Perhaps you've just moved out of your parents home or college dorm room and into your first real apartment or home. Maybe you're redoing your kitchen and want all-new dinnerware. Maybe you're just tired of your old plates. Whatever the reason, buying dinnerware isn't quite as simple as just walking into a store and picking out the first set of dishes that catches your eye. There's actually a lot to consider.
The first is to make certain the dinnerware you're buying is durable. Is it scratch and chip-resistant? Can it go in the oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher? Being dishwasher-safe is very important, and while almost all dinnerware is these days, it's still best to double check.
Second is color. You want dinnerware that matches your overall theme. While you may be tempted to color-coordinate your dinnerware with the kitchen, remember that you'll actually be using your dinnerware in the dining room. Match the colors to whatever motif you have in that area rather than in your kitchen unless you're looking at canisters, mixing bowls, or other dishes that are rarely used to serve food. You may also want to keep in mind the color of the glasses you'll be using with your dinnerware. If they're clear, they will go with almost anything, but if you have colored glasses, you don't want to select dinnerware that will clash.
When buying dinnerware, you also need to consider if you're purchasing an entire serving set or pieces individually. Many times, you can find dinnerware sold as place settings, i.e., a dinner plate, dessert plate, salad bowl, and cup and saucer. Sometimes, you will have to buy each setting separately, but sometimes you can find packages of four or eight place settings for one price. Occasionally, these box sets also include a serving platter or large bowl as well.
However, sometimes you'll have to buy each piece of dinnerware separately. One of the key things here is to make certain you can purchase all of your dinnerware at once. If the store doesn't have enough bowls in stock, for example, you may be short a few until they can be ordered. This is OK unless you've got a large dinner planned. That brings up another factor to keep in mind when buying dinnerware-buy extra place settings if it will be your main set of dinnerware. If you have a family of four, for example, you should get service for six at a minimum so you can have guests over for dinner. While there's nothing wrong with using mismatched dinnerware when you have guests, it does detract from the overall look of your table.
Finally, keep price in mind. Dinnerware isn't cheap, and while it is something you'll use often, you should still be prudent when buying dinnerware. Keep your budget in mind, but don't buy dinnerware you don't like. You will most likely see it every day, so be certain you like it before buying it. - 15252
The first is to make certain the dinnerware you're buying is durable. Is it scratch and chip-resistant? Can it go in the oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher? Being dishwasher-safe is very important, and while almost all dinnerware is these days, it's still best to double check.
Second is color. You want dinnerware that matches your overall theme. While you may be tempted to color-coordinate your dinnerware with the kitchen, remember that you'll actually be using your dinnerware in the dining room. Match the colors to whatever motif you have in that area rather than in your kitchen unless you're looking at canisters, mixing bowls, or other dishes that are rarely used to serve food. You may also want to keep in mind the color of the glasses you'll be using with your dinnerware. If they're clear, they will go with almost anything, but if you have colored glasses, you don't want to select dinnerware that will clash.
When buying dinnerware, you also need to consider if you're purchasing an entire serving set or pieces individually. Many times, you can find dinnerware sold as place settings, i.e., a dinner plate, dessert plate, salad bowl, and cup and saucer. Sometimes, you will have to buy each setting separately, but sometimes you can find packages of four or eight place settings for one price. Occasionally, these box sets also include a serving platter or large bowl as well.
However, sometimes you'll have to buy each piece of dinnerware separately. One of the key things here is to make certain you can purchase all of your dinnerware at once. If the store doesn't have enough bowls in stock, for example, you may be short a few until they can be ordered. This is OK unless you've got a large dinner planned. That brings up another factor to keep in mind when buying dinnerware-buy extra place settings if it will be your main set of dinnerware. If you have a family of four, for example, you should get service for six at a minimum so you can have guests over for dinner. While there's nothing wrong with using mismatched dinnerware when you have guests, it does detract from the overall look of your table.
Finally, keep price in mind. Dinnerware isn't cheap, and while it is something you'll use often, you should still be prudent when buying dinnerware. Keep your budget in mind, but don't buy dinnerware you don't like. You will most likely see it every day, so be certain you like it before buying it. - 15252
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If you are on a tight budget and really want some quality dinnerware, consider Polish pottery stoneware. Not only will you get unique and beautiful items, but you will also be getting durable stoneware that will last year after year. A good Polish pottery bowl and other Polish potter dinnerware comes in a huge variety of patterns, you are sure to fine one that suites your style.
