Set the Table in Style: A Guide to Choosing the Right Tableware

When it comes to making your meals feel special, what you serve them on can matter just as much as the food itself. Beyond the flavours and aromas, the plates, bowls, and glasses you use are what people see first. These elements can set the tone for the whole dining experience.

Picking out the perfect tableware can be exciting, especially if you love hosting or simply enjoy a beautifully set table. Whether you're building your first collection or upgrading your current one, I’ll help you navigate the world of tableware with confidence.

Porcelain

One option that manages to strike the perfect balance between elegance and strength is the luxurious Wedgwood porcelain dinnerware. It's made of kaolin, which is a fine, white clay that gives porcelain its smooth, pliable texture when shaped and incredible durability once fired. It’s also mixed with other minerals like pottery stone, which contributes to its characteristic hardness and beautiful translucency.

What’s great about porcelain is how tough it is, despite its delicate appearance. It can handle high heat in ovens, survive daily dishwasher cycles, and go into the microwave; just skip the microwave if there’s any metallic detailing on the piece.

When it comes to porcelain, Wedgwood tableware is a luxurious and high-quality option. Founded in the 18th century, the brand has earned a reputation for producing elegant tableware that blends classic British design with modern refinement. Each Wedgwood tableware set feels thoughtfully made, delicate to the touch yet sturdy enough for regular use. Whether you're drawn to their timeless patterns or the clean sophistication of their contemporary collections, this brand adds an unmistakable touch of quality and heritage to any table.

Fine and Bone China

When it comes to tableware that feels both refined and reliable, bone china and fine china are tough to beat. Bone china is surprisingly strong despite its delicate, almost ethereal appearance. It’s made from a blend of china clay, china stone, and bone ash, a combination that gives it that signature translucency and remarkable durability. This material looks luxurious but stands up to daily use without fuss, resisting chips and cracks better than you’d expect from something so elegant.

Fine china shares many of these qualities. It’s smooth, beautiful, and perfect for both special occasions and everyday meals. And yes, you can use it every day. Both bone and fine china are typically safe for the microwave, dishwasher, and even the oven (just keep anything with metallic accents out of the microwave, of course).

The timeless Wedgwood dinnerware services feel just as at home on a formal dining table as they do during a relaxed brunch. One of the best parts? You’re not limited to just one look. Mixing and matching patterns, maybe starting with a crisp white base and layering in colour or floral prints, is a great way to bring some personality to your table. Wedgwood’s collections, like Wonderlust, are perfect for that. They’re playful, vibrant, and designed to let you get creative.

Stoneware

Stoneware is one of those materials that feels solid in your hands. It’s weighty, smooth, and built to last. Thanks to a special glaze added at the end of production, it has a lovely finish that’s pretty to look at and adds a layer of durability. That sleek surface helps it resist cracks and chips from the usual knocks and bumps of daily life. Just keep in mind, stoneware isn’t the best with extreme heat or cold, so it’s worth treating it with a little care when it comes to the oven or freezer.

When you think of a classic table setting, you’ll usually find a few essentials making up the full set. This includes a dinner plate, something smaller for sides or starters, a bowl, and either a mug or a cup and saucer. What ends up on the table often depends on what kind of meal you’re having and whether it’s a laid-back catch-up with friends or a more formal dinner affair. The setup tends to shift depending on the occasion, but those core pieces are the ones that show up time and time again.

When it comes to picking out the right set, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule. What matters most is how you plan to use it. Are you shopping for something to elevate your everyday meals, or are you after a more refined set for entertaining guests? Think about the kind of food you'll be serving and the type of occasions you'll use it for, whether that’s casual brunches, family dinners, or more formal get-togethers.

Tableware isn’t just functional, but it also brings personality to the table. The right set can completely shift the mood of a meal, adding a layer of charm or sophistication depending on the style you choose. Whether you love mixing and matching or prefer a uniform look, your tableware should reflect your taste and lifestyle. There’s also no shortage of options when it comes to what’s included in a set. Some are simple, and others are full collections with all the extras. A typical set might include:

• Dinner plates;

• Side or salad plates;

• Soup or cereal bowls;

• Mugs, teacups, and saucers;

• Serving platters or trays.

For daily use, many people choose a set that matches the number of people in their household, like a four-piece set for one or a 16-piece set for a family of four. If you’re into hosting, larger sets like Wedgwood’s 26-piece collection offer plenty of variety and even include serving pieces like trays and platters.

Even though Wedgwood porcelain dinnerware is known for being sturdy and elegant, a little extra care goes a long way when it comes to keeping your pieces looking gorgeous for years to come. First things first, don’t let food linger on your plates for too long. Things like sauces, acids, or anything sticky can leave behind stains or damage the surface over time. It’s always best to rinse or wash them soon after use.

When handwashing, treat each piece like the work of art it is. Use a gentle dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge, but nothing abrasive. If you’re using the sink, placing a plastic basin or tub at the bottom is a great way to cushion your pieces from knocks against hard surfaces. Or if you prefer the convenience of a dishwasher, be mindful. Avoid overloading the rack and keep any metal utensils away from the plates and bowls. Even the smallest bump can lead to a chip or scratch, and no one wants that.

To help your Wedgwood tableware keep its shine, try a few of these tricks now and then:

• Soak pieces briefly in white vinegar to get rid of stubborn hard water spots; just a few minutes will do the trick.

• For coffee stains or those pesky grey marks from forks, mix up a little baking soda and water into a paste and gently rub it on before rinsing.

• When stacking, add soft layers, like fabric, tissue paper, or napkins, between each piece to prevent chips and scratches.