Dinnerware Sets
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Setting the Table
Entertaining is effortless when you have the right dinnerware pieces on hand. Whether you plan to keep gatherins small or you'll be enterining the masses, setting the table correctly and having an ample supply of place setting is a must-have. Six to eight place settings in generally enough to suit small soirees, while 12 or more place settings should sufficiently supply a bigger crowd. Dinnerware is often sold in a four- or five-piece set to make entertaining even easier.
Entertaining tip: Keep a nice set of china on hand for special occasions, and an everyday set of dinnerware that's microwave and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup and care.
4-Piece Place SettingA formal four-piece setting typically includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl and teacup/mug. | 5-Piece Place SettingA formal five-piece setting typically includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, teacup and saucer. | Dinner PlateRanging in diameter from 9 to 12 inches, dinner plates are generously sized to accommodate entrees and main dishes. |
Salad Plate / Appetizer PlateAnywhere from 4 to 8 inches in diameter, salad plates are versatile pieces used for serving breads, appetizers, desserts and salads. | Soup Bowl / Cereal BowlFor more than just soup and cereal, these bowls are great for soups, stews, rice, fruit, desserts and more. | Teacup / MugFor refined coffee service, a coordinating teacup or mug is a place-setting essential. |
Dinnerware Materials
PorcelainPorcelain offers a hard, nonporous surface that's durable and chip-resistant. It can tolerate hot-to-cold (or cold-to-hot) temperature changes without breaking and offers natural insulating properties, making porcelain a very popular material choice for dinnerware. | Bone ChinaFine china may seem fragile, but it's actually quite chip-resistant and durable. Bone china in particular is exceptionally strong. | StonewareStoneware is nonporous, scratch- and chip-resistant and incredibly durable, making it another popular material choice for dinnerware. |
EarthenwareUnless glazed, earthenware is porous and much less durable than stoneware. However, its rich, earthy look and heavy feel make it an appealing dinnerware option. Earthenware is generally not dishwasher safe. | Vitrelle GlassVitrelle is a tempered glass with two types of glass laminated into three layers, making it surprisingly strong for its thinner, lightweight feel. | MelamineMelamine is a highly durable plastic that's shatter-, break- and scratch-resistant. Melamine dinnerware is a great option for outdoor dining. |
