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How do I care for my china?
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With the proper care, maintaining the tradition of using your great-grandmother's china for every Thanksgiving dinner is easy as your china can be passed down for generations. Although most modern china can go in the dishwasher, it is often recommended to wash hand-painted antiques by hand. Refer to the manufacturer's specific instructions for your pattern.
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What is china usually made from? |
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There are four different types of china, named for the materials from which they're made:
- porcelain - Although the name sounds delicate, this material is actually chip-resistant and durable, in addition to being dishwasher and microwave safe and ovenproof. By no means a special occasion-only tableware, porcelain can be used everyday.
- bone china - Similar to porcelain, bone china simply includes the addition of finely ground animal bone ash to the clay base. Even though it is the strongest and whitest of all types of china, it is usually painted with intricate designs and molded in very delicate styles.
- stoneware - Extremely sturdy and durable, this practical material boasts a natural and subtle appeal. Totally dishwasher and microwave safe as well as able to stand high oven temperatures, stoneware is great for everyday use in addition to entertaining.
- earthenware - Also known as terra-cotta, this casual dinnerware is often glazed or hand painted in brilliant colors. Because it's fired at a lower temperature than other tableware, it is very porous. Although it is usually dishwasher-safe, it is recommended to hand wash it to maintain its bright glazes. Typically, earthenware is in the lower to middle price range.
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Will I ever use my china? |
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Of course, this varies by person, but we certainly recommend it for most people. Realistically, you probably won't get much use out of your china in the first few years. Most people use china more often when they are entertaining or hosting family holidays. The infrequent use of your china is one of the reasons it feels so special and decadent to dine with it, so don't think you have to use it twice a month to make it worth while. Chances are, you won't buy it for yourself later on, and receiving it for your wedding makes it all the more special. You have many, many special dinners to come throughout your lifetime, and dinnerware that lasts a lifetime is a beautiful tradition.
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When would I use a charger? |
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Also known as service or buffet plates, chargers are back in style after their first introduction in the late 1800s. Basically just an oversized dinner plate, a charger is used as an underliner to add color and pizazz to a table setting during the first two courses of a meal. Tip: Always remove a charger before serving the entrée
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What basic table-setting rule should we observe when selecting our china patterns? |
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A good rule of thumb is the "two-to-one" principle:
- Include two "plain" elements with each "fancy" element
OR
- Include one "plain" element with two "fancy" elements
- Example 1
- Decorated china pattern
- Ornate silver pattern
- Simply styled crystal stem
- Example 2
- Classically simple banded china pattern
- Detailed silver pattern
- Sleek crystal stem
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Is it necessary to register for two different tableware services, one for formal occasions and one for everyday use? |
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Friends and family members are eager to help you set up your first home together. Many couples appreciate this opportunity to acquire two separate, yet complete sets of tableware. Consequently, couples often register for: Classic, timeless patterns of formal china, crystal, and silver to use on special occasions. A favorite pattern to stack in the kitchen cabinets and drawers for everyday use If you already own complete sets of either china or everyday tableware, then it is not necessary to register for complete sets of each, although you may wish to fill in gaps you have in your collection. |
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Is it "against the rules" to mix and match china patterns? |
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Of course not, primarily because there are no "rules" in decorating your house. You are the one using all these items on a daily basis, so just remember to register for things you like. Today, it is quite popular to mix and match china patterns in order to create an individualized and unique look. For example, pick a bold patterned salad plate to go with simple dinner plates, or register for coffe cups and saucers that are different but complimentary to your china pattern to add a little originality. Besides, they won't be on the table at the same time as your dinner plates. So have some fun - your guests will appreciate it. |
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What can I expect to pay for a new collection of formal dinnerware? |
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Patterns range from approximately $90 to $200 and higher for five-piece place settings of both china and fine bone china. Formal china includes banded, tailored and floral patterns, which typically require more attention to detail. Many stores sell pieces "open stock," meaning you may purchase just those pieces that you prefer instead of the arranged set. |
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