Tableware Buying Guide
Your food should be seen as accessorising your tableware, and your tableware should enhance your dining experience. When choosing types of tableware, you are faced with different materials, different place settings and extra bits such as creamers and gravy boats - the list is endless.
Here at home store + more, we've developed a Buying Guide to help you choose the best tableware suited to your needs. Whether you like to stick with simplicity or add splashes of colour to your table, we'll be here to help you make the most informed decision.
Place Settings
Materials
1. Bone China - Made from a blend of porcelain and bone ash and has an ivory, translucent tone. Lightweight yet durable, bone china is the strongest of china materials.
2. Ceramic - All fired clay, and is a very popular choice for tableware due to its durability.
3. Earthenware - A white and porous clay that is fired at a low temperature and then glazed and decorated. It is ideal for everyday use.
4. Fine China - Made from china clay and china stone. Glass-like in appearance, it is generally thicker than bone china.
5. Glass - Popular for holding liquids and dips, amongst other things. It can be easily cared for and is ideal for everyday use.
6. Melamine - Melamine dinnerware has been called 'virtually unbreakable' by many. A popular choice for hotels and restaurants due to its durability, melamine is heat resistant and cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
7. Plastic - Lightweight and ideal for everyday use. It is an extremely popular choice for outdoor dining, such as picnics or barbeques, and is durable, inexpensive and ideal for kids.
8. Porcelain - A white or translucent ceramic, often called the highest quality ceramic dinnerware. Fired at high temperatures, it becomes glasslike and has a durable and shiny surface.
9. Stoneware - Ideal for everyday use, stoneware is extremely durable and hardwearing. Made from clay treated at high temperatures, and keeps food and liquids warm due to its inherent ability to retain heat. Stoneware is easy to care for and is dishwasher and microwave safe.
Caring For Your Tableware
Caring for your cookware correctly will ensure the longevity of each item. Most cookware is versatile enough to go from the stove-top, to the oven and from there to the table.
Be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions, as all cookware is different.
1. When putting your ware in the dishwasher, avoid placing pieces too close together to prevent chipping, scratches or breakages.
2. A handy tip to remember is that any setting with metal accents, such as platinum or gold, is generally not dishwasher or microwave-safe.
3. If you want your tableware to be heated in an oven, always check the manufacturer's instructions, as high temperatures could cause your settings to crack.
4. Placemats and coasters, if made from materials such as polyester, faux leather or cork, can be easily cleaned by wiping down the surface with a clean cloth and mild soap and water solution. If the placemats are made from a fabric material, always check the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning.
5. Table protectors are usually made from a PVC material, so they can be easily wiped down and protect your table against spills, scratches, heat damage or watermarks.