Servingware

Features to look out for when choosing your dinnerware

These features will help you to choose dinnerware that is suited your needs:

• Size - The amount of dinnerware you will need depends on how many guests you intend to serve. You can find dinner sets for one person up to 18 or more.

• Shape - Rounds shapes are classic, while square, oval and oblong shapes are edgier and more modern.

• Configuration and pieces - Dinnerware sets come in many configurations and can include a combination of different types of plates and bowls.

• Care requirements - Some dinnerware will be dishwasher-safe while others will need to be washed individually by hand to prevent chips and cracks.

• Style - Your dinnerware should reflect your personal style and home decor, from the colour to the pattern and texture. Choose from classic, quirky, rustic, modern and much more.

• Durability and replace-ability - Melamine dinnerware is break-resistant which makes it a great choice for outdoor dining. Porcelain and bone china are very durable but can crack or chip if not handled properly.

• Coupe or rimmed - Dinnerware with a rim is great for more formal occasions, while coupe dinner sets are ideal for informal eating.

Assessing space considerations

Before you rush out to buy a dinnerware set, it’s important to consider how much space you have to store it. Will you have one dedicated dinnerware set for every occasion or will you need multiple for casual and formal events? Don’t forget that you will need to share storage space with other tableware essentials, such as glassware, tablecloths, cutlery and utensils.

Ways to buy dinnerware

Dinnerware comes in a variety of different buying options. The right choice for you will depend on your personal needs and circumstances. You can find:

• Place settings - This is dinnerware that is sold in sets and contains the most common items you would need at a dining table, such as dinner plate, bowl, side plate and soup bowl. They are ideal for those who are just starting to build their dinnerware collection.

• Open stock/individually - These are dinnerware items that can be purchased individually. This is ideal for those who want to add to their collection or who want to mix and match. The Falcon Enamelware Dinner Plate in Duck Egg Blue would make a gorgeous addition to any vintage dinnerware collection and can be paired with a matching mug, side plate, cereal bowl, pasta plate and tumbler for a complete set!

• Boxed sets - A boxed set is a set of place settings for each person who will sit at the table. Twelve piece dinner sets are popular for small families, such as the Salt & Pepper Hana Dinner Set or Ecology Speckle Dinner Set with 4 dinner plates, 4 bowls and 4 side plates. Place settings can also include mugs and servingware.