Buying new tableware: what to look out for?

You know right away when you sit down at a white-clothed dining table set with gleaming silver cutlery: this is going to be a fancy dinner. Yet a day later, at your neighbor’s birthday dinner, you look at the festively set table and immediately think: what a cozy atmosphere. In short: if you’re about to buy new tableware, it goes beyond just picking out some plates based on practical considerations.

New tableware gives you the chance to showcase your personal style, reflect your dining habits, and set a table that welcomes your guests with warmth and style. But what type of tableware creates what effect? How many plates do you actually need? And what are the pros and cons of the different materials? No stress! With this handy checklist, finding your ideal tableware will be a piece of cake. And then… off to the online store!

How many plates/servings do you need?

A complete Dinnerware set consists of breakfast plates, dinner plates, (soup) bowls or deep plates, bowls and cake plates. Exactly how many of these you need depends mainly on the number of people in your household. But if your children regularly bring friends over or your father sits down to dinner every Friday, then of course they should be included. If you live on your own, then four pieces are enough. Also keep the following in mind:

• Do you like to organize dinner parties? The average number of dinner companions is the minimum number of plates you need.
• The size of your home is also a factor. If you live in a studio apartment, a 21-piece dinnerware set isn’t quite as practical. Cooks with small kitchens can also choose to bergen the basic pieces in their kitchen cabinets bergen bergen the extra pieces—intended solely for parties and birthdays— bergen a box in the attic.
• Do you wash the dishes right after every meal, or do they sit in the dishwasher for at least a day? If the latter is the case, you’d be doing yourself a big favor by buying twice as many plates as there are people in your family. So, eight plates for a family of four.

What type of dinnerware do you need?

If you set the table every day with plates and bowls where at least half are chipped, there’s little as satisfying as a complete, matching set of tableware. A complete, intact set isn’t just beautiful—it also brings a sense of calm to the table, if you need one more reason to go ahead and stock up. A complete dinnerware set consists of dinner plates, breakfast plates, serving plates, soup plates, bowls, dessert plates, cups and saucers, and mugs.

The question is: what kind of tableware do you need? Because let’s be honest: soup tastes just as good in a large bowl, and whatever you can present on a platter can also be arranged attractively on a breakfast plate. On the other hand, a lavishly set table with all the bells and whistles does create a certain atmosphere. Do you like that? Then go all out. As I said at the beginning of this blog: your tableware is more than just a sum of practical reasons.

• Are the basics enough? Then limit yourself to dinner plates, breakfast plates and bowls. You can put almost all types of dishes on those.
• Are you looking for the full experience? Then multi-piece Dinnerware sets should be Dinnerware sets top priority.
• Are you in between? Then take a critical look at your eating preferences. For example, are you more of a salad lover than a soup eater? Then supplement the basics with a few nice bowls that you will enjoy regularly and leave out the soup plates.

Which material dinnerware is best?

When shopping for new tableware, most people focus on how it looks. However, the material should also be a key consideration. Porcelain tableware has different properties than earthenware tableware. And online, you’ll also come across all sorts of terms like ceramics and stoneware. To clarify right away: ceramics is the umbrella term for earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain made from clay or earth.

The difference lies in the firing temperature and the finish. For example, earthenware is fired at a relatively low temperature. It is somewhat heavier and more porous than porcelain. If the earthenware has a glaze, your plate will be less prone to scratches. Stoneware tableware is fired at a higher temperature than earthenware and is therefore stronger. If we compare all these types of ceramics to porcelain, the latter comes out on top as the strongest.

Porcelain is fired at the highest temperature and is therefore more durable. This type of tableware is usually lighter and also holds up slightly better in the dishwasher. This is because porcelain is non-porous, whereas earthenware is porous. Especially if the earthenware is unglazed, it can lose its luster after many wash cycles.

The style of the tableware

If you prefer clean lines, chances are you’ll initially focus solely on classic white or black tableware. If you have a more flamboyant personality, tableware with eye-catching patterns or romantic floral designs will appeal to you more. As a result, the style of your tableware often reflects who you are. Also, keep the following considerations in mind:

• White tableware creates a subtle look, goes with everything, and doesn't fade.
• White and black dinnerware are timeless and match effortlessly with the other table accessories.
• Colorful tableware gives your dining table a chic restaurant vibe, even on a regular weekday.
• Tableware with cheerful prints adds a touch of optimism to every meal.
• Tableware in pastel shades is perfect for adding a touch of softness to any season. It’s ideal for both summer dinners in the garden and quiet winter evenings when there’s a thick blanket of snow outside.

Other considerations when buying a new dinnerware set

• Check if the dinnerware is dishwasher safe. If it's not, that's not a problem either. Doing the dishes together the old-fashioned way can be a fun activity.
• Can you buy spare parts at a later date if a bowl or plate breaks?
• Determine your budget before you start shopping. The choice is vast and this will help you make a first selection as well as avoid regretting your purchase later.

Tableware picked out? Then now your search for a tasty recipe can begin!