Before you register, learn more about the different types of dinnerware available, as well as what makes up a place setting. In addition to helping you choose your pattern, we offer expert recommendations and suggestions for registering separate serving pieces.
Bone China.
Bone china is the best quality porcelain dinnerware product and, therefore, also the most expensive. A step above fine china, it has bone ash mixed in with the hard-paste clay before it is fired at the highest of temperatures.
Once pulled from the firing kiln, it will take on a pure white, translucent appearance. It will also feel very thin and delicate, because it is more glass-like. Yet it is the hybrid clay mixture that makes it the most durable china: deceptively hard, non-porous and resistant to chipping and cracking.
The primary color palettes for bone china are white and ivory. However, it may be glazed in a variety of ways to produce special border colors, finishes and decorations. It is most often dishwasher safe; like with all dinnerware, however, read the care instructions on the packaging, as some with metallic bandings may need to be hand washed.
Fine China.
Second only to bone china, this is a better-quality type of porcelain, made from top hard-paste clay fired at the highest kiln temperatures. It, too, will look and feel very delicate, because it is more glass-like; but it will actually be quite durable–-hard, non-porous and resistant to chipping and cracking. The primary color palettes for fine china are white and cream. It is also glazed in a variety of ways for special border colorations, finishes and decorations. It is most often microwave and dishwasher safe; like with all dinnerware, however, read the care instructions on the packaging, as some with metallic bandings may need to be hand washed.
Porcelain.
Made from refined primary white clay and fired at very high kiln temperatures, porcelain is very durable, even chip-resistant. It is offered in a variety of colors and patterns–even full-plate colors and patterns that fine and bone china do not–and it produces a lovely finish when given an allover glaze treatment. Plus it’s oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. It is this collection of features that has drawn mass appeal from consumers for generations.
Stoneware.
Produced from dense clay, artisans determine the final colors each piece will take on based on the amount of time they leave it in the firing kiln. Colors may range from creamy white to buff, gray or brown tones. Stoneware may also be glazed in different thicknesses to produce various colors and textured looks. It is this overall rich, yet earthy, appearance that helps build stoneware’s high consumer demand. In addition, its durability draws popularity. Most is oven, microwave and dishwasher safe.
Earthenware.
Also known as ceramic-ware, this is the oldest form of dinnerware. After firing of this lightweight clay is completed, it features a white, chalky finish and a heavier, porous, opaque body. This basic canvas allows it to be decorated with bright colors and patterns, which creates a handcrafted appearance. Earthenware is always given an allover glaze treatment, so that it can hold liquids. Hence, it is functional as well as beautiful. However, to prevent occasional chipping and cracking, due to the use of a lighter clay, earthenware must be placed in the oven to adjust to temperature changes before the cooking process begins. If this preparation is done properly, consistently over time, the earthenware will remain oven safe. As there are limits to earthenware’s durability, it is never to be placed in a microwave or dishwasher, and it must be thoroughly hand-washed and towel-dried before storing.
Know what pieces make up a place setting.
Most formal place settings include five pieces: dinner plate, salad plate, teacup and saucer, bread and butter plate or soup bowl. If you have a preference between bread and butter or soup, let this help you when selecting your pattern. Some may be sold separately, or what is referred to as open-stock.
Most casual place settings include four pieces: dinner plate, salad plate, soup bowl and mug.
Also, look for dinnerware patterns that complement the designs of the flatware and glassware.
For example, a more angled, geometric shape might work best with a more contemporary pattern, while rounded, scrolled and floral designs might be best suitable for more traditional, romantic patterns.
If you find you can’t settle on a pattern you both like, consider traditional white.
It’s a timeless classic that stands alone or pairs easily with other colors and textures. Add napkins, placemats and dishes from other collections to reinvent your table with every occasion.
We recommend you register for 12 place settings.
Twelve is a good go-by number and a bridal standard, but if you have a large extended family or circle of friends, 18 or more may be your way to go. Here’s a suggestion: think of the maximum number of people you’d want to serve in your home and register to accommodate them.
Also register for a completer set and separate serving pieces.
Some patterns have completer sets, or matching serving accessories. A completer set includes a platter, a serving bowl, a creamer and a covered sugar bowl. Some dinnerware patterns also offer the two-piece serving set, which includes the platter and serving bowl, as well as the two-piece hostess set, which includes the creamer and covered sugar bowl.
Whether you’re into formal gatherings or casual get-togethers, it’s always smart to have serving pieces on-hand. Individually sold serving pieces are referred to as open-stock. These would include platters, serving bowls, chip & dip sets, ramekins, casserole dishes, punch bowl sets, salad bowls and pasta bowl sets, and more.
Think out of the box when registering for open-stock items, as they can often do double-duty.
For example, platters may be used to serve appetizers, for cold meat and cheese presentations, serving the main course or dessert, even combining with flowers to create a pretty, coordinating centerpiece, or tablescape. Ramekins work for sides and seasonings, but also for fondue ingredients. Salad bowls and pasta bowl sets work equally well for dishing out fruit salads or ice cream.