subject: Tips to Choose Tableware [print this page] Tips to Choose Tableware Tips to Choose Tableware
Nowadays, stores are abundant with amazing choice of cutlery, glassware and beautiful china. With so many options available, you have to restrict your choice to something that is durable, practical and attractive for formal meals.
Crockery
Generally, everyday china is sold in complete sets, i.e. a set of 16 pieces contain plates, side plates, bowls, cups and saucers for four. However, you can buy the items individually or per place setting.
Choosing Crockery
Crockery, popularly known as china, is made from several materials and your choice largely depends on your budget. If your budget allows, you can go for some expensive, fabulous crockery. Here we are going to provide you some information about the options available for you in the stores.
Earthenware
These are made from clay. They are first given the shape, then allow drying for some time and fired at a high temperature. In the end, they are glazed. These are more prone to chip and can smash easily. These are inexpensive choice.
Bone China
These are made from china stone a china clay which is combined with up to 50% animal bone ash for added strength. To achieve this strength, it is fired at extremely high temperature. It is translucent, durable and chip resistant. It is comparatively much expensive and it is for this reason most of the people prefer to use them at special occasions. It is also dishwasher-proof, but frequent washing results in fading away the patterns.
Stoneware
It is a mixture of china clay, stone and silica sand. It is also long lasting and provides good resistant against chip and breaking. Mostly used in quality kitchen crockery.
Porcelain
A mixture of china stone and clay, though long lasting but sustain chip rather easily.
Tips for Buying China
If you use dishwasher, then make sure that the items are labeled as Dishwasher Safe'.
Make sure that the pattern will remain there for 2-3 years, as guaranteed by most reputable firms.
Before buying dinner plates, keep in mind the size of your cupboards. Large plates require more place that your kitchen cabinets may not able to provide them.
For oven use, always go for oven-to-tableware plates rather than rely on standard plates.
Caring for china
Avoid using metal rimmed plates in the microwave.
To restore the shine on china plates, rinse them in a weak solution of water and vinegar.
Use paper napkin between each plate while putting them back in the cupboard in order to avoid the chips or scratches, as the underside of the plates are normally rough.
Cutlery
Cutlery is another fabulous choice for your tableware. It comes in variety of different designs and normally made from stainless steel and silver. Although, you may like the design of a knife or any other item, it may not be practical for everyday use. So, select cutlery that you feel comfortable to use.
Always keep your stainless steel or silver cutlery away from acidic products to avoid damage.
