Fine dining has become incredibly popular thanks to celebrity chefs and a general shift in attitude towards food. Our reputation may be steeped in fish and chips, bacon butties, full English fry ups and pies, but nowadays it is more about blending continental ingredients and flavours with bold British character. It would seem that we are enjoying and care about food more than ever.
Having dinner parties and serving gourmet quality food is hugely rewarding and great fun. Many people will often break out the fine China for such occasions. Many people find having an everyday set of dinnerware and another set for such event easy to manage and the guests will certainly appreciate it.
Fine china is aninvestmentthat should last for years. Keeping your fine china looking new is just a matter of proper care and storage. With the right containers and plenty of space, your fine china will be maintained for passing down to future generations.
Handle china carefully. It is very delicate and will chip easily.
Locate a large area for china storage. This will make moving the china around easier.
Purchase china storage bags from any home supply store. The bags are usually made of soft cloth and have zippers to protect dishes from dust and scratches.
Cut out pieces of felt to place between plates. The felt should be slightly smaller than the circumference of each plate size. You can also use bubble wrap between plates, but felt is less cumbersome.
Stack plates inside storage bags with felt pieces in between. Keep same size plates together.
Do not stack plates more than 6 to 8 inches high, depending on the size of your bag.
Store cups, creamers, tea pots, sugar bowls and other pieces in a single level on a designated shelf.Invert lids for sugar and tea pots and place them on felt between the base and lid.