The art of crafting dinnerware has evolved many times and places to showcase a range of artisanal practices. From porcelain to stoneware to glass, each dinnerware material is produced in its own way, with its own history, and comes with its own advantages.
Between dinnerware set sizes, shapes, patterns, and prices, it might seem daunting to add material to the list of factors to consider. But with the right material, your dishes could spice up a dinner party, add to the enjoyment of a holiday meal, or even become treasured household heirlooms.
To help you customize your dining experience with the best dinnerware material, we’ll guide you through seven commonly found options and why they might deserve a place at your table.
What to Consider When Choosing Dinnerware
The best material for dinnerware depends on you. What do you need from your dishes? Here are some questions to ask yourself before you decide:
How Many Dishes Do You Need?
Are you shopping for a large event or everyday use? How many guests do you usually entertain at once?
If the dishes are only for you and a partner, you may want to stick to a dinnerware set with four to six place settings, whereas a large family with several children may need extras in case of breakage. It’s important to factor in the amount of dinnerware you’ll be buying because it may affect your overall price point for materials.
Where Will You Be Using Your Dishes?
Are you a formal, one-long-table party thrower, or are garden parties more your style? This will affect the durability your main plates require, as well as the look of the materials if you’re trying to match a particular vibe.
You may also want to think about material weight. Some materials will be lighter and easier to carry around than others.
How Durable Do They Need to Be?
Do you need to be able to put your dinnerware in the dishwasher, or is handwashing okay? Will they need to be moved around frequently for different events? Will children be using them?
Any of these materials can create long-lasting dinnerware, but if you know your dishes will be going through a lot, you’ll probably be better off with something specially designed for durability.
What’s Your Price Range?
With dinnerware, you’ll likely want to aim for quality over quantity, but some occasions require more inexpensive dishes. Fortunately, several materials can create dishes that are both attractive and affordable.
Now that you’ve asked the important questions, you’re well on your way to that gorgeous place setting!
The Materials
It’s time to narrow down your search for the best dinnerware material by learning about the various types you will encounter and why they might be the right choice for your home. Here are seven common materials, their histories, their advantages, and what kind of care you should expect them to need.
Note: Although simple care tips are provided for background, you should always follow the instructions that come with your dinnerware.
Porcelain
“Porcelain” refers to the pale, finely-grained pottery that was first developed during the Tang Dynasty in China and grew in Western popularity during the 18th century. Curious what porcelain is made of? This non-porous material is made by producing a paste from clay and minerals and then fired at a much higher temperature than most other ceramics.
Although synonymous with fancy dining, porcelain can be surprisingly practical. This material is rather durable thanks to the high-heat process used to create it, so most porcelain goods will handle dishwashers and microwaves just fine.
Combined with their relatively accessible price and classic visual appeal, it’s no surprise that porcelain is the most popular dinnerware material around.
Benefits
Porcelain dinnerware offers:
- Moderate price
- Elegant appearance
- Versatility
Care
Rinse and place in the dishwasher for most products. Gently hand wash antique items, those with delicate sculpted elements, and any item that is not dishwasher-safe.
Bone China
By adding ground calcified animal bone ash to the same paste used to make porcelain, you pull bone china from the kiln. It was first developed by Englishman Josiah Spode at the turn of the 19th century, and his basic formula still remains the standard today.
The addition of the bone ash sometimes adds a translucent appearance to the ivory-colored dinnerware, but don’t be fooled—bone china is incredibly strong and less likely to chip than most porcelains. The trade-off? Bone china is typically a little pricier than standard porcelain, but it may last longer due to its durability.
Benefits
Dinner party hosters choose bone china for its:
- Chip-resistance
- Lighter feel
- Translucent effect
Care
Most bone china is dishwasher-safe, but be sure to double-check the label in case of delicate elements that require more care.
Stoneware
Stoneware has even older origins than porcelain, dating back to the 1400s BC in China. Like its cousin porcelain, stoneware is mostly non-porous and made from a mixture of clay and minerals, though in different ratios.
Rather than the smooth, even tone of other chinas, unglazed stoneware gives off a much more natural and rustic appearance, sometimes with visible speckles of minerals. Glazed stoneware also has a rich history: Ancient Chinese stoneware has been discovered in shades of celadon, lavender, and crimson.
Stoneware is typically thicker than other ceramics and thus is highly durable. A popular choice for restaurants, stoneware can be dressed up or down to suit any special occasion. If you’re unsure of which material to choose, stoneware makes an all-around safe bet.
Benefits
Stoneware is noted for its:
- Affordability
- Durability
- Versatility
Care
Although it’s likely dishwasher-safe, beware that not all stoneware is fully non-porous. Check the care instructions if your stoneware piece is unglazed. Take care when exposing stoneware to extremely high or low temperatures.
Ironstone
Something of a dark horse in the dinnerware race, ironstone is another 19th-century English creation, crafted in an effort to find a substitute for porcelain. Where previously popular ceramics were typically hand painted or printed, ironstone marked a shift towards more monochromatic sensibilities. Many collect these antique ironstone serving pieces today.
The name most likely comes from its durability. Ironstone dishes are thick and strong, resisting chips and cracks. Just as it was originally created to be accessible to those outside the upper classes, ironstone still remains a pretty affordable material for dinnerware and offers a striking all-white or all-black touch to a table presentation.
Benefits
You might choose ironstone dinnerware for its combination of:
- High level of durability/thickness
- Affordability
- Striking appearance
Care
Most ironstone dinnerware is dishwasher-safe.
Earthenware
The oldest known piece of pottery, dating all the way back to the Neolithic period, is a piece of earthenware. This category includes porous ceramics like terracotta that readily absorb liquids.For that reason, earthenware serving pieces must be glazed for kitchen use. Glazing coats the ceramic in a layer of glass, sealing it for use with food or drink.
Although not generally considered a durable material, earthenware can be highly decorative. It’s frequently used by hobbyist potters for items like planters and mugs. It’s not widely recommended for daily-use dishes, but an earthenware item can liven up a table presentation or create a conversation piece.
Benefits
You might gravitate towards earthenware for the:
- Decorative appearance
- Affordability
Care
Handwash earthenware pieces with a gentle scrub. For unglazed items, skip the soap.
Melamine
Even the most durable ceramics cannot compare to melamine. A synthetic material, the lightweight melamine is virtually impervious to drops and clinks. This makes it an ideal choice for families with children, outdoor parties, and any time your dishes will need to be regularly transported.
Affordable and available in a variety of patterns, melamine dishes are suitable for large gatherings and magazine-ready table settings. The only caveat? Melamine isn’t microwave-safe, but that’s a small price to pay for durable and decorative pieces.
Benefits
Families often choose melamine dinnerware for the following qualities:
- Affordable
- Most durable option
- Variety of patterns
Care
Nothing is easier. Melamine dishware is almost always dishwasher-safe.
Glass
Glassware is another invention from antiquity, with glass vessels having been used in ancient Egypt and Rome. The process of blowing glass was likely invented in Syria about a millennium ago, and the technique was then spread around Europe.
Fortunately for us, glass creation has come a long way since ancient times. Still, other substitutes like acrylics can also create suitable stand-ins for the real thing when weight and price are key factors.
While mainly used for drinkware, a glass dinner set can make a sparkling statement.
Benefits
Glass has become timeless for its:
- Durability, depending on the exact glass
- Elegant appearance
- Relative affordability
Care
It varies from item to item, but in general, glass is a dishwasher-safe material.
Dinnerware for Every Dinner with Lenox
While it would be impossible to cover every single dinnerware material you might encounter, hopefully you now have some idea of which materials will suit your needs. For everyday use, materials like melamine and stoneware might be your best choices. For more upscale, formal occasions, try reaching for porcelain or bone china.
Lenox has been providing beautiful, high-quality products for over 130 years. Our dishes and flatware sets have seen all kinds of dinners; from the White House to the Met Gala, from your dining room table to your patio. We passionately believe that every meal deserves special treatment.
We trust our products to hold up to whatever life throws your way, but we still offer our Replacement Promise—just in case. Because we know, life can get messy.
We’re honored to have been at your table for over a century, and with Lenox, your dinnerware will be passed down in your family for centuries to come.
