Dinner plates are not often the topic of tabletop conversation till a holiday or buffet hosting event looms in the not-so-distant future. That's when we typically review our current stock of dinner plates and make decisions to either use what we have, upgrade to something more festive or formal, or elect to serve with disposable plates. Not all types of dinnerware are best for everyday meals; some are more suited to the formal dinner.
Whether you're buying a dinnerware set for everyday or special occasions, choose a set size based on your current needs plus a few guests. Buying plates for a buffet? A double or triple set may be ideal. Plan on enough plates for guests plus extras for those return trips to the buffet table. For longterm use, choose a pattern and neutral color that you will not tire of quickly - go for a classic look and simple lines that will blend with any decor.
Also carefully consider the cup and mug options and whether completer serving pieces are included or available for purchase. Some dinnerware is offered in open stock so you can grow your set over time - that's the best option, but others may have limited supplies and you're best to get what you need, while the pattern is available. These related articles will help you to be ready for that special event and we'll look the choices you have when it comes to plates for serving guests.
1. Disposable Plates
Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber
Disposable plates are quite acceptable for serving large crowds and they are the most affordable. When dining is outdoors, they are the most practical plate option. They also offer the quickest, easiest clean-up. However, most paper plates are not the best for serving hot foods and are better for cold cuts, salads and desserts.
If paper is your plate of choice for an event, consider what you will be serving when choosing the strength of the plates and add a wicker or metal plate charger to add stability to the plate, whether used on or off the table. For hot foods, a plate charger of some kind is recommended, or at the least, a heavier disposable plate.
While we tend to think of disposable plates as mainly the paper genre, there are various types of disposable plates with varying degrees of style and sturdiness, from flimsy or heavier paper and foam to sturdy, environmentally-friendly disposable bamboo plates. Bambo veneerware is a stylish choice over paper plates and you can complete the set with bamboo cutlery.
To get the best deal when it comes to disposable plates, buy in bulk and ensure there's more than enough for your current dinner, especially if guests might return for a second helping. It's always a good idea to have some on hand for other meals or unexpected socials.
2. Melamine Dishes and Serving Trays
Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber
Melamine offers practical and easy-care serving with reusable plastic plates, serving trays or bowls. There's a good variety of melamine dishes and many have beautiful vivid patterns and colors. At first glance, it can be difficult to tell whether a melamine dish is plastic or ceramic - the quality has improved that much in the last decade.
This kind of dinnerware is ideal for outdoor serving or camping and it's very affordable. However, it does carry some minor health risks that you should be aware of. Microwave heating in melamine is also not recommended, nor is it a good dish option for children or infants.
3. Fiesta Dinnerware - Durable Ceramic by Homer Laughlin China Co.
Photo © Homer Laughlin China Co.
Popular Fiesta dinnerware is a good choice for any table from the casual meal to the formal dinner party. It's durable, colorful - new releases every year) and affordable. You can buy a set or grow your place settings slowly and even mix match colors for a cheery showpiece of your personality. Learn more about Fiesta dinnerware, why it's so popular and the company behind this ceramic dinnerware.
4. Corelle or Unbreakable Dinneware and Plates
Photo © Mifflin
If you have a young family, you may want to opt for sturdy, durable and mostly unbreakable Corelle dinnerware. The affordable practical choice for a growing family, they're easy to stack or carry and take less cabinet space than stoneware. Though we tend to think of these plates as unbreakable, they do suffer chips and cracks, but only after several years of hard use. And there's lots of patterns and colors available in Corelle dinnerware. Just as practical and durable is Corelle's line of Hearthstone dishes with dark colors and stylish shapes.
5. Durable Stoneware Dinneware and Plates
Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber
Stoneware dinnerware is the most durable compared to ceramic or porcelain and the most resistant to chips of the breakable dinnerware lines. It's an affordable tableware choice for every day, yet it's elegant enough for serving a dinner party. There's lots of choice of brands, colors and patterns available in stoneware plates and tableware. Many brands offer stoneware sets with mix and match appeal, as well as open stock so you grow your set to meet your needs.
6. Ceramic or Porcelain Dinnerware
Photo © Mifflin
Ceramic or porcelain dishes bring another option to the table. While there are dinnerware sets made of ceramic, most are serving dishes. This style of dish is not as durable as stoneware though some porcelain pieces are more durable than others, it really depends on the firing process and construction. This information is not usually readily available. Ceramic or porcelain dishes require a little more care to prevent chips and cracks and prices vary depending on the brand and pattern.
7. Bone China Dinnerware and Serving Pieces
Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber
The best choice if your budget can handle it, is bone china for a formal dinner setting. Bone china is elegant in style and tends to leave a strong impression with dinner guests, but it is more suited to a formal seated dinner and not as practical for a buffet-served meal, unless the dinner party is small.
Bone china is more expensive than other types of dinnerware, but it is an excellent gift idea and the gift of choice for most new brides. However, it does require more care handling and cleaning as it is more fragile than stoneware.
When buying bone china, the back label should confirm the quality, brand and issue series. It can be difficult to tell if a piece is bone china without these markings, but my easy identification tips can help to spot real bone china from regular china.
8. Festive Dinnerware or Serving Pieces
Photo Courtesy of Pfaltzgraff
Festive dinnerware or individual serving pieces can add elegance and set the mood at your table. Their motifs also inspire conversation and complete the home's holiday theme. While a full dinnerware set is nice to have, even a few pieces can transform a plain table to a festive event. At the very least, a festive centerpiece can make a tabletop statement.
The featured plate is Pfaltzgraff's Oval Buffet Plates in Winterberry pattern - a classic motif that's simple yet beautiful. The plates are designed to stack well on the buffet table and are dishwasher and microwave safe. Pfaltzgraff offers a nice special with these Winterberry Oval Plates - buy three and get one free.
9. Other Items You Might Need for the Table
Photo © Mifflin
To complete a table setting, you'll need more than a dinnerware set. You'll also need completer serving pieces, condiment dishes and cutlery. A table cloth or placemats will transform any table and of course, remember that even a small centerpiece adds elegance to a table, as do candles.
- What's a Plate Charger?
- How to Set a Table
- Practical Turn Tables
- Wilton Armetale Food Safe Trays
- Candle Safety Tips
- Splurge or Save on Flatware?
- Understanding Stainless Flatware Specs
- Top Seafood Tools
10. Disposable Items to Complete the Setting
Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber
While it's much nicer to use real glassware for a social or holiday event, if you have a large number of guests, disposable drinkware is the way to go. There are lots of disposable drinkware choices in various sizes and shapes, from stemware to large tumblers. Disposable flatware is also a practical and easy care option for buffet cutlery. And napkins are a must for any dinner.
11. Storing Your Occasional or Festive Tableware and Stemware
Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber
If your cabinets are overflowing, the safest storage option for festive dinnerware, stemware or formal china is specially designed storage containers that protect your tableware from breakage and keep it clean and safe. Once filled, these containers can be stored on a shelf in the pantry, in the basement or other area. If you plan on using shipping cartons for storage or a family move in expected, learn how to properly pack your dishes in boxes.
