Helpful Tips For Purchasing Dinnerware

!±8± Helpful Tips For Purchasing Dinnerware

Dinnerware sets are one of the key components to any table setting, and selecting the best dinnerware set involves several variables that one needs to take into consideration. If you are planning on buying a new set, think before you just buy a set because you liked the color or were stuck on buying the same one as you saw at your friends place the other day.

She may have her priorities and you may need to consider the price, design, purpose before going shopping for dinnerware. It is also important to realize that dinnerware sets usually consist of at least 4 pieces inclusive of the following categories:

Bread plates
Butter plates
Cereal bowls
Cups
Plates
Salad plates
Saucers
Soup bowls

Additionally, dinnerware sets today are manufactured from a variety of materials, some of which have more features and benefits than others. The event or occasion that the dinnerware is being used for may determine what material you want it manufactured in. The following materials are the most common ones used today in dinnerware manufacturing:

Crystal
Durable plastics (e.g. melamine resin)
Glass
Ivory
Porcelain
Stoneware

Remember that your dinnerware set needs to last for years, so it needs to be constructed from a durable material, especially one that is chip resistant. Typically, plastic dinnerware sets are the least expensive while glass types are the most costly. Additionally, glass dinnerware is more classy and elegant. Conversely, it is also the most delicate and is easily broken. There is also the clean-up factor. Not all dinnerware is dishwasher safe so you need to be aware of that as well.

Color, Design, and Size of Dinnerware

The variety of designs and styles available today is immense. Designs for dinnerware today include the following:

Clear
Color banded
Floral
Geometric
Scrolled
Striped

Contemporary designs are occasionally blended with warmer tones, while other dinnerware uses back-to-nature or earth tones in there designs. Asymmetrical designs on flared rims are now dominating the China and other formal dinnerware market as well. Ceramic dinnerware is predominantly dominated by hand-painted designs which are now comprised of lead-free glazes and paints.

The main thing you want to take into consideration when selecting a new dinnerware set is whether or not you are planning on using the dinnerware for casual dining or formal dining. You can judge whether you are going to be using your dinnerware for everyday use with family and friends regardless of the meal you are serving. If it is going to be reserved for more formal affairs such as holiday dining and special occasions, then you would want a formal set. But do keep in consideration that formal sets are more expensive than casual sets. This is also a good time to calculate whether you want a dinnerware set for 4, 6, or 8 place settings as well as if you want to purchase additional matching pieces to the set. This will also affect the pricing and how much you will spend.