, salad or side plate, bowl and sometimes a mug. A standard 4-piece setting is common for casual sets, while 5-piece settings often include a cup and saucer instead of a mug, especially in more formal styles.
These are usually sold in sets for 4, 6, 8 or 12 people, depending on your household size or how often you entertain.16-piece sets (for 4 people) are perfect for singles, couples or small families. 20-piece or 24-piece sets are for bigger households or those who entertain often. Some collections also have add-on or open stock pieces so you can add more bowls, mugs or serving platters later as needed.
Shape of the Pieces
Round pieces are the most traditional and most used. It has a soft, classic look that works with any table setting from casual to formal. Square or angular pieces are more modern and contemporary. They give the table a bold, stylish edge and are often used for a more design-led or minimalist look.
In terms of practicality, round plates and bowls are easier to stack, fit better in dishwashers and generally pair better with standard-sized cabinets and shelves. Square plates are eye-catching but can be a bit of a pain to store and may not fit as well in dishwashers or cabinets. Their corners are also more prone to chipping than the smooth edges of round dinnerware.
Design
The design of the dinnerware is also an important detail to consider because it sets the overall tone for your table.
For everyday use, most people go for neutral colours and clean designs that can be mixed and matched with other tableware or kitchen decor. These are timeless and versatile and work just as well for breakfast as they do for dinner with friends. If you’re buying dinnerware for special occasions or formal settings, you might want something with more detailed patterns, metallic accents or rich colours to create a more elegant party atmosphere.
Conclusion
When choosing between different shapes and materials, consider not just how it will look on your table but also how it will fit into your kitchen routine. Whether you like the elegance of fine china, the durability of stoneware or the timelessness of porcelain and bone china, the right dinnerware can bring both practicality and style to your daily meals.
