FINE CHINA Once reserved for only special occasions, owners of fine china are discovering that more frequent use of these settings is more than a luxury--it's a lift!
Type The two basic types of fine china, porcelain china and bone china, are both delicate yet durable, since they're fired at high temperatures. The difference lies in their content.
Bone china contains bone ash and is almost translucent: When you hold the plate up, some light shines through it. Lightly tap the plate: It should ring like a bell--another sign of fine china.
Porcelain china is made of highly refined white clays, is white or pale gray and also nearly translucent.
While both bone china and porcelain look delicate, they are amazingly strong and can withstand high heat. And most patterns are dishwasher-safe, providing they do not have gold or platinum trim.
Pattern Choose a pattern that appeals to both you and your groom. (Don't be surprised if he has an opinion here!) Carefully consider designs and colors, keeping in mind that this is a long-term investment and you may want to add to your settings as time goes by.
Better yet, don't limit yourselves to just a single look. So many patterns will mix and match beautifully, adding even more interest to your table. Perhaps place settings in one pattern and service pieces in another will satisfy your style. Or take the look of your table even further with dinner plates in one design and salad plates in another. Mix platinum with gold, florals with geometrics, narrow borders with wide. Experiment at your gift registry--the results may delight you.
Proportion Make sure you're comfortable with the feel and weight of the china in your hands. Also choose cups with shapes and handles you find easy to hold.
In general, look for shapes that appeal to you. Round and oval designs are classic and can fit a variety of styles and tastes; square shapes will give your table a more contemporary look. The rims and borders on plates can range from hardly there to big and bold. Teacups can be tall and slim or low and wide. You may also have a choice of either cream soup or rim soup bowls.
CASUAL DINNERWARE Remember this is dinnerware you'll use frequently, so in addition to appearance, you'll want to make a selection based on durability.
Two types of casual dinnerware include:
- Earthenware, a light reddish-brown clay that can be fired in bright colors.
- Stoneware, a weightier, very durable clay that withstands daily use.
Now more than ever casual dining is an important part of today's busy lifestyle, and the versatility and durability of informal dinnerware fit right in.
Pattern Select a pattern that you won't grow tired of using everyday. Do you prefer classic styles? Then look for simple designs that will work for many occasions and seasons. Or do you prefer a more decorative look? Then select a bright pattern or colorful design that adds a cheerful note to your table.
Since casual dinnerware is often quite affordable, you may wish to purchase additional sets of everyday dinnerware, to reflect different moods, themes or seasons. Examine the print and the glaze to determine if it will chip easily note the rims and edges rounded rims chip less and hold up better under daily use. Ask about the long-term availability of your selected pattern in case you want to buy pieces in the future.
Proportion Test your casual dinnerware by holding each plate in your hand to feel the strength and weight of the plate. Select dinner plates that are well-proportioned; there should be ample space to display the food. Do the cups feel right in your hand? Test the handle to make sure you can drink without having to pinch it uncomfortably. Are the bowls adequate for various purposes such as soup, cereal or salad? Do your everyday glassware and flatware complement the size, color and pattern?
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